The sun had barely set as Gia made her way back to the mansion, her steps slow and thoughtful as she replayed the events of the day.
She had expected her first day of university to be full of awkward introductions and stressful moments, but something about meeting Fourth, Sky and Nani had shifted her perspective.
The easy camaraderie they'd shared over coffee lingered in her mind, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of belongingânot just as a student at a university, but as someone starting a new chapter of her life.
As she entered the grand foyer of the mansion, she was greeted by the usual comforting silence.
The expansive halls, the polished marble floors, and the faint scent of incense in the air made her feel both at home and out of place at the same time.
The mansion had always been a symbol of luxury and distanceâa world she wasn't quite sure she fit into. But tonight, there was a familiar warmth in the air, and it pulled her out of her thoughts.
Gia !
A voice called out, breaking the quiet. She turned to see her dad , New leaning against the archway that separated the hallway from the living room.
His hair was messy in the way that made it look intentionally styled from waking up after a nap, maybe, and his expression was an odd mix of nonchalance and anticipation.
Hey dad. Gia greeted him, her smile soft .
New pushed off the wall and sauntered toward her with a grin. So, how was your first day princess ? He asked, but his tone betrayed more than casual curiosity.
There was something almost eager in his eyes, a glimmer that Gia hadn't missed.
It was... okay , I think better than what I had expected. She said, shrugging off her jacket and hanging it on the coat rack near the door. A bit overwhelming at first , not gonna lie A lot of people, a lot of new information.
New raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer, his usual nonchalance replaced by a more serious edge.
And ? Did you, like, meet anyone interesting ? Made a new friend or friends ? His voice had a certain playfulness, but Gia could tell he was waiting for something specific.
Gia hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of his unspoken concern.
I met my mentor. She began slowly, unsure of how to describe Sky. His name's Sky. He's... intense. Really confident. But, I don't know, there's something about him that makes it hard to figure out if he's just all business or if he's actually approachable.
New nodded, his expression thoughtful but still unreadable.
Sky, huh ? He repeated, almost to himself. Then he shot her a half-grin, You're being vague, Gia. C'mon, I know you better than that. Tell me more. How was it really ?
Gia laughed nervously, feeling the weight of his scrutiny even though his voice remained light. Well... it's just that I didn't expect him to be so calm, you know ? Like, he's the kind of person who makes you feel like you should know what you're doing, even when you don't. But when we went for coffee with Nani afterward, they were just... normal. Playful. I didn't expect that.
And I even made a friend. His name is Fourth , and from the subtle pheromones release he seems to be an alpha , but he is too cheerful that someone would doubt him to be an omega. He was so nice and kind of help me broke out of my shell a little. Gia explained with the chuckle , remembering Fourth's energetic ass.
My mentor is Sky as you know and what a great coincidence it is that Fourth got Nani as his peer mentor. Nani is Sky's boyfriend and after the peer mentor event , Sky and Nani brought us to a café for coffee. Gia added.
New's eyes softened, though his teasing grin didn't entirely disappear. Coffee with your new friends , huh? Sounds like a fun time. And here I was thinking you'd come back to the mansion all stressed out with a ton of homework to do.
Gia shook her head with a small smile. No, actually. I'm just... thinking about it all. It was a great idea to go to university today , I think.
New took a few steps toward her, his casual demeanor slipping just a little as he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. Hey, don't worry too much about it. You're gonna get used to it. You always do. And if anyone's giving you trouble, you know where to find me.
Gia appreciated his offer, though she knew New's brand of protection often came with more teasing than actual assistance.
Still, there was an underlying sincerity in his voice that made her feel grateful.
Before she could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Gemini appeared in the doorway, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the scene. He had been unusually quiet since Gia had returned from the university event.
His arms were crossed, his usual expression a careful mix of indifference, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his concern. He was trying, with his usual coolness, not to show how worried he actually was.
Gia turned to face him, a small but knowing smile tugging at her lips.
Gemini, always acting like he couldn't care less about anyone else, had a way of making it obvious when someoneâor somethingâhad caught his attention.
Gemini tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning Gia with that ever-analytical gaze. So, how was it ? He asked, his voice quieter than usual.
Gia met his gaze and could see the slight tightness around his eyes, the barely masked concern hidden beneath his detached tone.
It was fine. She answered, a bit more confident this time, though she didn't miss the way Gemini's posture shifted when he heard that.
He had always been protective, though he would never admit it out loud. His ability to hide it, to feign indifference, was something Gia had come to recognize well.
Gemini raised an eyebrow, as if skeptical of her casual response.
Fine, huh ? He pushed off the doorframe and took a step closer, studying her with more attention than he'd likely intended. If it was 'fine,' why do you look like you've just walked through a storm ?
Gia blinked, caught off guard by his perceptiveness. She had thought she'd been doing a good job of masking her lingering uncertainty, but of course, Gemini saw right through her.
It's nothing. She said quickly, brushing off the feeling. Just a lot to process, I guess.
New, sensing the slight shift in the mood, gave Gemini a pointed look, but Gemini ignored him, his eyes still trained on Gia.
After a moment, he sighed, his usual nonchalance returning, though there was a slight softness to it. If you need anything... you know I will always be ready.
Gia nodded, appreciating the gesture even though she knew he'd never fully acknowledge the depth of his concern.
But that was Gemini for youâalways guarding his feelings behind a veil of cool detachment.
I'll be fine. She said, offering him a reassuring smile. Thanks, both of you.
New winked at her. Of course. Just don't let Sky or Nani take up all your time. You've got other people here who are way more fun. Now quickly freshen up and join the dinner table for lunch , your papa Tay is on his way back.
Gia chuckled, the tension lifting a little. I'll keep that in mind.
With one last glance at Gemini, she turned toward the stairs, already feeling the weight of the day start to melt away.
But as she headed toward her room, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something biggerâand the protective eyes of both New and Gemini would be there, whether she wanted them to be or not.
As Fourth and Phuwin drove back to the Jirochtikul mansion in their shared car, the atmosphere was filled with an easy camaraderie.
The windows were down, letting the cool evening air breeze through the car as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Fourth, excited and full of energy from his first day at university, couldn't help but spill everything to his older brother.
Okay, Phu, you won't believe what happened today. Fourth began, his voice animated. Gia and I... we both ended up with Sky and Nani as our peer mentors. Fourth revealed with an anticipating yet teasing glint in his eyes.
Phuwin's head jerked slightly toward Fourth, his eyes widening in surprise, though his lips curled into an amused smirk. Wait, what ? You got Sky ? And Nani ? Together ?
Fourth nodded, looking rather pleased with himself. Yeah, believe it or not. Turns out Phi Sky is a lot more... approachable than I expected. And Phi Nani, well, he is a really goofy. They both are so different from how they are in the campus premises. His tone lightened as he continued, but there was a subtle pride in his voice.
Phuwin glanced over at Fourth with a playful frown. Well, aren't you just the lucky one. He said, his voice dripping with exaggerated mock jealousy. You and Gia, both with the coolest mentors on campus. I'm so jealous of you two.
Fourth couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's theatrics. Jealous, huh ? He leaned in a little, teasing. What, you wish you were paired with us ?
Phuwin shot him a playful glare. Jealous ? Me ? In your dreams, kid.
Sure, sure. Fourth teased, nudging his brother lightly. Admit it. You're jealous , because you are stuck with Phi Pond as your mentor.
Phuwin let out a sigh, but a grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Alright, alright. Maybe a little bit. You and Gia are living the dream now. Phuwin admitted with a mock sadness.
But don't get too carried away. You've got to be on your best behavior around Sky. Trust me, that guy is as calculating as they come.
Fourth leaned back in the seat, laughing. I know, I know. I'm just... getting a kick out of how things turned out. It's a lot more interesting than I thought. And Gia's cool. I'm glad she's in this with me.
Phuwin nodded, his expression softening. I'm happy for you, Fourth. Just don't get in over your head. And... take care of Gia too. She's kind of... sensitive.
Fourth, with a mischievous grin, chuckled. You worry too much, Phu. I've got this.
Phuwin laughed, a sound that made the car feel a little warmer as they neared the mansion.
The two brothers continued to banter as the car rolled into the Jirochtikul mansion's driveway, but there was a sense of ease between them.
Despite their playful teasing, Phuwin's protective brother nature was clear for Fourth.
Fourth, however, was just enjoying his first taste of university lifeâmentors, friends, and the unexpected bonds he was forming along the way.
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