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

Chapter: 17_ Fractured Hearts_

"Gemini, are you alright?" Mark's voice cut through the tense silence as he leaned forward, eyes locked on Gemini, who was slouched in his office chair, surrounded by the soft light of the city skyline.

Gemini exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "I think so. These new meds... they're doing something different." He leaned back, staring up at the ceiling. "My mind feels clearer. Lighter."

Mark gave a hesitant nod, but something about Gemini's sudden optimism didn't sit right with him. The calm before the storm always had a way of disguising itself. "You sure about that? You've had reactions before..."

Gemini opened his mouth to respond when a knock came from the door, sharp and sudden. Both men turned to the source.

"May I come in, sir?" A familiar voice echoed from the hallway.

"Come in, Kenta," Gemini called, his voice firm, though a slight tremor belied his calm.

The door swung open, and Kenta stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Mark and Gemini. There was tension in his stance that set Mark on edge instantly. Something was wrong.

"Kenta," Mark started, crossing one leg over the other. "What's going on? You look like you've got news."

Kenta's eyes flicked between them before he spoke. "Fourth Nattawat is coming back to Thailand."

The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Gemini froze, every muscle in his body locking up. The air seemed to thicken, becoming almost suffocating. His heart pounded so loudly in his ears that he barely heard Mark's sharp intake of breath.

"What did you just say?" Mark muttered in disbelief, his voice barely above a whisper, while Gemini remained completely still, his thoughts crashing into one another like waves in a violent storm.

The name. The man. The one Gemini had been avoiding, the one he had searched for yet dreaded confronting. The one whose life Gemini had torn apart in a single night, sending his own spiraling into hell in return.

"Yes, sir," Kenta continued, his voice steady, though he glanced warily at Gemini. "We've been monitoring him for the past six months. He's returning for his uncle's wedding next Thursday. He'll be here for a week, arriving from Finland."

Kenta stepped forward, placing a tablet with detailed information on Gemini's desk, but Gemini barely registered it. His vision was tunneled, the room spinning as fear coiled tightly around his chest.

Mark stood up, noticing Gemini's pale face and wide eyes. "Kenta, give us a moment."

Kenta gave a quick nod and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

As soon as they were alone, Mark rushed to Gemini's side, gripping his shoulders. "Gemini, snap out of it! Talk to me!"

Gemini's hands shook as he buried his face in them, elbows digging into his knees as he leaned forward. His voice came out hoarse, filled with despair. "I was finally getting better, Mark... I thought I was moving on. But now... why is he coming back? Why now?"

He stood abruptly, pacing like a caged animal, his hands pulling at his hair. "Why can't I just forget? Why does fate keep shoving this in my face? Every time I think I'm free, something pulls me back to that night!"

Mark followed him, his voice firm but gentle. "You've wanted this chance, Gem. To make things right with Fourth. To ask for forgiveness."

"Forgiveness?" Gemini barked out a bitter laugh, spinning to face Mark, his eyes wild. "There's no forgiveness for what I did! You don't understand. This isn't about making things right anymore. I'll be ruined all over again if he comes back. I can feel it, Mark. My life will shatter just like it did before!"