Threads Of Desire

The Encounter

The high-rise fashion studio buzzed with the kind of frenetic energy that always accompanied Gemini Norawit's projects. Assistants scurried to adjust lighting, steam gowns, and perfect accessories while Gemini, with his sharp gaze and immaculate white shirt, stood in the middle of the chaos, his clipboard in hand. His voice, low and measured, cut through the chatter.

"Did anyone actually read the concept brief? This lighting is atrocious. I need drama, not daylight,"

he snapped, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Adjust the lights to a cooler tone!"

an assistant called out, panic evident in their voice.

Gemini took a deep breath, scanning the set. Everything needed to be perfect. His entire reputation rested on this campaign, his first collaboration with a luxury brand set to debut in Paris. And then his gaze fell on him.

Fourth Nattawat strolled in, effortlessly late, his leather jacket slung over his shoulder, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. His presence turned heads instantly, the younger model exuding a confidence that seemed to fill the room.

Gemini's jaw tightened. This is the face of my campaign?

"You're late,"

Gemini said coldly as Fourth approached him, standing a little too close for comfort.
Fourth tilted his head, clearly unbothered.

"Traffic."

"Traffic?"

Gemini repeated, arching an eyebrow.

"We're on the 17th floor of a building with private parking. You're late because you wanted to be late."

Fourth smirked.

"Perceptive. I see why you're the boss."

Gemini stared at him, unamused. He didn't have time for games.

"Being on time isn't optional. My shoots start when I say they do, not when you decide to grace us with your presence."

Fourth leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"Relax, P'Gem. I'm here now. Let's make magic."

Gemini's eyes narrowed. He hated being called P'Gem. It felt personal, like Fourth was trying to push his buttons.

"Get to wardrobe. Now,"

Gemini ordered, his tone final.
Fourth gave a mock salute before sauntering off, leaving Gemini fuming in his wake.

The set transformed once Fourth returned, dressed in a fitted black suit that accentuated his lean frame. His boyish charm was replaced with an intensity that Gemini grudgingly admitted was perfect for the campaign.

"All right,"

Gemini called out.

"This shoot is about contrast. Confidence, elegance, and a hint of rebellion. Show me you understand that."

Fourth stepped onto the set, his expression shifting into something smoldering. The camera loved him, and Gemini hated how much he noticed it. The model moved effortlessly, every pose calculated yet natural, his gaze challenging the lens.

After the first few shots, Gemini stood by the monitor, arms crossed, his critical eye scanning every frame. He couldn't deny it—Fourth was captivating.

"Good. Now, bring your hand up—yes, like that,"

Gemini directed, his voice calm but firm.

"Look over your shoulder. Not too much. Subtle."

Fourth followed the instructions, but then, with a glint in his eye, he added his own flair—a cocky smirk that wasn't in the brief.

"Lose the smirk,"

Gemini said sharply.

"Why?"

Fourth countered, pausing mid-pose.

"It works."

"It doesn't,"

Gemini said, stepping closer.

"This isn't about you. It's about the brand. I need sophistication, not a flirtatious Instagram post."

Fourth straightened, his gaze locking with Gemini's.

"Sophistication isn't about being boring, krub. Maybe you should trust the talent you hired."

The room went silent. Assistants exchanged nervous glances, unsure if Fourth had just signed his professional death warrant.

Gemini took a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he leaned in, his voice low but cutting.

"Talent only matters when it listens. Don't test me, Nattawat."

Fourth didn't flinch. If anything, his grin widened.

"Noted, P'Gem."

Gemini straightened, forcing himself to focus on the shoot.

"Fine. Take five. Everyone reset for the next sequence."

During the break, Fourth found a quiet corner and grabbed a bottle of water, watching as Gemini reviewed the shots. The designer's intensity was mesmerizing—his focus, the way he commanded the room. But Fourth couldn't resist the urge to prod him.

"You know,"

Fourth said, casually leaning against the wall,

"for someone who's all about creativity, you're pretty uptight."

Gemini didn't look up.

"I prefer focused. Creativity without discipline is chaos."

Fourth laughed.

"Chaos is where the fun is. You should try it sometime."

Gemini finally glanced at him, his expression deadpan.

"You think I don't know fun?"

"You? No way,"

Fourth teased.

"You're all rules and deadlines. Bet you've never even taken a day off."

"I take my work seriously,"

Gemini said, turning back to the monitor.

"Which is why I'm where I am today."

"And yet,"

Fourth said, stepping closer,

"you hired me. Someone who's the opposite of all that. Why is that, P'Gem?"

Gemini hesitated for a split second before answering.

"Because I know potential when I see it. Don't make me regret it."

Fourth grinned, leaning in just enough to make Gemini uncomfortable.

"Oh, I won't. But don't be surprised if I make things... interesting."

Gemini sighed, already dreading what that meant.

As the day wore on, the tension between them became impossible to ignore. Every look, every word exchanged felt like a battle, each determined to outmaneuver the other. And yet, beneath the frustration, there was something else—an unspoken pull neither was ready to acknowledge.

By the time the shoot wrapped, Gemini was exhausted, but the images were stunning. As he packed up, Fourth approached him, his usual smirk replaced by something softer.

"Hey,"

Fourth said.

"Good shoot today."

Gemini paused, surprised.

"Thanks. You did... decent work."

Fourth chuckled.

"Coming from you, that's practically a love letter."

Gemini rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the disaster he'd expected.