Daddy (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 7: The Unwanted Attention

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual noise of students talking, trays clattering, and the hum of daily campus life. Fourth sat across from Phuwin, absentmindedly stirring his iced coffee with a straw while his mind drifted. He had just spent another night at Gemini's penthouse, and even though his body still ached from the usual intense encounters, the thought of the luxury and attention he received from Gemini made everything worth it.

Phuwin, as always, was in the middle of talking about something—probably about a lecture or an assignment—but Fourth was only half-listening, his thoughts elsewhere. His phone, lying on the table beside his coffee, buzzed with a message. He glanced at it briefly, expecting it to be another note from Gemini, but before he could check it, the sound of approaching footsteps made his stomach churn.

Tin.

Fourth didn't even need to look up to know it was him. That unmistakable air of arrogance filled the space, and within moments, Tin slid into the seat right next to Fourth, his presence overwhelming. Too close for comfort. Fourth's body tensed, but he immediately masked it with a smile—a smile that had become a reflex whenever Tin was around.

"Fourth," Tin greeted, his voice laced with confidence and entitlement. He leaned in, far too close, his leg brushing against Fourth's under the table. "I've been looking for you."

Phuwin, sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow and gave Fourth a knowing look. Tin's obsession with Fourth was becoming more than just a nuisance—it was becoming exhausting. But Fourth, as always, kept his cool. He knew how to play this game, even if it annoyed him to no end.

"Hey, Tin," Fourth replied, his voice light and flirty, a coy smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He kept his tone playful, as he always did. "I've been busy."

Tin leaned back slightly, his eyes roaming over Fourth as if he owned him. "Busy with what? You're always too busy for me lately," Tin remarked, the underlying edge in his voice impossible to miss.

Fourth's smile never faltered. "You know how it is—classes, assignments, shopping..." He let the last word linger, knowing it would pique Tin's interest but not give too much away.

Tin's eyes narrowed, but he forced a smile. "Shopping, huh? Well, I could take you out somewhere nicer than that cheap mall you probably go to."

Fourth almost laughed. Tin had no idea what kind of places he shopped at now, thanks to Gemini's black card, but he wasn't about to explain that. Instead, he just nodded, maintaining the delicate balance of keeping Tin interested without giving him any real commitment.

"Maybe one day," Fourth replied, his voice dripping with false promise.

Tin seemed satisfied, for the moment at least, but Phuwin wasn't having any of it. He leaned forward, his expression serious as he looked directly at Tin. "You know, Tin, Fourth's been pretty busy with... other things." His tone was laced with an unspoken challenge.

Tin's eyes flicked to Phuwin, narrowing slightly. There was a tension between the two that had been growing over the past few weeks. Tin knew Phuwin wasn't a fan of him, and Phuwin knew exactly why Tin was hanging around Fourth. But Fourth appreciated how Phuwin never outright said anything to disrupt the delicate act he was playing.

"Other things?" Tin repeated, his voice skeptical. He turned back to Fourth, his hand resting casually—too casually—on Fourth's thigh. "I don't see why you'd waste time with anything or anyone else when you've got me."

Fourth felt his skin crawl under Tin's touch, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he let out a soft laugh, gently moving Tin's hand away, but making it seem like a playful gesture. "I'm not wasting time, Tin. I just have a lot going on right now."

Tin's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You're always avoiding me. What's going on with you, Fourth? You used to make time for me."

Fourth could feel Phuwin's gaze burning into him, silently urging him to push Tin away. But Fourth knew better. Tin wasn't the kind of guy you could simply reject and walk away from without consequences. He had power—maybe not on Gemini's level, but enough to make Fourth's life difficult if he wanted to.

Keeping his voice light and teasing, Fourth tilted his head and gave Tin his best flirtatious smile. "Come on, Tin, don't be so dramatic. You know I appreciate you."

Tin's gaze softened slightly, his ego soothed by Fourth's words, but Fourth could still feel the underlying tension. He was losing his grip on Tin's patience, and it wouldn't be long before Tin demanded more than just empty words and promises.

Phuwin cleared his throat, clearly done with the situation. "Fourth, didn't you say you had something to do after this?" he said, giving Fourth an out.

Fourth jumped on the excuse. "Oh, right!" He glanced at Tin, offering another sweet smile. "I really have to go. We'll catch up later, okay?"

Tin's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Later," he said, his voice low and cold. As Fourth stood up, Tin's eyes followed him, filled with a possessiveness that made Fourth's skin prickle.

As soon as they were a safe distance from the cafeteria, Fourth let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "That was exhausting," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Phuwin shook his head. "I don't know how you deal with that guy. He's getting worse, Fourth. You need to be careful."

"I know," Fourth replied, sighing as he glanced back over his shoulder, half expecting to see Tin following them. "But I can't just cut him off. He's too... unpredictable. I'll handle him. I always do."

Phuwin looked unconvinced but didn't push the issue. "Just make sure you know what you're doing."

Fourth nodded, but deep down, he knew Phuwin was right. Tin was becoming more and more restless, and Fourth wasn't sure how much longer he could keep playing this game.