The Black Dust garage always smelled like gasoline and sweat. Dunk had gotten used to it. Kind of liked it now. It meant he belonged here.

Engines roared outside as he wiped his hands on a rag. The job tonight was big—guns, a tight window, and one hell of a risk. Everyone was tense.

He wasn’t.

Or… maybe he was. But not because of the job.

Joong walked in like he always did—calm, unreadable, commanding without needing to say a word. Black boots, black jacket, and that cold fire in his eyes that made even the veterans stand straighter.

Dunk did, too. Instinct.

Joong didn’t look at anyone else. Just at him.

“You’re on the front line,” he said. No greeting. Just business.

Dunk nodded. “Understood.”

Joong’s eyes lingered for a second too long. Then he turned away, checking over a map on the table. Dunk followed, standing just close enough to feel the heat between them—but not close enough to make it obvious.

He’d been in the gang a year now. Earned his spot. Fought hard for it. But Joong? He’d been watching him since day one. Not in a cruel way. Just… watching. Like he expected more from Dunk than the rest.

And maybe that’s why Dunk worked harder. Maybe that’s why he noticed things he shouldn’t.

The way Joong’s hands moved when he loaded his gun. The way he only relaxed when no one was looking. The way his voice lowered when he spoke to him.

“You nervous?” Joong asked suddenly, eyes still on the map.

“No.”

A pause. Joong looked up. “Liar.”

Dunk met his gaze. “Maybe a little.”

Joong’s mouth twitched. Not quite a smile, but close. “Good. Keep your head clear.”

He moved closer, brushing past Dunk to grab a lighter. His shoulder grazed Dunk’s arm. Dunk didn’t move.

Joong lit a cigarette. Took one drag. Then held it out.

Dunk hesitated, then leaned in, lips brushing the filter where Joong’s had just been. He took a slow inhale.

Their eyes met again. No words.

Outside, someone called out. “Five minutes!”

Joong didn’t look away. “You ride with me.”

It wasn’t a question.

Dunk nodded once. “Yeah.”

Joong dropped the cigarette, crushing it beneath his boot.

Then he turned to walk out, stopping at the door just long enough to glance back at Dunk.

Joong grins a bit “You coming? Or do I have to drag you onto my bike?”