Daddy (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 11: Tin

The university campus, once a place of casual flirting and playful interactions for Fourth, had become a battlefield of unrelenting attention. Since the kiss with Tin in that empty classroom, things had escalated far beyond what Fourth had anticipated. Tin was no longer just a problem on the fringes of his life; he was now a persistent presence, clinging to Fourth at every opportunity. It was suffocating.

Everywhere Fourth went, Tin followed. He would walk into class and find Tin already there, waiting for him. During breaks, Tin would appear by his side, acting as if they were inseparable. It was clear to everyone on campus that Tin had intensified his obsession, and no matter how much Fourth tried to play it cool, he felt the weight of Tin's presence growing with every passing day.

Phuwin, always the protective friend, had tried to intervene multiple times. Every time he saw Tin hovering over Fourth, invading his personal space or stealing a kiss when no one was looking, Phuwin's face would tighten with barely suppressed anger. But Fourth always managed to stop him, giving him a subtle shake of the head or a quick hand gesture, silently pleading with him to let it be.

Today was no different. Tin had latched onto Fourth as soon as he arrived at the university, his arm casually draped over Fourth's shoulder as they walked across campus. Tin's possessiveness was suffocating, and every time he leaned in to whisper something or press his lips against Fourth's cheek, Fourth's stomach churned.

They passed groups of students, some staring, others whispering. The rumors had already spread. Everyone who knew about Tin's obsession with Fourth had started to make assumptions. Whispers of "Fourth finally gave in" and "Looks like they're official now" floated through the halls. It was infuriating, but Fourth forced himself to smile, pretending not to care.

But the truth was, he did care. He hated this. He hated how Tin's touches made his skin crawl, how his forced smiles felt like lies. But there was no easy way out. He had played this game too long, and now Tin had mistaken his desperation for seduction. He couldn't simply push Tin away—not without causing a scene, not without putting himself at risk of something worse. And then there was Gemini.

Gemini couldn't find out. He was already suspicious, and Fourth was terrified of what might happen if Gemini learned the full extent of Tin's persistence. Gemini's cold, calculated demeanor didn't leave room for patience when it came to threats. And in Gemini's world, Tin's obsession would be seen as a threat. Fourth had no doubt about that.

As they neared the cafeteria, Fourth could feel Phuwin's eyes on him. He and Phuwin hadn't had a proper conversation about Tin since the kiss that had set everything off. Phuwin had wanted to, but Fourth kept brushing it aside, pretending everything was fine. But Phuwin wasn't fooled. He could see the strain on Fourth's face, the way his usual charm was starting to crack under the weight of Tin's constant attention.

Tin's hand slipped down to Fourth's waist as they entered the cafeteria, and without warning, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to Fourth's lips. It was quick, but forceful, a display of dominance more than affection. And worst of all, it was in full view of everyone.

Fourth stiffened, his mind racing as he caught the startled looks from nearby students. The whispers that had followed them all day intensified. "They're definitely together now." "I guess Fourth finally gave up." "Did you see that? Tin doesn't care who's watching."

Phuwin, who was already seated at their usual table, looked like he was on the verge of standing up and saying something, but Fourth shot him a warning look, his smile still plastered on his face despite the humiliation creeping through him. He couldn't afford to make a scene, not here, not now. He needed to keep things calm. He needed to stay in control.

"Tin, you really don't care who's watching, huh?" Fourth said with a laugh, trying to defuse the moment with humor. His voice sounded light and teasing, but inside, he was screaming. He wanted to push Tin away, to tell him to stop, but he couldn't risk it.

Tin smirked, clearly pleased with himself. "Why should I care? Let them see," he replied, his hand still possessively resting on Fourth's waist. "I've waited long enough for you, haven't I? People should know that you're mine now."

The words sent a chill down Fourth's spine, but he kept his smile intact, nodding as if it were no big deal. "I guess so," he said, though the words tasted bitter on his tongue.

As they sat down at the table, Fourth could feel Phuwin's eyes burning into him. He didn't need to look to know that Phuwin was angry, worried, and frustrated all at once. But what could he do? Fourth had trapped himself in this situation, and now Tin's delusion was spiraling further out of control.

The rest of the lunch passed in a blur of forced conversations and awkward silences. Tin continued to stick close to Fourth, his hand constantly on him, his touches possessive and invasive. Phuwin stayed quiet, but Fourth could feel the tension between them. It was suffocating, and by the time they finished lunch, Fourth felt like he could barely breathe.

As soon as they left the cafeteria, Fourth pulled Phuwin aside, under the pretense of needing help with something. Tin, thankfully, had been called away by a group of his friends, giving Fourth a rare moment of reprieve.

"Fourth, this has to stop," Phuwin said the moment they were out of earshot, his voice low and urgent. "Tin's out of control. You can't keep letting him do this to you."

Fourth sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know," he whispered. "But what do you want me to do, Phuwin? If I push him away, he'll make a scene. You know how he is."

Phuwin shook his head, his expression filled with frustration. "And if Gemini finds out? You think he's just going to let this slide? He'll destroy Tin."

Fourth's heart sank at the mention of Gemini. He knew Phuwin was right. He had been walking a tightrope for weeks now, trying to keep Tin at bay while hiding everything from Gemini. But the rope was fraying, and he was running out of time. Something had to give, and soon.

"I'll figure it out," Fourth said, though the words felt hollow even to him. "I just need a little more time."

Phuwin didn't look convinced, but he nodded anyway. "Just... be careful, okay?"

Fourth nodded, though deep down, he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up this charade. Tin was growing more possessive by the day, and Gemini's patience was already wearing thin.

And somewhere in the back of his mind, Fourth knew that sooner or later, everything was going to come crashing down.