You and Me (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 22: New Responsibilities

The sound of rustling papers and the steady hum of conversation filled the small office space where Gemini sat, tapping away at his keyboard. He had only started working part-time at his father's company a few weeks ago, but the weight of responsibility was already settling heavily on his shoulders. Between his studies at Chulalongkorn University and his job, life had become a delicate balancing act.

Chula was everything Gemini had hoped it would be—a prestigious university full of opportunity and challenges that pushed him academically. He had been excited to start, knowing that his studies would set the foundation for his future, both personally and professionally. But juggling university with the part-time job at his father's company was more overwhelming than he had anticipated.

His father, true to form, hadn't cut him any slack. He expected nothing less than perfection from Gemini, even in a part-time role. The pressure to perform well at work while keeping up with his studies was intense, and some days, it felt like there wasn't enough time to breathe. But Gemini was determined to prove himself—to show his father that he could handle the responsibilities of both university and work.

As Gemini glanced at the clock, he realized it was already late afternoon. His mind immediately wandered to Fourth, who was back at the apartment. The thought of Fourth, resting comfortably at home with their soon-to-be-born child, brought a small smile to his face. Despite the stress of work and school, it was moments like these that reminded him why he was doing all of this—why he was pushing himself so hard.

He quickly finished the report he had been working on, closed his laptop, and packed his things. He couldn't wait to get home, to see Fourth and spend some quiet time together before diving into the next round of assignments and responsibilities.

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By the time Gemini arrived at the apartment, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar warmth of their home immediately calming the tension that had built up during the day.

"Fourth? I'm home," Gemini called out, kicking off his shoes and setting his bag down by the door.

"In here," Fourth's voice came from the living room.

Gemini walked in to find Fourth reclining on the couch, his hands resting on his noticeably larger stomach. His belly had grown quite a bit in the past few weeks, and with each passing day, the reality of becoming a father felt more and more real.

"You look exhausted," Fourth said softly, his eyes filled with concern as Gemini collapsed onto the couch beside him.

"I am," Gemini admitted, leaning back and closing his eyes for a moment. "Between classes and work, it feels like I barely have time to think. But I'm okay. How are you? How's the baby?"

Fourth smiled, placing his hand over Gemini's. "We're doing fine. The baby's been moving a lot today. Kicking, actually." He laughed softly, rubbing his stomach gently. "It's kind of surreal, feeling him move."

Gemini's eyes lit up with excitement, and he sat up a little straighter. "Really? Let me feel."

Fourth guided Gemini's hand to his belly, and after a moment, there it was—a soft but unmistakable kick from inside. Gemini's heart swelled with emotion, a mix of awe and love as he felt their baby moving beneath his hand.

"That's incredible," Gemini whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. "I can't believe it."

Fourth chuckled, his gaze soft. "It's happening, Gem. We're really going to be parents."

Gemini smiled, though the weight of that responsibility settled heavily in his chest. He had been so focused on balancing his studies and work that sometimes he forgot just how big of a change was coming. Their lives were about to be completely different, and while the excitement of becoming a father filled him with joy, there was also a deep undercurrent of fear.

"What if I can't handle all of this?" Gemini admitted quietly, his voice betraying the uncertainty he had been carrying for weeks. "The university, the job, the baby... what if it's too much?"

Fourth looked at him, his eyes filled with understanding. He reached out, gently taking Gemini's hand in his. "You don't have to do it all by yourself, Gem. We're in this together. I know it's a lot right now, but you're not alone. I'm here, and we'll figure it out. We've made it through so much already. We'll make it through this too."

Gemini squeezed Fourth's hand, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Fourth was right—they had been through so much together already. The hardships, the heartbreak, and the uncertainty of their future had brought them closer, made them stronger as a couple. They had learned to rely on each other, to face their challenges together, and this—this new chapter—was just one more thing they would navigate side by side.

"I just don't want to let anyone down," Gemini whispered. "Not you, not the baby, not my family."

"You won't," Fourth reassured him, his voice gentle but firm. "You're doing your best, and that's all that matters. We're building a life for our family, and you're already giving us everything we need. Your love, your support—that's what's important."

Gemini leaned his head against Fourth's, taking comfort in his presence. The future still felt overwhelming at times, but as long as they had each other, he knew they could handle whatever came their way.

For a few quiet moments, they sat together in the warmth of their apartment, the weight of the day slowly fading away. Gemini closed his eyes, letting himself relax for the first time all day. The sound of Fourth's breathing, the soft movements of their baby beneath his hand, the knowledge that they were building something beautiful together—it was enough.

"I love you," Gemini whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

"I love you too," Fourth replied, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Gemini's temple. "And we've got this. One step at a time."

With Fourth by his side, Gemini knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The road wouldn't be easy, but together, they would build a future full of love, hope, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

And for now, that was more than enough.