Chapter 32: 29

After the intense round of questioning, Gun, being the warm and affectionate parent he was, had effortlessly convinced Gemini to stay for lunch.

You're already here, might as well eat with us. Gun had said, his smile so welcoming that Gemini couldn't possibly refuse.

Now, after a satisfying meal where Gun kept piling food onto his plate while Off kept watching him with a critical eye, Gemini finally found himself in Fourth's personal space—his bedroom.

Fourth stood in the middle of the room, looking around before turning to Gemini, a sheepish expression on his face.

It's nothing fancy. He said, scratching the back of his neck. Just...my room.

Gemini, on the other hand, took his time observing everything.

The room reflected Fourth's personality perfectly—warm, lively, and personal. The walls had a few framed pictures, some of Fourth with his family, others with his friends. His bed was neatly made, with soft pastel-colored sheets that contrasted against the darker curtains. There was a small bookshelf in the corner, mostly filled with business-related books, some manga, and a few scattered trinkets from his travels or gifts from loved ones.

His study desk was well-organized, except for a few stray sticky notes, and the plushie on his bed—a slightly worn-out yet well-loved stuffed cat—stood out the most to Gemini.

You still sleep with that ? Gemini teased, walking over and picking up the plushie.

Fourth turned red instantly, rushing over to snatch it from him. Shut up ! I've had this since I was a kid. It's comfortable.

Gemini chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. Relax, I think it's cute. Fourth pouted, hugging the plushie close to his chest, and Gemini felt his heart melt all over again.

The atmosphere had grown comfortable, just the two of them standing in Fourth's space, their space now. That's when Gemini knew—this was the right time.

Taking a deep breath, he took a step closer to Fourth.

Fourth. Something about the way Gemini said his name made Fourth look up. The soft yet serious tone sent a strange shiver down his spine.

Gemini hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice quieter this time. I was wondering... if you'd be ready to meet my family too.

Fourth blinked. Your family ?

Gemini nodded, his expression unreadable. I want to introduce you to them.

Fourth hadn't been expecting this—at least not so soon.

His heart jumped in his chest as he thought about it. It wasn't that he didn't want to meet Gemini's family, but the reality of it suddenly made everything feel... real.

This wasn't just some casual fling. This was serious.

Fourth was so used to being the one pursued, the one who people fawned over, but Gemini ? Gemini was different. He didn't just claim Fourth with words—he showed it with actions.

Seeing Fourth's silence, Gemini took another step closer, his hands coming up to hold Fourth's. I know it's sudden, and you don't have to say yes right now. But I want you to know... I'm serious about you. About us.

Fourth felt his face heat up, his fingers tightening slightly around Gemini's hands. I... He bit his lip, eyes flickering to the side before shyly meeting Gemini's gaze again. I'd like to meet them.

Gemini's expression softened into something so genuine and full of emotion that Fourth felt his knees go weak. You would ?

Fourth nodded, cheeks flushed. Yeah. I mean... it's only fair. You met my family. So... I should meet yours too, right ?

Gemini didn't respond immediately. Instead, he let out a small chuckle before pulling Fourth into a tight embrace. You have no idea how happy that makes me. Gemini murmured against his hair.

Fourth, embarrassed, mumbled against his chest, You're so dramatic.

Gemini only laughed, holding him closer.

Because to him, this was everything.

After spending a few more hours at the Jirochtikul mansion, where Fourth had been doted on by Gun and subtly analyzed by Off and his brothers, Gemini decided that today was the perfect opportunity to introduce his precious little bean to his own family.

Without hesitation, he had texted Tay and New, letting them know he was bringing someone important for dinner—but not mentioning who.

Now, as they drove toward the Titicharoenrak mansion, Fourth found himself feeling... anxious.

Gemini, sensing the tension in the air, reached out, taking Fourth's hand and intertwining their fingers. Nervous ?

Fourth hesitated before nodding slightly. I mean... yeah. I've met your parents before, but it was with Gia. This is different.

Gemini smirked, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. They'll love you. More than I do, even.

Fourth snorted, rolling his eyes. Yeah, right. But inside, his heart fluttered.

By the time they reached the Titicharoenrak estate, the evening sky had settled, painting the mansion in soft, golden hues. The guards at the gate immediately recognized Gemini's car and let them in without question.

Fourth took a deep breath as they pulled up in front of the grand entrance. The moment they stepped out of the car, the large, heavy doors opened, revealing Tay and New waiting in the foyer.

Gem, you better not be dragging some poor soul into your mess— Tay started but stopped mid-sentence when his eyes landed on Fourth.

New blinked in surprise, his gaze flickering between the two of them. Fourth ?

Fourth gave a polite bow, feeling a bit awkward. Good evening, Uncle Tay, Uncle New.

Tay and New exchanged glances. We were expecting someone important. Tay mused, eyes narrowing at Gemini. But we didn't think it would be Fourth. What's going on ?

Before Gemini could answer, Gia's voice cut through the air.

Fourth ?

They all turned to see Gia standing in the living room doorway, arms crossed and a deep frown on her face.

What are you doing with my brother ? She asked suspiciously, her sharp eyes darting between Fourth and Gemini.

Fourth opened his mouth to answer, but Gemini, ever the confident one, simply walked past everyone, pulling Fourth along with him. Let's all sit down first. He said smoothly. I'll explain everything.

Once everyone was settled in the spacious living room, the atmosphere was... tense.

Gia sat with her arms crossed, her eyes filled with a million unspoken questions. Tay and New were still watching Fourth with curiosity, while Gemini remained completely calm and composed.

Finally, Gemini leaned back, resting an arm on the back of the couch, fingers casually brushing Fourth's shoulder.

So, let's make this simple. His lips curled into a smirk before he announced. Fourth and I are together.

Silence.

Then—

WHAT ?! Gia's loud shriek filled the room.

Fourth winced, while Gemini chuckled at her dramatic reaction.

You ?! Gia pointed at Gemini. And Fourth ?! My best friend ?!

Yes.

For real ?!

For real.

Gia opened and closed her mouth several times, looking completely baffled.

Meanwhile, Tay and New had very different reactions.

New suddenly clapped his hands together, breaking into a bright, warm smile. Oh, thank God !

Tay nodded in agreement, grinning. Finally, someone managed to melt this frozen-hearted brat.

Gemini rolled his eyes at his parents' remarks. Seriously ?

Fourth, still recovering from Gia's reaction, looked at Tay and New with a small, shy smile. You guys are... okay with this ?

New laughed, shaking his head. Okay ? Fourth, do you even realize how much you've changed our son ?

Tay smirked. We were starting to think Gem would die alone with just his company and an empty bed.

Dad ! Gemini groaned.

Fourth couldn't help but giggle, and Gemini shot him a playfully betrayed look.

Gia, on the other hand, was still in shock. She leaned back, rubbing her temples. I just— I don't understand how this even happened.

Gemini turned to Fourth, smirking. You want to tell her, or should I ?

Fourth blushed but nudged him. You do it.

Gemini sighed dramatically. Fine. Long story short ? I fell in love with him all thanks to is deadly charms.

Tay and New aww-ed at the confession, while Gia made a disgusted gagging noise.

Gross. She muttered. You're being gross, Phi Gemini.

Fourth laughed, and for the first time that evening, he truly felt at ease.

Because no matter how chaotic the Titicharoenrak family was—

They had accepted him wholeheartedly.

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Update number 2

Enjoy reading cuties 🧸