Chapter 6

3rd person pov:

The days following Fourth's quiet contemplation seemed to follow the same steady rhythm. Gemini kept his distance, respecting Fourth's need for space, but always nearby if he was needed. Fourth was still adjusting to the presence of someone in his life, someone who seemed to genuinely care about him without asking for anything in return.

But the unease didn't dissipate. The longer Gemini stayed, the more Fourth's walls seemed to weaken. It wasn't just the small gestures, like bringing him tea or asking if he was feeling okay after his online classes—it was the way Gemini's presence seemed to fill the silence in a way that wasn't suffocating, but somehow comforting.

It was just that Fourth had never allowed anyone in, and the process of doing so felt foreign, like he was stepping into uncharted waters.

That afternoon, Fourth sat by the window, watching the pale blue sky slowly give way to the amber light of the setting sun. His laptop sat open in front of him, but his attention had long since wandered. The gentle hum of the air conditioning and the soft rustle of the leaves outside had lulled him into a strange kind of trance, and he didn't even notice when Gemini walked into the room until his voice broke through the stillness.

"Hey, Fourth, do you mind if I sit here for a bit?"

Fourth blinked, slightly startled by the sudden interruption. He turned to face Gemini, who was standing by the door, looking as calm as ever, though there was something in his eyes—something soft, almost hesitant. Fourth didn't know why, but the sight of that hesitation made his chest tighten.

"Uh... yeah, sure," he replied, his voice quieter than he intended.

Gemini smiled in response, walking over to the chair near the window, and sitting down without another word. For a moment, there was only silence between them. Fourth couldn't help but notice how natural Gemini's presence felt, even though they hadn't known each other for long. It wasn't like the uncomfortable silence that hung in the air before—this was different. It was a quiet that wasn't lonely. And for once, Fourth didn't feel the urge to fill it with words.

"I was thinking," Gemini began, breaking the silence, "that maybe you'd like to take a walk later. It doesn't have to be far. Just around the garden or the neighborhood. I noticed you don't go out much."

Fourth stiffened, instinctively pulling away. He didn't like the idea of being outside, of being in the open where everyone could see him. He wasn't ready to be seen by anyone—especially not someone like Gemini, who made him feel things he didn't want to feel.

"I'm... fine," Fourth replied, his words sharp, though not as harsh as he intended. "I don't need to go outside."

Gemini was silent for a moment, and when Fourth finally met his gaze, he could see that he wasn't upset—only understanding. There was a softness in Gemini's eyes, a quiet patience that made Fourth's insides twist uncomfortably.

"It's okay," Gemini said gently. "I just thought it might help, but I get it. If you don't want to, that's fine."

Fourth felt a pang of guilt at his words. He didn't want to push Gemini away, but it was easier to do that than to face whatever it was that made him feel so vulnerable in Gemini's presence. It was safer to keep everything inside, to lock away his emotions and act like nothing was wrong.

But Gemini wasn't the type to just let that slide. Fourth could tell.

For a moment, there was another uncomfortable silence between them, one that made Fourth's chest ache in a way he couldn't explain.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Gemini said softly, breaking the silence. "I'm just trying to get to know you better. But I won't push."

Fourth opened his mouth to say something—anything—but the words didn't come. Instead, he found himself looking away, his gaze shifting back to the window. He couldn't bring himself to say it, to explain why he was afraid of letting someone in. He couldn't make sense of the emotions swirling inside him, let alone share them with anyone else.

Gemini didn't press him. He simply sat there, as if he were content to just be in the same space with Fourth. And, despite himself, Fourth found that he appreciated the gesture more than he could say.

Minutes passed, and for once, Fourth didn't feel the urge to escape into his own thoughts. Instead, he felt oddly grounded by Gemini's quiet presence. There was something about the way Gemini respected his boundaries, but still stayed close enough for him to reach out to if he ever chose to. It wasn't overwhelming. It was simply... there.

"Thanks," Fourth muttered quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gemini's eyes flickered with a brief flash of surprise, before softening. "You don't have to thank me," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm just here, Fourth. Whenever you need me."

Fourth's breath hitched at the sincerity in Gemini's voice. The words struck something deep inside him, a place he hadn't let anyone near in a long time. He wanted to say more, wanted to ask why Gemini was being so patient with him, so understanding when he didn't deserve it. But the question stuck in his throat, and he simply nodded instead, unsure of what else to say.

"I guess... I should try to go outside more," Fourth said quietly, surprising even himself. "Maybe... maybe I'll go for a walk later."

Gemini smiled, a soft, pleased expression that made something in Fourth's chest tighten. He wasn't sure if it was because of the smile itself or because of what it represented—the fact that Gemini had taken him seriously, that he was slowly breaking down the walls Fourth had built around himself.

"Whenever you're ready," Gemini replied, his voice full of warmth. "No pressure. Just whenever you feel like it."

As the evening wore on, Fourth couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was standing on the edge of something new. Something that made him feel nervous, but also strangely hopeful.

And maybe, just maybe, that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

(A.N: Any impatient ducks who want double update today? If you want it then better leave a comment😏)