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The hotel room was quiet in a way that felt too sudden, too stark a contrast after hours of screaming fans, bright lights, and the chaotic buzz of the Manila fanmeeting.
Joong let himself fall back onto the plush bed, exhaling hard. His limbs were still loose from adrenaline, his cheeks still a little warm from the way the crowd reacted to that moment on stage.
Dunk. On one knee. Hand outstretched. Like he meant it.
Joong groaned and rolled onto his stomach, muffling his face into a pillow. “You’re such a menace,” he muttered.
Across the room, Dunk was still taking off his jacket, calm as ever. “Huh?”
Joong lifted his head, eyes narrowed. “You. The proposal pose. What was that? You got way too into it.”
Dunk’s smile was innocent, annoyingly so. “It was part of the game.”
“You were so serious,” Joong accused, flipping onto his back. “You had the eye contact. The hand. You even leaned in.”
Dunk shrugged. “I commit to the bit.”
Joong wanted to laugh. He didn’t.
Instead, he sat up and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. Instagram already had clips. Twitter was losing its mind.
"WHY DID DUNK LOOK SO SERIOUS WHEN HE PROPOSED 😭💍"
"JOONG’S FACE WHEN HE REALIZED OMG"
"Tell me that wasn't real. I dare you."
Joong didn’t retweet. He didn’t even like the posts.
He stared at one of the clips, thumb hovering over the screen. Dunk, in that crisp white shirt, dropping to one knee and holding Joong’s hand like he’d done it a thousand times before. Not smirking. Not teasing. Just looking at him. Soft. Steady.
It was supposed to be a joke. But something about it hadn’t been funny.
He looked up. Dunk was at the minibar, pouring them both water like nothing had happened. Like he hadn’t just turned Joong’s whole chest inside out in front of thousands.
“Do you-” Joong started, then stopped.
Dunk glanced over. “Hmm?”
“Never mind.”
He’d ask later. Maybe.
Or maybe he’d let it go, like he always did.
----
The water glass felt cool and heavy in Joong’s hand, but his fingers barely registered the sensation. His eyes stayed fixed on Dunk, who moved with that calm, effortless grace that always made Joong’s heart skip, no matter how many times they shared a room.
Dunk now leaned against the minibar, his crisp white shirt slightly rumpled from the day’s events, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the lean strength of his forearms. The soft light from the bedside lamp hit his cheekbones just right, casting a gentle glow that made him look almost ethereal. Joong’s breath caught unexpectedly.
"Actually... Dunk-"
Joong took a slow, steadying breath, trying to quiet the nervous flutter in his stomach.
“Do you ever play for real?” His voice broke the silence. Low and unsteady, betraying the careful control he usually kept. “Or is everything always just an act?”
Dunk’s eyes flicked up, sharp and clear, as if weighing every word before answering. “Depends on what you mean.”
Joong bit his lip, suddenly aware of how loud his heartbeat was in his ears. “Like, when you went down on one knee on stage. Was that really just for the fans? Or was it... something you wanted?
Dunk’s smile was small, almost secretive. “I don’t do anything halfway.”
That sentence settled in Joong’s chest like a stone, heavy and impossible to ignore. Because it was true. Dunk wasn’t one to half-step. Whether it was acting, or their relationship. Everything Dunk did carried weight. Even if it looked effortless on the surface.
Joong swallowed hard. “So... that wasn’t just a joke.”
“No.” Dunk’s voice was softer now, quieter, like he was letting Joong in on a truth meant only for him. “It never is.”
Joong’s fingers tightened around his glass, knuckles whitening. The room seemed to shrink, the air thick with things unsaid. He wanted to reach out, to touch Dunk, to say everything he’d been holding inside for so long but the words tangled up and escaped him.
“Do you think the fans would notice if we actually-” Joong hesitated, searching Dunk’s face for any sign of doubt, “-if this wasn’t just for show?”
Dunk’s gaze softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I think they’d be happier if it was.”
Joong’s throat tightened, a fragile smile ghosting on his lips. “Me too.”
A comfortable silence settled between them, but it was charged, humming with possibility. Dunk shifted closer, the space between them narrowing until Joong could feel the warmth radiating from his skin. The faint scent of Dunk’s cologne, something woodsy and clean filled Joong’s senses, grounding him in the moment.
Without thinking, Dunk reached out, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair away from Joong’s forehead. The touch was light but deliberate, and it sent a jolt straight to Joong’s heart.
The quiet intimacy of the gesture broke something open inside him. Joong leaned into it, resting his head on Dunk’s shoulder, and suddenly the noise of the day, the chaos of the fans, the flashing cameras... all of it melted away.
“I’ve been waiting for you to say it” Joong whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Dunk’s smile was soft, warm, the kind of smile that made Joong feel like he belonged somewhere. Like he belonged right here, with him. “Good,” Dunk said, voice low. “Because I’m not very good at waiting.”
Joong closed his eyes, letting himself believe that maybe this time, the moment wasn’t just a game. Maybe this time, it was real.
The quiet between them lingered for a beat longer before Dunk straightened up, pushing off from the minibar with a small, teasing smile.
“Alright,” he said, voice light but firm. “Get ready. Dress well. We’re going out for dinner.”
Joong blinked, surprised. “Dinner? Now?”
Dunk nodded, already heading to the closet. “Yeah. No more waiting around. I want to take you somewhere nice. Somewhere just for us.”
Joong’s heart skipped, and he pushed himself off the bed. “Okay, okay. I’ll get ready.”
They moved around the room in comfortable rhythm. Joong pulling on a fresh shirt and jacket, while Dunk straightened his collar and ran a hand through his hair.
Before they headed out, Dunk crouched down by the door and pulled out a familiar pair of sleek black shoes. The couple shoes he always brought with him whenever they traveled.
“Couple shoes,” Dunk said with a grin, holding one pair out to Joong.
Joong smiled, sliding his feet into the shoes he knew so well. “You brought these all the way from home?”
Dunk shrugged, a little proud. “Of course. Some things are worth the extra luggage.”
Joong laughed softly, slipping his feet into his matching pair. “You’re such a dork.”
“Only the best for us,” Dunk replied, slipping on his own.
They exchanged a look, quiet and full of everything words couldn’t say before stepping out into the Manila night, leaving the noise behind to just be together.
----
Joong glanced sideways at Dunk, lacing his fingers with his. “So... where are we going exactly?” he asked, curiosity bubbling under his calm tone.
Dunk shot him a sly smile, eyes sparkling with mischief. “That’s a surprise. You’ll see.”
Joong raised an eyebrow, nudging Dunk’s shoulder lightly. “Come on, I need at least a hint. Are we talking fancy? Casual? Something with good food or just somewhere quiet?”
Dunk chuckled, his grip tightening just a little. “Let’s just say, it’s a place that knows how to make the perfect dinner for us.”
Joong smiled, the secretive vibe making his chest flutter. “Alright, Mr. Mysterious. Lead the way.”
As they stepped into the elevator, Dunk pressed the button, then leaned closer, voice low enough only for Joong. “Just trust me.”
Joong nodded, heart pounding with excitement. Not just for the meal, but for the night ahead with Dunk.
Outside the hotel, the warm Manila air wrapped around them as they stepped into a waiting cab. Dunk settled into the seat first, patting the spot beside him with a grin that made Joong’s stomach twist in the best way.
Joong climbed in, buckling up and shooting Dunk a curious look. “So, should I be expecting a fancy dinner or a wild adventure?”
Dunk just smiled, reaching into his bag. “Maybe both.”
Before Joong could respond, Dunk pulled out a small bouquet of deep red roses, the petals soft and fresh. He held them out with a flourish, like a magician revealing his final trick.
Joong blinked, momentarily stunned. “Roses? Now?”
Dunk’s grin widened. “For you. Thought you might like a little something to go with dinner.”
Joong scratched the back of his head, utterly oblivious. “Are we... celebrating something? Because I didn’t get the memo.”
Dunk’s eyes twinkled as he handed over the flowers. “Maybe you’ll figure it out tonight.”
Joong took the roses, still clueless but charmed all the same. He tucked them beside him on the seat and buckled up tighter, the city lights flickering past the window as the cab pulled away.
Dunk watched him quietly, a secret smile playing on his lips. Joong really had no idea.
The cab rolled smoothly through Manila’s glowing streets, the city lights casting fleeting patterns across their faces. Joong glanced over at Dunk, still holding the roses like they were a precious secret.
“So, are the crew coming to dinner too?” Joong asked casually, trying to keep his tone light but genuinely curious.
Dunk smirked, sliding a glance Joong’s way. “Nope. Just us tonight.”
Joong raised an eyebrow. “Really? No cameras, no fans, no distractions?”
“Exactly.” Dunk’s voice dipped a little, the tease unmistakable. “Just you... and me.”
Joong felt a flutter. A mix of nerves and something warm blooming in his chest. “Sounds like you’re trying to make this night special.”
“Maybe I am.” Dunk’s smile was slow, deliberate, and his fingers brushed briefly against Joong’s hand resting on his leg. “You deserve special.”
Joong caught the touch, heart speeding up, and matched Dunk’s grin. “Well, I’m definitely intrigued now.”
Dunk’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Good. Because the night’s just getting started.”
Shortly after, the cab slowed to a stop in front of a sleek, upscale restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. Warm amber lights spilled out from tall windows, casting a golden glow onto the sidewalk. Elegant lanterns hung from trees lining the entrance, flickering softly in the evening breeze.
Dunk stepped out first, holding the door open with a gentleman’s grace. Joong followed, still clutching the roses, his breath catching at the sight before him.
Inside, the restaurant was an oasis of calm sophistication. Soft jazz melodies drifting through the air, candles flickering on every table, and rich mahogany accents giving the room an intimate warmth. The scent of fresh herbs and roasted garlic teased their senses.
A hostess greeted them with a gentle smile and led them through the dimly lit dining room to a secluded table near the back, draped in crisp white linen and adorned with a small bouquet of fresh flowers. Two wine glasses shimmered beside elegant silverware, waiting to be filled.
Dunk slid into the seat opposite Joong, his eyes never leaving Joong’s face. The soft candlelight danced across his features, making him look almost ethereal.
Joong’s fingers found Dunk’s across the table, their hands intertwining naturally.
“This is... really nice,” Joong murmured, voice low and full of awe.
Dunk’s smile was slow and certain, like he’d planned every moment just for this. “Only the best for you.”
The waiter appeared then, but Joong barely noticed, too caught up in the quiet electricity pulsing between them.
Outside, the city buzzed on, but here, in their little corner of the world, time seemed to slow... leaving just the two of them, the soft glow of candlelight, and the promise of a night neither would forget.
The waiter poured their wine with practiced elegance, the ruby liquid catching the candlelight as it swirled in their glasses. Joong lifted his, their eyes meeting over the rim in a shared smile before their lips touched the cool glass.
The menu lay forgotten between them, their attention caught up in the space they made for each other.
“So,” Joong began, voice soft but teasing, “are you going to keep playing mysterious all night? Or will I get some answers?”
Dunk’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Depends. What kind of answers do you want?”
Joong leaned in slightly, the warmth of the candlelight framing his face. “The kind that don’t come with a script.”
Dunk’s smile softened, losing its edge. “You really want the truth?”
Joong nodded, heart hammering just a little harder.
Dunk reached across the table, fingers brushing the back of Joong’s hand. “Then here it is. Every joke, every pose, every moment... it’s all for you. Not the fans, not the cameras. You’re the one I want to surprise.”
Joong swallowed, warmth blooming in his chest like the roses resting beside his plate. “You’re full of surprises.”
“Only the best for us.” Dunk murmured, voice low and sure.
Joong scanned the menu lazily, legs stretched under the table where they bumped against Dunk’s. He didn’t pull back.
“You always choose for both of us,” Joong murmured, glancing up with a fond smile. “Are you doing that again tonight, Mr. Confident?”
Dunk grinned and didn’t even look at the menu. “Obviously. You always say you want a bite of mine and then end up eating half.”
Joong snorted. “Because you always pick the better dish.”
“No,” Dunk said smoothly, “you just like being spoiled.”
Joong arched an eyebrow, pretending to pout. “Is that so?”
Dunk leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make Joong’s skin prickle. “You love it when I take care of you.”
Joong rolled his eyes, but his cheeks were flushing warm. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Dunk chuckled, low and affectionate, and reached across the table to tuck a strand of hair behind Joong’s ear. “Flirting back already? We haven’t even had appetizers.”
They ended up ordering their favorites. Grilled salmon and creamy truffle pasta, with a couple small shared plates in between. When the food came, Joong instinctively leaned in to take a forkful from Dunk’s plate without asking. Dunk smirked and held the fork steady for him, feeding him directly.
“See?” Dunk said smugly. “Called it.”
Joong chewed, eyes narrowing playfully. “You’re so annoying.”
“You love me annoying.”
They shared bites of each other’s dishes, exchanged sips of wine from each other’s glasses, and laughed too easily over inside jokes no one else would ever understand. Every now and then, Dunk would reach out just to graze his knuckles along Joong’s arm or squeeze his hand under the table. Joong didn’t pull away once.
“You’re staring,” Joong said, lips quirking as he caught Dunk watching him mid-bite.
“I always stare,” Dunk replied easily. “You’re kind of hard to ignore.”
Joong ducked his head, bashful. “You’re being sweet. I don’t trust it.”
Dunk reached for his hand again, intertwining their fingers across the table. “Tonight’s not about trust. It’s about you letting me treat you the way I want to.”
Joong’s heart flipped, stupid and loud.
“Yeah?” he said softly.
“Yeah,” Dunk said, thumb brushing his skin. “So sit there, look pretty, and let me spoil you.”
The desserts arrived too quickly. A soft chocolate lava cake with mango sorbet. And of course they shared it with one spoon, laughing when Joong missed his mouth on purpose just so Dunk could wipe it off with a napkin and kiss the corner of his lips.
Their laughter was quiet but real, tangled up in each other’s gravity. There was something sacred about this small space carved out just for them. No scripts, no staff, no fans. Just Joong and Dunk and candlelight and warmth.
Joong leaned back in his chair, full and glowing, sipping the last of his wine. “Okay,” he murmured, eyes soft and teasing. “What’s next, surprise king?”
Dunk just smiled, slow and knowing, his fingers still resting in Joong’s lap beneath the table.
“You’ll see,” he whispered.
----
The rooftop was quiet when they stepped out the door.
Joong blinked as the doors slid open to reveal soft, golden fairy lights strung across the railings, casting a warm glow against the night sky. There were no other guests in sight. Just them, a private table with two empty wine glasses, and the glittering sprawl of Manila below.
The air was cooler up here, just breezy enough to tousle Joong’s hair as he stepped forward slowly, wide-eyed.
“Dunk…” he murmured. “What is this?”
Dunk didn’t answer right away. He just walked up beside him, his gaze fixed on the horizon, hands tucked in his pockets like he was trying to play it cool, even though Joong could feel the tension thrumming off of him.
“I just wanted some air,” Dunk said lightly, but there was that telltale edge in his voice. The one Joong always caught right before a scene got serious.
Joong turned toward him, eyebrows raised. “And the… fairy lights? And table for two with no one else here?”
Dunk gave a small, crooked smile. “Maybe I pulled a few strings.”
Joong looked at him. Really looked at him. “You rented the whole rooftop.”
“Maybe.”
Joong shook his head, still in disbelief. “You’re impossible.”
Dunk finally turned to face him fully. “But you like me that way.”
Before Joong could respond with another flirty quip, Dunk stepped closer. His hand reached out, gently brushing Joong’s wrist, grounding him.
“I meant what I said earlier,” Dunk said softly. “About not wanting to wait anymore.”
Joong’s heart started up again. Fast, fluttering, anxious.
“Wait for what?”
Dunk held his gaze, unwavering now. “For this.”
He pulled something small from the inside pocket of his jacket. A velvet box. Joong froze.
“No,” Joong breathed, suddenly breathless. “You’re not- are you- Dunk, what-!”
“I am.”
Dunk lowered himself to one knee.
Joong’s hands flew up to his mouth, eyes wide and glassy in the low light.
The city behind them sparkled, but it was nothing compared to the way Dunk looked up at him. Soft, sure, unshaken.
Joong’s breath left his lungs in a single, stunned rush.
The ring box was small, black velvet, almost understated. But the second it opened, the sparkle inside caught the light like starlight had been cut into a circle just for him.
“Dunk-”
“I know,” Dunk said, voice quiet but unwavering. “I know we didn’t plan this. I know we’ve never talked about it seriously. But I knew from the second you let me hold your hand without flinching. From the moment you let me in like no one else ever has.”
Joong’s eyes were wide, glassy, lips trembling.
“I love you,” Dunk continued, eyes never leaving his. “And I want to keep choosing you. In private, in public, under stage lights or in hotel rooms, laughing or crying or doing nothing at all. I want this. You and me. Always.”
Joong opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
“Joong,” Dunk whispered. “Will you marry me?”
The rooftop fell utterly silent. Just the breeze. Just their breaths.
Then Joong laughed.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t mocking. It was soft, stunned, full of something fragile and blindingly full.
He dropped to his knees too, barely thinking, only moving and wrapped his arms around Dunk like his body had decided before his brain could.
“Yes,” Joong whispered into Dunk’s shoulder, voice cracking. “Yes. Of course I will.”
Dunk laughed too, arms closing tight around him, burying his face in Joong’s neck as they both shook a little from how much it was.
“You didn’t even look at the ring,” Dunk murmured, teasing.
Joong pulled back just enough to glance down. Then blinked. “You are... so extra.”
“Only for you.”
Joong wiped at his face with the back of his hand and nodded, still dazed. “God. You really did this.”
“I really did.”
And then Dunk slipped the ring onto Joong’s finger, trembling just slightly and kissed the back of his hand after. Joong watched him like he couldn’t believe he was real.
He leaned in, lips brushing Dunk’s with the softest sigh.
“You’re mine,” he whispered.
Dunk kissed him like a promise. “I always have been.”
The rooftop eventually faded behind them, though Joong glanced back more than once, like part of him couldn’t believe they were really leaving it. Leaving that moment.
But Dunk laced their fingers together, gentle and steady, and Joong followed without a word.
Down the elevator. Through the quiet restaurant. Out into the Manila night.
The air had cooled slightly, the city no longer buzzing like earlier but still alive in soft, flickering ways. A stray couple walked by holding hands. A streetlight blinked above them. A neon sign flickered at the corner.
“Come with me,” Dunk said, voice low and warm, still holding his hand.
“Where are we going now?” Joong asked, eyes still a little dreamy.
Dunk tilted his head toward a glowing cart across the street. “That guy’s been open all night. Local ice cream. I promised myself I’d take you there.”
Joong smiled, blinking back emotion. “We just got engaged and you want to celebrate with street ice cream?”
Dunk grinned. “Street ice cream and you in my arms tonight. Can you think of anything better?”
Joong let out a soft laugh. “No. Not really.”
They crossed the street slowly, still dazed and wrapped in something golden and delicate. The man at the cart greeted them with a sleepy smile, not recognizing them at all and somehow that made it even better.
Dunk ordered two cones. Joong’s with mango and vanilla. His with mango and coconut. They paid in cash. No cameras. No stylists. No crew.
Just them.
They sat on the curb nearby, feet barely touching the pavement, ice cream in hand and shoulders brushing.
For a long time, they didn’t say anything.
Joong leaned lightly against Dunk’s side, sighing as he took a bite of his cone. “You really surprised me tonight.”
“Good,” Dunk said, licking a drip off his thumb. “I was trying to be romantic.”
“You were ridiculous,” Joong murmured. “You rented a rooftop.”
“You said yes.”
Joong looked down at the ring on his finger still catching city light, still surreal. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I did.”
They shared a smile.
“I’m gonna post a picture,” Dunk said suddenly.
Joong blinked. “What, right now?”
“Not of the ring,” Dunk said. “Just of the ice cream. Just for us.”
Joong laughed and leaned into him more. “Make sure I look good.”
“You always do.”
Click.
The flash was off. The photo blurry. But it caught the moment. Two hands holding cones, their couple shoes just barely in the frame. No ring. No caption. Just soft proof of something big that had just begun.
----
Back in the hotel room, they changed into loose shirts and soft shorts. The world outside disappeared behind blackout curtains. The air conditioning hummed.
Joong crawled into bed first, flopping down and reaching for Dunk without hesitation. Dunk followed, slipping under the covers, pulling Joong in like he’d done it every night of his life.
They lay there chest to chest, legs tangled, breaths slow.
“Tell me it’s real,” Joong murmured, voice muffled against Dunk’s collarbone.
“It’s real,” Dunk whispered into his hair. “It’s so real.”
Joong shifted, pulling Dunk’s hand up between them to stare at the ring again. It still didn’t feel real. But it was. It was.
“You love me that much?” he asked, half-teasing, half-not.
Dunk smiled against his temple. “More.”
Joong leaned in, lips brushing Dunk’s neck, whispering, “Guess I’ll marry you then.”
“You already said yes,” Dunk murmured.
“Yeah,” Joong said, eyes fluttering shut, heart completely full. “And I meant it.”
They drifted off like that. Close. Safe. Completely theirs.
Outside, Manila kept glowing.
Inside, love held steady. Quiet, constant, sure.