Chaos Theory

Joong (pressing the elevator button, clearly impatient)

His phone buzzed
"Hello? Yes, Mom? I'm a little busy right now-"

Joong's Mom (light and amused):
"Well, don't be too busy. I personally and very safely delivered your very charming friend Dunk to your dorm building."

Joong (blinking, confused):
"Wait-what? Dunk? You were with Dunk?"

Joong's Mom (teasingly):
"Mhm. We had a lovely evening. Though he did fall asleep after-oh, just nine drinks."

Joong (shocked):
"Nine?! You let him drink that much? He is still recovering"

Joong's Mom (laughs softly):
"Oh darling, I didn't let him. He did it with full confidence like filling a fuel tank. Don't worry-he's just a little tipsy and quite adorable, actually. You should see the way he clutches his chips."

Joong (rubbing his forehead):
"Mom..."

Joong's Mom (warmly):
"He should be arriving at the dorm any moment. Consider this a small favor. Goodnight, sweetheart."

The call ends. Joong sighs and steps into the elevator.

Joong rushed down the dormitory hallway, the echo of his hurried footsteps bouncing off the quiet walls. As he reached the main entrance, he skidded to a stop.

Two broad-shouldered men in black suits stood like statues, their backs straight and their presence impossible to ignore. They turned simultaneously, as if rehearsed. And there-between them-was Dunk.

Or rather, Dunk, peacefully asleep in the arms of one of the bodyguards, carried in a perfect bridal style, his cheek smushed slightly against the man's chest, clutching a half-crushed snack bag like it was a life-saving relic. The second bodyguard, far too unfazed by the situation, had Dunk's small white sling bag slung neatly over his own shoulder.

Joong blinked.
Once.
Twice.

Joong (flatly):
"What... am I looking at?"

The bodyguard carrying Dunk adjusted his grip slightly, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy.

Bodyguard (stoic):
"Delivery from Madam Rojanaprasert, sir."

Joong (rubbing his temple):
"I asked her not to interfere."

Other Bodyguard (shrugs, holding out Dunk's bag):
"She said you'd say that."

Joong sighed as he looked at Dunk again-face serene, lashes casting shadows on his cheeks, snack crumbs on his sweater.

Joong sighed, long and low, rubbing the back of his neck before stepping forward.

Joong:
"I'll take care of it from here."

One of the guards nodded silently and handed over Dunk's white sling bag. Joong slung it over his own shoulder-mildly annoyed at how it looked way too natural on him-and then moved to gently take Dunk from the bodyguard's arms.

But Dunk wasn't letting go that easily.

Even in his half-asleep state, Dunk's fingers were curled tightly into the collar of the guard's suit, clutching it like a kitten refusing to be moved. Joong blinked once, then let out a soft, dry laugh under his breath.

Joong (muttering):
"Seriously? Even in your sleep, you're this clingy?"

Patiently, Joong reached out and began to loosen Dunk's grip-one finger at a time.

Joong (quietly, almost tender):
"Let go, dunk...."

It took effort, but he eventually peeled Dunk's fingers away and carefully scooped him into his own arms. Dunk sighed softly in his sleep, unconsciously nuzzling closer, still gripping his snack bag like it was his last treasure on Earth.

The bodyguards gave a final, polite bow and turned to leave-silent shadows vanishing down the hallway.

And Joong stood there, holding this sleepy, slightly drunk, snack-hugging boy in his arms, dressed in their shared dorm hoodie, with crumbs on his lips and the softest expression on his face.

Joong (to himself, shaking his head with a faint smirk):
"What am I even doing..."

Joong stepped into the elevator, the "SENIORS ONLY" sign gleaming faintly on the brushed metal. The elevator hummed to life as he pressed the button for Floor 52-the very top.

Dunk was still fast asleep in his arms, his cheek resting against Joong's shoulder, hair a soft mess and fingers tightly clutching his snack bag like a lifeline.

The doors opened with a gentle chime.

Joong stepped out into a warm golden glow. The penthouse spread out before him-vast and quiet, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows revealing the sprawling city bathed in moonlight. The sleek pool reflected both the deep blue sky and amber lighting, giving the space an ethereal, dreamlike hue.

He made his way through the quiet space and entered a nearby guest room.

Lowering himself with practiced gentleness, Joong carefully laid Dunk down on the bed. The soft mattress embraced Dunk immediately-he sank into it like the Titanic slipping beneath the ocean, hoodie wrapping around him like a cloud. His breathing was slow, steady. Peaceful.

Joong stayed kneeling beside the bed, looking down at the boy. His eyes trailed from Dunk's furrowed brows to the curve of his lips still faintly pink from the wine.

He noticed Dunk's hand was still clutching the snack bag, even in sleep.

Joong (quietly):
"You and that bag..."

Smiling just a little, he reached out and slowly uncurled Dunk's fingers-one by one, like peeling open a fragile flower. Once free, Joong gently set the snack bag on the bedside table and tugged the blanket over Dunk.

He lingered for a second, eyes soft.

Then he whispered-more to himself than to Dunk ;
"Sleep well."

Thank you for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts-please leave a comment below. Stay healthy and take care!

<3