best ex-lover

9

"Phu, come on in," I said, gesturing for him to enter the kitchen. "I'm just about to make breakfast. Want to join?"

"Yeah, that would be great, thanks. I could use some food." As I began gathering ingredients, Phuwin leaned against the counter, watching me with a mix of curiosity and relief.

"So, how have you been? We have been worried sick about you, especially me."

"I know, and I'm really sorry for making you worry," I replied, my tone sincere as I started chopping vegetables.

"Things have been a bit rough, but I'm trying to work through it." Phuwin nodded, a small frown creasing his brow.

"I get it, life can be tough sometimes. But remember, you don't have to always go through it alone. I'm here for you, always. I mean, us."

A grateful smile touched my lips as I glanced at Phuwin. "Thanks. That means a lot to me." I paused, then added, "And I'm sorry for not keeping in touch. I should've let you know what was going on."

Phuwin waved off the apology with a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad to see you're okay. We all go through rough patches, but what matters is that we have each other's backs, right?"

"Right," I agreed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders at Phuwin's understanding. "Now, how about you lend me a hand with breakfast? Gemini's going to be thrilled to have you join us." Phuwin grinned, rolling up his sleeves. "Absolutely. Let's make this breakfast a masterpiece!"

As I expertly flipped the omelette in the frying pan as I was about to plate the dish, Phuwin's voice cut through the air, laden with concern."Fourth, can I ask you something?"

I paused, turning to face Phuwin, his expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. "Sure, Phu. What's on your mind?"

Phuwin hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully before finally voicing his question. "I've been meaning to ask about your pneumonia...How did you get it?"

My heart skipped a beat, my grip on the spatula tightening involuntarily. I hadn't expected Phuwin to bring up this topic now, especially in the midst of my morning routine. Taking a deep breath, I set the spatula down and turned to face Phuwin, his expression serious.

"It's... it's complicated," I began, my voice tinged with a mixture of regret and vulnerability. "I... I got sick because I wasn't taking care of myself. The stress of everything, combined with neglecting my own well-being... it took its toll."

"Was it because of Gemini?"

I nodded. "Partly, yes. I was so stressed because he appeared in my life again, everything else that I neglected myself in the process. I guess I thought I could handle it all, but... I was wrong."

Phuwin reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. We all make mistakes, especially when its about someone deeply. But your health is important too, you know? You can't pour from an empty cup."

"Thanks. I needed to hear that. I've been trying to take better care of myself since then, and having friends like you and the rest makes it a lot easier."

"Have you told him yet?" As Phuwin's question hung in the air, my heart skipped a beat again, my mind racing with uncertainty. The fact that I hadn't yet told Gemini the full truth about my pneumonia sent a wave of guilt washing over me.

"Um, no," I admitted reluctantly, my voice tinged with unease.
Phuwin's brow furrowed in concern, his gaze searching my face for answers. "Why not? Don't you think he deserves to know?"

"I... I guess I've been hesitant," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to worry him, especially since he's been dealing with his own health issues."

Phuwin's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I get it. But keeping something like this from him might only make things worse in the long run. He's your partner, he deserves to know what you're going through." I nodded slowly, the truth of Phuwin's words sinking in. "I-I know..."

———

As Fourth and Phuwin were engrossed in conversation, the atmosphere shifted with Gemini's sudden appearance. Fourth's words stumbled as Gemini wrapped his arms around him from behind, peppering his neck with kisses.

Attempting to focus on both Gemini's tender gestures and his conversation with Phuwin, Fourth's voice stuttered slightly, a mixture of surprise and delight evident in his tone.

"Good m-morning, Gem," Fourth managed, his words punctuated by gentle laughter as Gemini's displays of affection continued.

Gemini, undeterred by Fourth's stuttering, continued to express his love, all while attempting to engage in conversation with Phuwin. "Hey, Phuwin, good to see you," Gemini greeted warmly. Phuwin chuckled softly, clearly amused by the scene unfolding before him.

"Looks like I am interrupting a sweet moment," he remarked, a playful grin dancing on his lips.

"Just sharing a little morning love."

Sensing something amiss, he gently released Fourth from the embrace and turned his attention to Phuwin, who seemed to have become more reserved.

"Hey, what were you guys talking about?" Gemini asked, his tone light, attempting to bridge the gap in the conversation. Fourth glanced nervously at Phuwin, unsure how to navigate the sudden change in mood. "Um, we were just catching up, nothing serious," he replied, his voice slightly strained.

Phuwin offered a tight smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort. "Yeah, just talking...Yeah," he added, his tone lacking its usual warmth. Gemini furrowed his brow, sensing the underlying tension.

"Is everything alright?"

Fourth exchanged a quick glance with Phuwin before offering a reassuring smile to Gemini. "Yeah, everything's fine, Gem. Just catching up," he assured, hoping to alleviate Gemini's worry.

Gemini nodded, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes. "Alright, if you say so," he replied, choosing to trust Fourth's words for the moment.