The days that followed felt heavy, the quiet tension between Joong and his brothers growing with each passing moment. The more they learned about the Gemini family, the less they understood. Dunk’s cold demeanor, Phuwin’s flirtations, and Gemini’s reserved nature—all of it seemed like a carefully constructed mask. But the more Joong observed, the more he felt a strange pull toward uncovering the truth.
Their father’s casual indifference still stung, but it also motivated Joong. He couldn’t let his family fall further into this web of secrets. Not when he was beginning to see cracks in the facade of the Gemini household.
The evening arrived sooner than expected, and after a long day at school, Joong, Pond, and Fourth trudged back to the mansion. It was a quiet walk, the familiar route only reminding them of their place in the world. It wasn’t much of a life, but it was their life, and they had to live it, no matter how suffocating it felt.
“We’ve been here for weeks, and I still don’t understand these people,” Fourth muttered, his voice barely audible as they approached the mansion gates. He kicked a loose stone along the path. “Dunk, especially. He’s cold as ice but then turns around and steps in to help us. What’s his deal?”
Joong gave his younger brother a sidelong glance. “I don’t know. But we can’t let him control the narrative. He’s hiding something, and we need to be careful.”
Pond, who had been walking a little behind, caught up. “We have to play it smart. Right now, we don’t have the luxury of making enemies. Our father’s debt is still hanging over us.”
Joong nodded grimly. “Exactly. But that doesn’t mean we just take it all lying down. I’ll be damned if we let them see us as nothing more than tools for their agenda.”
Their conversation was interrupted as they approached the mansion door, where their father was already waiting for them, as usual. His face, however, wasn’t just impassive today—it was stern.
“You’re late,” he muttered, barely looking at them as they entered. “The Gemini family wants you all in the sitting room. Now.”
The brothers exchanged uncertain looks. Something about the way their father spoke made Joong uneasy. It was as if they weren’t being called to simply do their duties—they were being summoned for something else.
---
The sitting room was lavishly decorated, as always. But the usual coldness in the air was now thick with an unsettling energy. Dunk, Phuwin, and Gemini were already there, seated at the large table, with their father standing in the corner, arms crossed, as if waiting for their arrival.
Joong, Pond, and Fourth stood at the doorway for a moment, unsure of what was happening. It was rare for them to be called into such a formal setting.
“Come in,” Dunk’s voice rang out, cold but commanding, cutting through the silence.
Phuwin flashed a smile, though it seemed strained. “Sit down. Don’t be shy. We’ve got some important things to discuss.”
Joong took the lead, motioning for his brothers to follow as they approached the table. They sat down stiffly, the heavy silence making everything feel more oppressive than it already was.
Gemini, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke, his voice quiet yet firm. “We know you’ve been here for a while now, and we haven’t had much of a chance to get to know each other. But this isn’t about friendship. This is about business.”
Joong’s heart skipped a beat. Business? What did they mean by that?
Dunk leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. His eyes met Joong’s with an unreadable expression. “Your father owes us a lot. And while you’re here to help pay off that debt, there’s more to it. We need your cooperation. And in return, we’ll make sure your family is... well taken care of.”
Joong’s gut twisted at Dunk’s words. It was clear now—they were nothing more than pawns in this game. And despite their best efforts to keep their distance, it seemed like the Gemini brothers were tightening their hold on them, bit by bit.
Pond shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearly sensing the same thing. “What exactly do you expect from us?” he asked cautiously, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Phuwin’s smile faltered for just a second before he replied. “You’re here to assist us in whatever we need. Nothing complicated. Keep an eye on things, follow orders... and do what we say. That’s how this works.”
Joong felt a flicker of frustration rising in his chest. It was as if they were nothing more than servants who weren’t allowed to think for themselves. But he forced himself to remain calm, to maintain the composure his father always demanded.
“And if we don’t?” Joong asked, voice steady but challenging.
Dunk’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. “Then there will be consequences. Don’t mistake our kindness for weakness. We’re doing this to help you, but don’t ever forget your place.”
For a moment, the tension in the room seemed to suffocate them. Joong’s mind raced. He couldn’t help but feel trapped—this wasn’t the arrangement he had thought it would be. But he couldn’t let his brothers see his uncertainty. They needed him to hold it together.
“I understand,” Joong replied, the words forced out. He looked at his brothers, signaling that they needed to comply—for now.
The room fell silent once more, and after what felt like an eternity, their father spoke up from his corner. “Good. I trust we’re all on the same page. Now go on, get to your assigned rooms. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the specifics of your duties.”
The brothers stood and left the sitting room, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of the conversation hung over them, and though they were grateful they had avoided conflict for the moment, they knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy.
As they walked back to their room, Fourth finally broke the silence. “This is all wrong. It’s like we’re being manipulated, like we’re supposed to just do whatever they want without questioning it.”
Joong’s voice was low, but resolute. “We don’t have a choice right now, Fourth. But we won’t be their pawns forever. We’ll find a way to get out of this. Together.”
Pond nodded silently, the shared resolve in his eyes matching Joong’s. For now, they had to play the game. But deep down, Joong knew they’d find a way to win it—on their terms.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows
Hayran Kurgu(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...
