𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 [JoongDunk]

ᴄʜ-7 ᴜɴꜱᴘᴏᴋᴇɴ ʀᴇᴜɴɪᴏɴ

Weeks passed, and Joong found himself avoiding the florist shop where Dunk worked. The uncomfortable revelation had left him grappling with a mix of emotions, and he couldn't bring himself to face Dunk again.

Pond, growing concerned about Joong's prolonged absence, decided to confront his friend one evening at the bar.

Pond: "Joong, it's been days. Why haven't you gone to see Dunk?"

Joong, avoiding Pond's gaze, shrugged.

Joong: "I don't know, Pond. I just... needed some time alone."

Pond, sensing Joong's reluctance to open up, pressed further.

Pond: "You can't avoid Dunk forever, Joong. What happened between you two?"

Joong sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Joong: "It's complicated, Pond. I just need to sort things out in my head before I see him again."

Pond nodded, understanding Joong's need for space.

Pond: "Just don't wait too long, Joong. Sometimes, the longer you wait, the harder it gets to mend things."

As Joong contemplated Pond's words, he couldn't shake off the lingering sense of guilt for avoiding Dunk. The echoes of absence seemed to weigh heavy on his heart, and Joong knew he couldn't keep running from the inevitable confrontation forever.

Days turned into weeks, Joong found himself caught in a cycle of uncertainty. The florist shop, once a place of vibrant encounters, now stood as a symbol of unspoken tension.

One day, unable to resist the persistent pull of curiosity and the desire to address the unresolved issues, Joong hesitantly approached the florist shop. The bell above the door chimed, announcing his entrance.

Dunk, busy arranging flowers, looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes at the unexpected visit.

Dunk: "Joong, it's been a while. I thought you might never come back."

Joong, a mix of emotions in his gaze, spoke with hesitation.

Joong: "I needed some time to figure things out. Can we talk?"

Dunk nodded, setting aside the bouquet she was holding. The air in the shop seemed to hold the weight of unspoken words as Joong and Dunk faced the uncomfortable truth that had lingered between them.

As they settled into an awkward conversation, the possibility of resolution and understanding hung in the air, waiting to be embraced or left unspoken. The uncharted path of their connection awaited the choices they would make in the moments that followed.

The air in the florist shop grew heavy as Joong gathered the courage to express his feelings.

Joong: "Dunk, I've been thinking. Despite everything, I'd like to give this a shot. How about we go on a date?"

Dunk, his expression shifting, hesitated for a moment before gently declining.

Dunk: "Joong, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm not ready for that. I think it's best if we just remain friends."

Joong, surprised and a bit hurt, couldn't hide the confusion in his eyes.

Joong: "But... why? We had a connection, didn't we?"

Dunk, his gaze reflecting a mixture of sadness and reluctance, avoided Joong's eyes.

Dunk: "It's not about you, Joong. I have my own reasons, and I'm not ready to dive into something more right now."

Joong, sensing Dunk's hesitancy, felt a twinge of disappointment.

Joong: "Can't you at least tell me why, Dunk? I thought we could be more than just friends."

Dunk, haunted by the echoes of his past, shook his head.

Dunk: "I can't, Joong. It's complicated, and I need time to heal. I hope you understand."

As Joong grappled with the unexpected rejection, the florist shop seemed to hold the weight of unspoken words and unexplored possibilities. The echoes of rejection lingered, leaving both Joong and Dunk to navigate the complexities of their evolving connection.