❤️ Just a quick note: In this chapter, I'll be changing the point of view from Dunk's to ours, so it's easier for everyone to relate to the story. Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for understanding ☺️
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Late in the afternoon, he arrived at the office after taking care of the little one and dropping them off at the shop.

"We didn't say anything."

"Don't let me hear it. Has this guy found someone new lately?"

"Yes, someone with a minty scent. I just brought him in and left him in the storage downstairs."

"Give him to Mr. Jass."

"Yes, sir."

*Knock knock*

"JoongJoong."

It was Dunk. He brought some pastries for him.

"Why did you come over?"

"Well, you said you were craving sweets earlier, so I brought you some. What's wrong? Are you... in a meeting?"

"No. Are you coming in?"

"No, I just came to drop these off."

"Um... does it still hurt?"

"Huh? What?"

"I asked if it still hurts... here."

He pulled Dunk closer and gently hugged him, his hand resting on that soft little butt, making Dunk's face burn with embarrassment.

"Joong... you're being weird. Let go of me."

"I asked if it still hurts."

"St...ill a little."

"Then I'll bring you some medicine tonight."

"It's okay."

"Be good, no arguing. Now let's go eat."

He put the pastries away and took Dunk to a restaurant, even though they had already eaten earlier. After the meal, their shift was over, so he drove Dunk straight home at 10 p.m. He waited for him to shower and take his medicine before finally leaving...

*Phone rings*

[Hello?]

[Boss, I just saw a fresh one, smells really good. Around block X.]

[Block X? I'm nearby. Give me a description.]

[White shirt, open-toe sandals, heading into a convenience store.]

[Alright, I'm on my way.]

His underling had just gotten back from a delivery when he spotted a new target. Of course, he couldn't let that slip away. He quickly threw on a jacket and rushed out. Dunk came up from the kitchen and saw only his hurried silhouette. Worried something had happened, he quietly followed, though it seemed the man didn't notice.

He trailed him down two narrow streets. Dunk saw him hiding behind a large pillar with someone else. At a glance, the figure seemed vaguely familiar...maybe someone from the company? Curious about what was going on, Dunk kept walking, even abandoning his bike.

A young man appeared in the distance. Just as he passed by the pillar, the underling grabbed him, covering his mouth with a cloth. Joong pulled something out of his pocket and stabbed it into the guy's neck... Within moments, the guy stopped struggling.

Joong stuffed the body into a large sack, tied it up, and hoisted it over his shoulder, heading toward his car. Seeing him about to return, Dunk rushed back home and hid in a spot where he could watch the car. Joong opened the trunk, then a smaller compartment inside it, pushed the sack in, sprayed disinfectant on himself, and returned to the alley...

His expression hadn't changed at all... still cheerful. Only Dunk sat on the sofa, head lowered, fingers gripping each other so tightly they left marks on his skin...

"Why are you hurting your hands?"

He grabbed Dunk's hands...they were still trembling...

"You."

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?"

"I... I'm fine... I just... want to sleep."

"Then go to sleep. Why are you sitting here? Go on, sleep. I'll head out after."

"Yes."

He led Dunk to the room, tucked him in neatly, kissed his forehead, turned off the light, and quietly left. Dunk lay still, waiting until he heard the switch click and the outer door close before sitting up. His small feet carefully tiptoed into the dark living room. Dunk groped his way toward the cabinet near the bedroom door, where his phone was charging...

[Hello, Mom?]

[Mom's here. What's wrong?]

[Joong...]

[Joong? What happened? Tell me.]

[Earlier... I saw him... he... he kidnapped someone.]

[I told you, sweetheart, he's a hunter. Don't get involved with him.]

[No... I can't... I...]

[What is it? Tell me.]

[He and I... we're in a relationship now.]

His mother had known this day would come. The way he behaved, the way Dunk responded... she had seen it all.

[Sigh... be careful. Find a way to end it. This won't work.]

[But I have black hair. He won't know. I was born with it.]

[But your skin, your blood—they're not normal. You have to remember: sunlight is fine, but if you forget your medication, your skin will glow. And your blood... it's not red. Don't forget that. I've warned you—don't continue this relationship. I only have you in this world.]

[I... I understand. I'll find a way.]

The call ended. Dunk's hand clutched the edge of the cabinet, his breath unsteady and tired...

"A rare bloodline, they say... So it's you."

From the darkness, a deep voice echoed.

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#sapo🇻🇳 (21:15/ 250525)