Joong walked into the mansion with hurried steps, his jaw clenched. As soon as he entered their shared room, Pond and Fourth looked up. Pond was seated by the window, reviewing notes, while Fourth lay sprawled on the bed, scrolling through his phone.
“What happened?” Pond asked, narrowing his eyes. “You look mad.”
Joong threw his bag onto the chair and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Dunk keeps acting... weird.”
“Weird how?” Fourth propped himself up on his elbows, interested.
“He acts like—” Joong paused, struggling to put it into words. “Like he knows me. Like he’s trying to dig into things that aren’t his business.”
Pond frowned. “And what did you tell him?”
Joong glared at him. “What do you think? I told him nothing.”
“Good,” Pond said firmly. “We’re here to do a job, Joong. Protect them, serve them, and that’s it. Don’t let him get under your skin.”
Joong flopped onto the bed, lying back with a groan. “It’s easier said than done. He keeps staring, asking things…”
Fourth smirked. “Maybe he likes you.”
Joong sat up, glaring at his younger brother. “Don’t even joke about that.”
“I’m serious!” Fourth said, laughing. “Rich people are weird. Maybe this is his way of showing interest.”
Joong grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “Shut up.”
Pond shook his head, his expression stern. “Focus, Joong. Don’t forget who we are and why we’re here. We can’t afford to mess this up.”
Joong sighed but nodded. “I know.”
---
The Piano Room
Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion, Phuwin was finishing a piano piece as Pond stood by the door. Pond had been instructed to accompany Phuwin to his daily practice sessions, but the task was becoming more complicated than he expected.
“You should try it again,” Phuwin said, looking over his shoulder at Pond.
“I’m not here to play,” Pond replied, keeping his tone neutral.
Phuwin grinned, standing and gesturing for Pond to take the seat. “Come on, don’t be so stiff. You’re not bad.”
Pond hesitated, glancing at the polished piano keys. “I don’t have time for this.”
“I’m giving you the time,” Phuwin said, stepping closer. His voice dropped to a teasing tone. “Unless you’re scared I’ll tease you when you mess up.”
Pond stiffened, his pride kicking in. “Fine.”
He sat down, his hands hovering over the keys as Phuwin leaned over him, their proximity unnervingly close. Pond played a simple melody, but his fingers stumbled halfway through, and he sighed in frustration.
“You’re trying too hard,” Phuwin said softly. “Relax.”
Pond turned his head to retort but found himself inches from Phuwin’s face. The words caught in his throat as Phuwin smirked.
“You’re cute when you’re frustrated,” Phuwin said, his voice low.
Pond’s face flushed, and he quickly stood, stepping away. “You should practice. I’ll wait outside.”
Phuwin chuckled as Pond hurried out of the room, clearly flustered. “I’m not letting you off that easily,” he called after him.
---
Dinner Tensions
Dinner that evening was tense. The Joong brothers served the table while Dunk, Phuwin, and Gemini ate in silence. Phuwin occasionally glanced at Pond, his expression amused, while Pond focused on his work, avoiding eye contact.
Dunk, on the other hand, was watching Joong. He noticed how Joong avoided looking at him, his movements precise and efficient. The frustration Dunk felt earlier returned. Why did Joong insist on keeping such a distance?
“Joong,” Dunk said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Joong paused, looking at him warily. “Yes, sir?”
Dunk’s gaze didn’t waver. “Sit down. Eat with us.”
The room went still. Pond and Fourth froze, while Phuwin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Gemini looked between them, confused.
“We’re not supposed to,” Joong said quietly, his tone firm.
“I’m not asking,” Dunk replied, his voice cold.
Joong clenched his fists. “With all due respect, sir, we’re here to serve you, not to dine with you.”
Dunk’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Pond stepped in. “Joong’s right. We should get back to work.”
Dunk’s gaze shifted to Pond, but the eldest Joong brother held his ground. After a tense moment, Dunk finally nodded. “Fine.”
Joong quickly left the room, followed by his brothers. Once they were out of earshot, Fourth whispered, “That was awkward.”
Joong didn’t reply, his mind racing. What was Dunk trying to prove? And why did it bother him so much?
YOU ARE READING
Shadows
Fanfiction(P.s this is Dunkjoong, fourthgemini and Phuwinpond) In this story, Joong and his brothers-Pond and Fourth-work as servants and protectors for Dunk and his brothers, Phuwin and Gemini, as part of their father's debt to the wealthy family. Despite th...
