A Portrait Worth a Thousand Memories✅

[Pt2: EP9]

Dunk rushed home to take a shower, hoping to erase all the marks that Joong made. He would erase the memory of it if he could. But he can't and he was rushing for time. He had quickly changed into a new set of clothes. He still had to head back to office and pick up Gemini and Fourth. He didn't expect P'Daou- Joong's butler/ assistant to be at the gate. 

What more does he want from me?! Dunk was screaming in his head. 

"Khun noo (young master) asked me to hand this to you. He said you forgot an important document." He handed it over to him, nodded his head before driving off. It was his contract with P'Win. He didn't have time to think as he rushed off. 

"Did you go home and shower?" Pond asked when he passed him the contract. 

"The waiter spilled food over me. I had to go back. Gotta pick up Gem and Fot. See you all for dinner." Pond nodded. Pond, Force and Book did manage to get the house next door so they usually have meals together.

***

"Wadi, P'Pompam" Dunk wai-ed before picking up Gemini and Fourth. He was part of the cafeteria prep team. He and a few others took care of the kids when their parents work at the factory. 

"Gem! Fot! Time to go." When P'Pompam came back with food for him to take home, Dunk thanked him profusely.  Dunk scooped them up for a sniff kiss before letting them down. 

"Did you enjoy your day?" Both Gemini and Fourth nodded enthusiastically. They told them of the friends they made and what fun they had. Dunk was able to name them after the many stories he listened. There was Mark, Ford, Winny, Satang and Prom. Neo was a bully but they handled it well together. Dunk chuckled when Gemini and Fourth demonstrated how they fought back. 

Dunk checked the dishes in hand when they reached home. It was enough to feed all of them. He wondered how P'Pompam knew. He guessed Gemini and Fourth must have told him.  He made sure the two of them showered. Pond, Force and Book walked in just in time as he plated the food for dinner. The three of them listened to Gemini and Fourth telling their heroic story of the day. The three of them entertained them with their exaggerated facial expression that even had Dunk laughing. They may not be a family by blood but Dunk really felt that he was home. Dunk put them to bed once it was time. The three of them were waiting for him in the living room. 

"bpen alai reu bpao (is something wrong)?" Dunk asked.

"Shouldn't we be asking you? You seemed a little off after you came back." A flash of what Joong did crossed his mind. He tried to squeeze the thought away.

"I just didn't expect the detour. Got me a bit flustered with the change in schedule." Pond nodded. They resumed their usual chat. He knew it wouldn't help to push Dunk, not when he didn't want to tell. But it didn't mean that he wouldn't be observing Dunk to make sure he is alright. Dunk didn't seem right since Joong Rarchen Veeraphakul.

***

It had been weeks since the incident, Dunk was crunching at the office. There was a new merchant in town. Everyone was vying for the business deal of a lifetime. Pond didn't want to stress Dunk out but Dunk was determined to get the deal. Dunk didn't expect who he saw when Pond introduced him. 

"Loong Off..." he whispered. Off squinted his eyes as he looked at Dunk. 

"Phom nuu Dunk, loong... luuk kaawng New na jaa. (I'm Dunk, uncle. New''s son)" Off's eyes widen with recognition. Tears rimmed his eyes. He hugged him tightly. 

"You've grown so big already. I was so worried and wondered what happened to you all. We got separated so suddenly. I'm so glad you are doing good. How's your mae? you brother?" Off wiped his eyes off. 

"Mae passed away some time back. Phu is studying in London." Dunk beamed at Off when he told of Phuwin's achievement.

"London? I will go there soon after my business is settled here." Dunk brightened at what he said. Maybe he could pass some things to Phuwin. He missed him. All he had were his letters to go by. Pond was confused as he looked at the reunion. Off laughed along with Dunk. 

"We'll catch up after business." Dunk nodded. Dunk presented the business proposal that he had in mind. He included Pond in the conversation, complimenting him and the company that he built and how it would help in Off's business venture. Off was surprised how good Dunk was. He felt proud of him. 

"You have the best proposal so far. I'm looking forward to working with you." Both Pond and Dunk were relieved at what he said. He hugged Off, promising to catch up once Off settled down. It was only after dinner back home that Dunk explained to all of them what was his relationship with Off. They were neighbours. His Pa had entrusted them to him to escape the war but they got separated once they reached the city. It was also why they roamed the streets before they found his Paaw. Dunk ended up being the center of a group hug all of a sudden. Pond knew Dunk's past was difficult but never had he thought it would be that difficult. Even Force and Book felt that they were lucky. They didn't spend that long on the streets because of Dunk. When Gemini and Fourth realized that their P'Dunk had the same past as them, they could only squeeze him tight. 

***

None of them were prepared for the bad news. When Off told Dunk that Rarchen Veeraphakul was forcing him to stop their business venture, he didn't know what to think. 

"He told me that you will know what to do if you want to complete the project. What does he mean, nuu (child)?" Dunk's heart froze when he heard what Off said. 

"mai huang na, loong (don't worry, uncle). Nuu will speak to him. Don't tell Pond about this. Nuu will fix it. Nuu will fix it..." Dunk smiled and patted Off's hands but it only worried Off more. 

Dunk sighed as he steeled himself to meet Joong. 

~Please vote if you like this EP. It drives me forward. Khoorp khun na kha~

Do comment to let me know your thoughts. 😊😊 

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A/N: Aish... bad Joong, very bad Joong...