The mansion was quiet as Joong stepped outside for some air. The cool breeze helped calm his nerves as he leaned against the railing of the balcony. The stars were bright tonight, but Joong barely noticed, his mind racing with thoughts of Dunk’s strange behavior.
“You’re up late.”
Joong jumped slightly, turning to see Dunk standing a few feet away. His arms were crossed, and his piercing gaze was locked onto Joong.
Joong quickly regained his composure. “I needed some air.”
Dunk walked closer, his movements slow and deliberate. “It seems like you’re avoiding me.”
Joong stiffened but forced himself to keep his tone neutral. “I’m not avoiding you. I’m doing my job.”
Dunk tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Your job? Is that what you call refusing to sit at the table or running off every time I try to talk to you?”
Joong clenched his jaw. “With all due respect, sir, we’re not equals. It’s not appropriate for me to—”
“Stop,” Dunk interrupted, his voice low but commanding. He stepped closer, and Joong instinctively took a step back, only to find himself against the railing. “Why do you keep hiding behind this ‘status’ excuse? You think I care about that?”
“You should,” Joong shot back, his voice rising slightly. “Because that’s the reality. You’re the heir to a fortune, and I’m just a servant.”
Dunk’s gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. “I don’t see you as just a servant, Joong. Why do you?”
Joong froze, unsure how to respond. Dunk’s words caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Dunk took a step back, giving Joong some space. “Think about it,” he said before turning and walking away, leaving Joong alone with his thoughts.
---
The Piano Room: Pond’s Dilemma
The next afternoon, Pond found himself once again in the piano room with Phuwin. The younger boy was unusually quiet, his fingers gliding over the keys as he played a soft melody. Pond stood by the door, trying to focus on his role as a protector, but his thoughts kept drifting to the events of the previous day.
Phuwin suddenly stopped playing and turned to look at Pond. “You’re distracted.”
“I’m not,” Pond replied quickly, straightening up.
Phuwin smirked. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Pond sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s nothing.”
“Then sit down,” Phuwin said, gesturing to the seat beside him. “You need to relax.”
Pond hesitated, but the expectant look on Phuwin’s face left him little choice. He sat down, careful to keep some distance between them.
Phuwin began playing again, this time a playful tune. “You know, you’re different from your brothers.”
Pond glanced at him, surprised. “How so?”
“You’re... composed,” Phuwin said, his tone thoughtful. “Joong is stubborn, and Fourth is wild. But you? You’re steady, like a rock.”
Pond frowned. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
Phuwin chuckled, his fingers never missing a note. “It is. I like rocks. They’re dependable.”
Pond shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “You’re strange.”
“I’ve been called worse,” Phuwin said with a grin. He stopped playing and turned to face Pond, his expression suddenly serious. “You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders, you know.”
Pond stiffened, caught off guard by the sincerity in Phuwin’s voice. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes, you do,” Phuwin said softly. He reached out, placing a hand on Pond’s. “You’re allowed to let someone in.”
Pond pulled his hand away, his heart pounding. “I should go.”
Phuwin didn’t stop him as he stood and left the room, but the look in his eyes made it clear that he wasn’t giving up anytime soon.
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...
