Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 30: A Brother in Distress

Joong was cleaning up the breakfast dishes while Kian played on the living room floor when his phone buzzed loudly on the counter. He glanced at the screen to see Fourth’s name flashing. With a sigh, he picked it up, expecting another one of his brother’s dramatic updates about Gemini.

“What now, Fourth?” Joong teased lightly as he answered, but his amusement vanished when he heard Fourth’s voice.

“Joong!” Fourth sobbed, his words barely coherent. “I can’t find him! Gemini’s gone!”

Joong froze, his grip tightening on the phone. “What do you mean, gone? Fourth, calm down and explain.”

Fourth’s voice cracked as he tried to speak. “I—I went to the kitchen to grab him some snacks. He was lying on the couch, resting. But when I came back... he wasn’t there! I checked everywhere, Joong, and I can’t find him!”

Joong’s stomach dropped, the seriousness of the situation hitting him hard. Gemini, heavily pregnant and prone to mood swings, was in no condition to be wandering around alone.

“Did you check outside? Could he have gone for a walk?” Joong asked, already wiping his hands and preparing to leave.

“Yes! I looked in the garden, the driveway, even the street!” Fourth cried. “Joong, I’m scared. What if something happened to him? He’s been feeling so tired lately, and what if—”

“Stop,” Joong interrupted firmly, though his heart was racing. “Don’t panic. Stay calm and keep looking. I’m on my way.”

“Please hurry,” Fourth whimpered before the line went dead.

Joong turned to Kian, who was now watching him with wide, concerned eyes. “Daddy, is Uncle Fourth okay?”

Joong knelt down, forcing a calm smile. “Uncle Fourth needs our help. We’re going to his house, okay? Grab your jacket.”

Kian nodded and quickly followed Joong’s instructions, sensing the urgency. Within minutes, they were in the car, heading toward Fourth’s place.

The drive was tense, Joong’s thoughts racing. He knew how much Fourth doted on Gemini and how protective he was, but Gemini’s unpredictable nature often led to situations like this. Still, Joong couldn’t shake the nagging worry in the back of his mind.

When they arrived, Fourth was pacing outside, his face pale and streaked with tears. The moment he saw Joong, he ran over, clutching at his arm.

“Joong! I don’t know what to do!” Fourth wailed. “I’ve called him a million times, but he’s not answering his phone!”

“Where was the last place you saw him?” Joong asked, trying to stay calm for both their sakes.

“The couch,” Fourth sniffled. “He said he was tired, so I told him to rest while I made him a snack. When I came back, he was gone!”

Joong placed a firm hand on Fourth’s shoulder. “Alright. Let’s think logically. Did he mention wanting to go anywhere?”

“No,” Fourth said, shaking his head. “He’s been so emotional lately, Joong. What if he’s upset about something and didn’t tell me?”

Joong frowned. “Did anything happen earlier? Did you argue?”

“No! Everything was fine!” Fourth insisted, though his voice wavered.

Joong exhaled sharply, scanning the area. “He can’t have gone far. I’ll help you look. Kian, stay here with Uncle Fourth, okay?”

Kian nodded solemnly, sensing the seriousness of the situation. “Okay, Daddy.”

Joong started walking down the street, calling Gemini’s name as he checked nearby paths and gardens. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench in a small park a block away.

“Gemini!” Joong called out, relief flooding him as he jogged over.

Gemini looked up, his face streaked with tears. His hands were cradling his round belly protectively, and his expression was a mixture of sadness and guilt.

“Joong…” Gemini’s voice was small, his eyes red-rimmed.

“What are you doing here?” Joong demanded, though his tone was more concerned than angry. “Fourth is losing his mind looking for you!”

“I just… needed some air,” Gemini admitted, sniffling. “I didn’t want to bother him. He’s been so stressed lately, and I didn’t want to make it worse.”

Joong sighed, crouching down in front of him. “Gemini, you can’t just leave without telling anyone. You know how worried Fourth gets. He loves you, and you’re carrying his child. You’re both a team, remember?”

Gemini nodded, wiping his eyes. “I know. I just… I feel like I’m such a burden sometimes.”

“You’re not a burden,” Joong said firmly. “Fourth would walk through fire for you. You know that.”

Gemini gave a weak smile, his tears slowing. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Come on, let’s get you back home before Fourth has a heart attack,” Joong said, standing up and offering Gemini his hand.

Gemini took it, leaning on Joong as they made their way back. When they reached the house, Fourth ran out, tears streaming as he flung his arms around Gemini.

“Don’t you ever do that again!” Fourth cried, holding him tightly. “I was so scared!”

“I’m sorry,” Gemini whispered, his voice muffled against Fourth’s shoulder. “I won’t do it again. I promise.”

Joong watched them, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the chaos, the love between them was undeniable, and it reminded him that no matter how messy things got, family always found a way to hold on.