The next morning, the brothers woke early to start their day. The mansion was already bustling with staff preparing breakfast for the Gemini family. Joong, Pond, and Fourth hurried to finish their morning chores before heading to school, their father’s words from the night before still weighing on their minds.
As they passed through the grand dining hall, they caught sight of Dunk, Phuwin, and Gemini sitting at the massive table, enjoying their breakfast. The contrast between the lavish spread and their rushed, skipped meal didn’t go unnoticed by Fourth, who gritted his teeth.
“Keep walking,” Joong whispered sharply, nudging his younger brother forward before his frustration could boil over.
Dunk’s piercing gaze followed them as they moved through the room. He said nothing but sipped his coffee, his expression unreadable. Phuwin offered them a polite smile, and Gemini gave a small, shy wave, but the brothers didn’t linger to acknowledge it.
---
The walk to school was tense, the silence broken only by the sound of their footsteps on the pavement. Fourth finally spoke, unable to hold back any longer.
“I don’t get why we have to keep pretending like we’re invisible,” he said, his voice bitter. “It’s not like we’re criminals. We’re doing their stupid chores and keeping our heads down. What more do they want?”
“They don’t want anything from us,” Joong replied calmly. “That’s the point. We’re not part of their world, Fourth. We’re just... there.”
Pond sighed, adjusting the strap of his bag. “Let’s not talk about this right now. We need to focus on school.”
Fourth muttered something under his breath but didn’t argue further.
---
At school, the day started uneventfully, but as usual, trouble wasn’t far behind. During their lunch break, the brothers sat under a tree in the schoolyard, eating the small meals they had packed for themselves. They were deep in conversation when a group of students passed by, their voices loud and mocking.
“Hey, it’s the Gemini family’s pet projects!” one of them called out, laughing with his friends.
Joong stiffened, but Pond put a hand on his arm. “Ignore them,” he said quietly.
“Yeah, keep your heads down like good little servants,” another student sneered.
Fourth’s fist tightened around his chopsticks, his face turning red with anger. “I swear, if they say one more thing—”
“They’re not worth it,” Joong interrupted, his voice low and firm. “Just eat your lunch.”
Reluctantly, Fourth obeyed, but his appetite was gone.
---
After school, the brothers walked home in tense silence. The day’s events had left them all feeling drained. As they approached the mansion, Joong glanced at his younger brothers and forced a small smile.
“Hey, let’s do something fun tonight,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe sneak in a game or two after chores?”
Fourth’s expression brightened slightly. “You’re just saying that because you think you’ll win.”
“Of course I’ll win,” Joong said, smirking.
Pond chuckled softly. “Just don’t make too much noise. The last thing we need is Father finding out.”
“Deal,” Joong replied.
---
Back at the mansion, the brothers quickly finished their chores and retreated to their room. As promised, Joong pulled out a deck of cards, and they began a quiet game by the dim light of their bedside lamp.
For a little while, the weight of their struggles lifted as they laughed and teased each other. No matter how difficult their situation was, moments like these reminded them that they weren’t alone.
Unbeknownst to them, Dunk had passed by their room and paused outside the door. He stood there for a moment, listening to the muffled sound of their laughter. His expression softened briefly before he turned and walked away, leaving the brothers to their fleeting moment of peace.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows
Fanfiction(P.s this is Dunkjoong, fourthgemini and Phuwinpond) In this story, Joong and his brothers-Pond and Fourth-work as servants and protectors for Dunk and his brothers, Phuwin and Gemini, as part of their father's debt to the wealthy family. Despite th...
