Chapter 3

3rd person pov:

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Gemini stood by the kitchen window, stirring his coffee absently as he watched the world outside—a world he didn't quite belong to. He had always felt like an observer, like a piece of the scenery, watching people interact and build lives, but never truly becoming a part of it himself. The past few years had been a string of fleeting moments, disconnected and uncertain. He had grown accustomed to being alone, to not needing anyone else. But now, as he prepared to spend the next few days looking after someone else, he wasn't sure how he felt.

His phone buzzed on the countertop, breaking his train of thought. He walked over and glanced at the screen—it was Phuwin.

Gemini, thank you for agreeing to look after Fourth. He's been through a lot, and I know it hasn't been easy for him. He's not like most kids. He's quiet, and sometimes, it's hard for him to open up to people. But he's a good kid. Please be patient with him. I know you'll do great.

Gemini read the message twice, feeling the weight of Phuwin's words settle in. He didn't doubt Phuwin's intentions, but there was something more. It wasn't just about looking after Fourth; it was about understanding him, seeing him for who he truly was, not just as someone fragile or sick. Phuwin's concern was palpable, but there was also a sense of trust in his message. Phuwin was entrusting Gemini with more than just Fourth's care—he was entrusting him with the responsibility of being someone Fourth could rely on.

Don't worry. I'll take good care of him. He's in safe hands.

Gemini sent the message, setting the phone down and taking a deep breath. This wasn't going to be as simple as it seemed. Fourth wasn't just someone in need of a caretaker; he was a person, with feelings, fears, and a past that Gemini had no right to intrude upon. And yet, there was something about him—a quiet strength, a sense of isolation—that pulled at Gemini in a way he couldn't explain.

The next few hours passed slowly as Gemini settled into his new role. Fourth was in his room, as usual, with his online classes open on the desk. The laptop's screen illuminated his pale face, but he didn't seem to notice the outside world. He was focused, absorbed in the lessons that took him away from the reality of his fragile health and his isolation.

Gemini knocked softly on the door before entering. "Hey, I'm heading out to grab some lunch. Do you need anything?"

Fourth looked up from his screen, his expression soft but distant. "No, I'm fine. I can manage."

Gemini nodded, though a part of him knew Fourth wasn't really fine. He had seen it in the way the boy kept his distance, in the way he withdrew from any interaction. He wasn't just avoiding Gemini—he was avoiding everything, perhaps even himself.

"You sure?" Gemini asked, his voice gentle. "You've been working for a while. Maybe a break wouldn't hurt."

Fourth hesitated, glancing at the screen before his eyes dropped to his hands. "I don't really... need breaks. I'm used to it."

Gemini stood there for a moment, considering his words. He wasn't going to force Fourth into anything, but he knew that pushing him to open up, even a little, was a step forward. "Alright, but I'll leave some food here for you. Just in case you change your mind."

Fourth's lips quirked into a small, barely noticeable smile. "Thanks."

As Gemini left the room, he couldn't help but notice how different Fourth was from anyone he had ever cared for. There was a quiet sadness in him, a loneliness that seemed to hang in the air. But it wasn't just that—it was the way Fourth seemed to be protecting himself, as if afraid of getting too close to anyone.

As the day wore on, Gemini found himself with more time on his hands than he expected. The house was quiet, save for the occasional sound of Fourth's soft voice as he muttered answers to his lessons. Gemini spent a few hours organizing the kitchen, doing chores that weren't necessary but made the time pass more easily. He found himself thinking about Fourth often, wondering what the boy was really like beneath the surface.

By late afternoon, the silence between them felt heavier. Gemini had been in and out of the room a few times, offering to help, but Fourth always declined. It was clear he didn't want to be a burden, and Gemini respected that. But he also saw the walls Fourth had built around himself.

He decided to try a different approach.

Gemini walked back into Fourth's room, knocking gently before stepping in. This time, he didn't bring up lessons or health. "I was thinking about making something for dinner. Maybe we could eat together?"

Fourth's eyes flickered to him, uncertainty in his gaze. "You don't have to..."

"It's no trouble," Gemini said with a smile. "I think it'd be nice for both of us. You've been working all day, and I've got nothing but time."

There was a long pause before Fourth finally nodded. "Okay. Just... keep it simple. I'm not really hungry."

Gemini smiled again, though there was a sense of understanding in the exchange. It wasn't about the food; it was about the invitation. It was a small step, but it was something.

Later that evening, they sat down at the small dining table. Gemini had made a simple meal—nothing fancy, just some soup and rice, but it was enough to fill the space between them. Fourth picked at his food, barely eating, but Gemini didn't push him. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy, like the unspoken words that hung in the air.

"So," Gemini began, trying to break the tension, "what do you like to do when you're not studying?"

Fourth's gaze flickered to him, and for the first time, he looked like he was truly considering the question. "I don't really have much time for anything else. And when I do, I'm usually too tired to do much."

Gemini nodded, a small ache forming in his chest. He could hear the weight in Fourth's words, the way he had resigned himself to a life of solitude and exhaustion.

"I get that," Gemini said quietly. "But you know, it's okay to take a break every once in a while. You don't have to do everything by yourself."

Fourth's eyes met his, and for a brief moment, Gemini saw something in those eyes—a flicker of hope, or maybe longing—but it was quickly replaced by the usual wall.

"I'm fine," Fourth said softly, his gaze falling back to his plate. "I don't need anyone."

But Gemini knew better. Everyone needed someone. And maybe, just maybe, he could be that someone for Fourth.

(A.N: Gemini's thoughts remind me of his song 'Love love I need someone to love but the one I love must be you' 🙈)