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Stepping out of the classroom, Gemini instinctively reached for his phone, his fingers moving with the practiced ease of habit. As soon as the screen lit up, his eyes scanned for any message from Fourth. But the lock screen was empty, save for a few reminders his mother had set—“Drink enough water” and “Don’t skip meals.” He sighed, a quiet sound of disappointment escaping his lips.
The thought crept into his mind—had something happened to Fourth? Or was he simply swamped with work, too busy to send a single message since the morning?
It was already two in the afternoon. Gemini hoped, with a pang of concern, that Fourth had managed to eat lunch. His boyfriend was a self-professed foodie, except when his mind was tangled up in his readings. Then, he became stubborn, refusing to eat or drink, which only heightened Gemini’s worry.
Fourth’s mother had asked Gemini to keep an eye on her son when they were at university, a request he gladly accepted. He would cross campus without hesitation, no matter how far, just to check on him. After all, Gemini would do anything for Fourth, his hard-headed, stubborn kitten.
A quick glance at his own schedule confirmed it: no more classes for the day. Without a second thought, Gemini started running towards the law faculty. He heard his friends calling his name, asking where he was off to in such a rush, but their voices barely registered. His mind was singularly focused on finding Fourth.
When he arrived at the law faculty, Gemini quickly pulled up Fourth’s schedule. Scanning the list of lectures, he pinpointed the one happening at this very moment and hurried to the classroom. Peeking through the door, his brow furrowed. Fourth wasn’t there. It was unlike him to skip class, especially with his diligent nature. A surge of worry hit Gemini, stronger than before.
With mounting anxiety, Gemini called Fourth’s phone, pressing the device to his ear as he waited. After several rings, the call finally connected. “Where the hell are you?” he demanded, his voice tinged with irritation—though beneath it, the undercurrent of worry was unmistakable. Silence stretched across the line before he heard a weak cough.
The tension in Gemini’s body melted instantly, replaced by a wave of concern. “Love, are you sick?” he asked gently, his voice softening. A faint hum from the other end confirmed his suspicions. “Wait for me, alright? I’ll be there soon.”
Without wasting a second, Gemini dashed to the parking lot, hopped into his car, and sped toward the nearest stall to pick up some congee. He made a quick stop at the pharmacy, grabbing medicine for Fourth, uncertain if anyone was home to take care of him. Finally, with everything in hand, Gemini drove quickly to Fourth’s house, his heart pounding with worry. He rushed inside and headed straight for his boyfriend’s room.
There Fourth lay, curled up beneath a thick comforter, cocooned in its warmth as if trying to shield himself from the world. His room was frigid, a testament to the fact that he hadn’t even mustered the strength to turn off the air conditioner. Without a word, Gemini crossed the room and did it for him. Then, with a tender touch, he pressed the back of his hand against Fourth’s forehead. The heat radiating from his skin was enough to confirm what Gemini feared—his fever was high.
“Where’s Mae?” Gemini asked softly, sitting beside him on the edge of the bed. Fourth, his eyes half-lidded from exhaustion, just shook his head. Mae Pui, Fourth’s mom, must have left for work early in the morning, completely unaware of her son’s illness. Knowing Fourth, he probably hadn’t said a word to her—he hated causing worry. Gemini sighed, but instead of scolding, he remained quiet, understanding that Fourth’s stubbornness came from a place of love.
He made his way to the kitchen, retrieving a bowl and spoon, and carefully warmed the congee he’d picked up earlier. Once it was ready, he returned to the room and sat beside Fourth again. “Sit up for a while, baby,” Gemini urged, his voice gentle as he coaxed him to rise. “You need to eat, please?” With a bit of persuasion, he helped him sit up, resting his back against the headboard.
As Fourth settled, his tired eyes found Gemini’s face, watching him with quiet gratitude. Though he had no appetite, he ate each spoonful Gemini offered, knowing his boyfriend would be upset if he didn’t. Fourth could be stubborn, but not when it came to Gemini. Especially now, when he knew how much Gemini worried. “Aren’t you going to scold me?” Fourth’s voice was weak, yet there was a playful smile on his pale lips.
Gemini chuckled softly, the sound light and reassuring. “I’ll scold you once you’re better, not now,” he teased, his laughter growing when Fourth pouted in response. “Kidding, love.”
He set the bowl aside and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from Fourth’s face. “You didn’t do anything wrong, so why would I scold you?” Gemini’s voice softened as he continued, “Just tell me next time, okay? I was so worried about you.”
Fourth nodded silently, his eyes closing for a moment as the weight of Gemini’s words sank in.
“I’ll sleep here tonight, by the way,” Gemini casually announced, breaking the comfortable silence. Fourth frowned at the news, his brow furrowing. “Wouldn’t Mae Ning wonder where you are?” he asked, concern edging his voice. Gemini just chuckled, shaking his head.
“I already told her,” he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “And you know her, baby. She’s actually happier when I sleep here than when I’m at home.” Both of them laughed at the thought, the sound bringing a bit of warmth into the cold room.
“She’s a shipper, huh?” Fourth quipped, his smile weak but genuine.
Once the last spoonful of congee disappeared from the bowl, Gemini knew it was time for Fourth to take the medicine he had bought earlier. Handing the pills and a glass of water over, he watched as Fourth obediently swallowed them, his movements slow and tired.
But when Fourth tried to ease himself back onto the mattress, Gemini gently stopped him. “Not yet, love,” he said softly, placing a steady hand on Fourth’s shoulder. “You’re still full. Give it a little time.”
Fourth sighed but didn’t protest, leaning into Gemini instead, his head resting against his boyfriend’s shoulder. The warmth between them, even in the stillness of the room, was enough to bring a sense of calm over them both.
As they sat there in the quiet, Gemini gently ran his fingers through Fourth’s hair, a soothing rhythm that seemed to lull the younger into a more peaceful state. The tension in Fourth’s body gradually eased, and Gemini felt the weight of his head grow heavier on his shoulder.
“You know,” Gemini began softly, his voice barely above a whisper, “it reminds me of the first time you got sick around me.” He smiled to himself, the memory warming him. “You wouldn’t let me come over. You were too embarrassed to let me see you like that.”
Fourth chuckled weakly, his voice muffled against Gemini’s shirt. “I didn’t want you to see me looking all miserable. But you showed up anyway.”
Gemini laughed. “Of course I did. I’ve never cared about that, love. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He continued, “Besides, you’d still look beautiful just like any other day.”
A brief silence hung in the air before Fourth spoke again, his voice softer this time. “You always take care of me. I don’t know how you put up with me.”
Gemini’s expression softened as he looked down at his boyfriend. “I love taking care of you,” he whispered, his fingers brushing through Fourth’s hair once more. “That’s never a burden. You’d do the same for me, wouldn’t you?”
Fourth looked up, their eyes meeting. “In a heartbeat.”