Destiny's Game

Chapter 31

PHUWIN POV

Hokkaido, Japan

My dream destination since childhood.

I took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill my lungs, as I soaked my eyes in the vast, snow-covered landscape around me. The city, the fields, and even the sea were all blanketed in white—it was officially winter here.

We were staying at one of the hotels owned by Pond's family in Rumoi. Our room was the penthouse at the top of the building, a cozy and luxurious space arranged for us by Pond's parents to ensure we had a peaceful vacation. Or, more accurately, a brief escape from reality for me.

"Do you want to eat first, or should we rest a bit?" Pond asked, wrapping his arms around me from behind. He had just finished talking to the staff who had helped us settle into the penthouse.

"I'm fine." I replied simply. "I just want to hug you." I turned to face him and wrapped my arms around him, needing the comfort.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently, his voice full of concern.

"Not really," I admitted, my voice quiet. "I suddenly feel empty."

I've always dreamed of coming to Japan, in Hokkaido particualry. While I was in the US, I made plans on how I'd save up to bring my parents here. I thought about how I'd convince Gemini to travel to Japan first, before Iceland, the country he's always dreamed of visiting. Sadly, those plans will remain just that—dreams. Papa is gone, my mother is in jail. Gemini was brought to Iceland by Fourth to enjoy the place, and here I am in Japan with Pond.

We're all so far apart now. In different places. It's something I never imagined would happen.

All of my dreams have crumbled. My family is broken. Papa is gone, and I'm still not ready to forgive Mama. Gemini and I are both healing, but we're doing it separately, with the people who are willing to understand and support us.

"It's okay. I'm here." Pond gently kissed the top of my head, his presence soothing.

"Is Gem okay?" I asked, burying my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his familiar scent.

"When I called Fourth last night before bed, he said Gem still isn't talking much. He prefers being alone and often seems distant. But other than that, there's no real problem. Gem is eating and sleeping well, it's just... hard for him to open up."

"I feel so bad for my brother, love," I whispered, the weight of the pain in my chest is getting heavy again.

"You'll get through it, baby. Gem just needs time to adjust and heal. After all, he's the one who knows everything. Both of you need time. Let time heal both of your wounds."

"I'm worried about Gem."

"Fourth is with him."

"Love, why did it have to be us?"

"I can't answer that question, baby. Don't overthink everything that's happened. We can't turn back time or change what's already been done. Dwelling on it will only stress you out. Papa wouldn't want that for you."

"And what about Mama? Doesn't she care that Gem and I are like this?"

"I don't know. All I know is that I don't want to see you hurt or sad. It might be a hard and selfish wish on my part, but please, just stop thinking about it, okay? Can you do that for me, baby?"

"I'll try."

"Thank you."

"Love, I'm hungry."