Fallen for him

Part 39

The two of them walk side by side, heading back to their shared home. The evening sky is dimming, and the streets are quieter now. Joong walks close to Dunk, his hand brushing against Dunk's occasionally. Despite everything that happened, a sense of calm starts to settle between them as they move forward together.

Joong: (breaking the silence, his voice quieter than usual)
Dunk… why didn’t you tell me about P’Peem needing help? You should’ve at least called me or texted.

Dunk: (glancing over at Joong, a small smile tugging at his lips, but his tone is apologetic)
I didn’t mean to worry you, Joong. I just thought it’d be a short shift. We were slammed with orders tonight, though. P’Peem’s not getting any younger, and he asked me to stay to help out. I should’ve let you know, but the place was so chaotic. I didn’t even realize my phone died until it was too late. I’m really sorry.

Joong: (rubbing his forehead, still a little overwhelmed)
I get it, but… I thought something happened to you. When you didn’t answer… I couldn’t think straight. I just— I just panicked, Dunk. My father called. He said if I didn’t return to him, he’d hurt you. He said he could do worse… and I didn’t know how to stop him.

(Dunk stops walking for a moment, turning to face Joong His expression softens with concern as he gently places his hand on Joong’s shoulder.)

Dunk: (looking sincerely into Joong’s eyes)
Joong, I know your father has hurt you in ways that no one should ever experience. But you have to know this— I won’t let him hurt me. I’ll fight to protect myself, but more than that, I’ll fight for you. We’ll find a way through this, together.

Joomg: (his voice cracks a little as he speaks)
I don’t know what I’d do without you, Dunk. All this time, I’ve lived in fear of my father… and it feels like everything he does to me could happen to you too. But I won’t let him win. Not when I have you by my side.

Dunk: You don’t have to carry that weight alone anymore, Joong. No matter what your father does, we’ll face it together. You don’t have to fear losing me. Not ever.

June:  I don’t want to lose you, Dunk. I just… I can’t. Not again.

Dunk: You won’t lose me.

(They continue walking home side by side, their hands occasionally brushing as they both find comfort in each other’s presence. The weight of the world may still hang over them, but for now, they have each other, and that’s enough.)

Joong and Dunk reach home. The evening is winding down, and the quiet of their apartment brings a sense of relief after the tense moments of the day. Joong unlocks the door, stepping inside with Dunk following closely behind.)

Joong: (walking into the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder at Dunk)
I already made dinner. It’s nothing fancy, just the usual stir-fry, but I figured you’d be hungry after the long shift.

Dunk: (smiling gratefully, dropping his bag by the door)
You’re the best, Joong. I’ll be quick, I just need to change and grab a shower.

(Dunk heads to the bathroom, and Joong starts setting the table. He arranges the dishes, setting them out carefully with utensils and glasses. The sounds of Dunk getting ready inthe other room are faint, but Joong’s focus is on getting everything prepared. Once everything’s ready, he sits down at the table, waiting for Dunk.)

Joong: (calling out to the bathroom, as he finishes arranging the last plate)
Dinner’s ready come fast.

(A few minutes later, Dunk steps out of the bathroom, looking more relaxed. He’s in comfortable clothes now, wiping his face with a towel.)

Dunk: (grinning as he sees the table set, taking a seat across from Joong)
This looks really good. You’re making me feel spoiled.

Joong: (shrugging, trying to act casual but clearly pleased with himself)
I’m glad you like

They start eating, the conversation flowing easily, discussing their day in a relaxed manner. But after a while, Joong suddenly becomes quiet, his expression a little more thoughtful.)

Joong: (hesitantly, setting his fork down for a moment)
Hey, Dunk… can I ask you something?

Dunk: (glancing up, looking curious)
Sure, what’s up?

Joong: (taking a breath, clearly a little nervous but determined to ask)
Would you… would you be my boyfriend?

(Dunk pauses, his spoon still in his hand. He looks at Joong for a moment, his expression soft but thoughtful. After a brief silence, he sets his spoon down and looks at Joong more seriously.)

Dunk: (carefully choosing his words)
Joong… I really like you. I do. But I think I need some time to think about that. I don’t want to rush into anything, you know?

Joong: (nodding slowly, his face showing a mix of disappointment but also understanding)
Yeah, I get it. I don’t want to push you into anything either.

(Joong leans back in his chair, letting out a small, teasing sigh.)

Joong: (grinning playfully)
Well, I’m still gonna keep hitting on you, though. Consider it a challenge.

Dunk: (laughing softly, looking at Joong with a hint of amusement)
I’m not going anywhere, Joong. You can keep trying, but no promises.

They both clean the kitchen together with a comfortable silence

Joong: (with a small, teasing smile as they clean up the table together)
I’ll be waiting for your answer, Dunk. So, don’t take too long.

Dunk: (chuckling, giving Joong a playful nudge)
I’ll think about it. No pressure, alright?

(They clean up the kitchen together, their easy camaraderie still intact. Later, they settle down on the couch, relaxing after the busy day.)

Joong: (grinning, leaning back against the cushions)
Just remember, I’m persistent.

Dunk: (smiling, but with a hint of uncertainty still in his eyes)
I know. And that’s one of the things I like about you.

Later that night, after everything has calmed down, Joong and Dunk are getting ready for bed. Joong, in a moment of quiet, curls up next to Dunk on the bed, his head resting on Dunk’s chest. The lights are dim, and the quiet of the night fills the room.)

Author’s POV:
Now, some might say that Joong should be feeling a little embarrassed, considering how he’d just awkwardly asked Dunk if he’d be his boyfriend, only to get a “I need time to think” response. But Joong? No, not Joong. He was the kind of person who’d turn that situation into a challenge, a playful game he wasn’t about to lose. And honestly, Dunk might’ve been a little scared. Not that he’d ever admit it.

Because here was Joong, curled up like a content little kitten, completely at ease next to Dunk, as if he'd just won the world’s most nonchalant victory. Dunk could feel Joong’s warmth and the faint, teasing grin on his face. Joong might say he was persistent, but Dunk knew—deep down—that Joong would be the type to keep trying until he wore Dunk down, and somehow, Dunk had a feeling he didn’t mind that one bit.

But for now, they were both quiet, Joong’s fingers tracing little patterns on Dunk’s shirt as they lay side by side. Dunk, on the other hand, was pretending not to notice the subtle hints Joong was leaving. He was thinking about what Joong had asked earlier, about taking time to think... though honestly, his thoughts were getting distracted by the fact that Joong was now using his chest like a pillow. Dunk sighed. He wasn’t sure if he was getting emotionally worn down or physically trapped by a cuddly force of nature.

Joong: (smiling up at Dunk, his voice teasing but sincere)
I’m not going anywhere, you know. I’ll keep hitting on you until you can’t say no.

Dunk: (chuckling softly, his hand resting on Joong’s hair)
You’re really gonna make me regret saying I needed time, huh?

Joong: (grinning mischievously)
That’s the plan. Get comfortable, Dunk. You’re stuck with me now.

Author’s POV:
And just like that, Dunk had somehow signed up for a lifetime of Joong’s relentless charm. But hey, when you’ve got someone who’s this persistent, maybe you don’t really mind it all that much.