Joong arrived home to find Kian fast asleep in his bed, his favorite stuffed rabbit tucked under one arm. Joong leaned down to kiss his forehead, feeling a wave of peace wash over him.
“I’ll always protect you, buddy,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from Kian’s face.
Joong straightened up and went to the living room. As he sank onto the couch, his phone buzzed. He picked it up, expecting another Fourth-related emergency, but his heart skipped a beat when he saw Dunk’s name flashing on the screen.
For a moment, he debated ignoring it again. But he knew Dunk wasn’t someone who gave up easily.
Taking a deep breath, Joong swiped to answer. “Hello?”
“Joong.” Dunk’s voice was cold and sharp, making Joong sit up straighter.
“What do you want, Dunk?” Joong tried to keep his tone casual, but his grip on the phone tightened.
“We need to talk. I’ve been patient, but I’m done playing games,” Dunk said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Meet me tomorrow at Café Soleil. Noon.”
Joong hesitated. “I don’t think—”
“I’m not asking,” Dunk interrupted. “Be there.”
The line went dead, leaving Joong staring at his phone in disbelief.
---
The Next Day
Joong debated not showing up, but something in Dunk’s voice had made it clear this wasn’t a request. So, with a heavy heart, Joong left Kian with a trusted sitter and headed to the café.
When he arrived, Dunk was already there, sitting at a corner table with his arms crossed. His piercing gaze locked onto Joong the moment he stepped inside.
Joong squared his shoulders and walked over, sliding into the seat across from Dunk. “Alright, I’m here. What’s so important?”
Dunk’s expression was unreadable, but his voice was laced with frustration. “You’ve been avoiding me. Why?”
Joong forced a smile. “I’ve been busy.”
“Don’t give me that.” Dunk leaned forward, his dark eyes narrowing. “I know you’re hiding something. And after seeing that kid…”
Joong’s heart skipped a beat. “What about him?”
Dunk’s jaw tightened. “Don’t play dumb, Joong. He looks exactly like me. Who is he?”
Joong hesitated, his mind racing for an excuse. “He’s… just a kid. You’re imagining things.”
“Stop lying to me!” Dunk’s voice rose slightly, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. He lowered it again, but his tone was no less intense. “I’m not blind, Joong. I deserve the truth.”
Joong’s hands clenched under the table. He had spent years building walls around this secret, and now Dunk was threatening to tear them down.
But before he could respond, the waiter arrived with their drinks, breaking the tension. Joong seized the moment to compose himself.
“I don’t owe you anything,” he said finally, his voice calm but firm. “Whatever you think you know, just leave it alone.”
Dunk stared at him, his expression a mixture of anger and hurt. “You’re unbelievable,” he said quietly. “You always were good at running away, weren’t you?”
Joong flinched at the words but said nothing.
“Fine,” Dunk said, standing abruptly. “You want to keep your secrets? Go ahead. But I won’t stop until I get the truth.”
Joong watched him walk out of the café, his chest tight with emotions he couldn’t name. He had always known this day would come, but now that it had, he felt completely unprepared.
---
At Home
When Joong returned home, Kian ran to greet him, his face lighting up. “Daddy! Did you get me something?”
Joong forced a smile and lifted him into his arms. “Not today, buddy. But how about we bake cookies together instead?”
Kian cheered, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Joong’s heart.
As they worked in the kitchen, Joong couldn’t stop thinking about Dunk’s words. For years, he had convinced himself that keeping Dunk in the dark was the right choice.
But now, with Dunk determined to uncover the truth, Joong wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold the walls up.
And the thought terrified him.
YOU ARE READING
Beneath The spotlight
FanfictionYou have to read to find out LOL , this was requested by someone. Only Dunkjoong , I don't play about this ship
