A Kingdom Reforged (JOONGDUNK)

Chapter 14: Pregnancy mood

Dunk's Chambers - Late Afternoon

Dunk doesn't turn to acknowledge him, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "What do you want, Joong?" Dunk's voice is calm, but it carries an edge that makes it clear he's not interested in reconciliation, at least not yet.

Joong takes a deep breath, stepping closer. "I know you're angry, and you have every right to be. But I need you to know that I'm not trying to control you. I just... I just want to protect you."

Dunk finally turns to face Joong, his expression unreadable. "Protect me?" He repeats the words with a hint of bitterness. "Is that what you call this? Trapping me here, making decisions about my life without even considering how I feel?"

Joong's heart sinks at Dunk's words, but he doesn't retreat. Instead, he moves closer, his voice filled with sincerity. "I never wanted to trap you, Dunk. I thought I was doing what was best for you, for us... but I see now that I was wrong."

Dunk's eyes flash with a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and a longing he can't quite suppress. "You say you want what's best for us, but how am I supposed to believe that when everything feels like it's spiraling out of my control?"

Joong reaches out, his hand hovering above Dunk's arm before he gently rests it there. "I know I've made mistakes, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. I don't want you to feel like you're alone in this."

Dunk's shoulders tense under Joong's touch, but he doesn't pull away. Instead, he looks up at Joong, searching his eyes for any sign of deceit. "And what if I don't want your protection, Joong? What if all I want is to feel like my life is still my own?"

Joong's grip tightens slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Then I'll give you that, Dunk. I'll give you whatever you need, just... just don't shut me out. We're in this together now, whether we like it or not."

Dunk's breath hitches at Joong's words, the reality of their situation hitting him all at once. He closes his eyes, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. "It's not that simple," Dunk murmurs, his voice tinged with the weariness of someone who's been fighting for far too long.

Joong steps even closer, his other hand coming up to gently cup Dunk's face, tilting it up so that their eyes meet. "I know it's not. But nothing about this has been simple from the start. All I'm asking is for a chance to make things right."

For a moment, the two of them stand in silence, the weight of their shared past pressing down on them. Dunk can feel the warmth of Joong's hand against his skin, a warmth that he's been trying to deny for so long. Slowly, he nods, not trusting his voice to speak.

Joong's heart lifts at the small gesture, and he pulls Dunk into a gentle embrace, careful not to push too hard, giving Dunk the space to accept or reject his comfort. To Joong's relief, Dunk doesn't resist. Instead, he leans into Joong's chest, his body trembling slightly as he allows himself to take solace in Joong's presence.

"I'm scared, Joong," Dunk finally admits, his voice muffled against Joong's chest. "I don't know what's going to happen, and it terrifies me."

Joong tightens his hold, pressing a soft kiss to Dunk's hair. "I'm scared too," he confesses, his own voice trembling. "But we'll figure this out together. I promise you, Dunk, I'll do everything I can to make sure you never have to face this alone."

The chapter ends with them standing together, the distance between them slowly closing. The silence that once separated them has turned into a quiet understanding, a mutual acknowledgment of the challenges ahead. For the first time in days, there's a glimmer of hope that they might be able to navigate this uncertain future, not as enemies, but as partners.