Chapter 6: Part 6

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Joong and Dunk enter a clothing center, the racks lined with an array of trendy outfits. Dunk’s eyes widen in awe as he takes in the variety

Joong:

Go on, Dunk. Choose whatever you want

Dunk:

Really? Anything?

Joong:

Yes, just pick what you like

Joong casually walks toward a chair in the corner

Dunk doesn’t need to be told twice. He rushes to the racks, his enthusiasm like that of a kid in a candy store. He picks up shirts, trousers, and jackets, holding each one up as if imagining himself wearing them

Joong raised an eyebrow as Dunk returns with an armful of clothes

Joong:

You picked a lot. You want to try them on?

Dunk:

Can i?

Joong:

Of course-

Before Joong can finish, Dunk starts unbuttoning his shirt right there in the middle of the store. Joong’s eyes widen in alarm

Joong:

Hey! What are you doing? Not here!

Dunk:

Why not? You said I could try them

Joong:

Over there. That’s where you try clothes

pointing toward the changing rooms

Dunk:

Ohh, that small room? Joong, will you come with me?

Joong:

What? No! Why would I?

Dunk:

Please, Joong. I don’t want to leave you. Naa?

Joong sighed, looking around to ensure no one is watching

Joong:

Fine. But be quick about it.

Joong follows Dunk into the changing room. He closes the door behind them and leans against it, clearly uncomfortable.

Joong:

Hurry up. And don’t ask me to help you

Dunk:

Okay!

Dunk turns his back to Joong and starts removing his shirt. Joong shifts awkwardly, trying to avert his gaze, but his eyes inadvertently catch the reflection in the full-length mirror. The mirror shows Dunk’s bare shoulders, smooth chest, and the curve of his back. Joong’s throat feels dry as he quickly looks away

Joong:

(Focus, Joong. Don’t look. Don’t look)

Joong’s eyes again turn to the mirror and this time, they land on a small pendant hanging from Dunk’s chest. The pendant catches the light, its intricate design almost glowing. Joong feels drawn to it, like something is pulling him closer

As if in a trance, Joong’s legs move on their own, carrying him toward Dunk. His hand slowly raises, trembling slightly, as he reaches for the pendant

Dunk:

Joong

Joong freezes mid-motion, his hand hovering near Dunk’s chest. Dunk looks at him with a calm but serious expression

Dunk:

Don’t touch it

Joong:

Why

Dunk:

My dad told me never to let anyone touch it. It’s... important

Joong:

Okay i won't

Joong takes a step back, but his eyes inadvertently drift lower to Dunk’s exposed torso. He feels his heart race, and a sudden heat spreads through him. His breath quickens as he realizes how close they are in the small space

Joong:

I-I’ll wait outside. Just... finish quickly

Without giving Dunk a chance to respond, Joong unlocks the door and steps out of the changing room. He leans against the wall, running a hand through his hair as he tries to calm his erratic heartbeat

Dunk stands in front of a mirror, admiring himself in the outfit he’s chosen a casual yet stylish combination of jeans and a soft, oversized sweater. He grins at Joong, holding up the rest of the clothes he picked

Dunk:

Joong, I’ll wear this one now! And I want all these, please take them for me!

Joong raised an eyebrow but nodding

Joong:

Hmm

The two step out of the changing room,

Joong carrying a growing pile of Dunk’s selected clothes to the counter. The seller rings up the items and neatly bags them

Seller:

Thank you for shopping, sir. Here are your bags

Dunk:

Joong, please hold these for me

Joong:

Me?

Dunk:

Yes, you please!

Joong blinks, visibly surprised. As an actor, carrying shopping bags for someone else is far from his usual experience, yet Dunk’s request feels oddly natural. He lets out a small sigh and takes the bags, holding them awkwardly

Seller:

Sir, your boyfriend is so pretty and adorable

Joong freeze for a moment, processing the comment. Dunk tilts his head in confusion, while Joong looks flustered

Dunk:

Boyfriend? How?

Without answering, Joong grabs Dunk’s arm and quickly pulls him away from the counter, muttering under his breath as they walk

Joong:

You’re a boy, and my friend. So... boyfriend

Dunk:

Oh, so I’m your boyfriend?

Joong:

Ye-yes. Okay, now stop talking about it. Let’s go; it’s already late

Dunk nods but continues walking with an innocent smile. As they approach the exit, Dunk suddenly stops. His eyes fixate on a massive teddy bear plush displayed near the toy section. He doesn’t say anything, but his gaze lingers, full of wonder.

Joong:

What now? You want that?

Dunk:

Will it hurt me?

Joong:

Hurt you? It’s not alive, Dunk. It’s just a toy

Dunk:

Ohhh, really? But it’s so big!

Joong:

Do you want it?

Dunk nods enthusiastically, his hands clasped together as he looks at Joong expectantly

Joong walks over to the display and signals to the staff to pack the bear. After a brief exchange, the staff hands the massive plushie to Dunk, who grabs it immediately, holding it tightly in his arms

Dunk:

It’s so soft! Joong, look, it’s as big as me!

watching Dunk with a soft expression

Joong:

You’re happy now?

Dunk:

Very happy! Thank you, Joong

They head toward the parking lot, Dunk clutches the bear, his face glowing with joy. Joong, now carrying the shopping bags, can’t help but shake his head with a small smile,

Joong:

Somehow, it’s all worth it