Chapter 31: Balancing Acts

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Fourth was still fussing over Gemini, practically carrying him into the house, when Joong and Kian followed behind. Kian watched the scene with wide eyes, clutching Joong’s hand.

“Is Uncle Gemini okay, Daddy?” Kian asked softly, looking up at Joong with concern.

Joong gave him a reassuring smile and ruffled his hair. “He’s fine, buddy. He just needed a little break, but Uncle Fourth is taking care of him now.”

Kian nodded but kept glancing at Gemini, who was now seated on the couch with Fourth hovering over him like an overprotective mother hen.

“Do you need anything? Water? A blanket? More pillows?” Fourth asked, his voice panicked as he adjusted the cushions around Gemini.

“Fourth, I’m fine,” Gemini said with a tired but amused smile, placing a hand on his husband’s arm. “You’re going to suffocate me at this rate.”

“I was so scared,” Fourth whispered, his eyes filling with tears again. “I thought—”

Gemini leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Fourth’s forehead. “I know. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise.”

Joong cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Everything okay now? Or do I need to stick around and keep you two in line?”

Fourth sniffled and glared at him, though there was no heat behind it. “We’re fine. Thanks for finding him.”

Gemini looked at Joong gratefully. “Really, thank you. I didn’t mean to cause all this drama.”

“Drama seems to follow you two like a shadow,” Joong teased lightly, earning a small laugh from Gemini.

Kian, still holding Joong’s hand, tugged gently. “Daddy, can I sit with Uncle Gemini?”

Joong looked at Gemini, who nodded warmly. “Of course, sweetheart. Come here.”

Kian scrambled onto the couch and carefully snuggled up beside Gemini, his tiny hands resting on Gemini’s belly. “Is the baby okay?”

Gemini’s eyes softened, and he gently patted Kian’s hand. “The baby’s just fine, Kian. Thank you for asking.”

“Good,” Kian said seriously. “I’ll protect them too.”

Fourth’s heart visibly melted at the sight, and he leaned into Gemini, wrapping an arm around him. “See? Even Kian is looking out for you.”

Joong watched the tender moment, his heart squeezing. It reminded him of how much he’d missed having these connections—family, love, and support.

“You guys are so soft, it’s almost unbearable,” Joong joked, though there was affection in his tone.

Fourth rolled his eyes. “Says the guy who spoils his son rotten.”

Kian gasped dramatically, turning to Joong. “Daddy, is that true?”

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