Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 26: A Visit from Fourth and Gemini

The afternoon light filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the living room as Joong sat on the couch, nursing a cup of tea. Kian was quietly playing nearby, absorbed in his toys, and for the first time in a while, Joong allowed himself to relax, watching his son with a sense of contentment. The morning's stress was still lingering in his mind, but the sound of Kian’s little giggles as he built his toy tower brought a small smile to Joong's face.

The peace didn’t last long before the doorbell rang, drawing Joong's attention. He stood up and walked over, unsure who could be visiting at this hour.

When he opened the door, he was met with the familiar faces of Fourth and Gemini. Fourth was as cheerful as ever, his smile wide and relaxed, while Gemini, as usual, stood with his arms crossed but gave Joong a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Hey, Joong," Fourth greeted, his voice full of warmth. "We thought we’d come by and check on you and Kian. Hope it’s not too much of a bother."

Joong stepped aside to let them in, feeling a sense of relief at the sight of his friends. "No bother at all. Come on in. Kian’s just playing in the other room."

As they made their way into the living room, Joong couldn't help but notice the dynamic between the two. Fourth was always so easygoing, while Gemini was quieter, but today, there was something different. Gemini looked slightly more subdued, though there was a soft look on his face as he followed Fourth into the room.

Kian, hearing their voices, looked up and instantly beamed. “Uncle Fourth! Uncle Gemini!” he called out, crawling over to them with excitement.

Gemini’s face softened at the sight of Kian, but before he could respond, Fourth had already scooped him up, planting a kiss on his cheek and sitting down on the couch with Gemini in his arms. Gemini, who normally didn’t seek physical affection, relaxed into Fourth’s embrace, his posture softening as he rested on Fourth’s lap.

Joong raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with a small smile. He had seen Fourth dote on Gemini before, but today, it felt a little more obvious how much Fourth was babying him. It was endearing.

“Comfortable?” Joong asked teasingly as Fourth adjusted his hold on Gemini, gently shifting him until Gemini was settled against him.

“Yeah,” Fourth replied with a grin, clearly enjoying the attention he was giving Gemini. “Gemini’s been a little moody lately, so I thought he could use a little extra TLC.”

Gemini gave a soft grunt but didn’t pull away. He looked up at Joong, his expression showing a rare vulnerability. “I’m fine,” he muttered, but there was a faint blush on his cheeks, and he snuggled closer to Fourth, who responded by brushing a hand through Gemini’s hair.

“Don’t let him fool you,” Fourth said, his voice lighthearted. “He’s been asking for hugs all day.”

Joong chuckled at the sight of Gemini, the usually reserved man now looking like a content kitten curled up in his boyfriend’s arms. "You two really are adorable together," Joong remarked, his tone playful.

Gemini rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the soft smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. "I’m not adorable," he said, though his words lacked the usual sharpness.

“You definitely are,” Fourth teased, squeezing Gemini affectionately before kissing the top of his head. "And I’m just here to spoil you, that’s my job."

Joong watched them, a warm feeling in his chest. He could see how much Fourth cared for Gemini, how gentle and attentive he was. It was clear that Fourth would do anything to make Gemini feel loved and cared for, even if Gemini didn’t always express it in the ways most people would expect.

"So, Joong," Fourth said, breaking Joong from his thoughts, "we’re doing well with the baby preparations, but it’s still kind of overwhelming."

Joong nodded, his smile returning. "I’m sure you both will figure it out. You’re going to make great parents."

Gemini gave a small nod, the seriousness of the conversation still hanging in the air, but there was a sense of anticipation too. "It’s a lot to take in," he admitted softly, "but we’re ready. Well, as ready as we can be."

Joong smiled warmly, leaning back into the couch as he glanced at Kian, who had returned to his toys. "You two will do great. Just take it one step at a time. That’s all anyone can do."

As the conversation continued, Joong found himself content with their company. He was happy for them—truly, he was—and it was nice to see them so happy together. Kian was playing quietly nearby, and the sounds of laughter and light-hearted conversation filled the room, creating an atmosphere of warmth and ease.

After a while, Gemini shifted in Fourth’s lap, sitting up slightly but still resting against him. Joong, noticing the small, subtle gestures of affection between them, couldn’t help but admire how much Fourth truly cared for Gemini. It was rare for someone like Gemini to allow himself to be so vulnerable, and Joong could see how much Fourth cherished that side of him.

“I can’t wait to see you both with the baby,” Joong said, his voice soft but full of sincerity. “You’ll make amazing parents, no doubt about it.”

Gemini met Joong’s eyes, his lips curling up slightly. "Thanks, Joong. That means a lot."

Fourth smiled down at Gemini before turning his attention back to Joong. "Yeah, thanks. And we really appreciate you being here for us, even with everything going on in your life. It’s good to have support."

Joong nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "We’re friends, aren’t we? That’s what we do for each other."

The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of Kian playing softly in the background. It wasn’t perfect—life rarely was—but in that moment, with his son safe and sound and his friends happy, Joong felt a quiet sense of peace settle over him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he wasn’t facing them alone.

And as Fourth continued to fuss over Gemini, doting on him with the same affection he always had, Joong couldn’t help but feel a small pang of hope for the future—for his friends, for Kian, and for whatever came next.