Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 27: The Call

Later that evening, after Fourth and Gemini had left, the house fell quiet again. Joong tucked Kian into bed, placing a soft kiss on his forehead as the little boy drifted off to sleep. He lingered for a moment, watching the gentle rise and fall of Kian’s chest, his heart filled with both love and worry. Kian had gone through so much today, and Joong couldn’t shake the guilt of having left him in someone else’s care, even if just for a short while.

Once Kian was sound asleep, Joong returned to the living room and settled onto the couch, his mind still racing. He barely had time to unwind when his phone buzzed on the coffee table. The name flashing on the screen made him sigh softly: Fourth.

He answered on the second ring, bringing the phone to his ear. “Hey, Fourth. Everything okay?”

There was a pause before Fourth’s familiar voice came through, tinged with a hint of frustration. “Define okay. Because Gemini’s in the kitchen crying over a snack we don’t have, and I’m two seconds away from raiding the nearest store at midnight.”

Joong couldn’t help but chuckle, though he kept his voice soft. “Crying? Over what snack?”

“His favorite chips,” Fourth replied, exasperated but affectionate. “He wanted those spicy ones, but apparently, we’re out, and now he’s sitting on the counter, glaring at me like it’s my fault.”

Joong leaned back against the couch, shaking his head with a small smile. “You really are whipped, aren’t you?”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Fourth replied, though there was no shame in his voice. “But what am I supposed to do? He’s carrying our kid, and if he wants those chips, he’s getting them—even if I have to drive across the city to find them.”

Joong laughed quietly, covering his mouth so as not to wake Kian. “You’re a good partner, Fourth. But you know, you could try reasoning with him.”

There was a loud snort on the other end of the line. “Reasoning? With Gemini? Have you met him? The man thrives on stubbornness.”

Joong could picture it perfectly—Gemini perched on the counter, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, while Fourth scrambled to appease him. It was an amusing mental image, and Joong’s smile grew wider despite himself.

“Well,” Joong said, his tone light, “good luck. You might want to stock up on those chips next time, just in case.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Fourth grumbled, though his voice was fond. “Anyway, how’s Kian? Is he feeling better after today?”

Joong sobered slightly, his smile fading as he thought about his son. “He’s fine now. He fell asleep pretty quickly. But honestly, I’m still shaken up. I can’t believe the sitter didn’t check the ingredients.”

Fourth’s tone turned serious. “You’re sure Kian’s okay, though? No lingering symptoms?”

“Yeah,” Joong assured him. “The doctor said he’d be fine as long as we avoided dairy completely. It’s just… I feel so guilty. I should’ve been more careful.”

“Hey,” Fourth said firmly, “don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re doing your best, Joong, and Kian’s lucky to have you as his dad. These things happen, but you handled it.”

Joong sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just want to keep him safe, you know? He’s my whole world.”

“I know,” Fourth said softly. “And you’re doing an amazing job. But don’t forget to cut yourself some slack every once in a while. You’re only human.”

There was a pause, and Joong let Fourth’s words sink in. He didn’t say it often, but he appreciated Fourth’s support more than he could express.

“Thanks, Fourth,” Joong said finally, his voice quiet but sincere.

“Anytime,” Fourth replied, his tone lightening. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a very grumpy Gemini to deal with. Wish me luck.”

Joong chuckled again. “Good luck. You’ll need it.”

They said their goodbyes, and Joong ended the call, setting his phone down on the coffee table. The house was quiet once more, but the conversation had lifted some of the weight off his shoulders.

As Joong sat there in the dim light of the living room, he thought about everything he had been through in the past few years. Being a single parent, managing Kian’s needs, and now, running into Dunk again—it was overwhelming at times, but moments like this reminded him that he wasn’t alone.

He glanced at the closed door to Kian’s room, a soft smile tugging at his lips. No matter how difficult things got, he would always have Kian. And for now, that was enough.