𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 28

Dunk clutched the brown paper bag containing his carefully chosen lunch, his stomach churning with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The imposing glass and steel office building felt like a world away from his usual haunts. Here, everyone moved with a purpose, clad in sharp suits and crisp power dresses. Dunk, in his favorite hoodie and worn jeans, felt like a lone fish out of water.

Just as doubt started gnawing at him, a man in a crisp suit approached him.

"Sir, are you Dunk?" he asked politely.

Dunk, surprised, stammered a hesitant "Yes."

The man's smile broadened. "Mr. Joong is expecting you. Please follow me."

Dunk followed the man, his apprehension growing with every step. They entered a sleek, chrome elevator, the polished metal reflecting his disheveled appearance. The ride to Joong's floor was an eternity. When the doors finally slid open, Dunk felt a surge of panic.

The hallway was a maze of identical doors, each adorned with a nameplate. He spotted one in gold lettering – Joong Park. Taking a deep breath, he raised his fist and knocked.

"Come in," a familiar voice called out.

Dunk pushed open the door, stepping into a world of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and plush furniture filled the spacious room. In the center of it all, Joong sat behind a large mahogany desk, looking like he belonged in a magazine spread.

Dunk stood there, momentarily speechless, captivated by the sight of Joong. Joong, smirking at the effect he had, slowly pushed himself back from his desk and walked towards him. Dunk felt himself rooted to the spot as Joong towered over him.

"Well, well, Dunk," Joong chuckled, his voice a husky whisper. "Am I that much of a sight?"

Dunk, caught off guard by the question, could only manage a silent nod, his eyes glued to Joong's face.

The smirk on Joong's face widened. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Dunk's ear. Before Dunk could react, Joong captured his lips in a kiss.

The kiss was unexpected, a jolt that sent a wave of heat through Dunk's body. It was quick, a mere brush of lips, but it left Dunk breathless and reeling.

He pulled away, his cheeks burning, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. Part of him wanted to push Joong away, to yell at him for his forwardness. Yet, another part, a secret, hidden part, felt a strange thrill course through him.

Joong, witnessing Dunk's flustered state, simply smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Lunch?" he said, gesturing towards the bag Dunk still clutched tightly.

Dunk remained speechless for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Joong, seemingly content with this response, turned and walked back to his desk. He began unpacking his lunch, humming a cheerful tune. Dunk, still trying to process the unexpected kiss, slowly made his way to a chair and sat down, the kiss lingering on his lips like a forbidden secret.
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Pond stared at the polished mahogany surface of the conference room table, his mind a million miles away from the presentation projected on the screen. Phuwin's name echoed in his thoughts, a constant reminder of the unanswered messages and the growing frustration gnawing at him.

"What is so hard about this?" he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "Never in my life has a single person gotten under my skin like this boy."

A sigh escaped his lips. Phuwin, with his quiet demeanor and mischievous glint in his eyes, had infiltrated Pond's carefully constructed world, leaving him feeling utterly bewildered.

With a final flourish, Pond closed the presentation file. A wave of satisfaction washed over him – the presentation was perfect. He glanced at his watch. Thirty minutes to spare.

His secretary, ever-efficient, approached him. "Mr. Pond, would you like me to order lunch, schedule a meeting, or perhaps some time for rest?"

Pond shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll be back in thirty minutes," he declared, grabbing his car keys.

The drive to the college was a blur. Images of Phuwin's smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, filled his mind. He ignored the surprised gasps and shy glances from female students as he strode across campus, his focus solely on finding Phuwin.

Finally, he spotted him in the cafeteria, leaning against a water fountain, a picture of casual grace. A jolt of possessiveness shot through Pond as he watched Phuwin laugh with a group of friends.

Just then, Phuwin's eyes met his. Surprise flickered across Phuwin's face before a curtain of cool indifference descended. Pond's heart sank. He straightened his tie, a subconscious attempt to appear composed, and started towards Phuwin.

But before he could reach him, a burst of sunshine in the form of Naomi, the girl from the club, materialized beside Phuwin, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.

Pond felt a surge of anger, a primal possessiveness that took him by surprise. He watched, jaw clenched, as Phuwin's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. Without a word, Phuwin turned and walked away, leaving Naomi looking confused and Pond fuming.

"Phuwin!" Pond called out, his voice sharper than he intended. But Phuwin didn't stop, his retreating figure disappearing down the hallway.

Frustration bubbled over. Pond slammed his fist against the wall, a groan escaping his lips.

Time Skip

Phuwin sat huddled in a dark corner of a disused classroom, tears welling up in his eyes. He heard a sound and flinched, ready to run, but a hand clamped down on his wrist. He looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. It was Pond.

"Don't even think about running," Pond said, his voice gruff. He knew Phuwin's escape plan before it even began.

Using his superior strength, Pond pulled Phuwin against the wall, their bodies pressed close. He could feel the heat radiating from Phuwin's body, a stark contrast to the cold anger that simmered within him.

"What's going on, Phuwin?" Pond demanded, his voice low and intense. "Why are you ignoring me? Running away? Not responding to my messages? What is your problem, huh? Didn't I do what you wanted?"

Phuwin, his eyes downcast, felt a fresh wave of tears sting his eyes. "Y-you," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "You're the problem! I-I never asked you to go make out with Naomi! You-you-you're a jerk!"

Phuwin's outburst, laced with hurt and anger, caught Pond off guard. Before he could respond, Phuwin surprised him even further by throwing his arms around him and burying his face in Pond's chest, his body wracked with sobs.

This unexpected display of emotion softened Pond's heart. He gently wrapped his arms around Phuwin, a small smile playing on his lips. Perhaps, he thought, his little plan to make Phuwin jealous had worked a little too well.

He held Phuwin close, whispering soothing words in his ear until the sobs subsided into hiccups. In that moment, amidst the darkness of the abandoned classroom, a new understanding bloomed between them.

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