Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 33: A Fragile Bridge

Joong stood in the kitchen, stirring a pot of soup while Kian sat at the dining table, coloring in his sketchbook. The little boy hummed to himself, swinging his legs back and forth, completely absorbed in his work.

There was a knock at the door, and Joong’s heart skipped a beat. He wiped his hands on a towel and walked over, already knowing who it would be.

When he opened the door, Dunk stood there, his expression unreadable.

“Hey,” Dunk said, his voice low and steady.

Joong hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. “Come in.”

Dunk nodded and walked inside, his eyes immediately finding Kian. The boy looked up and broke into a grin.

“Mr. Dunk!” Kian exclaimed, abandoning his sketchbook and running over to him.

Dunk crouched down, catching Kian in a warm hug. “Hey, buddy. How’s my favorite artist doing today?”

“Good! Look, I drew a new picture!” Kian said excitedly, dragging Dunk over to the table to show him.

Joong stayed by the door, watching the interaction with a tightness in his chest. Dunk was so natural with Kian, and Kian had clearly already grown attached to him. It was both heartwarming and unsettling.

“This is really good,” Dunk said, examining the colorful drawing of a treehouse. “You’re getting better every time.”

Kian beamed at the praise. “Thank you! Do you want to color with me?”

“Maybe later,” Dunk said, ruffling Kian’s hair. “But first, I need to talk to your dad.”

Kian pouted but nodded, returning to his sketchbook. Dunk stood and turned to Joong, his expression serious.

“Kitchen,” Joong said shortly, leading the way.

Once they were out of earshot, Joong crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “What are you doing here, Dunk?”

“I wanted to see Kian,” Dunk said simply.

Joong’s jaw tightened. “You can’t just drop by whenever you feel like it.”

“Why not?” Dunk shot back. “He’s my son too, Joong. Or have you forgotten that?”

Joong looked away, his chest tightening. “I haven’t forgotten. But you don’t just get to waltz in and out of his life. It doesn’t work that way.”

“I’m not waltzing in and out,” Dunk said firmly. “I’m here. I want to be part of his life. I want to help. But you’re the one making it difficult.”

Joong’s fingers curled into fists. “You think this is easy for me? I’ve spent six years raising him alone, protecting him, making sure he’s safe and happy. And now you show up and expect everything to change overnight?”

“I don’t expect anything overnight,” Dunk said, his voice softening. “But I’m not going anywhere, Joong. I’m not giving up on him. Or on us.”

Joong’s heart skipped a beat at the last part, but he quickly masked it with anger. “There is no ‘us,’ Dunk. There never was.”

Dunk flinched but held his ground. “Maybe not. But there’s Kian. And he deserves to know his father.”

Joong sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He knew Dunk was right, but that didn’t make it any easier.

Before he could respond, Kian appeared in the doorway, clutching his sketchbook.

“Are you guys done talking?” he asked, his big eyes darting between them.

Joong forced a smile and crouched down. “Yeah, buddy. What’s up?”

Kian held up his sketchbook. “I drew another picture! It’s of all three of us!”

Joong’s breath caught as he took the sketchbook. The drawing showed himself, Kian, and Dunk holding hands under a bright sun.

“It’s beautiful,” Dunk said, crouching beside Joong to look at it. “You’re really talented, Kian.”

“Thanks!” Kian said, grinning. “I think it would look really good on the fridge.”

Joong chuckled despite himself. “I think you’re right.”

As he pinned the drawing to the fridge, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of Kian’s innocence. The boy had no idea how complicated the situation really was.

Dunk stayed for dinner, much to Kian’s delight. The three of them sat together, laughing and talking as if they were a normal family. But under the surface, Joong couldn’t shake the feeling that this fragile peace wouldn’t last.

When Dunk finally left, Kian was already asleep. Joong stood at the door, watching him go.

“Thank you for letting me spend time with him,” Dunk said quietly.

Joong nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “Goodnight, Dunk.”

As he closed the door, Joong leaned against it, his emotions a swirling mess. He didn’t know what the future held, but for Kian’s sake, he would have to figure it out. And soon.