Ally's challenge made Joong feel like he was about to explode. He took a step forward, completely shielding Dunk with his body.

"What's this? You don't have to do that. I'm not afraid of you today, Joong."

Joong didn't respond to Ally. He only looked at Dunk's mother...like they were communicating through their eyes...

"What are you standing there for? Scared of us?"

"Yeah, suddenly I am."

*Gunshots rang out*

Two loud bangs made Dunk cover both ears...

"You."

"What? Now this feels like a fair fight. Just you and me."

The two shots went straight into the soldiers who had followed Ally. Joong was so fast they didn't even have time to react before dropping to the floor. Now that Ally was all alone, his face began to pale. He let go of the gun, shoving it back into his pocket...

"Looks like... you got lucky today. But I swear, I'll have that kid no matter what."

As soon as he finished, he bolted out the back window to escape. Joong ran after him, but Dunk grabbed his arm, holding him back.

"Stay here with your parents. I'll go after him."

"No, Joong... I'm not staying here without you."

His fingers clung tightly to Joong's sleeve, and Joong had no choice but to stop. If Dunk hadn't held him back, he might've really sent Ally straight to the afterlife. Once everything settled down, he rushed to untie Dunk's parents, then tended to the wound on Dunk's father's arm.

The bullet had gone in pretty deep, so it took quite a while to treat. Joong hadn't planned to take care of it at home, but Dunk's father refused to go to the hospital...he didn't want to get the police involved.

"Mom."

While Joong was upstairs, Dunk went down to the kitchen with his mom. Her face still wore that same expression.. that look of half-trust, half-doubt. She probably needed time to think things through...

"Mom."

"What is it, sweetheart? You must've been so scared just now, right?"

She had been lost in thought, so it wasn't until the second time he called that she finally heard him. Quickly setting the soup spoon down, she cupped his cheek in her hand. She knew he had been terrified—this was the first time the hunters had come with such force.

"Yeah, I was scared... luckily there was... Jo...o."

His voice trailed off near the end, growing softer. He was afraid his mother would object.

"Yeah, it's a good thing that boy was here... but still, I need time to think. And you..you need to be careful too. We've never let ourselves get soft because of a hunter before, understand? The only one who can truly protect you is yourself."

"Yes, Mom."

"Alright, no more sulking. Help me pick these vegetables, okay? Your dad's probably starving, and with that wound, he needs to eat well."

"Yes, Mom."

Dunk's father had clearly been through a lot in his life, so getting stitched up without anesthesia barely seemed to faze him. After about an hour, Joong helped him downstairs. Dinner was ready, and Dunk's mother had quickly prepared a few nourishing dishes.

That seat.. Joong had once sat there as a guest. But now, what was he? Dunk's lover? A threat to the family? Or maybe... a savior? Joong didn't know, so he just stood there.

"Sit down, dear. You saved our family today."

"Thank you... I just didn't want Dunk to be in danger."

Joong pulled out the chair next to Dunk and sat down.

"This is for you."

"Thanks."

"You two eat up, okay?"

"Thank you, ma'am."

After a while, Joong put down his chopsticks.

"Excuse me, sir, ma'am... there's something I'd like to say."

"Go ahead."

"Well... Dunk and I are currently in a relationship. I know you're probably very worried, especially because we come from different sides... and I'm a hunter. But I truly hope you won't try to keep us apart. I don't dare to swear or promise anything, but... I can say this—when Dunk is with me, he'll be safe. That's... all I wanted to say."

The two of them looked at each other, then at Dunk, and finally at Joong. Dunk's mother spoke softly.

"In my eyes, up until now, you're still a good person. I don't care who you are. I'll be honest..even if it sounds harsh. Our family has never truly trusted anyone. And that includes you, even now. If you ask whether we trust you a hundred percent... the answer is no. We can't. You know what kind of blood runs in our veins. It carries things that are deeply dangerous... so giving someone our full trust isn't easy."

"Yes, I understand."

"You two are free to continue your relationship. We won't forbid it, but..."

"..."

"Please, go on."

"If one day you change... and you become the one to take Dunk away from our lives... then come back here, and take our lives too. Do it—and you must do it."

"I..."

"Do you understand?"

"Yes. I do."
_________
#sapo🇻🇳 ( 12:00 / 270525)