Fated To Love • GeminiFourth

16. Unanswered Tension 🔞

As Fourth settled back into the rhythm of work at Numone Group, the bright lights of the city glimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office. He tried to concentrate on the financial reports in front of him, but the weight of last night's encounter with Gemini lingered in his mind. The heat of their moment replayed in his thoughts, leaving him distracted.

The door swung open, and his best friend, Satang Kittiphop, strode in, his expression light and easy. "Hey, superstar! You ready for that investor meeting later?"

"Yeah, yeah," Fourth muttered, still lost in his thoughts. He adjusted the collar of his shirt, but the movement only drew Satang's attention.

"Whoa, hold up." Satang's playful tone shifted as he leaned closer, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Is that a hickey I see on your neck?"

Fourth's hand shot up to cover the mark instinctively, his cheeks flushing slightly. "It's nothing," he said, trying to downplay it, but the heat in his face betrayed him.

"Nothing? That looks like a love bite to me!" Satang teased, crossing his arms. "Who's the lucky one? Spill it!"

"It's not what you think, Satang," Fourth groaned, running a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "It's complicated."

"Complicated? Since when do you do complicated?" Satang chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, don't leave me hanging. Is it someone from work?"

Fourth sighed, leaning back in his chair, avoiding Satang's gaze. "Let's just say it's... someone I didn't expect."

"Someone? What a mystery!" Satang exclaimed, clearly enjoying the drama. "Is it someone I know?"

"Why does it matter?" Fourth snapped, a little more defensively than he intended. "I mean, can't I just have a little privacy?"

"Privacy? This is newsworthy! You know I love a good scandal," Satang replied, grinning. "You can't drop a bomb like that and expect me not to want details."

"I swear, Satang, if you keep pushing, I'll tell you it's just a one-night stand," Fourth said, rolling his eyes, though he couldn't hide his amusement.

"Good luck with that," Satang shot back, clearly unfazed. "You know that's not going to fly with me. You can't keep something like this under wraps. You're practically glowing, and it's not just from the lights in here."

"Why are you like this?" Fourth sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

"Because it's entertaining, and it's my job as your best friend to make sure you don't screw things up. Now, are we talking about a serious one-night stand or just a good time?"

"Why does it have to be either? It's just... complicated," Fourth replied, shifting in his seat. "Let's just drop it, okay?"

Satang stepped closer, leaning against the edge of the desk. "Fine, I'll let it go-for now. But I expect full details when you're ready. Just remember, if this goes south, I'm here to provide the best distraction money can't buy."

"Thanks, but I think I'll manage," Fourth said, trying to sound more composed than he felt.

As Satang prepared to leave, he turned back, a teasing grin on his face. "Just be careful. We don't want you getting too attached. You know how you get when things get complicated."

"Please, I can handle myself," Fourth replied, a challenge in his tone.

"Sure you can, Mr. Tough Guy," Satang said, laughing. "Just don't come crying to me when you realize you've fallen for your rival."

After Satang left, Fourth leaned back in his chair, contemplating the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him. The hickey on his neck was a reminder of how complicated things had become, and as much as he tried to keep his life tidy and predictable, there was no denying that Gemini had thrown a wrench into his carefully constructed plans.