Beyond the Horizon

A Night Out

The next day, Dunk found himself nervously glancing at his phone, checking his messages every few minutes. Sure enough, Joong hadn’t forgotten their plan to meet again, and a text had arrived early that afternoon:

**Joong:** *Hope you’re ready for some fun tonight. Meet me at the campus plaza around 7?*

Dunk replied with a simple “Okay” and spent the rest of the day trying to figure out what “fun” meant for someone like Joong. By the time he made his way to the plaza, the sky had already darkened, the city lights casting a glow over the university grounds. He was nervous, but part of him was undeniably excited, wondering what Joong had in store.

When he arrived, Joong was waiting near the fountain, dressed in a leather jacket that added to his effortlessly cool, mischievous vibe. He spotted Dunk immediately and waved, his grin wide and warm.

“You actually came,” Joong said, looking genuinely pleased.

Dunk shrugged, trying to keep his cool. “You made it sound mysterious. I couldn’t say no.”

Joong laughed. “Good, because tonight you’re going to see Bangkok from a whole new angle.”

Dunk raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking. “And what does that mean?”

Joong stepped forward, gesturing for Dunk to follow him. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

They walked through the bustling campus and down the city streets, eventually arriving at a small underground bar tucked away between high-rise buildings. The entrance was almost hidden—just a dark door with a neon sign flickering faintly above it. Dunk hesitated, feeling a thrill of uncertainty.

“Relax,” Joong said, noticing Dunk’s hesitation. “It’s just a place I go to unwind. It’s quieter than it looks, and it’s got the best live music in the city.”

Inside, the bar had a warm, intimate atmosphere, dimly lit with a stage set up in one corner. A jazz band was tuning their instruments, and the soft murmur of voices filled the air. Joong led Dunk to a small table near the stage, and they settled in as the band began to play a slow, soulful tune that seemed to melt into the ambiance.

Dunk couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this relaxed. The music was calming, and Joong’s presence had a way of making the world around them fade into the background. Joong ordered them drinks, and as they waited, he leaned back, watching Dunk with a faint smile.

“So, what do you think?” Joong asked, taking a sip of his drink once it arrived.

"It's... nice,” Dunk admitted, surprised at how much he meant it. “I didn’t know places like this existed.”

Joong nodded, seeming satisfied. “It’s one of my favorite spots. Sometimes you need a place where you can just sit back and enjoy the moment, you know.”

Dunk nodded, his gaze drifting around the room. The people here were a mix of students and locals, all absorbed in the music. There was something comforting about being in a place where no one knew him, where he could just be himself without worrying about expectations.

They fell into an easy conversation, sharing stories about their childhoods, favorite movies, and ridiculous things they’d done in school. Joong’s stories were wild and funny, and Dunk found himself laughing more than he had in months.

As the night wore on, Dunk became more comfortable, even playful. Joong was charming, effortlessly drawing him out, and for the first time, Dunk felt like he didn’t have to hide behind his usual quiet demeanor.

At one point, Joong leaned in, his gaze soft. “You know, you’re different than I expected.”

Dunk raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Different how?”

Joong tilted his head, considering. “I don’t know. You seemed… serious. But you’re actually pretty easygoing once you relax.”

Dunk chuckled, feeling a little self-conscious. “Maybe I just needed the right company.”

Joong’s gaze lingered on him, and Dunk felt his pulse quicken under the intensity of it. “Well, I’m glad I could be that company,” Joong murmured, his voice softer.

They were close now, closer than Dunk had realized, and for a heartbeat, he thought Joong might lean in and kiss him. His heart pounded, and he couldn’t look away; his breath caught in his chest.

But just as quickly, Joong leaned back, breaking the tension with a smirk. “Don’t worry, I’m not that easy.”

Dunk let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, laughing nervously. “Neither am I.”

Joong chuckled, clinking his glass against Dunk’s. “Good. I like a challenge.”

They stayed until the bar began to empty out, the jazz music slowing to a gentle hum as the night wound down. Joong glanced at the time and sighed. “Looks like it’s getting late. We should head back.”

Dunk nodded, a pang of disappointment hitting him as he realized he didn’t want the night to end. But as they left the bar, Joong nudged Dunk playfully, his eyes glinting with that same mischievous spark.

“Next time,” Joong said, his tone light, “I’ll show you somewhere even better.”

Dunk couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll hold you to that.”

They walked back to campus together, the quiet city streets stretching out before them. The night air was cool, and Dunk felt a strange sense of calm settle over him, as though the world was a little brighter, a little more alive.

When they finally reached Dunk’s dorm, Joong paused, his gaze lingering on Dunk with a softness Dunk hadn’t seen before.

“Thanks for coming out tonight,” Joong said, his voice gentle. “It was… nice.”

Dunk nodded, feeling warmth rise in his chest. “Yeah. It was.”

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the night stretching out around them. Then, with one last smile, Joong turned and walked away, leaving Dunk standing there, feeling like he’d just stepped into something he couldn’t quite define—something that made his heart race and his mind spin with a thousand unspoken thoughts.

As he watched Joong disappear into the night, Dunk knew one thing for certain: whatever this was, he wanted more.