𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 30

Dunk pushed open the classroom door, stepping into a scene straight out of a fever dream. Joong, usually impeccably dressed and oozing charisma, sat amidst a gaggle of girls. They buzzed around him like bees around a flower, thrusting chocolates, roses, and their most dazzling smiles in his direction. Joong, however, seemed utterly unfazed. His eyes scanned the room, a bored expression on his face.

Then he saw Dunk.

A slow grin spread across Joong's face, lighting up his features like a beacon. It was a smile reserved solely for Dunk, a stark contrast to the polite indifference he offered his admirers. The girls, noticing the shift in his attention, sent envious glares in Dunk's direction.

Dunk, however, felt a wave of conflicting emotions. A surge of pride washed over him initially, followed by a creeping sense of discomfort. The girls' jealousy was palpable, and Joong's public display of affection felt… well, fake. He tugged his hoodie lower, a shield against the sudden spotlight, and scurried to his seat, trying to melt into the background.

Over the next few days, Joong became a constant, unwelcome presence in Dunk's life. He'd appear in Dunk's usual haunts, striking up conversations even when Dunk tried his best to avoid him. He'd slip into the library when Dunk was engrossed in studying, his chair scraping irritatingly close. His gaze lingered a little too long, his comments a little too flirtatious. Each interaction left Dunk blushing, flustered, and increasingly confused.

One day, as Joong leaned in, whispering yet another suggestive remark near Dunk's ear, the dam finally broke. Dunk slammed his textbook shut, the sound echoing through the library.

"Joong," Dunk said, his voice surprisingly firm despite the tremor in his heart. "What exactly are you doing?"

Joong blinked, his surprise momentary. Then, the familiar smirk returned. "Just showing you a little attention, Dunk. Can't a guy appreciate a handsome classmate?"

Dunk clenched his jaw. "This isn't appreciation, and you know it. You're making me uncomfortable."

Joong's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Uncomfortable? That isn't quite the impression I got from that kiss the other day."

Dunk's face burned red. "The kiss… that was… a mistake," he stammered, regretting his words even as he spoke them.

Joong's expression softened. He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Maybe," he conceded. "But there's something about you, Dunk. Something that… intrigues me."

Dunk stared at him, unsure of how to respond. Was Joong genuinely interested, or was this all some elaborate game to him? The answer, however, was shrouded in mystery, leaving Dunk with a pit of uncertainty churning in his stomach.
.
.
.
.
.
The library had emptied, the only sound the rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock. Dunk sat hunched over his textbook, his mind replaying Joong's words. "Intrigued by me?" It sounded like a cruel joke. Dunk, a nobody from a small town, with nothing more than his studies and his part-time job, couldn't comprehend Joong's sudden interest.

Joong, sensing Dunk's turmoil, sat across from him.  "Listen," he began, his voice losing its usual playfulness. "I know this looks crazy, right? Me, Joong , falling for someone like you."

Dunk flinched, his eyes downcast. Joong's words confirmed his worst fears. It was a game, a way for Joong to pass the time.

"But the truth is," Joong continued, his voice softer, "the kiss… it wasn't a mistake. I wanted to see if what I felt… was real. And it is, Dunk. It scares the hell out of me, too."

Joong's vulnerability hung heavy in the air. Dunk stole a glance, surprised by the sincerity in Joong's eyes.

"You're scared," Joong stated, not as a question, but as an observation.

Dunk remained silent, but the tremor in his hand spoke volumes.

"It's not about wealth or status, Dunk," Joong pleaded. "It's about you. Your kindness, your passion, the way your eyes light up when you talk about your dreams."

Dunk's heart pounded like a drum solo. This was all too much, this emotional rollercoaster.

Joong reached across the table, his hand hovering over Dunk's. "I understand, Dunk. This is crazy, out of the blue. But…" He squeezed Dunk's hand gently, a silent promise.

Dunk looked down at their intertwined hands, a surge of warmth shooting through him. He understood Joong's words, yet a seed of doubt remained. Could someone like Joong, the epitome of charm and fleeting flings, truly be serious about him?

Joong seemed to read the conflict in Dunk's gaze. "Look," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "I understand if you're scared. But trust me, Dunk, my feelings are genuine. And that's why…" he paused, his eyes searching Dunk's "… I want a chance. A date. To show you how I feel. No promises, no expectations… just a chance."

Joong's sincerity resonated. The promise in his eyes and the gentle way he held Dunk's hand chipped away at the wall of fear Dunk had built. He took a deep breath, the words getting caught in his throat.

Joong released his hand, a flicker of disappointment clouding his eyes. "I understand…" he began, his voice dropping.

But before he could complete the sentence, Dunk surprised himself. "Okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

A smile bloomed on Joong's face, lighting up his entire being. "Okay?" he repeated, his voice filled with relief and excitement.

Dunk nodded, a shy smile gracing his lips. The future was uncertain, filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. But Dunk, emboldened by Joong's sincerity, decided to take a leap of faith. A single date, a chance to explore the unknown.  And who knows, maybe, just maybe, this unexpected turn of events might lead him someplace he never thought he'd be: cherished by the most charming playboy in the university.

______________________________________