Melodious Fate

Part 16

5 DAYS LATER

Namtan:
But seriously what with you two?

She raised an eyebrow

Namtan:
Is this a secret date or something?

Dunk froze. It was a joke, but the mention of the word “date” hit him like a gut punch. He knew that Joong and Namtan had a sibling-like bond, something that had been long. They were constantly seen together, sharing laughs  yet the media, They shipped them as a couple, despite Joong’s protests that Namtan was like a sister to him.
Dunk didn’t know why it bothered him so much, but it did. Every time Joong and Namtan interacted, whether it was a simple hug or a laugh, It wasn’t jealousy, exactly Joong was his friend, But something about the way fans reacted, the way Joong’s moments with Namtan s

Joong grinned, always the playful one.

Joong:
Phi, you know how the fans like to ship us. It's like we’re stuck in some rom-com

Namtan rolled her eyes, though the smile didn’t leave her face.

Namtan:
I still don’t get it. I’m like your sister, for crying out loud

Joong caught Dunk’s slight shift in mood but didn’t comment on it, Instead, he laughed, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Joong:
Well, Dunk, maybe you should start shipping us too

Dunk let out a low, laugh

Dunk:
I’ll leave that to the fans

he muttered, his gaze slipping away from the two of them.
Namtan noticed the tension in Dunk’s posture

Namtan:
Everything is okay?

She asked, a concern in her voice..

Dunk forced a smile

Dunk:
Yeah. Just a little tired, that’s all

Dunk is lately overthinking too much he don't know why but he's not liking the idea or joong covering Namtan's song

The way Joong’s laughter filled the air, the way he looked at Namtan...But recently, it felt like more than just that. They are almost together because she's giving him advice on her song

Joong and Namtan were still laughing,
Joong nudged him, the laughter still in his voice.

Joong:
Come on dunk,  you're being quite something wrong?

Dunk forced a smile, Not now, he thought. Not in front of Namtan. He cleared his throat

Joong:
But dunk, we always go together naa

Dunk:
Am sorry its my work but I'm feeling tired please try to understand i have to work with group tomorrow

Dunk insisted, his eyes avoiding Joong’s. He didn’t want to explain How every joke, every laugh between Joong and Namtan made him feel like an outsider
He hadn’t missed the way Dunk seemed off

Joong:
Alright… well, take care of yourself, okay?

Dunk nodded, He forced himself to nod again before turning toward the building, stepping away from the two of them

As Dunk walked away, he didn’t turn around. He couldn’t. he walked

Namtan:
So can we start the work