Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

The Trial Begins

Gemini knew it was time to let the others in on what was happening. After all, this wasn't just his decision to make. As much as he wanted Fourth, they were in this together—all five of them. So, over dinner that night, he decided to drop the news.

They were gathered around the table, Dunk's excited chatter filling the room as usual. Pond, Joong, and Phuwin were quieter, though Pond occasionally made some lighthearted comments that made Dunk laugh. Phuwin was focused on his food, his gaze flicking up now and then but mostly keeping to himself.

Gemini took a deep breath, setting down his fork. "So, I talked to Fourth today."

The room stilled, all eyes turning to him. He could see the curiosity in Dunk's eyes immediately, while Pond and Joong remained calm but interested. Phuwin, however, tensed slightly.

Dunk was the first to speak, as expected. "And? What did he say? Is he going to join us?"

Gemini smiled slightly. "Not exactly. I mean, not yet. I suggested a trial relationship—a month to see if he can... fit with us."

Dunk's face lit up with excitement, practically bouncing in his seat. "A trial? That's perfect! It's a great way for him to get to know us. I mean, he'll definitely love me once he spends more time around me."

Pond chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course, he will, Dunk. You're irresistible, aren't you?"

Dunk grinned, clearly pleased with the compliment, while Joong smirked from across the table, his usual cool demeanor unchanged. "A month sounds reasonable," Joong said. "It gives him time to adjust, and it's not too much pressure."

Gemini nodded, glad that at least some of them were on board. But his eyes flicked to Phuwin, who hadn't said a word. He could tell by the tension in Phuwin's jaw that he wasn't thrilled with the idea.

Phuwin finally spoke, his voice calm but clipped. "So, we're just going to let him waltz into our relationship after everything that's happened?"

"It's just a trial," Gemini said gently. "He's trying to make up for what happened with Pond, and this is a way for him to figure out if he even wants this."

Phuwin's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what if he doesn't? What if this is just a waste of time?"

Dunk, ever the peacemaker, jumped in. "Come on, Phuwin. It's not like we're asking him to move in tomorrow. It's just dinner and spending time together."

Phuwin didn't reply, but the tension in his expression didn't ease. He wasn't angry, Gemini knew, but Phuwin had always been more cautious when it came to their relationship, protective of what they had. Gemini couldn't blame him for that.

Dunk, undeterred by Phuwin's reluctance, turned to Gemini with bright eyes. "So, when are you inviting him over for dinner? He has to come here and meet us properly, right?"

Gemini smiled, relieved to shift the conversation back to something more lighthearted. "I actually did ask him if he could come over, but..." He hesitated, thinking of Fourth's explanation earlier. "His parents have traveled, and he doesn't have anyone to babysit Nan."

Pond, ever practical, leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Well, we all agreed Nan shouldn't know about this until we're sure, right? So, that makes sense."

"Yeah," Gemini nodded. "Fourth doesn't want to bring her into anything until he's sure about us, and I think that's fair."

Dunk pouted, clearly disappointed. "So, what now? We're not meeting him?"

Gemini smiled. "Actually, he invited me over to his place for dinner instead. He said he'll come to ours once his parents are back."

Dunk brightened immediately. "Dinner at his place? That's even better! More personal."

Gemini chuckled at Dunk's enthusiasm. "I'll let him know we're on board with whatever he's comfortable with."

The conversation moved on, though Phuwin remained quiet, his expression contemplative. Gemini didn't press him—he knew Phuwin would come around eventually. They just needed time to figure this out, and that's exactly what the trial was for.

As the evening drew on, the weight of what was happening settled on Gemini. This was just the beginning, and there was still so much to figure out. But, for now, he was looking forward to dinner at Fourth's place—and maybe, just maybe, they were all moving in the right direction.