The early morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the Titicharoenrak family's sprawling home. The kitchen, usually a place of calm and routine, was full of frantic energy today.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of warm pancakes and sizzling bacon, but despite the warmth of the space, there was a cloud of mild chaos in the air.
Tay, the powerful patriarch of the family and an alpha , sat at the head of the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in hand as he reviewed a few business documents.
His sharp, commanding presence was softened only by the warmth of his smile when he looked at his partner, New, who was busy preparing breakfast.
New, though an alpha but the calm counterpoint to Tay's intensity, hummed softly as he set the plates on the table, occasionally casting a fond glance at their children.
The morning routine had always been efficient in this household, but today, one important detail was out of place: their daughter, Gia, was still asleep.
Gia ! Tay called out with a firm but affectionate tone. You're going to be late for university again. Get up !
The silence from upstairs was the only response. Tay sighed, rubbing his temples.
She's been at it for a week now. New said with a gentle frown, glancing up from his cooking. She's been getting more stubborn about going, and nothing seems to work anymore. Maybe it's time for the big brother to step in.
Tay's eyes turned toward Gemini, who was quietly seated at the far end of the kitchen table, reading over some papers. Gemini had already been up for hours, his sharp mind always turning, always calculating, always preparing.
He didn't have the patience for these morning standoffs with his sister, but there was something about the way Gia had been pulling away lately that had him feeling... concerned. He couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on.
Gemini. Tay began again, his voice more pointed this time. I know it's not exactly your favorite task, but you're the only one she listens to nowadays. Go wake her up.
Gemini shot his father a look, one eyebrow arched as if to question why he had to be the one to handle this.
I'm not her alarm clock. Gemini muttered, his tone dry. She's twenty-two, not twelve.
But despite the protest, Gemini stood up from his seat. He ran a hand through his dark hair, feeling the weight of his role in the family-his sense of responsibility that never quite let him off the hook, no matter how much he wanted to.
Alright. He grumbled, but there was no real anger in his voice, just the resignation of an older sibling who knew they were the only one capable of solving the problem. I'll do it. But don't expect me to play the bad guy again tomorrow.
New chuckled softly, his eyes softening with affection for his son. We know you'll get through to her, Gemini. You're her rock, even if she doesn't act like it sometimes.
With a final sigh, Gemini walked out of the kitchen and up the grand staircase to Gia's room. His footsteps were heavy with the reluctant task ahead, but there was no backing out of it now.
Inside Gia's room, the early morning light barely touched the bed, where she was curled up beneath a mountain of blankets, her head hidden in the folds of her pillow.
The room was a mix of girly chaos and disorganization-clothes strewn about, textbooks and papers scattered across the floor, a coffee cup long forgotten on her nightstand.
Gemini opened the door quietly, knowing exactly what was coming.
Princess, it's time to get up. You've got a full day of classes today. Gemini's voice was calm but firm as he stepped inside the room.
From under the pile of blankets, a muffled groan was heard. Nooo. I don't want to. came Gia's voice, thick with sleep and irritation.
Gemini raised an eyebrow, his arms crossing over his chest. Gia, you can't keep skipping class. You promised dad and papa you'd focus on your studies. You can't keep playing this game.
The blanket in front of him shifted, and a pair of bleary, defiant eyes peeked out at him. Gia, despite her usual sunny and carefree personality, had developed a stubborn streak lately.
Gemini knew it wasn't just laziness or rebellion-it was something deeper. She didn't have friends , nor in her entire school life and she was sure she wasn't going to have some in her university life too.
I don't care. Gia mumbled, rolling over onto her stomach, her face buried in the pillow. I'm tired. I don't want to deal with all of it today.
Gemini's heart tightened, though he tried to keep his expression neutral. He understood more than anyone that life wasn't always easy. But it was moments like this that made him feel the weight of his role as the older sibling. He wasn't just her brother; he was her protector, her guide, even when she didn't ask for it.
Gia. Gemini said softly, moving closer to her bed. You're not alone in this. I know things have been rough, but you've got to face them. I am sure people like start to see and like for who you are and would want to be your friend. You just have to go to the university once.
There was a long pause, and then Gia finally peeked out from under the covers, her eyes softer now, though still weary. I'm just... scared, Phi Gem. What if they just want to be my friend because my family is rich and they want my money ?
Gemini sat on the edge of the bed, his hand reaching out to gently push a strand of hair from her forehead. I get it. But you're not going to get through this by hiding, Gia. We're all here for you, okay ? I'm here.
Gia's eyes fluttered closed as she let out a heavy breath, the walls she'd built around herself starting to crumble, if only a little. I know, Phi... I know. I'm just afraid... I don't know. Everything feels so new and scary.
Gemini sat there for a moment, allowing her the space to collect herself, understanding more than anyone that sometimes, all a person needed was someone to remind them that it was okay to not have everything figured out.
Five minutes. He said, his tone gentler now. Then I'm going to drag you out of here myself.
Gia chuckled weakly, her eyes still holding the tiredness but no longer the hesitance. You're such a pain. But... okay. Five minutes. Then I'll get up. You're right, I've got to keep going.
Gemini smiled, brushing his hand through her hair one more time before standing up. Good. I'll be downstairs when you're ready. No more arguments.
As Gemini left Gia's room, he could hear her rustling under the covers, taking the time to gather herself.
The pressure was always there, a weight he carried as the oldest child, but it was moments like this-small, quiet moments-that reminded him of how much he cared for his sister.
Downstairs, Tay and New were finishing up breakfast, waiting for their daughter to finally join the family at the table. Gemini gave them a small nod, a silent reassurance that Gia would be up soon.
She's getting there. Gemini said quietly, offering a small smile.
Tay clapped him on the back, his usual stoic expression softening. Thanks, baby. We know she'll come around.
New offered a kind smile, his eyes full of warmth. You're her rock, no matter how much she pushes away. You always have been.
Gemini's smiled just a little, but he nodded, understanding that while being her rock wasn't always easy, it was his role-and it was one he'd gladly carry.
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There we go with Titicharoenrak family intro.
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