Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 8: Secrets Unveiled

Joong had almost managed to get back to his usual rhythm on set, pretending nothing was wrong, until a casual conversation after a scene would throw him off course once again.

He was wrapping up a scene with Dunk, who, despite being as aloof as ever, had caught Joong’s attention with his unusually sharp looks and quiet intensity. After the director shouted “cut,” Joong took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of unease Dunk always seemed to bring these days.

“Hey, Joong,” came a familiar voice from behind him.

Joong turned around to see his younger brother, Fourth, standing there, hands shoved in his jacket pockets, a wide grin on his face.

“Fourth!” Joong greeted with a bright smile, immediately slipping back into his playful persona. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out causing trouble somewhere?”

Fourth raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Actually, I’m here for a little ‘family meeting’ type thing. Gemini’s in town, you know?”

“Gemini? That little troublemaker? Is he here to cause chaos, too?” Joong teased, leaning against a prop table.

Fourth rolled his eyes and shot Joong a look. “No, he’s being good for once. He’s meeting with Phuwin and Pond later. You know, adult stuff.”

Joong grinned, shaking his head. “Adult stuff, huh? Sure, tell that to Pond. That guy acts like a little kid sometimes.”

“True.” Fourth chuckled, but his expression softened when he looked over Joong’s shoulder. “Oh, look, there he is.”

Joong followed Fourth’s gaze and spotted Gemini, Phuwin, and Dunk’s youngest brother, walking toward them. Joong raised an eyebrow.

Gemini’s bright, confident smile instantly lit up the room, but it wasn’t just his smile that caught Joong’s attention—it was the way he and Fourth seemed to be communicating without saying a word. Their playful glances, the way they’d exchange brief touches when the other wasn’t looking—it was subtle but undeniable. Joong could tell something was up.

Fourth saw Joong’s expression and grinned knowingly. “You noticed, huh?”

Joong blinked, confusion settling in. “Noticed what?”

“You’re so obvious,” Fourth said with a smirk. “Gemini and I have been seeing each other for a while now.”

Joong’s eyes widened, and a surprised laugh escaped his lips. “Wait, what? You and Gemini?” He glanced over at Gemini, who was smiling up at Phuwin with a playful glint in his eyes, completely unaware of Joong’s observation.

Fourth rolled his eyes at Joong’s reaction. “Yeah, I know. It's not exactly something I’d shout about, but you were too busy being in your own world to notice.”

Joong raised a hand, half-mocking, half-genuine. “Sorry, I didn't mean to miss out on the secret love affair. But seriously, you two? You're cute together.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I can't even imagine it."

Fourth’s face softened, a rare moment of tenderness showing as he looked at Gemini. “He’s not what you expect, Joong. Trust me, he’s different than he seems.”

Joong’s heart fluttered at his brother’s words. He could see the real affection Fourth had for Gemini, the subtle protectiveness, and the way they both balanced each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Well, I’ll be damned. I guess I can’t pick a fight with him anymore,” Joong said playfully. “He’s officially part of the family now.”

Fourth chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose. But keep your distance, alright? I’m not gonna let anyone mess with him.”

Joong put his hands up in mock surrender. “Of course, of course. I’ll be nice to your boyfriend, don’t worry. He seems... pretty cool.”

He could tell there was more to this relationship than what met the eye, but Joong didn’t pry further, allowing his brother the space to share what he felt ready to. Instead, he gave Gemini a teasing wave, calling, “Hey, don’t let Phuwin keep you too busy. I need someone to share some of my ‘big brother wisdom’ with, you know?”

Gemini’s eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face as he waved back. “I’ll catch you later, Joong.”

---

Later That Evening

Joong sat in his penthouse once more, his thoughts swirling with everything he had learned that day. The idea of Fourth and Gemini together was still settling in his mind, but he couldn’t help but feel a little pleased for his younger brother. Fourth deserved someone who made him happy, and it seemed like Gemini did just that.

But there was another feeling gnawing at him, something that wouldn’t let go. As much as he tried to shove it aside, he couldn’t shake the image of Dunk’s piercing gaze from earlier. Joong knew that the quiet man saw through his carefully crafted act, and it made his stomach twist in a way he couldn’t ignore.

Still, for tonight, he would push those thoughts aside. Joong didn’t have the energy to face any more complications. He settled into the plush chair by his window and sighed, glancing at his phone. The screen lit up with a message from Fourth.

Fourth: I’m not letting you off the hook for teasing Gemini. You owe me dinner tomorrow night.

Joong smirked, typing a quick response. Joong: Fine, fine. You win this round. But don’t expect me to be nice when it’s your turn to cook.

He set the phone down and stared out at the city, momentarily forgetting the weight of his secret. He could pretend to be fine, pretend everything was normal, but deep down, Joong knew something would have to give eventually. And Dunk wasn’t going to stop asking questions.

But for now, Joong could be content with the quiet, content with the small victories, like calling Fourth’s relationship “cute.” And for tonight, that was enough.

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I love me some Fourthgemini 🩷