Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

Chapter Four: A Day of Silence

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Gemini had woken up that morning with a plan. After Dunk's revelation the previous night about Fourth catching them making out, Gemini knew he had to confront the situation head-on. He didn't want things to be awkward between him and Fourth, especially since they worked together every day. Besides, Fourth had always been prickly, but Gemini had grown to enjoy the little banter they shared. Now, with the knowledge that Fourth had seen him in a compromising position, it made things... complicated.

The first part of his plan? Get Fourth to talk to him.

Easier said than done.

From the moment they stepped into the classroom, Fourth had been noticeably distant. Even more so than usual. His usual curt replies had been replaced with silence or, worse, a stiff and professional attitude. Fourth barely glanced at him, his eyes focused on the kids or his lesson plans, and whenever Gemini tried to engage him, the omega responded with a clipped, "Mr. Titichareonrak."

The formal use of his last name felt like a slap every time.

"Good morning, Fourth," Gemini had greeted brightly when they first crossed paths that day.

"Mr. Titichareonrak," was the cold reply, followed by Fourth immediately turning his attention back to his students.

Gemini frowned, but he let it slide. Maybe Fourth just needed some time.

But time didn't seem to be helping. By lunchtime, Gemini had tried four more times to engage Fourth in some casual conversation. Each time, he got the same response: "Mr. Titichareonrak." No warmth, no banter, just polite indifference.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, Gemini was growing increasingly frustrated. He wasn't used to being ignored like this—especially not by someone he liked. And, despite Fourth's prickly demeanor, Gemini couldn't deny that he liked him. A lot.

The dismissal bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and the children began gathering their things. As the last few students trickled out of the classroom, Gemini spotted Fourth tidying up at his desk. His eyes narrowed. He wasn't going to let this continue. Not today.

Fourth, as if sensing his gaze, grabbed his bag and made a beeline for the door.

"Fourth!" Gemini called out, making his way over to the omega quickly.

Fourth hesitated at the door, his hand on the handle. He sighed softly, then turned to face Gemini, his expression guarded as always. "What is it, Mr. Titichareonrak? I need to pick up Nan from my parents' house."

Gemini stopped in his tracks, momentarily thrown by Fourth's reminder about his daughter. He hadn't known Fourth had asked her grandparents to pick her up, but it made sense. He must have been swamped with extra work in the classroom today.

"I know you're busy, but... can we talk?" Gemini's voice was quieter now, more serious.

Fourth's brows knitted together, but he didn't move to leave. He crossed his arms over his chest. "About what?"

Gemini glanced around, ensuring that no one else was around to overhear them. He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice. "About what you saw yesterday."

Fourth's expression didn't change, though Gemini could see the way his eyes hardened slightly. "What about it?"

Gemini rubbed the back of his neck, unsure how to proceed. He wasn't used to being nervous, but Fourth had a way of throwing him off balance. "I know it must have been... awkward for you to see me and Dunk. I just want to clear the air."

"There's nothing to clear," Fourth said flatly. "What you do with your... significant other isn't my business."

Gemini sighed. "That's the thing. Dunk's not my *only* significant other."

Fourth's eyes flickered with something—confusion? Surprise? He didn't respond, so Gemini continued.

"I'm in a polyamorous relationship," Gemini explained, his tone calm and careful. "There are four of us. Well, five, including me. Dunk, Joong, Phuwin, and Pond. We've been together for three years now."

Fourth's expression remained impassive, though Gemini could see the gears turning in his mind. He wasn't shocked—at least not outwardly—but Gemini knew that this wasn't the kind of information Fourth was used to hearing.

"I wanted you to know," Gemini went on, "because I really like you, Fourth. I've been... interested in you for a while now. I didn't want to start pursuing you without being upfront about my situation."

Fourth blinked, his face giving nothing away. For a long moment, he didn't speak, just looked at Gemini as though weighing his words carefully.

Then, finally, Fourth uncrossed his arms and let out a short, soft breath. "I'm not poly."

Gemini stood there, frozen in place as Fourth's words sank in. The omega's tone wasn't harsh or judgmental—just matter-of-fact, as if he was stating something that should have been obvious from the start.

"I don't share, Mr. Titichareonrak.," Fourth added quietly. His eyes flickered to the door, and he nodded once. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to pick up my daughter."

Without another word, Fourth turned on his heel and left the classroom, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

Gemini remained where he stood, his chest feeling tight as Fourth's words echoed in his mind.

*I'm not poly.*

Gemini knew this wasn't the end of the conversation, but for now, it felt like a wall had just gone up between them—one he wasn't sure how to climb.