Melodious Fate

Part 21

The recording room buzzed with activity,

Joong leaned casually against the desk, his eyes catching Dunk

Dunk:
You know, you’re distracting me

Dunk muttered under his breath,

Joong:
Oh, am I now?

His gaze fell on Joong, but he quickly turned back to the laptop, pretending to be focused.
Joong pushed off the desk and walked over to Dunk

Joong:
Dunk, I'm missing you love

Dunk:
Wow Mr archen we just cuddled today's morning?

Dunk:
I'm focusing on my work you go and do your work

Joong’s smile widened, and before Dunk could react, Joong was right there, brushing a strand of hair away from Dunk’s face in a way that felt so tender, that it took Dunk by surprise. He didn’t pull away. Instead, he found himself leaning into the touch, his breath hitching slightly as Joong’s fingers grazed his skin.

Joong:
You are not fooling anyone

Joong murmured, his voice low and teasing,  He stepped back just a little, enough to let Dunk regain some space, but not enough to lose the connection

Joong:
I can tell you’re thinking about me hmmm

Dunk’s face flushed a little, caught between wanting to deny it and not being able to lie to Joong. Instead, he cleared his throat

Joong:
We both know what you’re thinking about.

Before Dunk could say anything, Joong took another step forward, his smile softening, he reached out, gently cupping Dunk’s chin.

Joong:
You know?

Joong started, his voice low but laced with mischief,

Joong:
I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who looks this good while working

Dunk:
Is that so?

Joong:
Oh yeah. I’m not even sure if you realize how much of a distraction you are.

Dunk leaned against the desk, crossing his arms, pretending to be unaffected by Joong’s playful tone.

Dunk:
I’m just doing my job, Joong. But I’m sure you’ll find a way to distract me, won’t you?

Joong’s smile widened

Joong:
Maybe

Joong:
You know
there’s something about the way you focus so hard. It makes me want to mess with you

Dunk:
Mess with me? You’re not fooling anyone. You just want to see me lose control.

Joong:
Oh trust me, i don't think it'll take much to loose control

Dunk:
You’re already distracting me

Joong’s hand slid down to Dunk’s waist, pulling him just a little closer

Joong:
If I kissed you right now, would you pull away?

Dunk swallowed hard

Dunk:
I don't know

Joong smiled, a wicked gleam in his eye.

Joong:
Maybe we should find out

he whispered, brushing his lips against Dunk’s, just barely grazing them. It was enough to send a shiver down Dunk’s spine
Before Dunk could respond, Joong pulled back just slightly, but his eyes never left Dunk’s

Joong:
We really are going to drive each other crazy, aren’t we?

Hidden behind the slightly ajar door, Phi Tha, had been observing everything. He stood still, his eyes narrowed,  His gaze flicked from Dunk to Joong and back again, his expression hardening with every passing second.

Phi Tha who valued the company’s reputation above all else. He couldn’t afford to have any scandals tarnish the image of his artists, especially not his most prized idol, Joong

He watched as Joong laughed, his hand casually resting on Dunk’s arm, their bodies so close that it was obvious to anyone who cared to look that there was something more between them

Phi tha:
This can’t continue

Without a word, Phi Tha slowly backed away from the door, his mind already working on a strategy to protect the company, to keep the secret under wraps. He didn’t want to be the villain in their story, but he knew that this had to be dealt with swiftly.

Evening

The door clicked shut behind him, Dunk’s heart was pounding a little faster than usual something about this meeting felt off. He had no idea what Phi Tha wanted to discuss

Tha:
Take a seat Dunk

Phi Tha’s voice rang out, cool and commanding as usual. Dunk hesitated for a moment, unsure, before taking the seat opposite Phi Tha’s desk. His mind raced with possible reasons why Phi Tha had called him in.

Tha:
I assume you know why I called you in here,

Phi Tha started, Dunk swallowed, his throat dry, his heart thudding loudly in his chest

Tha:
Let’s not beat around the bush, Dunk,

Phi Tha continued, his eyes locking onto Dunk’s.

Tha:
You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with Joong lately. And I’ve been noticing something...

Dunk stiffened.

Dunk:
What do you mean?

Tha:
You and Joong. You’ve gotten... close, haven’t you?
I’ve been watching, Dunk. You’ve been too obvious. People are going to start noticing. And that’s not something I can allow to happen.

Dunk’s stomach twisted.

Tha:
You think I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you? You’re more than just a manager, Dunk. And Joong isn’t just an idol to you anymore, is he?

Dunk’s pulse quickened as the realization hit him. This wasn’t about Joong’s career; this was about their relationship. He opened his mouth to protest, but Phi Tha raised a hand to stop him.

Tha:
I’m not here to judge you, Dunk. I know how these things happen. But let me be clear
I won’t tolerate a scandal. I won’t allow anything to ruin Joong’s reputation, his career, or this company. If you think that whatever you’re doing with him can remain a secret, you’re mistaken.

Dunk felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

Dunk:
What do you want from me?

Tha:
I want you to stay away from Joong. Whatever... connection you have with him keep it in the shadows. Keep it out of the public eye. We can’t afford any slip-ups, Dunk. You’ll have to distance yourself from him, even if it means making things awkward

Dunk’s heart sank as he processed Phi Tha’s words. Stay away from Joong? It felt impossible. They had already crossed lines, and Dunk had never felt this way about anyone before.

But Dunk knew better than to argue. If Dunk didn’t comply, it wasn’t just his future at stake it was Joong’s as well.

Dunk:
Yes sir

Dunk replied,  He stood up from his chair, but before he could turn toward the door, Phi Tha’s voice stopped him.

Tha:
If I catch wind of anything between you and Joong again, I won’t hesitate to take action. You’ve been warned.

Dunk nodded and went out from the office