Chapter 4

3rd person pov:

The days passed in a quiet rhythm, each one blending into the next. Gemini had settled into his role as Fourth's caretaker, though he was careful not to push too hard. He had learned that Fourth was someone who thrived on solitude, preferring the quiet of his room and the stability of his online classes. But Gemini also knew that solitude wasn't always a choice—it was a defense mechanism, a way to shield himself from the world that had often disappointed him.

Gemini didn't mind the silence, though. It allowed him to observe, to learn the little things about Fourth that words couldn't express. He watched how Fourth would often trace the rim of his cup absentmindedly when he thought no one was looking. How his fingers trembled slightly when he turned the pages of his books. How he always kept the blinds half open, as if afraid to let too much light into the room at once.

Despite Fourth's quiet nature, there was a certain warmth to the boy—something hidden beneath the surface. Gemini couldn't help but feel drawn to him, a pull that was more than just the responsibility of taking care of him. There was something about Fourth's presence, something that stirred a longing in Gemini's chest, though he wasn't sure why.

That afternoon, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Gemini found himself standing by the kitchen, preparing a simple dinner. He was becoming accustomed to the quiet house, the stillness that hung between him and Fourth. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy, and Gemini couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Fourth than he was willing to show.

He had tried talking to him on several occasions, asking about his interests or his hobbies, but Fourth had always deflected, offering brief answers or no answers at all. It was as if there was a part of him that didn't want to be known, a part that he kept hidden away.

Gemini stirred the soup as he thought about it. It was clear that Fourth was lonely—anyone could see that. But there was also a distance in him, a reluctance to form connections, to let anyone in. It made Gemini wonder if there was more to the story than Fourth was letting on.

A soft knock on the door broke his thoughts.

"Come in," Gemini called, turning his attention to the door.

The door creaked open, and there stood Fourth, his expression guarded but soft. He was standing in the doorway, not quite entering but not leaving either. "Is it... okay if I join you?"

Gemini smiled, sensing the tentative nature of the question. "Of course. I was just making dinner. You're more than welcome to help."

Fourth hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, his movements slow, almost reluctant. He walked over to the counter, his gaze flicking to the stove as if unsure of what to do. "I don't... know how to help."

"That's fine," Gemini said with a soft chuckle. "You don't have to do anything. But if you want to, you could set the table."

Fourth nodded quietly and began gathering the plates and silverware from the cabinet. The silence between them was comfortable, a quiet understanding passing between them that didn't need to be spoken aloud. Fourth wasn't used to having someone around, and Gemini wasn't used to being needed. But in that small kitchen, they were finding their rhythm together.

As they finished setting the table, Gemini placed the bowls of soup on the table, gesturing for Fourth to sit. "I hope this is okay," he said, his voice gentle. "I didn't know what you liked, so I kept it simple."

Fourth sat down at the table, his movements still careful, almost as if he were testing the waters. He picked up his spoon but didn't immediately start eating. "It's fine," he said quietly. "I don't mind."

Gemini watched him, noticing the way Fourth's eyes seemed to flicker with uncertainty. He wasn't used to people going out of their way for him, that much was clear. And that realization made something tighten in Gemini's chest.

They ate in silence, the only sound the soft clink of spoons against bowls. But even in the quiet, Gemini could feel the shift—Fourth was letting him in, just a little. It wasn't much, but it was progress.

"So," Gemini began, breaking the silence carefully, "have you ever traveled anywhere? I mean, besides the hospital, of course."

Fourth paused, looking at him with a hint of surprise. "No," he said after a beat, his voice soft. "I've never really had the chance to go anywhere."

Gemini tilted his head slightly. "What do you think you'd like to see, if you could go anywhere?"

Fourth's eyes flickered to the side, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know. I guess... I've always wanted to see the ocean. I've never seen it before."

Gemini felt a small smile tug at the corners of his lips. "The ocean, huh? I think that's a good choice. The sound of the waves, the salt in the air... it's peaceful, in its own way."

Fourth nodded slowly, his gaze softening. "Yeah. I think it would be nice."

For the first time since they had met, Gemini saw a spark of something in Fourth's eyes—a small glimmer of hope, or maybe just a dream of something beyond the walls of his room. It was a fleeting moment, but it was enough to make Gemini's heart swell with something he couldn't quite place.

After dinner, they retreated back to their separate spaces. Gemini cleaned up the kitchen, his mind occupied with the conversation. The ocean. He wondered if it was just a passing thought for Fourth, or if it was something deeper—something that connected to the quiet loneliness that seemed to echo in his voice.

Later that evening, as the night stretched on and the house grew quiet once more, Gemini sat on the couch in the living room, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly. His thoughts kept drifting back to Fourth, to the soft vulnerability he had glimpsed in the boy during their meal.

Gemini wasn't sure where things were going between them, or if there was even a "them" at all. But one thing was certain—he was beginning to see Fourth in a different light. He wasn't just the fragile, sickly boy Phuwin had asked him to take care of. He was someone with his own dreams, his own desires. And Gemini couldn't help but feel like he had only scratched the surface of who Fourth really was.

It was a small step, but it was a step nonetheless. And Gemini found himself hoping that, in time, Fourth might just be willing to take a few more steps toward him.