Mr. Casanova

The Unexpected Ally

CHAPTER THREE  

The morning sun cast long shadows across the university campus as Fourth arrived, his steps heavy with the weight of his exhaustion. He'd spent the night at the safe house, the memory of Gemini's forceful presence still lingering. He was here to retrieve his bag from the music club, a simple task that felt monumental in the face of the swirling emotions within him.

As he approached the university entrance, a tall figure emerged from the shadows, blocking his path. "Hey," the figure called out, his voice a familiar melody that sent a jolt of apprehension through Fourth. He turned, his heart pounding in his chest, and saw Gemini standing there, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, Gemini," Fourth said, his voice soft, a desperate attempt to mask the fear that threatened to consume him. He forced a smile, a gesture that seemed to amuse Gemini, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Here's your bag. Ford gave it to Mark yesterday, thinking he could catch up to us," Gemini said, handing Fourth his bag.

"Ahh, thank you," Fourth said, taking the bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "Then, I'll get going now," he added, patting Gemini on the shoulder, a gesture that seemed to shock Gemini. 

He couldn't tolerate skinship, his body recoiling from the touch. Gemini sighed, letting the thought pass, and walked away, heading towards his classroom.

Fourth watched him go, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't believe they were in the same class, yet they never spoke, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken tension that hung between them.

The morning class flew by, a blur of lectures and notes. Fourth was exhausted, his mind still reeling from the events of the previous night. Lunchtime arrived, a welcome respite from the monotony of classes. His friends, Winny, Satang, Prom, and Ford, headed to the cafeteria, leaving Fourth alone with the assignments they had lent him to copy.

To his surprise, the assignments were already completed. He recognized Gemini's handwriting, his neat, precise script a stark contrast to his own messy scrawl. He sighed, closing his notes, and decided to follow his friends to the cafeteria.

As he approached the table where they were seated, he was surprised to see Mark and Gemini sitting with them, engaged in conversation, laughter filling the air. Had he missed something?

Winny spotted him and beckoned him over, her voice filled with excitement. "Hey, Fourth, sit down. I bought you a salad, but since you're here, you should eat now," Satang said, handing Fourth a plate piled high with fresh vegetables.

Fourth smiled at Satang, his voice soft and sweet, "Thank you, my Khun Satang." Winny, ever the jealous boyfriend, whined, "What the hell, Fourth? Are you flirting with my boyfriend?"

Fourth laughed, his sassiness bubbling to the surface, "No, khub. I'm well aware that you two are boyfriends. I never dreamed of being someone's mistress."

Ford chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "Oh, right. This is Mark, my fiancé, and this is Gemini, his best friend." He said shyly, his gaze flitting to Fourth. The others were shocked, their questions flying fast and furious.

"How come you're engaged?" Prom asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

"Aw, it's just a business. Don't take it seriously. Haha. I'm just introducing him to all of you, just in case," Ford answered awkwardly, trying to downplay the significance of the engagement.

"Right, it's just a business. But we're good friends, so I want to know his friends too," Mark said, taking a bite of his food. Gemini, without a word, handed Fourth a glass of strawberry juice, his gaze unwavering, his expression unreadable. Fourth was grateful his friends didn't see, knowing he would be mercilessly teased if they did.