Chapter 20

3rd person pov:

The days followed the same rhythm, a gentle cadence that felt like home. Fourth wasn't sure when it started, but somewhere between Gemini's steady presence and his quiet acts of care, something inside him began to change.

At first, it was easy to brush off. Gemini was kind to everyone, wasn't he? The way he brought tea without asking, the way he adjusted the blankets without a word, the way his gaze lingered on Fourth as if making sure he was okay—it was just who Gemini was.

But then, there were the moments that felt different.

Like the way Gemini's touch lingered just a second longer than necessary, or how his voice softened when he said Fourth's name. The way he seemed to notice every small shift in Fourth's mood, even when Fourth tried to hide it.

Fourth found himself looking forward to their time together. The mornings when Gemini made breakfast and teased him about his sleepy expressions. The quiet afternoons spent reading or sketching side by side. The evenings on the porch, when the stars seemed closer, and the silence between them felt alive with unspoken words.

It wasn't just comfort anymore.

It was something that made Fourth's chest tighten and his cheeks warm when Gemini smiled at him. Something that made his heart race when Gemini's hand brushed against his, or when their gazes locked for just a second too long.

One afternoon, as Fourth sat at the dining table sketching, he caught himself glancing at Gemini, who was busy preparing lunch. The sunlight streaming through the window lit up his features, and for a moment, Fourth forgot to breathe.

Gemini turned, catching Fourth's gaze. "What's up?"

Fourth quickly looked back at his sketchpad, his heart thudding in his chest. "Nothing."

"Are you sure? You've been staring at me for the past minute," Gemini said, his tone teasing but gentle.

"I was not!" Fourth protested, his voice higher than he intended.

Gemini chuckled, the sound warm and familiar. "If you say so."

Fourth's face burned, and he focused intently on his sketch, but his thoughts were anything but calm.

He didn't want to admit it—to himself or anyone else—but he couldn't deny what was happening. The way his heart felt lighter when Gemini was near, the way his world seemed less frightening, less lonely.

That evening, as they sat on the porch, Fourth found himself leaning against Gemini's shoulder again. It had become a habit, one that felt natural, but tonight it felt different.

"Thank you," Fourth said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"For what?" Gemini asked, his tone equally quiet.

"For everything," Fourth replied, his chest tightening as he spoke. "For... making me feel like I matter."

Gemini didn't respond immediately, but his arm shifted slightly, his hand brushing against Fourth's in a way that felt deliberate. The touch sent a shiver through Fourth, but he didn't pull away.

In that moment, Fourth realized something he'd been trying to ignore. He didn't just like Gemini's care and attention—he craved it. He craved Gemini's presence, his warmth, his kindness. And the more time they spent together, the harder it became to imagine a day without him.

It scared him. But it also felt... right.

As the stars twinkled above them, Fourth closed his eyes and let himself lean a little closer, his heart beating a rhythm he couldn't ignore.

(A.N: Are we falling in love?Yes!!!Omg I'm so excited for it to finally happen😚)