BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHT

Chapter 12

Fourth drove off to school, a million thoughts running through his mind. Meanwhile, Gemini drove back to his condo, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. He called his friends on the way, venting about how Fourth had been ignoring him.

Phuwin: "You deserve to be happy, Gem. Fourth has been fighting with you all the time. I think you should give Ohm a chance."

Gemini: "That's not the point... I love Fourth. I don’t know how to handle this."

They continued talking, but no solution seemed in sight for Gemini’s dilemma. When he finally arrived at his condo, he was surprised to find Ohm inside, clearly caught off guard. Ohm was sifting through a collection of photobooth pictures with someone else in them. Curiosity piqued, Gemini picked up one of the photos, examining it closely.

Gemini: "Who's this, Phi Ohm?"

Ohm: "I, uhm... a friend."

Gemini: "You two seem close, huh?"

Ohm: "Yeah..." He quickly changed the subject. "Have you eaten?"

Gemini: "Not yet. I’m so hungry."

Ohm: "Let’s head out, then?"

Gemini: "Sure, I'll just freshen up."

They went to a nearby restaurant, and as they finished their meal, Ohm’s eyes landed on a familiar figure across the room. His face tensed. Moments later, he excused himself to the restroom, but the man followed him. Ohm barely turned around before a voice whispered, “Gotcha!” Startled, he recognized Mark, his ex.

Ohm: "Mark, let go of me!"

Mark: "No, babe. That’s not fair; I’ve been looking for you everywhere."

Mark moved in close, pinning Ohm against the wall. Ohm’s breath quickened as old feelings and unresolved emotions battled within him. The effect Mark had on him was undeniable, causing his heart to race. In one swift move, Mark leaned in and kissed him, but Ohm quickly pushed him away.

Ohm: "You’re better off with Ford, so just let me go. I have a boyfriend now."

Mark: "So you’re cheating on me? Ohm, we’re still married!"

Ohm: "Did you think about that before cheating on me? You kissed Ford right in front of me!"

Mark: "Right. I’ve been looking for you to apologize. You didn’t have to run away from home."

Ohm: "I’m divorcing you, Mark."

Mark’s hand tightened around Ohm’s arm. "Don’t you dare!" But before he could react further, they were interrupted by a voice from the doorway.

Gemini: "P'Ohm?"

Caught off guard, Ohm pulled away. "Gem... I, uh... This is Mark Pakin. My... friend."

Mark: "Husband, actually."

Gemini’s face dropped. "What do you mean, husband?"

Ohm: "Gem, I already left him—"

Mark: "Sorry, but we’re still married."

Gemini’s expression was one of shock and hurt as he took in the scene. His vision blurred as tears welled up, and he quickly turned and walked out, his heart shattered. How could the person he had trusted and considered giving a chance turn out to be married? He barely made it to his car before the tears started falling, his mind replaying all the recent moments with Ohm, which now felt like illusions.

Meanwhile, Ohm struggled in Mark’s grasp. "You can’t force me to be with you, Phi Mark!" he shouted.

Mark: "You’re my husband. I have every right to be with you. Got it?"

Gemini, lost in his pain, found himself dialing Fourth's number without a second thought. Moments later, Fourth arrived at his location, rushing to his side as soon as he saw Gemini’s tear-streaked face.

Fourth: "Phi Gem, are you okay?"

Gemini: "Ohm... Ohm is married."

Fourth: "What??" Fourth clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes. How could Ohm deceive Gemini like this?

Fourth: "Forget about him, okay? I’m here if you need me." His tone was soft and comforting as he wrapped Gemini in a tight hug, his presence soothing Gemini’s aching heart.

He gently led Gemini back to his condo, and as they settled on the couch, Gemini’s gaze softened, a vulnerable look in his eyes. "Fot... I want you."

Fourth, slightly confused, looked at him. "I’m here, Phi Gem."

But Gemini’s voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes darkening with something else. "No, not like that."

Fourth blinked, not quite processing. "Huh?"

Gemini: "Have you ever done it before?"

Fourth: "Done what?"

Gemini: "You know... the thing."

Fourth: "I... I don’t know what you mean," he replied, feigning innocence, teasing Gemini just a little.

Gemini: "Fine. Have you ever had sex before?"

Fourth’s face turned red. "No!"

Gemini: "Can we... do it?"

Fourth’s eyes widened, searching Gemini’s face for any hint that he might be joking, but all he found was sincerity mixed with the same nervous excitement he felt. "You want to have sex? With me?"

Gemini: "Who else is in here?" he asked, a shy smile tugging at his lips.

Fourth: "I... I don’t know how."

Gemini: "Can I show you?"

Fourth: "Yeah."

Their faces were only inches apart as Gemini leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to Fourth’s. The kiss started slow, tentative, but soon deepened as their emotions took over. Gemini’s hands moved to Fourth’s shirt, starting to fumble with the buttons before Fourth gently pulled back, his face flushed. "Phi... what are you doing?"

Gemini: "Shh... I want you."

They kissed again, and Fourth felt his body respond, warmth spreading through him as he found himself wanting more. As the kiss grew more passionate, he couldn’t help but pull back for a second, his cheeks red. "Look... what now?"

Gemini’s face mirrored his own embarrassment as he admitted softly, "I... I’ve never done this before, either."

Fourth: "So much for wanting to show me, huh?" he said with a small, teasing smile, his voice tinged with affection.

Gemini: "Don’t blame me... I, uh..." he stammered, lost for words.

Fourth: "Just shut up and kiss me."

And with that, Fourth took the lead, leaning into Gemini, capturing his lips once more. As they continued, the intensity grew, their hands exploring and learning each other’s boundaries. They let their feelings guide them, creating a moment they knew they’d never forget. Fourth’s hand traced gentle patterns along Gemini’s skin, each touch filled with care and anticipation.

Fourth: "Can I be your first, Phi Gem?" he whispered against Gemini’s skin, his breath hot.

Gemini looked into Fourth’s eyes, nodding, filled with trust and anticipation, their hearts beat in sync.

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