Melodious Fate

Part 22

Morning

Every morning routine that once felt so comforting now felt like a distraction, a way to avoid the storm brewing inside him.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Phi Tha’s words, about how he had been called into the office and given that ultimatum. Dunk had known it was coming, but hearing it spoken aloud, the pressure of it, was overwhelming. Stay away from Joong. He had no choice now. For the sake of Joong’s career, for his own, for everything. He had to push the one person he cared about more than anyone else away. Dunk sighed, his gaze sliding over to Joong, who sat across the table, lost in his phone, completely unaware of the turmoil Dunk was feeling.

Dunk:
I have to do this! I have no choice. He can’t be in my life like this anymore

Joong looked up from his phone, noticing Dunk's odd silence. It wasn’t like him to be so distant, so detached, especially not when Joong was right there, trying to connect.

Joong:
Dunk what happen ?
he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

Dunk:
Nothing, Just a bit tired, I guess.

Dunk replied, his voice deliberately flat, not allowing any emotion to leak through.

Joong studied him, his eyes narrowing slightly. There was something off about Dunk, something Joong couldn’t put his finger on. Normally, Dunk was quick to smile or tease him, but today, there was none of that

Joong:
Are you sure?

Every second in Joong’s presence felt like an eternity, and it was only making the pain worse. He quickly nodded, his mind racing for an excuse to leave the room

Dunk:
Yes,i need some rest

Joong stared at him for a moment longer, unsure if he should push further or let Dunk have his space. He could tell something was wrong, but Joong didn’t know what to do

The rest of the morning passed in awkward silence. Dunk tried his best to stay busy, but he could feel Joong’s eyes on him, and it only made everything worse. The more Dunk ignored him, the more Joong seemed to withdraw into himself. It was as though a barrier had been erected between them, and neither of them knew how to tear it down.

Later that afternoon, when they were heading out for work, Dunk made sure to walk just a little further behind Joong. He couldn’t help it. He didn’t want to be close to him. He couldn’t afford it. Every moment of closeness between them, every accidental touch, only fueled the ache inside Dunk, and it was becoming unbearable.

Joong could see it in the way Dunk’s shoulders were tense, in how he avoided meeting Joong’s gaze. It was as though Dunk had become a stranger, and Joong didn’t know how to fix it.

That night, Dunk came back to the dorm earlier than usual, a plan already forming in his mind. The last thing he wanted was another awkward interaction with Joong after everything that had happened today. Every smile Joong directed his way felt like a knife to his chest, reminding him of what Phi Tha had told him. It was all too much, so Dunk decided to do what he did best lately—avoidance.

The dorm was quiet when Dunk entered. Most of the other members were still out, either finishing up their schedules or hanging out. Dunk was grateful for the silence as he walked down the hall to the shared bedroom he and Joong stayed in. The thought of facing Joong tonight, having to pretend that everything was okay, made his heart feel like it was breaking all over again.

Quickly changing into a loose t-shirt and sweatpants, Dunk climbed into his bed. He made sure to lie on his side

Minutes turned into an hour, and Dunk lay there, tense, listening to every creak and sound in the dorm. His mind was filled with thoughts of Joong—his laughter, his playful teasing, the way he would touch Dunk’s arm so casually. Those moments were so precious, and now... they felt like they were slipping away.