Chapter 8: 5

●Behind those cold eyes● GeminiFourth fanficWords: 15221

The auditorium was packed with first-year students from the business program, buzzing with nervous energy as they awaited their first official university event.

Gia sat in her seat, arms crossed loosely over her notebook, trying her best to quiet the anxiety that buzzed through her.

This was supposed to be a welcome session for the peer mentoring program, a chance to get to know the people who would guide them through their university journey.

And while Gia appreciated the idea of having a mentor, she couldn't shake the sense of unease that came from being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces.

Beside her, Fourth seemed at ease, chatting animatedly with a few other students.

His exuberant personality stood in stark contrast to Gia's quiet nature, but she'd grown used to it by now.

They'd barely known each other a few hours, but already, she found herself relying on his easy charm to ease her own nervousness.

It was hard not to, especially when Fourth seemed to have the uncanny ability to turn any situation into something fun and lighthearted.

As the session began, the professor stood at the front, her voice commanding attention.

Welcome to the business program, everyone ! Today is an exciting day as you'll be meeting your peer mentors for the semester. These mentors are here to help you navigate your first year and provide support both academically and personally.

Gia's stomach did a nervous flip at the mention of "personal support."

It wasn't that she didn't want a mentor—she was just unsure what kind of mentor she would get. She hadn't thought much about it before today, but now that it was happening, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

The professor continued. Each of you will be paired with a senior mentor, someone who will guide you through your studies, help you make connections, and be a friendly face in your corner.

Gia shifted in her seat, watching the other students around her, who seemed far more at ease. When the professor began calling out names for the mentorship pairing, Gia tried to prepare herself.

She hadn't been prepared for this level of attention. When her name was called—Gia Titicharoenrak—she stood up quickly, heart beating faster than she'd expected.

She was greeted by a few quiet smiles from the people seated around her, and she made her way to the front, her steps tentative but determined.

She didn't know who her mentor would be, but she hoped for someone who would understand her quieter nature, someone who wouldn't push her too hard out of her comfort zone.

When she reached the front, the professor pointed toward a tall figure standing off to the side.

Sky, she realized, as she took in the confident posture and sharp features of the senior waiting for her.

He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that did nothing to mask his commanding presence.

Sky was... impressive. His blue eyes were steady as they locked onto hers, his expression calm but with an undeniable air of authority that seemed to make the entire room pause.

Gia. Sky said, his voice smooth and rich, drawing her attention fully to him. It's good to meet you.

Gia blinked, slightly taken aback by how effortlessly he spoke, his words laced with a kind of cool composure that made it clear he wasn't the type to be intimidated.

She offered a small smile, trying to find her bearings.

It's nice to meet you too, Phi Sky. She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sky offered a brief smile, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before turning to the professor.

I'm looking forward to working with you this semester, Gia. He said, before nodding toward the side and walking back with her to her seat.

As she settled back into her chair, Gia tried to calm the fluttering in her chest.

There was something about Sky that was... unsettling, but in an intriguing way. His presence was hard to ignore, and there was an intensity to his gaze that made her feel as if she were being sized up—studied, almost.

She wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing, but there was no denying he was someone who commanded attention without even trying.

Meanwhile, Fourth had already made his way to the front, his energetic pace never slowing for a second. Gia watched as he practically bounced his way to the front of the room, grinning widely as his name was called.

Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul ! The professor announced.

Gia smiled slightly, watching him go up to meet his mentor, who was standing next to Sky.

The second Fourth laid eyes on his mentor, his expression lit up with recognition, and he flashed a grin that could only be described as mischievous.

Nani stood before Fourth—tall, handsome, with a wild, untamed energy that radiated off him in waves.

His hair was styled in an effortlessly messy fashion, and his outfit, though casual, fit him with a kind of carelessness that suited him perfectly.

Gia couldn't help but notice that Nani had a magnetic quality—something about the way he stood, the way he smiled, made him almost impossible to ignore.

Gia watched, her curiosity piqued. She had no idea who Nani was, but she could sense from the way Fourth's face lit up that he was someone important.

And then, as if Fourth had read her thoughts, he leaned toward her, his voice low but still filled with that ever-present enthusiasm.

Gia. Fourth whispered, his eyes flicking toward Nani. You're looking at one of the most infamous pairs on campus right now. That's Nani. And the guy beside him ? He nodded toward Sky, who was now standing by Nani's side, talking casually with him. That's Sky.

Gia's brow furrowed in confusion, and Fourth's grin widened as he saw her reaction.

You don't know them ? He asked, his voice filled with mild disbelief. Sky and Nani are a legendary couple here. Trust me, you'll hear everything about them in a week, maybe less.

Gia shook her head, still confused. But... they're just mentors, right ?

Fourth laughed softly. Oh, no. Sky and Nani are more than just mentors. They're, like, university royalty. The alpha couple. They've been through a lot together—some serious drama—and now they're, like, the most talked-about couple on campus.

His eyes glinted with mischief as he leaned in closer. Everyone says they went from being enemies to lovers. They hate each other, or at least, used to hate each other. They've got some history. Some really, really interesting history.

Gia blinked, trying to process what Fourth had said. She hadn't expected that kind of history from Sky and Nani, especially when she'd just seen how smooth and controlled Sky had seemed. And Nani... well, Nani had a certain wild energy that didn't exactly scream "enemy to lover.

You're saying that... they hated each other ? She asked, her voice quiet with surprise.

Fourth nodded, his grin spreading even wider. Yep. Total opposites. Sky is this super calculated, cool-headed alpha. Nani's... well, Nani's kind of a firecracker. And somehow, they went from tearing each other apart to this power couple that everyone looks up to. It's like some dramatic romance movie come to life.

Gia glanced back at Sky and Nani, who were now talking to each other, their chemistry undeniable even in the casual conversation.

There was an intensity to them, something almost palpable in the air. She could see what Fourth meant about them being 'alpha'—there was a quiet power to both of them, a command that was hard to ignore.

I didn't know any of this. Gia murmured, still processing everything Fourth had just said. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with a mentor like Sky.

Fourth chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. Don't worry. Sky's all business, but he'll definitely help you figure things out. Just... don't get on his bad side, okay?  He's intense, but he's fair. As for Nani... He gave a slight shrug. He's a bit of a troublemaker. But I'm sure you'll get along with him just fine.

Gia wasn't so sure about that. But as the session wrapped up, and she looked once again at Sky and Nani—standing together with an almost unspoken understanding between them—she couldn't help but feel like she was stepping into something much bigger than she had anticipated.

The next few months were going to be a whirlwind, and with Sky and Nani as her mentor and Fourth's mentor, Gia had the sense that this would be a semester she would never forget.

The peer mentor event had wrapped up, and the freshmen of the business program were making their way out of the auditorium, heads full of new information.

Fourth and Gia , still buzzing from the morning's activities, had gathered their things and were chatting about what they'd learned.

As they made their way out into the open campus, two familiar figures approached them: Sky and Nani.

Hey, Gia, Fourth ! Sky greeted with a casual smile, his voice light and friendly, a far cry from the composed, professional manner he'd exhibited during the event. We're heading out to grab some coffee. Thought it'd be a good chance to get to know each other better. You guys in ?

Gia exchanged a glance with Fourth, who was already looking excited.

I'm in ! Fourth said with enthusiasm, his usual energy contagious. I've been dying for some coffee.

Gia, a bit more reserved but still feeling open after the mentorship event, smiled softly. Sure, sounds good.

Great ! Nani added, his grin widening. We know a place nearby. It's a cozy little café that's perfect for chatting and chilling. No formal stuff, just hanging out.

And just like that, the group began heading to the café. Gia noticed how relaxed Sky and Nani seemed—there was none of the serious aura that they carried during the mentor event.

Instead, they were laughing and joking with each other as they walked, their voices light and easy.

Once they reached the café, the cozy atmosphere immediately put Gia at ease.

The soft music, the warm lights, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. It was the perfect place for a laid-back hangout.

They settled into a booth near the window, where sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the group. Fourth and Gia exchanged curious glances as they sat down.

They had expected their mentors to act more formal, maybe even a little distant, given their status at the university. But what they didn't expect was the intimacy and playfulness Sky and Nani shared.

Sky and Nani sat next to each other, and as they leaned in to order, Gia couldn't help but notice how close they were.

Sky reached over and ruffled Nani's hair, a playful smirk on his face. Nani responded with a soft, teasing , Hey, stop that. But he clearly didn't mind.

They exchanged a private, affectionate glance before turning their attention back to the menu.

This place has the best iced lattes. Sky said with a soft chuckle, his tone surprisingly gentle. You should definitely try it.

Nani smiled, leaning his head on Sky's shoulder for a second before pulling back, still smiling. And don't forget the pastries. He added. Trust me, their chocolate croissants are to die for.

The couple's soft interactions—Sky's gentle teasing, Nani's playful responses, and the way they seemed so comfortable with each other—took Gia by surprise.

This was nothing like the image they'd projected during the mentorship event. They had appeared so polished and professional then, almost unapproachable.

But now, it was clear: they were real, just two people who loved each other and enjoyed being around each other.

Fourth, noticing Gia's slight surprise, leaned in and whispered. See ? This is what I meant when I said they're different outside of the university. Sky and Nani have this thing—they're really sweet with each other, like a couple that's been together forever.

Gia nodded thoughtfully, smiling a little. I didn't expect them to be like this. They're so... soft with each other.

The two alphas, who had been so intense in their roles earlier, now seemed like an entirely different couple. Nani, always the joker, couldn't help but tease Sky. So, when you're mentoring, do you always put on that serious face ? Because here, I see the real you, Sky. The one who can't even decide if he wants his coffee black or with sugar.

Sky shot Nani a mock glare, but it was all in good fun. I can make decisions, thank you very much. I just prefer being indecisive in front of you baby. He teased, nudging Nani with his elbow.

Gia and Fourth watched the exchange in awe. Sky and Nani were both confident, but here, in the café, they were playful, affectionate, and completely at ease.

There was no wall between them, no intimidation. They were just... couple goals, in the best sense.

Fourth smiled, feeling the tension from the event completely melt away. I could hang out with these two every day. He said quietly to Gia, his voice filled with admiration.

Gia chuckled softly. Yeah, they're not at all what I expected. It's so nice to see them like this—so comfortable with each other.

Nani, overhearing, leaned in with a grin. What, did you think we were always that formal ? Sky here is a softie when no one's watching, and I'm the one who keeps him from being too uptight. We're like this all the time. He squeezed Sky's hand under the table, his voice suddenly quieter, softer. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sky's smile softened as he met Nani's gaze. Yeah. We're not so scary once you get to know us. His hand moved to rest on Nani's, the touch intimate and tender.

Gia felt a warm, fuzzy feeling bloom in her chest. This was a side of Sky and Nani that few ever saw—affectionate, playful, and real.

It was clear that their bond wasn't just for show, and it was so easy to get swept up in the ease of their relationship.

As the conversation flowed, Sky and Nani continued to make Fourth and Gia feel completely at ease.

They cracked jokes, shared funny stories, and laughed together. Their connection was effortless, and before long, the four of them were chatting like old friends.

By the end of the afternoon, Gia felt like the barriers between them had completely dissolved. Sky and Nani were no longer just their intimidating mentors; they were just two people who had found a place of comfort in each other—and now in Gia and Fourth as well.

As they stood up to leave, Sky gave both Gia and Fourth a warm smile. Thanks for hanging out with us. It was fun getting to know you both better. Let's do it again sometime.

Nani agreed, giving a playful salute. Next time, we'll drag you to an even cozier spot, and maybe we'll make you laugh even harder.

Gia grinned, already feeling like part of their circle. I'll take you up on that offer.

Fourth looked positively gleeful. Yeah, definitely. This was way better than I thought.

As they walked out of the café, the sun low in the sky, Gia couldn't help but think how unexpected and refreshing this afternoon had been.

What had started as a formal mentorship program had quickly turned into a real, easy-going friendship.

And as she looked at Fourth, who was happily chatting with Nani, she knew this was just the beginning of something fun and new for both of them.

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