Chapter 10: 7

The next morning, the sun rose gently, casting a soft glow through the large windows of the mansion.

Gia had woken up early, a rare occurrence for her, and found herself already buzzing with anticipation for the second day at university.

The nerves from yesterday had settled, replaced with a quiet, growing excitement.

As she stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, she ran a hand through her hair, adjusting the collar of her blouse.

She had chosen a simple yet confident outfit, something she hoped would help her feel at ease among her peers.

Her heart was racing a little—not with anxiety, but with an unfamiliar sense of eagerness.

She was looking forward to seeing Fourth again and, maybe, to starting the process of letting go of her old, socially awkward shell.

She took a deep breath, catching a glimpse of her reflection. The girl staring back at her felt different, lighter somehow.

Maybe it was the coffee with Nani and Sky, or maybe it was just the simple fact that she was allowing herself to embrace the possibilities that university life held.

Whatever it was, Gia was ready to step into this new chapter.

Downstairs in the kitchen, New and Tay were already at the breakfast table. As Gia walked into the room, New immediately looked up from his phone, his usual playful grin softening into a knowing smile.

Morning, princess. He greeted her, his voice warm. You're up early today. Something on your mind ?

Gia grinned, pulling out the chair and sitting down.

I guess I'm just... excited. She admitted, her voice laced with an energy she couldn't fully suppress. Second day of university. I want to make the most of it.

New raised an eyebrow, his keen instincts already catching on. Excited, huh ?

Gia hesitated for a moment, then chuckled, looking down at her coffee cup. I think meeting new people and making friends is not that scary.

New's grin widened, clearly sensing her change in mood.

He exchanged a quick glance with Tay, who had been quietly observing from the other side of the table.

Tay, usually more reserved, gave a slight nod of approval, sensing the shift in Gia as well. Her pheromones were subtle but undeniable—a gentle wave of happiness that lingered in the air, almost like an invisible aura around her.

The release was gentle but unmistakable: Gia was genuinely excited, and it wasn't just about the university—it was about the connections she was beginning to form.

You know. New teased. I can practically smell the excitement in the air. Don't let Fourth steal all your attention, okay? You've got other people here who want a little of that energy too.

Gia rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her face. I won't forget about you guys. She said lightly, though there was a hint of sincerity in her tone.

At that moment, Gemini walked into the room, his usual stoic expression softening just a fraction when he noticed Gia sitting at the table, her energy unmistakably different from the night before.

He paused for a second, taking in the happy pheromones that Gia was releasing, subtle but strong enough that even he couldn't miss them.

Internally, Gemini felt a surge of relief. Seeing Gia open up—letting herself feel excited and less guarded—was something he'd been hoping for.

He knew how hard it was for her to let others in, to embrace new friendships, especially after everything that had happened.

But now, something was changing. She wasn't as closed off as she had been, and that made him feel better about everything.

Morning, little one. Gemini said, his voice as cool as always, but there was a quiet warmth behind it that Gia could pick up on.

He gave her a quick, assessing glance before heading to the counter to pour himself some coffee.

Gia smiled at him, a little more naturally than usual. Morning, Phi Gem.

Tay, ever the observant one, smiled knowingly. He could sense the tension lifting in the room, and it wasn't just because of Gia's pheromones—it was the energy in the air. Well, I'm glad to see everyone in such good spirits this morning. Sounds like you've got a good head start on the day.

Gia nodded, the excitement still bubbling within her. She had no idea where the day would lead, but she was ready to face it.

The nerves she had felt yesterday were gone, replaced by the anticipation of what she could make of this new chapter in her life.

Gemini glanced up from his coffee, his usual mask of indifference in place, but there was a fleeting softness in his eyes as he looked at his sister.

He didn't say anything more, but internally, he felt a sense of peace—Gia was letting go, opening up in a way he hadn't seen in a long time.

As Gia finished her breakfast, New threw one last playful jab. Go ahead, enjoy your day with Fourth and SkyNani. But don't forget—we're still your family, and we know how to handle things too.

Gia grinned, feeling a little less self-conscious. I won't forget. Thanks, guys.

And with that, she stood up, ready to face whatever the day would bring, excited to step a little further into this new version of herself.

The morning at the Jirochtikul mansion was anything but peaceful once again.

Mark, was sprawled out in the spacious kitchen, attempting to juggle his morning routine while chatting on the phone.

He was a well-meaning but clumsy figure, always a bit more prone to accidents than the others.

It happened in an instant: as he reached for a jar of jam, his elbow knocked over his cup of cold coffee, sending it cascading across the polished marble counter.

In an attempt to steady himself, Mark stumbled back, but in doing so, he misjudged his own movement and somehow managed to spill the entirety of his drink directly onto Fourth's backpack, which had been casually hanging off the back of a kitchen chair.

Phi Mark ! Fourth's voice broke through the kitchen's hum of conversation, his face frozen in shock as he stared at his soaked backpack.

His heart dropped at the sight of his belongings—his books, his notes, his entire day's plans—drenched in cold coffee.

Mark, wide-eyed and horrified at his own mishap, froze for a moment, mouth agape.

Oh... no! I—uh, I didn't mean to— He stammered, rushing over to the backpack and trying to salvage the situation by patting at the soaked fabric with his hands. But it was too late.

(And for once I though Mark Pakin would be all serious 🤡)

A burst of laughter came from the corner of the kitchen, as Satang leaned back against the counter, grinning.

Nice job, Phi Mark. You've officially turned Fourth's day into a coffee-soaked disaster.

Mark groaned in embarrassment, running a hand through his tousled hair.

I swear, I can't do anything right today ! He muttered, pulling the backpack off the chair and inspecting the damage.

Across the room, the two fathers, Gun and Off, who had been enjoying a peaceful moment of their own, exchanged a look before quickly rising to their feet.

Gun, with his usual calm and measured demeanor, was the first to step in.

Mark, really ? Again ? Second time in a single month ? Gun's voice was steady but tinged with disbelief, though there was a touch of amusement in his eyes.

Off, his partner, who was usually more carefree but equally protective of his family, chuckled softly and shook his head.

What did I tell you about keeping your coffee out of the kitchen ? His tone was light, but there was an edge of genuine concern for the mess now unfolding.

Mark sheepishly glanced between the two. I—well, I didn't think— He was cut off by Satang's loud, teasing voice.

You didn't think, Phi Mark? How surprising. Satang was practically leaning over the counter now, amused by the drama unfolding in front of him.

But it was clear that the youngest sibling, Fourth, was trying to remain composed, even as his frustration bubbled under the surface.

His usually easygoing nature was being tested. It's fine. It's just coffee... but— He sighed, glancing at his belongings. It's my stuff, Phi.

Mark, now realizing the full extent of his blunder, floundered in his attempt to apologize. Nong FotFot , I'm really sorry! Let me clean it up. I'll pay for the dry cleaning. I didn't mean for this to happen.

Fourth gave him a tight-lipped smile, though there was a hint of humor in his eyes. Don't worry about it. It's just a bag. He shrugged, trying to make light of the situation. I'm not that upset. Just... next time, watch where you're putting your hands, yeah ?

Just then, as the scene continued to unfold, Phuwin—who had just stepped into the room—observed the commotion, his expression unreadable.

He didn't say anything at first, but his eyes flicked between the eldest and the youngest, taking in the chaotic banter, his lip twitching in the slightest smirk.

He walked over to join the group, his arms crossing as he leaned against the doorway.

I leave for five minutes, and it's like a hurricane hit this place. Phuwin remarked dryly, looking pointedly at Mark, who was still awkwardly attempting to dab the coffee stains out of Fourth's bag.

Mark winced but couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh at his brother's comment. Phuwin, it wasn't on purpose, okay ?

Oh, I know. Phuwin replied with a wry smile. That's what makes it so funny.

He turned his gaze to the others, as if subtly defusing the tension. Let's all take a breath before we set the whole kitchen on fire.

Off and Gun, still watching from the sidelines, were no strangers to the chaotic dynamic between their children.

Gun sighed and exchanged a knowing glance with Off before stepping in. Alright, alright. Everyone calm down. Mark, clean it up properly and try not to knock over any more coffee today.

Off snickered and added. And Mark, no more multitasking with beverages, alright ?

Satang laughed openly at his father's comment, but it was clear his teasing wasn't malicious. Maybe we should just lock Phi Mark in the kitchen for the rest of the day. Couldn't cause any more damage that way.

Despite the laughter and playful jabs, the room settled into a more relaxed atmosphere as Mark, now fully aware of his clumsy mistake, began to clean up the spill with exaggerated care.

He mumbled an apology to Fourth again, who simply waved it off with a good-natured smile, clearly used to the antics of his older siblings.

And, as the morning light filtered in through the grand windows of the Jirochtikul mansion, the energy was back to its usual playful, if chaotic, normal.

The banter had subsided, replaced by a quiet understanding that, despite the occasional mishap, they were family—always able to laugh together, even when coffee was spilled in the process.

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