The next day started early, as always, for the Joong brothers. Their father had already left, leaving behind his usual sharp instructions scribbled on a piece of paper. Joong crumpled the note without reading it, tossing it into the trash.
“Don’t forget, we have to clean the library after school,” Pond reminded them as he tied his shoes.
Fourth rolled his eyes. “I’ll clean, but if it’s covered in dust, I’m out. My allergies don’t mix with old books.”
Joong smirked faintly. “Then don’t get distracted by the novels and leave the hard work to us.”
Their banter made the walk to school feel lighter, even if the tension from the previous day still lingered in the back of their minds. Pond’s eyes scanned every passing car, while Joong and Fourth pretended not to notice his unease.
When they arrived at school, the usual buzz of students filled the air. As they made their way to their lockers, Joong couldn’t help but notice Dunk and his brothers standing near the gates, an imposing presence even in a sea of people.
“They always look like they’re walking into a boardroom instead of a high school,” Fourth muttered.
Joong chuckled under his breath. “Well, they’re basically royalty around here. Doesn’t matter if they’re in school or running the world.”
Pond didn’t comment, but his gaze lingered on Dunk’s calm demeanor as he led his brothers inside. Dunk exuded authority without even trying, and his presence alone made it clear why no one dared to cross the Gemini family.
---
By lunch, the Joong brothers had settled into their usual corner of the cafeteria. They ate quickly, keeping to themselves, just as their father had instructed.
“You think those rumors about Dunk’s family are true?” Fourth asked between bites of his sandwich.
Joong raised an eyebrow. “What rumors?”
Fourth leaned in, lowering his voice. “That they’re involved in... you know, illegal stuff.”
Pond shook his head. “We don’t know anything, and it’s better if it stays that way. We’re here to work, not snoop.”
Joong nodded in agreement. “Besides, people like to gossip about powerful families. It doesn’t mean any of it’s true.”
Before they could continue the conversation, the cafeteria doors opened, and Phuwin strode in with his usual confident smirk. Gemini trailed behind him, looking more subdued, but the brothers’ closeness was evident in the way Phuwin casually draped an arm over Gemini’s shoulders.
“They’re close,” Joong observed quietly.
Pond nodded. “You can tell they care about each other.”
Fourth smirked. “A lot more functional than our family, huh?”
Joong shot him a warning look, but Fourth only shrugged.
---
Later that afternoon, the Joong brothers walked home from school. Despite the mansion’s grandeur, their father refused to let them use the family cars, claiming they hadn’t earned such privileges.
“Think they’ll make us clean the ballroom today?” Fourth asked, kicking a pebble along the road.
Pond sighed. “Probably. Or worse, the storage rooms. Those are a nightmare.”
Joong, walking ahead, glanced back at them with a faint smile. “Stop complaining. At least we’re out of the house for a bit.”
Their conversation shifted to lighter topics—hobbies, swimming, dancing. Fourth bragged about how he could easily outswim both of his brothers, prompting Pond to roll his eyes.
“You? The best swimmer? Please,” Pond scoffed. “You can barely stay afloat without splashing everywhere.”
Fourth laughed. “Says the guy who sinks like a rock.”
Their laughter echoed through the quiet street, a rare moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their lives.
---
When they arrived at the mansion, Dunk and his brothers were already home. The Joong brothers headed straight to their shared room, eager to get out of their uniforms and start their chores.
As they worked, Fourth kept up his usual chatter, trying to lift their spirits. “You know, if we weren’t stuck cleaning all the time, I’d actually like to try piano or something. It seems cool.”
Pond looked up from scrubbing the floor, surprised. “You? Piano? Since when?”
Fourth grinned. “Hey, I’m full of surprises.”
Joong chuckled softly. “Maybe you should ask Phuwin for lessons. He’s probably good at it.”
The mention of Phuwin made Fourth pause. “Do you think they ever feel trapped by all this?”
“Trapped?” Pond asked, frowning.
“Yeah,” Fourth said, gesturing vaguely. “The money, the rules, the expectations. It’s not like they have much freedom either.”
Joong considered this for a moment. “Maybe. But it’s different for them. They have each other, and they seem... happy.”
Pond nodded, his expression thoughtful. “They do. Whatever their family’s like, it’s clear they stick together.”
---
Later that evening, while Pond was outside tending to the garden, he noticed movement near the gate. His heart raced as he realized someone was standing there, watching the house.
“Joong! Fourth!” Pond called, his voice urgent.
The two brothers rushed outside, their expressions immediately serious.
“What’s wrong?” Joong asked.
Pond pointed toward the gate. “There was someone there. They were watching us.”
Joong’s jaw tightened. “Did you see who it was?”
Pond shook his head. “No. They ran off when I noticed them.”
Fourth frowned. “This is the second time we’ve seen something like this. What’s going on?”
Joong glanced toward the gate, his mind racing. “We need to tell someone. If they’re watching the mansion, Dunk and his brothers might be in danger.”
Pond hesitated. “Do you think they’d even believe us?”
Joong met his gaze, determination in his eyes. “They will. And if they don’t, we’ll make them.”
The three brothers exchanged a look, the weight of the situation settling over them. Whatever was happening, they couldn’t ignore it any longer.
They had promised to protect Dunk and his brothers, even if it meant risking their own safety. And they intended to keep that promise—no matter what.
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...
