Chapter 1

3rd person pov:

Fourth lay on his bed, the soft hum of the hospital machine in the background, its quiet beep marking the passage of time. The room was small but familiar, with its pale blue walls and the faint smell of antiseptic that lingered in the air. His body, weak and frail, had become accustomed to these sterile environments. But despite the familiarity, Fourth couldn't shake the feeling of isolation that always seemed to accompany his time here.

His health had always been unpredictable—one day fine, the next, he could barely get out of bed without feeling winded. He had been in and out of hospitals for as long as he could remember, each visit longer than the last. He knew his family meant well, smothering him with love and care, but he couldn't help feeling suffocated. They worried about him constantly, which only made his already fragile sense of independence feel even more distant.

There was no one else his age around. No one to talk to, no one who could understand what it was like to be constantly coddled and never allowed to do things for yourself. His friends from school had long since stopped visiting, their lives moving on while his remained stuck in a cycle of hospital visits and recovery. He longed for someone—someone who could just be there, without pity, someone who wouldn't see him as just the sickly kid.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He didn't need to look to know who it was. Phuwin. His older brother's lover. Phuwin was kind to him, always patient, but there was a distance between them, a divide that came from the age gap, and the fact that Phuwin was more of a caretaker than a true friend.

"Fourth, how are you feeling today?" Phuwin's voice was gentle, filled with the kind of concern that always made Fourth want to pull away.

"I'm fine," Fourth muttered, even though he knew that wasn't entirely true. His chest ached slightly, and his body felt heavier than usual. He just didn't want to burden Phuwin with it.

Phuwin stepped inside, holding a tray of food in his hands. "You've barely eaten today. I know you're not hungry, but you need to keep your strength up." He placed the tray carefully on the nightstand beside Fourth's bed.

Fourth glanced at the food—some kind of bland porridge and a cup of tea. He'd eaten this exact same meal for the last few days, and the sight of it made his stomach twist. But he knew Phuwin was just doing what he thought was best, just like everyone else. They were all so concerned, so protective.

"Thanks, Phuwin," Fourth said quietly, forcing a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. He knew it was hard for Phuwin to see him like this, to see him so dependent on others. It wasn't fair to him, and Fourth hated it.

Phuwin smiled softly, sitting down in the chair beside the bed. "I'm going to be away for a few days with Pond for work," he said, the tone of his voice softening. "But I've asked someone to look after you. You won't be alone."

Fourth's heart skipped at the mention of another person. He hadn't had anyone to care for him besides his family and Phuwin. The idea of having someone else around felt both strange and oddly comforting.

"Who?" Fourth asked, trying to sound casual but not quite succeeding. His curiosity won out, and he hoped Phuwin wasn't going to leave him in the hands of some stranger.

"Gemini," Phuwin said, his voice still warm but with an air of finality. "He's a friend of mine, and he'll be here for a while. You'll be in good hands."

Fourth nodded, though he wasn't sure what to expect. He had never met Gemini, and the thought of someone new in his life felt... unsettling. But maybe it was just what he needed. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Phuwin stood up and gave him a quick hug, his embrace lingering for a moment longer than usual. "Take care of yourself, alright? I'll be back before you know it."

"I will," Fourth replied softly, watching as Phuwin left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

As the sound of Phuwin's footsteps faded away, Fourth was left alone in the quiet of his room once more. His thoughts swirled with uncertainty. Gemini. A new person in his life. It felt like a small change, but Fourth couldn't help but wonder if it would be the beginning of something different. Something he hadn't experienced before.

He sighed and turned his gaze to the window, watching the sky slowly darken as evening approached. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have someone else around for a change. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have to feel so alone.

(A.N: Tadaaaa!!! A new story because I've got too much free time and a lot on my mind🥹)