Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 10: Cracks in the Armor

The following day on set, Joong arrived with his usual charismatic smile, but something was different. Dunk’s silent scrutiny had become almost unbearable. Every glance from Dunk seemed to cut deeper, and Joong found himself constantly trying to maintain his cool exterior.

As they prepared for another scene, Joong could feel Dunk’s eyes following him from across the set. Normally, this wouldn’t faze him—he was used to attention—but there was a new weight to it. Dunk wasn’t just observing; he was studying him, trying to figure something out.

Joong’s stomach twisted with anxiety as he adjusted his jacket and walked toward the dressing room. He needed to pull it together. Dunk couldn’t know the truth. Not yet.

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Behind the Scenes

After finishing a particularly intense scene, Joong walked off set, his mind racing. He needed a break, so he headed toward the quieter corner of the studio, where the small lounge area was tucked away. He wasn’t expecting anyone to be there, but as he rounded the corner, he came face to face with Dunk, who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The tension was palpable, thick in the air between them. Joong opened his mouth to speak, but Dunk beat him to it.

“Joong,” Dunk’s voice was low, almost too calm. “Why are you avoiding me?”

Joong froze, his mind immediately going into defense mode. “I’m not avoiding you, Dunk. What are you talking about?”

Dunk’s eyes narrowed, his gaze cold but strangely penetrating. “You’ve been pretending. Pretending everything’s fine. But it’s not, is it?”

Joong’s heart raced, but he forced a laugh, brushing it off. “You’re overthinking it, as always.” He took a casual step forward, his posture relaxed. “I’m just focused on work, Dunk. What else would I be doing?”

Dunk didn’t budge. His sharp eyes never left Joong’s. “You can keep up that act all you want. I’m not blind, Joong.”

Joong tried to swallow the knot in his throat, but it stuck. He wasn’t prepared for this. He had thought he could keep Dunk at arm’s length, but Dunk wasn’t letting him. Not anymore.

“I’m fine,” Joong said, his voice too smooth to be convincing. “Honestly, you’re reading too much into things.”

Dunk’s expression softened just slightly, but his eyes remained serious. “I know you better than that. What’s going on with you?”

Joong glanced away, his hands suddenly feeling clammy. His mind raced, searching for something to say, anything to keep Dunk from getting too close. “There’s nothing going on. Maybe you’re just imagining things.”

But Dunk wasn’t buying it. He pushed off from the wall, taking a slow step closer to Joong. “What’s the real reason you’ve been so distant? It’s not just work. Something’s happened, Joong. You’re not acting like yourself.”

Joong’s chest tightened. He had never felt more exposed than in that moment, under Dunk’s unwavering gaze. Dunk was right, and Joong knew it. He had been pretending for so long that it was starting to crack.

“I’m... fine, Dunk,” Joong said, forcing the words out, even though they felt hollow. “Seriously. I’m just stressed with everything going on. It’s nothing to worry about.”

Dunk remained silent for a long moment, his piercing gaze still locked on Joong. Joong could feel the weight of Dunk’s stare, his presence pressing down on him like a storm cloud.

Finally, Dunk spoke, his voice softer, though no less intense. “You don’t have to keep lying to me.”

Joong opened his mouth, but nothing came out. The words were stuck, and he wasn’t sure if it was fear or something else entirely that held him back. Dunk had always been a mystery to him—cold, aloof, confident—but now, there was a vulnerability in his eyes that Joong hadn’t expected.

Before Joong could speak, the moment was interrupted by the director calling for them to return to set. Dunk took a step back, breaking the tension, but his gaze lingered on Joong for a beat longer before he turned to leave.

Joong stood there for a moment, breathless and caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Dunk knew something was wrong. But what? Did Dunk suspect? Or was it something deeper—something Joong didn’t have the answers to yet?

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That Evening

Joong sat in his penthouse, his thoughts swirling like a storm. Dunk’s words kept echoing in his head: You don’t have to keep lying to me.

Joong had always been able to deflect, to keep his feelings buried under layers of sarcasm and confidence. But Dunk’s persistence was different. It was like Dunk could see right through him. And Joong wasn’t sure if he was ready for that kind of scrutiny.

Just as he sank into the plush armchair, his phone buzzed, breaking him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen. It was a message from Fourth.

Fourth: Gemini’s coming over later. Don’t be a jerk to him.

Joong chuckled softly, shaking his head. Don’t worry. I’m on my best behavior.

The message was lighthearted, but Joong couldn’t help but feel a small pang in his chest. He had always prided himself on being the fun, carefree older brother, but lately, he wasn’t so sure anymore.

He leaned back, staring out at the city lights as the familiar feeling of uncertainty washed over him. Dunk was too perceptive, too close. And the truth was, Joong wasn’t sure if he was ready to share it—whether it was the secret that was growing inside him or the mess of emotions he had yet to untangle.

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