Sequel:Bloodlines and Betrayals

Chapter 1: Tenuous Bonds

Two years had passed since Joong and his brothers were thrust into the world of Dunk and his mafia family. The brothers had adapted to their roles as both servants and protectors, but the undercurrents of their uneasy situation had only deepened.

Life in the Gemini mansion was far from ordinary. Joong, Pond, and Fourth had become so accustomed to the high walls and luxury surrounding them that the sight of other families living normal lives seemed like a distant dream. But the complexities of their lives were ever-present—tension with the mafia, divided loyalties, and the simmering, unsaid words that still hung between them all.

Joong sat on the edge of his bed that evening, his fingers absently tracing the edge of a book he wasn't reading. Pond was on the floor, scrolling through his phone, and Fourth was half-heartedly tossing a ball into the air, as usual, acting like the carefree one.

"I still don't get it," Joong finally said, breaking the silence. "Why are we still here, Pond? It's been two years. We've been slaves to this family, protecting them, and for what?"

Pond looked up, eyes tired but understanding. "We don't have a choice, Joong. We're stuck in this, remember?"

"You're right, but I can't help but feel like we're being used. We're nothing more than pawns for their mafia games," Joong muttered, his frustration evident in his voice.

At that moment, Fourth threw the ball at Joong's head, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Quit brooding, bro. We've got school tomorrow."

Joong's gaze softened, and he tossed the ball back at Fourth. "Don't distract me," he said, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Pond sighed and set his phone down. "I know what you mean. But we're not in a position to argue. We just have to play along... at least until we can find a way out of this mess."

Joong shook his head. "If only things were that easy."

The Tension of School Days

The next morning, Dunk, Phuwin, and Gemini, as usual, joined Joong and his brothers for breakfast. Despite the time that had passed, the tension remained thick between them, especially with Dunk.

The months had changed Dunk in subtle ways. He was no longer the cold and indifferent figure that Joong had once feared, but his demeanor still held a quiet dominance. He hardly spoke unless necessary, but when he did, it was always pointed, as though everything he said carried weight.

Joong, who was starting to let his guard down, found himself frustrated by Dunk's silent control over the room. It wasn't that Dunk treated him badly, but the power dynamic was undeniable. Dunk would never let him forget that, no matter how close they had become over the years.

"You're late," Dunk muttered as Joong walked into the dining room, still adjusting his tie.

"I know," Joong replied curtly, keeping his gaze steady. He didn't want to show any weakness. "We should be heading out soon anyway. School's not going to wait."

Fourth walked in a moment later, stretching. "I hope today's uneventful. I'm not in the mood for anyone's nonsense."

Pond, who had been avoiding eye contact with Phuwin for the last few days, took his seat quietly. Phuwin noticed and smirked, his eyes never leaving Pond. "What's wrong, Pond? You look pale. Did I give you a scare?"

Pond stiffened, but instead of replying, he merely shot a glance at Joong, silently asking for support.

Joong caught the look and immediately chimed in, "Leave him alone, Phuwin. He's tired, alright?"

But Phuwin wasn't fazed. His grin widened as he leaned back in his chair. "Tired? Or just avoiding me?"

Joong's teeth clenched. He was tired of this game, but Phuwin was too skilled at pushing his buttons. Before he could respond, Gemini, who had been quietly eating his breakfast, finally spoke up.

"Enough, Phuwin," Gemini said softly. His words, though calm, carried an undercurrent of authority that surprised everyone. Phuwin raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

A New Threat

As the day wore on, things at school remained relatively quiet. Dunk and his brothers seemed as aloof as ever, but something was off. Joong couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing just beneath the surface.

It wasn't until the end of the day that they found out why.

A mysterious message appeared in their group chat, one they'd never seen before. The message was simple but direct: "The Gemini family will pay for their sins."

Joong's heart skipped a beat. He immediately shared the message with Pond and Fourth.

"What does this mean?" Pond asked, his face turning pale.

"I don't know," Joong replied, his mind racing. "But it's not good. It's a warning. Someone's coming for them, and we're stuck in the middle of it."

Fourth was the first to speak, his voice steady. "We need to tell Dunk. He won't like it, but we can't just ignore this."

Joong nodded. "Right. But we also need to be careful. We don't know who's behind this yet."

Dunk's Reaction

Later that evening, Dunk gathered everyone in the study, his expression dark. His usual calm demeanor was gone, replaced by something much colder.

"Do you know who did this?" Dunk asked, his gaze sweeping over Joong and his brothers.

"No," Joong replied, his voice tense. "But whoever they are, they want something from you. And if you're not careful, they could use us to get it."

Dunk's jaw tightened. "I'm not worried about that. But I want to know who's behind it. You're all going to stay close, especially you, Joong."

Joong felt the weight of his words, but his response was sharp. "I'll stay close, but don't think you can keep me under your thumb. We're not your tools."

Dunk's eyes narrowed, but there was no anger in his gaze—just a cold understanding. "I never said you were."

The tension in the room was palpable as Dunk's gaze lingered on Joong. There was no love between them, no trust yet, but there was a growing understanding that they needed each other to survive what was coming.

The Calm Before the Storm

As Joong and his brothers prepared to head to school the next day, they knew that things were about to change. They were no longer just protecting Dunk and his brothers out of obligation; they were now part of something much larger, and they would have to fight to survive it.

Pond glanced at Phuwin as he walked past him, but Phuwin's usual teasing was gone. Phuwin's smile was no longer playful—it was calculating.

Joong's suspicion grew. Phuwin knew more than he let on. And so did Dunk.

The storm was coming, and Joong wasn't sure if they would all make it out unscathed.