Off Script (JoongDunk)

Chapter 7: Unexpected encounter

The next day, Joong took his exam. He did okay—not amazing, but good enough. Originally, he had planned to celebrate with his classmates, but he wasn't in the mood. Instead, he texted in the group chat, "Guys, go ahead without me."

Dunk's event was set to finish in about 40 minutes, and Joong was only 30 minutes away from the mall. Without further thought, he ran to his car and drove there. An urge to see Dunk, even if just for a few moments, had taken over him. He knew they wouldn't talk, and maybe Dunk wouldn't even notice him—but he needed to see him before they parted ways for the next few days.

The place was packed. Joong headed to the level above, watching quietly from there. He didn't dare come too close, not wanting to distract the crowd or disturb the event. It was an important day for Dunk, and Joong had no intention of pulling any attention away from him. Perhaps a few people did notice him, but their reactions were subtle. All the actual fans were on the ground floor where the event took place, their eyes glued to Dunk. Joong took out his phone and recorded a few seconds of Dunk thanking the crowd and saying goodbye.

He left before anyone could spot him and returned to his car. Joong texted Dunk, "You did great. I'm very proud of you."

A few minutes later, Dunk replied, "Did you watch the live? How did you do on your exam?"

Joong responded by sending the video he had just taken of Dunk.

When Dunk saw the video, he was entering a fancy restaurant in the mall with his mom. "I need to use the restroom. I'll meet you at the table," Dunk said, hurrying off, his heart racing. Knowing that Joong had been watching him brought a thrill he couldn't quite describe.

He texted Joong back, "Where are you? Are you still here?"

"Yes, I'm in my car. And you?"

"I'm at Rongros restaurant with my mom."

"I'll come see you," Joong replied, leaving Dunk basically no choice.

Dunk panicked. How was he supposed to explain Joong's appearance at the restaurant? His family didn't dislike Joong, but this was meant to be a private dinner, and Joong hadn't been invited.

Twenty minutes passed, and Joong still hadn't shown up. Dunk started to think Joong had changed his mind, feeling both relieved and disappointed.

They were served the main course when Joong finally appeared with a charming smile and a bouquet of flowers.

"Hello, Mae! Long time no see! Congratulations on the successful event today!" Joong greeted Dunk's mother, handing her the flowers.

"I'm really sorry to interrupt, but I was shopping here for a present for my mom and couldn't decide. I'd really appreciate your advice."

Dunk's mom, startled at first, quickly offered Joong a seat. Joong gladly accepted. "Thank you! I'm actually starving—I just took my exam and haven't had time to eat!"

"Of course! Please, eat with us!" Dunk's mom insisted.

Joong sat down next to Dunk and finally looked at him. "You did great today, bro! Looks like it was a real success!" Joong's cheerful voice didn't match the intensity in his eyes, which seemed to take control over Dunk.

"Thanks, man! I didn't know you were watching," Dunk replied, genuinely surprised. "How was the exam?"

"It was okay. I think I'll pass," Joong exhaled with relief. He then turned his attention to Dunk's mom, showing her various options he had in mind on his phone.

For Dunk, Joong's decision to come all this way, taking the risk just to see him, stirred something inside—a sense of reassurance that made it easier to let down his guard.

His and Dunk's shoulders were pressed close, Dunk's left hand hidden under the table behind Joong's right shoulder as they both leaned in to look at the phone. Dunk's mom couldn't see his hand from that angle, which allowed him to slide his fingers slowly up and down Joong's thigh, a touch discreet yet undeniably bold. Joong tried to keep his composure, but the thrill of Dunk's touch made his breath hitch, the moment both unexpected and electrifying.

A few minutes later, Joong excused himself and went to the restroom. Dunk didn't wait long before following him. "Actually, I need to go too," he said.

Joong was alone when Dunk entered. Dunk walked up and gently pushed him against the wall. "Dunk, what if someone comes in? What are you doing?"

"There aren't any other male guests here right now, and the staff have their own restroom," Dunk replied, already wrapping his right arm around Joong's neck and his left around his waist.

"Dunk..." Joong breathed, his eyes pleading for a kiss.

Dunk moved closer, brushing his lips softly against Joong's from left to right before tugging at his bottom lip. The move was subtle yet possessive, making Joong's knees weak. This time Joong was completely under Dunk's control.

Their kiss was slow but perfectly in sync, tongues exploring deeply, moving in a rhythmic push and pull. Fingers traced along each other's jawlines. Dunk, momentarily lost in the thrill of kissing Joong so openly where they could get caught, felt his doubts and fears dissolve. The risk only heightened their sensations, making everything feel sharper, more intense. It was hard to stop, but finally, they pulled back in unison, realizing they had to return. Dunk rested his forehead against Joong's and whispered, "I'll miss you in Osaka."

Those simple words made Joong's heart flutter. It meant Dunk was slowly giving in to his feelings, and Joong knew he had to keep the momentum going without letting Dunk down.

Dunk returned to the table first. "Where's Joong?" Dunk's mom asked.

"He's having some stomach issues. Do you have any medicine on you?" Dunk asked.

Joong entered the room with an exaggeratedly weak expression.

"Oh, poor boy. Taking the exam and the busy schedule must have given you too much stress. Here, take this," Dunk's mom said, handing him the medicine.

They finished dinner with casual conversation and Joong saw them off to the parking lot. As Dunk's mom stepped into the driver's seat, Dunk opened the door to get in. At that moment, Joong touched Dunk's hand, fingers lingering in a silent exchange before finally letting go, both feeling excited for when they'd see each other again.