Chapter Text
“Here’s to finally getting some free time to hang out with friends.” Off raises his glass with a huge smile to go with it.
Dunk, Phuwin, Pond, and Gun all raise their glasses to toast and join in celebrating friendship, simple but good times like these and making memories. It’s been exhausting for all of them the past few months trying to work out their schedules in such a way that they can all hang out together just once before the year ends. Finally the universe has heard their plea and allowed them this one night to catch up, drink and laugh together. There is a lot to be said about how everyone at the table feels alive again just being able to socialise like this.
They all take huge mouthfuls out of their glasses of beer and take turns swooning in enjoyment. They are hanging out at a picnic-themed rooftop bar.
Dunk is sitting next to Gun on one bench, across the wooden picnic table from Off, Phuwin and Pond who are sitting on the opposite bench.
“Beer has never tasted sweeter.” Pond whoops
“That’s the taste of happiness, my friend.” Dunk responds and puts his glass down. “It sucks a little though that I’m still the only single guy at this table while you guys move in pairs like the stupid romantic couples that you are.” There is a tiny smile on his face which spells out that despite his grousing, he loves the warm relationships that his friends have found.
“I’m sorry, man.” Phuwin tells Dunk, his smile suggesting that he’s sincerely apologetic. “We don’t mean to make you feel like a third-wheel.”
“Don’t sweat it, Phuwin.” Dunk waves a dismissive hand. “I became friends with you and Pond after you’d already got together. Let’s not mention P’Gun and P’Off who’ve been together for several centuries now.” he chortles at his own final remark
Off grins proudly, “You know you wish you had what we have.”
Dunk sighs and nods, not ashamed to admit how envious he is.
“That’s exactly what you’ll be saying about me and Phuwin when we’re disgustingly and happily married many years from now.” Pond says and glances softly at Phuwin as he slings an arm around his shoulders. “You make me happy.” He whispers to just Phuwin.
Phuwin blinks a few times at Pond before tearing his gaze away and quickly picking up his drink to hide his blush behind it. For all the effort Phuwin puts into seeming immune to how cheesy his boyfriend can be sometimes, Phuwin really sucks at trying not to blush. Once upon a time he cringed so hard at Pond’s brand of romance, but that feels like a whole lifetime ago now since Phuwin has become accustomed to it now and even grown to love it about Pond.
Dunk growls in protest of the romance unfolding at the table when he witnesses Pond kisses Phuwin’s cheek. “I need a bigger drink.”
“Don’t despair, Dunk. Your baby should be here any second now.” Off informs.
Dunk’s eyebrows knit in confusion, missing the reference at first. Then he suddenly gets it and groans, rolling his eyes so hard that his temples are left throbbing from it. “Don’t tell me you invited him.”
“We couldn’t not invite Joong. He’d feel bad.” Pond explains. “We work closely with him.”
“I hate it when you’re sensible.” Dunk grumbles, taking another sip of his drink. A sip turns into him nearly downing the entirety of what’s left.
“Joong could be good for you, Dunk.” Gun says offhandedly, briefly glancing at his boyfriend as if to confirm his point. Off nods at Gun in assent, and Gun considers that as the green light to continue stressing his point to Dunk. “He’s playful and you’re uptight. It fits.”
“I’m not uptight.” Dunk refutes and a guffaw escapes Phuwin, who earns himself a glare from Dunk.
Phuwin throws his palm over his mouth like he regrets the noise he’s just made, and then he inclines his head to one side, regarding Dunk with raised eyebrows. “You can’t deny it, man.”
“I’m a serious person, not uptight.”
“Same difference.” Off mutters
“It’s not.” Dunk snaps, refusing to go down without a fight.
“Joong is a decent guy aside from all the….over-the-top-ness. Give him a chance.” Pond implores with one side of his mouth quirked up in a small smile that makes it hard for Dunk to know whether he is being serious or just teasing. “Some would even consider him attractive.”
Dunk takes a moment to give some thought to this before speaking up again.
Yes he is very much aware that in fact Joong is an attractive guy. Within the course of the few months they’ve known each other for, Joong has romantically pursued Dunk tirelessly with cheesy romantic lines, Over-the-top romantic gestures, weird jokes, and an amazingly relentless level of skin ship.
Dunk and Joong paired up as lovers for a TV show that turned out to be a hit apparently because of their amazing portrayal of amazing on-screen chemistry. There was a lot of kissing and touching while filming; and while most actors would leave that sort of close proximity with a co-star on the set of a production, Joong carried on with that affection towards Dunk well after filming and promotions ended.
Sometimes Joong’s sweet gestures are actually thoughtful and other times just some random shit Joong comes up with to apparently get Dunk to loosen up a bit and smile.
Whenever Dunk came close to feeling moved by some gesture in the past, Joong was quick to do something stupid and those warm feelings in Dunk’s chest would quickly dissolve into irritation and exasperation.
All of Joong’s nonsense has never kept Dunk from taking notice of how gorgeous Joong is. In Dunk’s opinion, Joong possesses some pretty good personality traits like his hard-working nature, his kind heart and how smart and industrious he actually is. He has this irresistible natural charm and warmth about him that draws people to himself.
Joong is a great singer and this only enhances his allure.
Physically, physically, Dunk unfortunately has too much knowledge of how sexy Joong is, thanks to the romantic and bedroom scenes they had to film together.
Dunk has experienced for himself how strong and capable Joong’s broad shoulders are, has had the opportunity to leisurely trace his hands along the firm ridges of Joong’s abs. Dunk will probably never forget how good of a kisser Joong is, the exact texture of Joong’s lips and what they felt like against his own, their taste on his tongue.
Dunk even has rather intimate knowledge of how smooth Joong’s caramel skin feels against his own, and of what it’s like to run his fingers through Joong’s thick, silky strands of hair.
Dunk knows too well how enchanting it can be to look straight into Joong’s honest, expressive soulful eyes; how heart-warming his big goofy smile is. It’s the kind of smile that can turn a frown upside down. Dunk remembers forgetting to breathe the first time he saw Joong’s stunning smile.
That’s a secret Dunk will take to his grave.
In a nutshell, Joong is the full package- sweet, sincere, handsome and sexy. The problem is that Joong is also rambunctious, insufferably flirtatious, and excessive with his physical affection- all qualities that Dunk finds off-putting in a romantic partner. Dunk prefers to date people that have a calm and reserved personality like himself.
“I don’t deny the fact that Joong is attractive.” Dunk points out. “I’m just not attracted to him.”
“That’s not the vibe I get whenever you two disappear to some place to hang out just the two of you.” Phuwin sing-songs with a a huge grin on his face and this look that makes him look like he knows something no one else at this table knows; not even Dunk.
Dunk frowns, eying Phuwin suspiciously “For the last time, we were reciting our scripts.”
“Each time?” Pond presses.
“Okay so we also chat here and there. We’re co-stars for heaven’s sake.”
Gun joins the conversation, his tone quiet when he asks, “How do you explain the excessive fan service?”
Dunk gives Gun a look that says, you’re-one-to-talk. “It’s no more excessive than yours and P’Off’s.”
“Yeah but we’re dating in real life so….”
Dunk opens and closes his mouth a few times with his entire chest, ready to fire back, but as life would have it, Gun’s attack against Dunk is just about as effective and disarming as pulling the fangs out of a snake’s mouth. Dunk has no sharp retorts left in his arsenal, so he clamps his mouth shut and takes a huge swig of his beer.
All his friends laugh at the defeated look on his face. He huffs and pouts indignantly.
As if on cue, Joong arrives.
“Hi everyone. Sorry I’m late.” Joong says to everyone and makes room for himself to sit between Dunk and Gun so he can sit closer than necessary to Dunk.
“It’s cool. We just started.” Phuwin waves off Joong’s apology and opens a beer for him, handing it over afterwards.
“Thanks.” Joong takes the bottle from Phuwin with a grateful smile.
“I’m glad you could make it, Joong.” Off tells Joong and then smiles wolfishly at Dunk who rolls his eyes and looks away.
Joong throws his arm across Dunk’s shoulders. “Hi baby.” He croons at him and kisses him on the cheek to claim his attention.
Dunk turns his head to look at Joong and mutter dryly, “Hi.”
Joong looks fantastic tonight, Dunk silently appreciates, wondering if he’s ever seen a mere t-shirt and jeans combo look this good on someone.
“You’re drinking beer tonight?” Joong observes. “Aren’t you worried your face will swell up in the morning?”
“My schedule is free this weekend.”
“What does your schedule look like this weekend, Joong?” Pond asks
“It’s my first free weekend in ages.”
“Well, isn’t’ that just a brilliant coincidence?!” a huge smile spreads across Pond’s face as his gaze slides repeatedly back and forth between Dunk and Joong. He only stops when Dunk pins him with a disapproving glower.
“Maybe the two of you should hang out.” Gun becomes the one to voice out what everyone at the table is thinking.
Joong takes this opportunity to pounce on Dunk with an offer. “I’m going skateboarding this weekend. You wanna come?”
Dunk’s face brightens and his eyes twinkle with interest, losing his defences for a moment. “I’ve always wanted to go to those places to take cool pictures.”
“I’ll do you one better. I can teach you to skate.”
“You skate?” Dunk’s eyes widen marginally in awe of Joong.
Joong nods. “Afterwards we can go to that music store you liked so much. I called in and they said they now have the Fleetwood Mac Vinyl record you wanted.”
Dunk can’t hide his excitement, “No way! I’ve waited for ever. Do you suppose they have the Talking Heads record you wanted?”
“I didn’t ask but we can find out together tomorrow.”
“Okay. The police are awesome by the way. I can’t wait for your next recommendation. All this oldies music you have me listening to is not bad at all.”
Joong smiles victoriously, “Did you try The sex pistols and Styx?”
“I did. They’re both a little too over-the-top for me.”
“The crazy thing is that I know exactly what you mean by that.” Joong chortles, seemingly unbothered by the fact that Dunk didn’t enjoy everything he recommended.
Dunk finds himself smiling back at Joong as he recalls how much fun they had together at that music store. Joong is staring back at him and their gazes lock.
Someone clears their throat, slicing through the moment.
Dunk clears his throat, mildly embarrassed when he catches Pond and Phuwin looking his way with twin smirks on their faces. Dunk got carried away, forgetting him and Joong aren’t alone at the table.
“I’ll take it the two of your will be hanging out together tomorrow.” Phuwin says to Dunk and Joong. “Awesome. I’d join if I could but you know…I don’t want to.”
Pond guffaws at his boyfriend’s remark. “Yeah, you’d just be in the way.”
“What are you guys doing for the weekend?” Dunk tosses the question at his friends, desperate to divert attention from himself.
As everyone shares their plans, the conversation takes a more general direction with everyone sharing work experiences and work gossip since work is what they all have in common. Sometimes this or that person throws a personal story into the mix.
Eventually, Joong starts talking to just Dunk, asking about Dunk's work, how his parents and pups are doing. Joong even asks Dunk to show him some recent pictures of his fury friends. Since the conversation touches on things dear to Dunk's heart, it becomes very easy for him to let his defences down once again and comfortably indulge Joong. Without realising it, he starts asking about the recent highlights of Joong's life as well out of genuine interest because returning Joong’s concern and courtesy is what feels natural.
Minutes tick by during which he gets completely lost in Joong's company and forgets yet again that they are not alone.
Dunk forgot how good Joong is at hogging his attention, easily pulling him into light conversation that's just interesting enough to keep him hooked; and once he's hooked, he loses focus on anything and everything else, stepping into another world where only Joong, himself, their conversation and their laughter exists.
When their friends yank them out of that world once again, Dunk is left feeling mildly irritated by it- having to share Joong’s attention- much to his surprise.
“Do you guys want to go dancing?” Gun suggests. By now he has left his seat next to Joong and gone to squeeze in next to Off.
“Sounds great.” Joong says and turns to Dunk then casually gives him with a gentle kiss on the side of the mouth.
As Joong leans away with a smug smile on his face, Dunk just stares at him speechlessly, tired at this point of rebuking Joong every time about that.
“No reaction?” Phuwin asks no one in particular, drawing Dunk’s attention to himself and at this point Dunk realises that everyone at the table is staring at him, waiting to see what he’ll do next.
They’re traces of amusement on Off’s face as he says to Dunk, “He’s finally broken you.”
“What do you mean, Phi?” Dunk asks Off
“There was a time when you used to smack Joong whenever he kissed you.” Off answers.
“These days Dunk just looks skywards asking the gods for strength.” Gun teases Dunk, blatantly laughing at him.
“It’s a lovely night we’re all having and I don’t want to ruin it for everyone by getting angry.” Dunk explains hoping it’s enough to convince his friends.
“Or I broke you.” Joong counters Dunk’s argument without taking his eyes off him.
“And you, stop kissing me!” Dunk reproves Joong with a cutting look.
Joong infuriatingly persists with smiling affectionately at Dunk like he hasn’t just been admonished at all.
“You look nice tonight by the way.” Joong remarks, voice tone soft and kind while he’s regarding Dunk with much interest through loving eyes.
“Whatever.” Dunk mutters awkwardly and shrugs Joong’s arm off his shoulders.
By the time Dunk abandons his beer to have some whisky and vodka as well, he ends up getting just drunk enough and in too good of a mood to protest when Joong hugs his waist from the side and rests his chin on Dunk’s shoulder; when Joong feeds him snacks; When Joong randomly hugs him for no apparent reason; when Joong slings an arm around Dunk as they sing karaoke together; when Joong tightly hugs his waist and kisses his neck as they dance together; and when Joong kisses his cheek or pats his sweat dry for him.
Amidst all the eye-rolling and scolding he’s directing at Joong, there is a tender and lingering smile on Dunk's lips the entire time.
The night overall is a huge success with everyone having a lot of fun. At one point the couples that are dating pair up and disappear to have some romantic alone time somewhere, leaving Joong and Dunk alone at the table.
Dunk spends that time dozing off on Joong’s chest as the alcohol in his system takes effect. He is seated with one leg on either side of the bench, leaning his back against Joong who is seated in basically the same position, hugging Dunk’s waist from behind.
Dunk feels Joong’s lips brush gently against the shell of his ear and a delighted purr slips passed Dunk’s lips. He’s far too drunk at this point to realise what he’s doing. It feels like he’s floating on a cloud, swaying gently, safe and warm and content to be right where he is.
Sooner or later everyone becomes too drunk to continue having fun together so they decide to call it a night.
As they are walking away from their table, Dunk randomly stumbles, nearly falling on his face but thankfully Off catches him.
"I'm okay. I'm okay." Dunk slurs, patting Off thankfully on the arm. "I'm going to head to the bathroom first."
"Can you manage on your own?" Phuwin asks. His voice sounds so far off to Dunk. To be fair, none of Dunk's senses are not in tip top shape right now thanks to the combination of beer, whisky and vodka he's had tonight. His head is spinning, his movements are just barely coordinated, and his vision is as blurry as it gets
To put it accurately, Dunk has just enough left in him to get home right before the inevitable passing-out occurs.
"Okay." Dunk responds uncertainly, actually trying to recall what the question even is.
Joong comes up and encircles Dunk firmly in his arms, steadying him on his feet.
"I'll take Dunk to the restroom then help him get home safely." Joong says to the group
Dunk attempts to petulantly wriggle out of Joong’s arms, but the hold doesn’t budge in the slightest at Dunk’s effort. Dunk’s foggy mind wonders whether his drunkenness has just made him super weak right now or Joong is just that strong.
Dunk thinks it’s so sexy how strong and fit Joong is. This ignites a fire in the pit of his belly and it quickly spreads through his chest until he starts to feel hot all over, especially on his face. The beat of his heart accelerates.
"I'll find my own way." Dunk puts in.
"Not when you’re this drunk.” Joong calmly and patiently reasons. “I'll take care of you."
"I'm trusting you with him, Joong." Pond laughingly says
"Sure. You guys can go."
Oh hell, Dunk has a feeling this is a very bad idea