𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 61

Dunk arrived at the art studio, his heart racing with excitement and nervousness. He had decided to keep his identity as the husband of Joong Johnson a secret—he didn't want special treatment, nor did he want his work to be overshadowed by his last name. Here, he was just Dunk, an aspiring art teacher, and that's exactly how he wanted it to be.

As he stepped inside, the scent of fresh paint and wood filled the air. Canvases, sculptures, and vibrant artworks decorated the walls, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A woman, possibly in her early forties, approached him with a kind smile. "You must be Dunk! Welcome to our little creative sanctuary."

Dunk nodded, offering a polite smile. "Yes, thank you for having me. I'm really excited to be here."

Another staff member, a young man named Aiden, stepped forward. "Come on, let me show you around."

As they walked through the studio, Dunk felt a sense of belonging. This place was everything he loved—creativity, freedom, and a space to express oneself without judgment.

Just as he was admiring a painting, the entrance door swung open.

"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Phuwin's voice echoed through the studio.

Dunk turned to see his younger brother panting slightly, clearly rushing to make it on time.

The studio manager chuckled. "It's alright, Phuwin. It's your first day, so we won't hold it against you."

Dunk smiled, shaking his head at Phuwin's clumsiness.

"Alright, let's get you settled in too," Aiden said, leading Phuwin toward the tour Dunk had just completed.

As Phuwin looked around, his eyes sparkled with excitement. "This place is amazing."

Dunk nodded in agreement. "Yeah... it really is."

For the first time in a long while, Dunk felt truly at peace. Away from Joong's cold demeanor. Away from expectations. Just him, Phuwin, and their dream.

As the day progressed, Dunk and Phuwin got comfortable in the art studio. The staff was warm and welcoming, and they felt at ease for the first time in a while.

Dunk was assigned to guide a group of young students in an introductory painting class. Watching the children play with colors, their small hands creating messy yet expressive strokes on the canvas, brought a smile to his face. This was exactly why he loved art—pure, unfiltered emotions poured onto a blank space.

Phuwin, on the other hand, was helping with the pottery section. His hands were covered in wet clay as he attempted to shape a bowl for the first time. A young girl sitting next to him giggled.

"Teacher, it looks like a potato."

Phuwin sighed dramatically. "Well, then it's a very special potato bowl, isn't it?"

The whole class laughed, and Dunk, watching from across the room, couldn't help but chuckle. Phuwin had always been good with people. His energy was contagious, and seeing him so happy made Dunk feel a little lighter.

Just as they were about to take a break, Dunk's phone vibrated. His smile faltered when he saw Joong's name flashing on the screen.

Joong: Where are you?

Dunk stared at the message for a moment before typing a quick response.

Dunk: At work.