Fourth was scrolling through his notes in the library when Gia plopped into the seat across from him, her expression bright.
New assignment for us, Fourth ! We need to brainstorm topics for our presentation on global market trends. She said excitedly, sliding her laptop onto the table.
Fourth groaned. Another one already ? We just finished that last project last week.
Welcome to business majors. Gia teased. Anyway, I thought we could grab a coffee and brainstorm at the café near the university. It's quieter there.
I'm in. Fourth said with a shrug. He started packing his things into his bag when Phuwin strolled over, catching the last part of the conversation.
Café ? Phuwin asked, his eyes lighting up. I've been meaning to check that place out. Mind if I tag along ? I'm starving.
Gia nodded. Sure, more the merrier. You can help us come up with ideas too.
As they were leaving, Gia texted Gemini to let him know she'd be late getting home. His reply was quick:
I'll come too. Be there in 10.
Fourth smirked slightly when Gia showed him the message, but he didn't say anything.
The café was cozy and bustling with students and young professionals. It had a warm ambiance with wooden furniture, soft yellow lights, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.
The four of them sat at a table for four near the window, with Gia and Gemini on one side and Fourth and Phuwin across from them.
They placed their orders, and Fourth and Gia immediately got to work discussing their assignment.
Emerging market trends ? Fourth suggested, tapping his pen against his notebook.
Hmm. Gia mused, leaning over her laptop. It's a good topic, but we need to narrow it down. Maybe focus on sustainable business practices in emerging markets ?
Gemini, sitting beside Gia, sipped his coffee silently, his gaze drifting to Fourth more often than not. Though he feigned disinterest, he listened intently to their discussion, finding himself intrigued by how focused Fourth looked when he worked.
Meanwhile, Phuwin busied himself with his food, only half paying attention to the conversation.
Suddenly, Gia froze, her eyes darting toward the counter. She leaned closer to Fourth and whispered, Hey, Fourth... that girl at the cashier is staring at you. Like, really staring. It's creeping me out.
What ? Fourth asked, distracted. He glanced toward the counter, and the moment his eyes met the girl's, his breath hitched.
Ella.
Her presence hit him like a punch to the gut. All the confidence he'd carefully built over the years seemed to crumble in an instant.
His mind raced with memories he wished he could forget-the manipulative words, the gaslighting, the way she'd twisted everything to make him doubt himself.
Fourth's chest tightened, and his breathing grew uneven. His hands trembled as he clenched his fists under the table.
Fourth ? Gia's voice was laced with concern.
Phuwin, noticing the shift in his brother's demeanor, immediately stood. Gia, Gemini-stay here. I'm taking him outside. He said firmly, helping Fourth out of his seat.
Gia nodded, her worry evident, while Gemini's expression darkened as his gaze snapped to Ella. She was still standing at the counter, her eyes fixed on Fourth with a smug, almost challenging look.
Gemini's jaw tightened, and his usually calm, composed expression hardened into something much darker. He locked eyes with Ella, his piercing glare sending a silent message: Don't even think about it.
Should we just find another café ? Gia suggested.
Gemini nodded, already standing. Yeah. Let's go.
But as they left, Gemini couldn't shake the image of Fourth's shaken expression from his mind. He didn't know the details of what had happened between Fourth and Ella, but one thing was certain: whoever she was, she'd hurt Fourth deeply.
And the mere thought of anyone hurting Fourth made Gemini's blood boil.
Outside the Café
Phuwin sat beside Fourth in the car, his heart breaking as he watched his elder brother struggle to breathe between sobs. Fourth, who always seemed so confident and composed, was now reduced to a trembling mess, mumbling broken sentences as tears streamed down his face.
I... I gave her everything... and she- Fourth choked, his words dissolving into a sob. She made me feel like I was nothing, like I didn't matter...
Phuwin couldn't bear to see him like this. He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over, pulling Fourth into a tight hug.
Shh, it's okay, Fourth. I'm here. You're safe now. Phuwin whispered, his voice gentle but firm.
Fourth clung to him, his fists clutching Phuwin's shirt as he continued to cry.
She... she said she loved me, but she just... used me. Made me think I wasn't good enough.
Phuwin's throat tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. He ran a comforting hand up and down Fourth's back, his voice steady.
Listen to me, Fourth. He said softly. She's in the past. She can't hurt you anymore. Look at you now-you're strong, confident, and so much more than she ever deserved.
Fourth's sobs began to quiet as Phuwin continued.
You've built yourself back up, and no one can take that away from you. Not her, not anyone.
Eventually, Fourth's breathing evened out, though his grip on Phuwin remained. Exhausted from crying, he slumped against his little brother, falling into a restless sleep.
Phuwin carefully adjusted him in the passenger seat, making sure he was comfortable. He brushed Fourth's hair out of his face, his expression softening as he whispered, You'll be okay, Fourth. I promise.
In the Next Café
Gia and Gemini were seated in a corner booth, both sipping their drinks. Gia glanced at the time, frowning slightly.
What's taking them so long ? She wondered aloud.
Gemini didn't reply, his gaze fixed on the café window, though his mind was elsewhere. He was still replaying the image of Fourth's pale, stricken face over and over in his head.
The bell above the café door jingled as Phuwin entered. Gia immediately stood, concern written all over her face.
Is Fourth okay ? She asked.
Phuwin sighed and nodded. He's asleep in the car. He got overwhelmed, so I took him out to calm him down.
What happened ? Gia asked, her voice filled with worry. Who was that girl ? And why did she affect him so much ?
Phuwin hesitated, glancing at Gemini, who now had his full attention on him. After a moment, he decided Gia deserved to know.
That girl... Ella. Phuwin began, sitting down. She's Fourth's ex. She wasn't just any ex, though. She's the reason he used to doubt himself so much. She manipulated him, gaslighted him, made him think he wasn't good enough. It took him years to rebuild himself after what she did to him.
Gia's hand flew to her mouth in shock. I... I had no idea. He is always so cheerful...I didn't think he would have such a past.
She's evil. Phuwin said bluntly. And seeing her today brought all of that back for him.
Gemini stayed silent, his expression unreadable, but his clenched jaw and the slight shake of his hand gripping his coffee cup betrayed his anger.
He'll be okay. Phuwin continued. I just need to take him home to rest.
Gia nodded, her expression still troubled. Let me know if you need anything.
Gemini simply stood, leaving some cash on the table. Let's go. He said shortly, his tone curt.
Later at Gemini's House
Gemini barely spoke as they arrived home, retreating to his room without a word. Gia watched him go, confused by his behavior but deciding to let it slide for now.
Once inside his room, Gemini locked the door and immediately grabbed his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found the name he was looking for: Emi.
The call connected on the second ring.
Boss. Emi greeted, her tone professional. How can I help you ?
I need you to dig up everything you can on someone named Ella. Gemini said, his voice cold. She's a cashier at a café near Gia's university.
Emi paused for a moment. And what do you want me to do once I have the information ?
Gemini's grip on his phone tightened. Take her out. Quietly. I don't care how you do it, just make sure she can't show her face around here again.
There was a brief silence on the other end before Emi replied, Understood. I'll handle it.
Good. Gemini said sharply. And Emi... make it clear that no one messes with my people.
Consider it done. She said before hanging up.
Gemini sat on the edge of his bed, his expression dark. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Fourth-his trembling hands, the broken look in his eyes, the pain he clearly hadn't fully healed from.
No one had the right to hurt Fourth like that. Not then, and certainly not now.
Gemini would make sure of it. If it meant burning down the entire world to keep Fourth safe, he wouldn't hesitate.
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