Joong returned to Pattaya three days later. He cursed himself, cursed Dunk, cursed his whole life as he walked quickly around town looking for the stubborn man.
After he managed to keep Dunk out of his life, Joong couldn't decide where he would continue his business. He just missed the slave auction. He also couldn't sleep well, and that made him even more irritable. His subordinates kept giving him confused looks at his boss's condition, except for Pond, who knew exactly why Joong was in such a bad mood, but he didn't say anything. Joong didn't mention it at all, but he couldn't help but admit that having Dunk by his side made him sleep better.
So finally after three days like a living corpse, Joong gave up and ordered Pond to take him back to Pattaya. Pond kept grinning knowingly at him, making him want to punch his personal assistant in the face. And when he finally arrived at the brothel, he received news that Dunk had run away several hours earlier, said the owner. Bit the servant who was feeding him and immediately ran out, barefoot. They have searched, but still can't find him.
"Here," Joong handed him a bag filled with money containing money and Dunk's purchase and sale letter. "I bought Dunk from you. I also added a bonus. So order your men to stop searching. I will look for it myself."
Joong kept thinking about why he was doing this as he ran all over Pattaya, looking for Dunk. He had searched the paved streets (since Dunk was barefoot, he couldn't possibly run over the rocks), and searched almost every corner of the deserted city (Dunk couldn't be in the open, he had to hide from the house owner's men the brothel).
Joong still can't understand his decision. He shouldn't have had to look for Dunk like that. He could finally be free from it, and the best thing he should do would be to immediately forget about Dunk and leave without ever coming back. But somehow he couldn't do it. He kept thinking about that stubborn nobleman. He kept remembering what Dunk looked like when he was taken into the brothel, pale, frail, and helpless.. He kept remembering the figure of Dunk who always looked at him intently with his big eyes and luscious pink lips, who always answered his words boldly. Joong kept remembering what it felt like when Dunk was in his arms, his warm breath on his neck.
Joong can't stop thinking about Dunk, no matter how hard he tries. He looked at the sky and cursed, it was already afternoon, the sky was dark red. He'd been looking for Dunk for hours and still couldn't find him.
----------------
Joong decided to return to his accommodation in the city and ask his men for help. When he thought about it again, he felt stupid for his impulsive attitude in immediately looking for Dunk alone. Earlier he was too panicked and couldn't think about anything else when he heard the news that Dunk was missing.
He still kept thinking about Dunk even after giving orders to his men through Pond. Joong feels tired and depressed. All he wanted at that moment was to wash his face and sleep. Or maybe just sit and wait, because it seemed like he wouldn't be able to sleep in that state. And maybe later, after he's rested for a while, he can come back to look for Dunk.
Joong entered his private accommodation, walked unsteadily towards his room and turned on the light switch until it came on, making the dark room brightly filled with light. And what was in front of him made his mouth open wide. Appearing in front of him, was the figure he had been looking for for hours, Dunk, sitting on the bed with his hands hugging his knees. His face was wet with tears.
Dunk looked up, and when he saw Joong, his defenses immediately broke. He cried loudly, tears streaming down his cheeks. His crying was so deep that he was sobbing and coughing. Dunk looked very sad at that time. Joong could only stare at the man in front of him without knowing what he should do. His anger earlier disappeared instantly.
Joong realized Dunk was saying something between his tears. Joong walked closer hesitantly.
"I beg you," was all Dunk said that Joong could hear before the man burst into tears again. Joong, who had never experienced anything like this in his life, could only watch and wait for Dunk to continue his words.
"I want to go home," he continued.
Joong's eyebrows rose. "Go home?"
"Go back to Bangkok. I beg you... that's all I ask..." he coughed again. "Take me home."
"Dunk-" Joong started, clearing his throat for a moment. "Dunk, what are you doing here?"
Dunk looked up at him, his eyes flashing with hurt and hurt. "I am looking for you."
"You walked that far? Barefoot?"
"They said you were gone," Dunk sobbed again. "They say you sold me, but I don't believe it. I had to see for myself. You said you'd keep me, you told me that. I didn't think you'd leave me there."
Joong had never felt so evil in his life. "Dunk - "
"I know I'm just one of your merchandise," Dunk said again, the sound of his sobs filling the room. "But I beg you, take me home. My family will pay you. I won't tell them anything. I'll just say you found me on the street. Yes? You'll get your money back. My family is very rich. I've... I've not hold on like this."
Dunk burst into tears again after he finished speaking. Joong swallowed hard. "What will you do if I don't come back here?" he asked quietly, uncertainly.
"I don't know," Dunk said. "I- I wish you were here. I'm so relieved to see your car. I just want to go home now. I can't take this anymore." Dunk wiped his wet eyes with the back of his hand. "I didn't expect you to sell me out."
“I-” Joong tried to explain, but he stopped. What should he explain?
"I know you'll free me if you get the money. I can promise my family will pay you. You just have to tell them you found me and take me home. I'm sure they won't suspect anything. I can't...I can't anymore-"
Dunk choked because he was holding back his tears. Joong subconsciously walked closer and stopped right in front of Dunk, lowering his body until he was level with Dunk. He reached out his hand and wiped the tears that were still flowing down his chubby cheeks with his fingers, as gently as he could.
Dunk closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Joong's hand on his cold skin. "I'm so scared," he said quietly, his voice barely audible, but Joong could hear him. And he didn't understand why the pain and guilt filled his chest.
"I'll take you home," he answered. Dunk cried even harder at his words, his tears falling onto Joong's fingers.
