"Heirs of the Heart" (Pondphuwin, Geminifourth, Joongdunk)

Chapter:9_Shadows of Danger and Love_

"Are you out of your mind, Fourth? What on earth are you thinking?" Mix's voice echoed through the room as he sprang from his seat, eyes wide with disbelief.

"I'm serious, P'Mix. Don't let Mae and Poh find out. I'm begging you," Fourth pleaded, his voice trembling.

Mix was about to argue when Earth interjected, his tone calm yet firm. "Fourth, are you scared of something? Is someone threatening you? We can't let that scum get away with this. They might be powerful, but we aren't helpless."

Fourth shook his head, his eyes filled with exhaustion. "No one's threatening me. I just don't want any more chaos. I'm tired. Please, just let it go. I want to leave for Finland, to stay with Uncle Auo."

Everyone in the room-Satang, Mix, Winny, and Earth-was left speechless.

"Fourth, this isn't just a fight. This is about justice. You were assaulted, and you deserve to see that bastard pay for it," Winny said, trying to reason with him.

Fourth's voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried a weight of determination. "I don't want any more chaos. I'm mentally drained. Please, let me go to Finland. P' Mix, I'm begging you."

Mix's resolve wavered as he saw the desperation in Fourth's eyes. Earth stepped forward, placing a hand on Fourth's shoulder. "Alright, you will go to Finland. I'll talk to your parents. Mix, take him to his room and make sure he takes his medicine. He needs to rest."

Earth led Winny and Satang out of the room. Once outside, he turned to them, his expression grave. "Did you say anything to him?"

"No, P' Earth. We didn't mention anything about the assault after what the doctors said," Satang replied hastily.

"Does Fourth know who did this to him? Did you tell him anything about that guy?" Earth asked.

Winny shook his head. "We know who it is, but we didn't tell Fourth. He never asked, and we never brought it up."

"Gemini Naravit, the infamous playboy," Earth muttered, his jaw tightening. Satang and Winny nodded silently.

The car ride was filled with a tense silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. Winny and Satang exchanged worried glances, trying to decipher the storm brewing behind Earth's eyes...

---

"Phuwin, I'm going to be a bit late tonight. There's an urgent surgery at the hospital," Sarocha said as soon as her son picked up the call.

"Don't worry, Mae. I'll manage. Just don't come home alone if it gets too late. Call me, okay?" Phuwin replied, his tone filled with concern.

Sarocha chuckled at her son's caring nature. "Okay, my protector Phuwin, I'll remember. Now, I really have to go. Bye!" she said, laughing softly.

"Okay, mom. Bye." Phuwin ended the call and returned to his studies, a small smile playing on his lips..

---

"Wow, again with that flat white coffee, man?" Pond teased as he approached his brother's desk. Joong instantly grabbed the coffee jar, pulling it closer.

"What? Why are you acting like someone's trying to steal your favorite toy?" Pond asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

Joong remained silent, methodically arranging his desk as the workday came to a close.

"Silent treatment again, huh? Still just sipping coffee and admiring him from afar? How long are you going to keep this up? You should at least try to be friends with him," Pond suggested, his tone sincere.

"I prefer to watch him from a distance," Joong replied, his expression unreadable.

"Yes, yes... Keep watching him for another two years and then watch him find happiness with his boyfriend next year," Pond retorted, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

At the mention of a "boyfriend," Joong's eyes flashed with intensity, glaring at his older brother.

"Don't look at me like that. If you keep this up, that's exactly what will happen. Now, let's go. It's pointless to argue with someone as stubborn as you," Pond said, turning to leave Joong's office.....