Beyond The Kiss | JoongDunk

Sixteen: Hidden Agenda

[ FIRST ]

"What happened to you?"

First blurted out, eyes locking on the guy standing against the bathroom wall, a bright red mark spread across his cheek. The guy scoffed, leaning his weight against the cold tiles of the café's bathroom.

"As you can see." He pointed to his flushed cheek, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

First shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. He wasn't surprised. Knowing his cousin's personality. Dunk would never take second chances.

"What are you going to do now, Khaotung?" First asked, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the sink, his gaze fixed on the man who looked utterly worn out.

Khaotung shot him a glare, pushing himself off the wall to stand straighter.

"What do you mean by that?" Khaotung snapped, his irritation rises.

"It's not just 'what am I going to do.' It's 'what should we do now?" He crossed his arms, emphasizing the we in his statement.

First rolled his eyes, letting out a long, tired sigh. "I don't know," he muttered, clearly not wanting to be dragged into Khaotung's mess.

For the past two weeks, Khaotung and First had carefully planned how to convince Dunk to give Khaotung another chance.

They had gone over every possible approach, thought through different scenarios, and argued about what might work best. Khaotung knew he had made a mistake, and this was his chance to make things right.

Today was supposed to be the moment they had been working toward-the perfect time to set things straight. But as they can see, things didn't go as planned.

Khaotung's frustration only grew. He stepped closer, the tension thick between them. "What do you mean, you don't know?" His voice rose, anger simmering beneath the surface.

He closed the gap between them, standing toe to toe with First, who instinctively stepped back, rubbing his temples in exasperation.

"Look," First began, trying to defuse the situation. "It's obvious Dunk doesn't want to see you right now. Especially with his major exam coming up. Give him some space."

Khaotung inhaled deeply, his anger deflating a bit. First's words made sense, even if he didn't like it.

"Let's just wait until his exams are over," First suggested. Khaotung sighed, reluctantly nodding. As much as he hated to admit it, he didn't want to distract Dunk right before something so important.

Sensing the tension ease, First glanced at his watch. "I've gotta head out. I'll see you later."

Khaotung's brow furrowed in confusion. "This early? Aren't you going to help me deal with this?" He pointed at the reddened cheek, still stinging from whatever confrontation he'd gotten into.

First chuckled, shaking his head. He leaned in, poking his finger into Khaotung's cheek, playfully. Khaotung yelped from the sharp pain.

"What the hell!" Khaotung cursed, rubbing his cheek.

First chuckled at his reaction before he stopped. "Just apply a cold compress, you'll be fine," He said with a grin as he moved toward the door, clearly ready to make his escape.

But before he could reach the handle, a firm hand gripped his arm, stopping him in his tracks. First turned, meeting Khaotung's serious gaze.

"Where are you going?" Khaotung asked, his voice colder than before.

First looked at him, clearly tired of this mess. "I'm going to the mall," He replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

"It's my mom's birthday on Sunday. I need to buy her a gift."

Khaotung's expression shifted, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I want to come."

First stared at him, completely caught off guard. "Are you crazy? What are you going to do at my mom's party?"

Khaotung's smile only grew. "Dunk will be there, right? Friday's his last day of exams, so we can finalize the plan for your mom's birthday party. He won't attack me in front of your mom and all your guests."

First hesitated, biting his lip. Khaotung's logic wasn't wrong, but it didn't sit right with him.

He didn't want to be part of any plot that involved Dunk and Khaotung's mess.

"But-" First began, but his mind blanked. He couldn't come up with a good enough excuse to deny Khaotung.

Khaotung, seeing First's hesitation, stepped closer, a victorious gleam in his eyes. First's breath caught in his throat as Khaotung closed the gap between them.

Their faces were so close, First could feel Khaotung's breath against his chin. Despite being smaller, Khaotung's presence was undeniably hot!

Khaotung's lips curled into a mischievous smirk, noticing First's reaction.

"See you on Sunday, love" he whispered, giving First a wink before turning on his heel and walking away.

First stood there, frozen, still reeling from the sudden closeness. His mind spun as he watched Khaotung disappear into the bathroom. Stunned, he muttered to himself, "What the hell just happened?"

His hand rested on his chest, and weird drums under his palm made him shiver.

Did my heart just...?

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