Episode 20

They both sat there, frozen in place, not knowing how to react to what had just happened. The surprise of it lingered, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence. Neither of them had expected this—a revelation neither was ready for.

Finally, it was Chen who broke the silence, his voice low and hesitant. I thought it was just me, he admitted, his eyes flickering toward Dunk. That I was the only one who felt this way.

Dunk looked down at his hands, his heart racing. Me too, he confessed, his words barely a whisper. I thought I was the only one who felt like this. I think maybe… maybe we should just forget about what happened earlier. It’s not something we’re supposed to feel.

Chen raised an eyebrow, turning his full attention to Dunk now. Why not? he asked softly. Everyone already knows about us.

Dunk blinked in surprise, his mind struggling to catch up. What? How? he asked, his voice cracking slightly. How would anyone know?

Chen’s lips curled into a bittersweet smile. Everyone knows that I have feelings for you, he said. But I never knew you felt the same. I only just figured it out, just now, when you…He trailed off.

Dunk’s chest tightened as he expressed his feelings. It’s been so hard to hide it, he said, his voice barely audible. I kept telling myself you wouldn’t feel the same. And then, I thought—what if my parents found out? What would they say?

Chen gently placed a finger against Dunk’s lips, quieting him. Shh… it’s alright, he whispered. They know. Your parents know. Everyone knows, Dunk. And they’re okay with it. So don’t worry.

Dunk felt a rush of emotions at Chen’s words. They know? But… but how? How did they all accept this so easily?

Chen leaned in, pulling Dunk closer to him, letting the warmth between them settle any remaining doubts. You think too much, he said, his voice gentle. When you’re with me, you don’t have to think so hard.

Dunk glanced up at him, still processing what Chen had said.

But seriously, when did you even start feeling this way? For a while, it felt like you wanted to throw daggers at me every time I opened my mouth, Chen asked surprised.

Dunk smiled, his gaze softening. That was just my way of showing affection, he said, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. At first, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t understand how I could fall for someone I barely knew. My mind kept telling me it was too soon, that it didn’t make sense. But my heart… it wouldn’t listen.

He paused, looking into Chen's eyes with a seriousness that made Chen's heart skip a beat. And you know what? You made me believe in love at first sight.

Chen felt a warm flush on his cheeks at the sincerity in Dunk's voice. You’re serious? You really think that?

Dunk nodded, a soft smile curving his lips. I do. And what about you? When did you start feeling this way? What was it that made you realize… I’m the one?

Chen let out a slow breath. For me… I think it was because you reminded me of someone, he admitted, his voice softening with vulnerability. Every time I saw you, I felt this pull, like I knew you from somewhere. And I couldn’t help but tease you, get under your skin. But that’s when I realize I was happy when I was with you.

He leaned closer to Dunk, I felt really happy when I found out you're my sunshine. And I knew… no matter what happened, no matter if you didn’t love me back or if our families didn’t accept us, I had already made up my mind. It was always going to be you.

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