Forever No Doubt ! - a joylada series

One nong down 2 nongs down and 3 down!!

Hello everyone!! Hope you enjoy reading this chapter!! 

By late afternoon, the group had gathered in one of the university's classrooms, everyone equally exhausted by the day. Dunk sat crouching, massaging his temples, looking every bit like a man on the verge of getting grey hairs far too early in life. Phuwin's dizzy spell had been the least of his worries, though it was what started the chain of events that had his patience stretched paper thin.

Phuwin, thankfully, was doing much better now, but Dunk's stress hadn't stopped there. Just as they had been making their way through the art faculty, Fourth—who had also been zoning out from exhaustion—had accidentally knocked over an expensive vase. The shattering sound was loud enough to draw everyone's attention, and Fourth, already on the edge of his nerves, burst into tears right then and there, surprising senior who the vase belonged to who had rushed over at first to probably scold him but was left flustered and unsure what to do, and ended up apologizing to Fourth, even though it was his vase that had been broken.

Then there was Gemini. Dunk glanced over at him now, sitting with his ankle propped up on a chair, at least he had the decency to look sheepish. He'd managed to sprain his ankle while messing around near the dance building. And despite his injury, Gemini had refused to sit still, bouncing with restless energy, much to Dunk's frustration.

Dunk sighed deeply. At this rate, he was sure he was going to have a head full of grey hair before he even hit his mid-twenties. Joong, hovered close and wrapping him in a soothing hug. "You're doing great, you know," Joong whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Dunk's temple. "But let's get some food in you guys. Pond, Winny, you wanna help me grab something for everyone?"

Pond and Winny, nodded. Pond gave a mock salute. "On it."

Satang, was still sitting with a sniffling Fourth, rubbing his back and murmuring words of reassurance. "I didn't mean to break it," Fourth mumbled, leaning into Satang's side.

"It's okay, nong Fourth," Satang replied softly. "It was just an accident."

Meanwhile, Dunk had his hands full with Gemini, who was whining as Dunk twisted his ear. "How many times do I have to tell you to sit still?" Dunk scolded, though there was no real bite to his words.

"Ow, ow! I'm sorry! I just have too much energy! You know this!" Gemini complained, though his voice was more playful than remorseful.

Dunk released his ear and sat beside him, loosening the top button of his shirt to take a much-needed breath. Desperately trying to find a moment of peace when, out of nowhere, Phuwin shuffled over and hugging him from the side, hiding his face in Dunk's shoulder like a child seeking comfort. The sudden hug barely caught Dunk off guard, and his expression softened instantly. Despite the frustration, he couldn't help but melt when Phuwin, clung to him like when they were younger.

"Hey, you feeling better now?" Dunk asked quietly, his hand moving up to pat Phuwin's head fondly. Phuwin just nodded into his shoulder, staying close.

It was only when Dunk looked up that he caught Gemini, who was staring at the two of them with an expression of utter betrayal. "You have a favorite, don't you?" Gemini accused, his tone filled with exaggerated offense.

Dunk smirked and reached over to squeeze Gemini's nose playfully. "I don't have favorites," he said, teasing "I just prefer people who don't try to send me into early retirement."

Gemini whined again, rubbing his nose. "Not fair! You know I can't sit still!"

Dunk chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I know. But you could at least 'try' not to get into trouble every other hour."

Phuwin, still tucked against Dunk's side, peeked out just enough to smirk at Gemini, who shot him a playful glare in return. "I see how it is, Nong Phuwin. Stealing my spot as favorite."

Phuwin grinned, his voice soft but teasing as he mumbled, "Maybe I'm just easier to handle."

Even Fourth managed a small smile through his tears as Gemini whined louder. Dunk found himself smiling too through his exhaustion. As much as they drove him up the wall, these were his boys, and no amount of stress could change how much he cared for each one of them. And he was thankful they were in one piece at least.

Pond and Winny returned with Joong, arms full with food. "Alright, we've got everything," Pond announced, setting the bags down. "Eat something everyone come on."

Dunk nodded gratefully. "Thanks."

As they all sat down to eat, Dunk leaned back in his chair, glancing around the room. It had been an exhausting day, but at least for now, things were peaceful. He only hoped it would stay that way—at least for a little while.

Thank you for reading!! How was it?