Chapter 1: The fishbowl
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Gemini wouldn't exactly say his childhood dream involved flashing lights, screaming fans, and meticulously crafted on-screen romances. He loved music, sure, the way a kid loves ice cream – unconditionally and with a sticky enthusiasm. But doctor? That was the real aspiration. The crisp white coat, the quiet authority, the power to heal… it had all seemed so incredibly cool. He’d even meticulously compiled a portfolio, complete with sketches of the human anatomy and (slightly exaggerated) tales of his heroic bedside manner.
Then, at fifteen, the universe, or perhaps a mischievous imp disguised as a school talent competition, intervened. He hadn't even won. Fourth, that annoyingly talented kid with the dazzling smile and effortless stage presence had taken the crown. Gemini had simply… participated. And that was enough. A large entertainment agency, sniffing out potential like a bloodhound after a particularly juicy bone, had contacted him. His parents, ever supportive (and perhaps a little starstruck), had encouraged him to give it a try. And so, almost by accident, Gemini found himself tumbling headfirst into the glittering, chaotic world of entertainment.
He loved his fans. He truly did. The outpouring of affection, the heartfelt letters, the sheer, unadulterated joy his performances brought – it was intoxicating. He was grateful, immensely so, for the opportunities the industry had flung his way. He’d traveled the world, met fascinating people, and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of.
But… there was a dark side. A side that crept in slowly, subtly, like a rising tide. The constant pressure to perform, not just on stage but in every aspect of his life. The feeling of being a fish in a fishbowl, every flick of his tail, every bubble he exhaled, scrutinized, and analyzed. His words, twisted and contorted, taken out of context, blown up into headlines. His privacy, a fragile thing, and constantly under threat. He felt like he was living his life under a microscope, a specimen for public consumption. The freedom he’d once taken for granted, the simple joy of being himself, felt like a distant memory.
The one saving grace, the anchor in this swirling sea of manufactured glamour, was Fourth. Ironically, the one who had won the competition. Fourth, with his easy charm and unwavering dedication to his craft. Fourth, who seemed to navigate the treacherous waters of fame with a grace Gemini could only envy. Fourth, his on-screen partner, his confidante, his friend.
Gemini admired Fourth, genuinely. He admired his resilience, his ability to compartmentalize the madness and focus on the work. He admired his dedication, the way he poured his heart and soul into every performance. He didn't think he would have made it this far without him, if he was being honest.
They’d been working together since they were fifteen, two boys thrown into the deep end of the entertainment pool. It had been… an experience. A shared experience, one that had forged a bond stronger than either of them could have imagined. And as Gemini stared out the window of his dressing room, the flashing lights blurring into a hazy kaleidoscope, he knew that whatever the future held, he wouldn't have to face it alone. He had Fourth. And that, in the chaotic, unpredictable world of fame, was more valuable than all the accolades in the world.
Gemini was twenty, and the year felt like a relentless storm. Success had rained down on him – a sleek new car, a sprawling mansion, a career that had skyrocketed beyond his wildest dreams. But the downpour came with a bitter undercurrent. Hate, sharp and stinging, pelted him from all sides. Every word he uttered, every action he took, was dissected, analyzed, and weaponized against him. The very people who claimed to adore him seemed determined to tear him down piece by piece.
And worse, they were targeting Fourth. Trying to drive a wedge between them, twisting their bond into something toxic. Gemini knew Fourth. He knew the fragile soul beneath the dazzling smile, the sensitive heart that yearned to give the best of himself to the world. He saw the toll it was all taking, the way the constant scrutiny chipped away at Fourth’s spirit. The light in his eyes, usually so bright, was beginning to flicker.
He was twenty when, during an interview, the words tumbled out of his mouth, raw and honest. He didn't see himself continuing in this industry for the long haul. He spoke of his love for his fans and his passion for his craft but admitted that being an idol was never part of his long-term vision. The carefully constructed facade of the ever-smiling celebrity crumbled, revealing the young man beneath, weary, and longing for something more.
It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was something he and Fourth had discussed. Fourth, ever cautious, had expressed his concerns. He loved performing and loved the connection with the audience, but Gemini saw how the fame was, slowly, insidiously, eroding that love. It was like a parasite, feeding off his joy, leaving behind only exhaustion and disillusionment.
He was twenty when he began to formulate a plan. A plan to escape the fishbowl, to reclaim his life, to protect Fourth. A plan to leave it all behind. He knew it wouldn't be easy. There would be backlash, accusations of betrayal, perhaps even anger. But he also knew that if he didn't act, the industry would eventually consume them both, leaving behind empty shells of the people they once were. He had to find a way out, a way to give himself, and Fourth, a second chance. He just had to figure out how.
Chapter 2: New beginnings
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He was twenty-three when the plan solidified, the pieces clicking into place like a carefully constructed puzzle. Fourth, after much deliberation and heartfelt conversation, had agreed. The weariness in his eyes had finally given way to a flicker of hope, a fragile seed of anticipation for a life beyond the spotlight. They had been smart, diligent. Investments, carefully chosen and nurtured, had blossomed into a comfortable nest egg. They had enough money saved, enough security, to build a new life, a life free from the relentless glare of fame.
Their families, though initially hesitant and worried, had ultimately come to understand. They saw the toll the industry had taken, the way it had slowly extinguished the joy in their sons' eyes. With a mix of sadness and relief, they offered their support, a quiet blessing for their unconventional escape.
The first step was the hardest, the most terrifying. Informing their agency of their decision not to renew their contracts. The carefully worded statements, the polite but firm refusals of future projects. They deliberately accepted less work, winding down their public presence, preparing for their quiet exit. One by one, their contractual obligations were fulfilled, each completed task a step further towards freedom.
Then came the digital purge. With a shared breath, they deleted their social media profiles. Years of carefully curated images, carefully crafted messages, vanished into the digital ether. It was a symbolic act, a shedding of their public personas, a reclaiming of their identities. And finally, they left. They packed their bags, said their goodbyes to the life they knew, and moved away from Thailand, seeking anonymity and peace in a quiet corner of the world.
The hardest part, perhaps the most painful, was leaving their friends. Their found family, the people who had been with them through thick and thin, through the highs and lows of their shared career. Perth, Ohm, Prom, Satang, Mark, Phuwin – they were more than just colleagues, they were brothers. The farewells were bittersweet, filled with tears, laughter, and promises to stay in touch. But even in their sorrow, their friends understood. They saw the relief in Gemini and Fourth’s eyes, the quiet determination to forge a new path.
And then, there was just the two of them. Gemini and Fourth, standing on the precipice of a new beginning. The world stretched before them, an uncharted territory of possibilities. The weight of fame, the constant scrutiny, the suffocating pressure – all of it was gone. Replaced by… nothingness. And in that nothingness, they found something unexpected. Space. Space to breathe, space to be themselves, space to simply be. Life, for the first time in a long time, seemed a little brighter. It was just him and Fourth, and the world, finally, was their oyster.
They both had degrees tucked away, a testament to lives they almost lived. Gemini, with his sharp mind and natural entrepreneurial flair, decided to take a leap of faith. He opened a restaurant, a cozy little place with a playful name – "Pig Me Up" – that quickly became a local favorite. Fourth, true to his quiet dedication and analytical mind, practiced law at a small firm in their adopted town. He found a different kind of stage in the courtroom, a place where his voice could be used not for entertainment, but for justice.
Slowly, inevitably, they drifted apart from their old friends. It wasn't a dramatic falling out, just the natural consequence of lives moving in different directions. They were in different worlds now, separated by distance and diverging paths. It was disheartening, a pang of sadness that lingered in the quiet moments, but they understood. Life had a way of rearranging things, of leading people down unexpected roads.
Their friendship, the bedrock of their shared experiences, blossomed into something deeper, something more profound. It was a quiet love, built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and a deep understanding forged in the fires of their past. As time passed, the whispers of their hearts grew louder, until they could no longer ignore the truth that had been simmering beneath the surface for years. They got married, a small, intimate ceremony attended by their families, who had flown in from Thailand to celebrate their happiness. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing they had found their forever in each other.
Their families remained mostly in Thailand, a bittersweet reminder of the lives they had left behind. But they made it work, scheduling frequent visits during holidays, bridging the distance with video calls and heartfelt messages. They built a new life, a new family, piece by piece.
Five years into their marriage, their little family grew. They adopted a little girl, a toddler with bright eyes and an infectious giggle, who turned their world upside down in the best possible way. She was the most adorable thing in the world, a bundle of energy and joy who filled their home with warmth and laughter.
They were happy. It was a simple, quiet happiness, far removed from the dazzling chaos of their former lives. It was a happiness built on love, family, and the quiet satisfaction of living authentically, on their own terms. They had found their peace, their haven, their happily ever after. And in the quiet moments, when their daughter was asleep and the world was still, they looked at each other and knew they had made the right choice. They had come home.
Chapter 3: Family
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Ten years had passed since their quiet exodus, a decade of building a life far removed from the glare of the spotlight. Now, armed with an adolescent daughter, Luna, who was blossoming into a vibrant young woman, they felt the pull of home, the tug of family. Gemini’s father’s health was failing, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing loved ones. They realized they needed family, needed the support and connection that only blood could provide, especially with Luna growing up so quickly.
They made the decision to return to Thailand. It wasn't an easy choice, stirring up memories of their past, but it was the right one. Luna, ever adventurous, was ecstatic. The prospect of a new country, new experiences, and new friends filled her with excitement. They bought a house with a sprawling, beautiful garden just outside of Bangkok, a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Ironically, Luna ended up getting enrolled in Gemini’s alma mater, Harrow International, a twist of fate that brought a smile to their faces.
Thailand had changed. They saw their old friends on television, gracing magazine covers, their names synonymous with success. Perth, Ohm, Prom, Satang, Mark, Phuwin – they had all made it big. Their careers had soared, reaching heights Gemini and Fourth had once occupied. They watched from afar, a mixture of pride and a strange sense of detachment. They didn't reach out. They had made their choice, chosen a different path, and they were determined to stick to it. They didn't want to step back into that world, the world of fame and scrutiny. They had found their peace, their happiness, and they weren't willing to risk it. They were home, but on their own terms.
Luna loved her dads. She really did. They were supportive, loving, and always there for her. Except, of course, for school stuff. For some reason, parent-teacher meetings, school plays, anything remotely academic – those were handled by one of her grandparents. It was a strange arrangement, but Luna had long since stopped questioning it. Everything else, though? Fair game. Her dads were her biggest cheerleaders, her constant support system, even when she was trying out for the (frankly ridiculous) school cheerleading squad.
The problem was, they were also so embarrassing. She was almost thirteen, practically a teenager, but they still treated her like a baby sometimes. The hugs, the cheek kisses, the constant "are you sure you're warm enough?" – it was all a bit much. Though, if she was being honest with herself, she secretly loved it.
Another thing: her dads were disgustingly in love. It was like they were still in the honeymoon phase, even after what felt like a lifetime of marriage. The kissing, the hand-holding, the constant, gooey declarations of affection – it was enough to make Luna roll her eyes into next week. Her Baba (Gemini) would serenade her Papa (Fourth) while Papa was cooking dinner (because Baba wasn't allowed in the kitchen anymore after the Great Scotland Kitchen Fire of '28, an incident involving a misplaced tea towel and a near-disaster with the oven). And Papa was no better. He would flirt with Baba constantly, a never-ending stream of playful banter and suggestive winks.
The worst part, the absolute worst part, was the way they looked at each other. Like they were still discovering each other, like they hadn't spent every waking moment together for years. That look of longing, that spark of adoration, that… gooeyness. It was enough to make Luna gag.
But… she wouldn't have it any other way. Beneath the embarrassment, beneath the eye-rolls and the teenage sighs, was a deep, unwavering love. Her dads were her world. They were her safe harbor, her constant, her home. And even though they were embarrassing, even though they were disgustingly in love, they were her dads. And Luna wouldn't trade them for anything.
"Dao!" Gemini bellowed, his voice echoing through the house.
"You know she prefers being called Luna," Fourth sighed, not looking up from the intricate flower arrangement he was creating for the dining table. It was a battlefield of lilies and roses, each stem strategically placed.
"I know," Gemini said with a mischievous smirk, waggling his eyebrows. "This way she'll come downstairs faster to voice her disapproval. It's like a teenage Bat-Signal, but instead of a bat, it's pure, unadulterated teenage angst."
And Gemini wasn't wrong. It was less than five minutes before the floorboards groaned under the weight of approaching footsteps. Luna, all of twelve years old and radiating the dramatic flair of a seasoned thespian, stomped into the room.
"Ba! I told you a hundred times that my name is Luna!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with the practiced exasperation of a teenager dealing with hopelessly out-of-touch parents.
"And I told you a hundred and one times that you are my little Dao," Gemini retorted, perfectly mimicking Luna's dramatic tone, complete with an eye-roll that would have made a drama queen proud. He then winked at Fourth, who was trying very hard not to laugh and failing miserably.
"Papa, talk to your husband. He's impossible," Luna pleaded, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. She then stomped over to the fridge, grabbed a carton of milk, and glared at Gemini.
"I am still your father, young lady," Gemini called after her, a hint of mock sternness in his voice. "And as your father, I demand to know why you're drinking milk straight from the carton! Have you no respect for dairy hygiene?"
"Stop teasing her so much," Fourth chuckled, finally abandoning his floral arrangement to give Gemini a playful shove. "She's devastated that her crush asked someone else out."
"She's too young to date anyway," Gemini muttered, earning himself a playful glare from Fourth.
"Don't let her hear you say that," Fourth warned, winking. "You'll unleash the full force of teenage hormonal fury. We'll find glitter in the strangest places for weeks."
"Glitter? That's her weapon of choice?" Gemini asked, feigning horror. "Back in my day, it was slamming doors and dramatic sighs. Kids these days are so… sparkly."
Luna, who had been listening from the kitchen, rolled her eyes again. "You guys are so weird," she mumbled, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Even though her dads were embarrassing, even though they teased her relentlessly, she knew they loved her. And secretly, she loved their weirdness right back.
Chapter 4: The past resurfaced
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The anniversary dinner party at Grandma Ning's house was, in Luna's expert teenage opinion, tolerable. Okay, maybe even a little bit…nice. The food was amazing, Grandma Ning had outdone herself with a spread that could rival any five-star restaurant, and, the best part, Grandma Ning had gifted her a new designer handbag. Score!
The highlight of the evening, however, was something Luna both cringed at and secretly adored. Her Baba (Gemini) and Papa (Fourth) decided to perform a song. A song called "Hook." Apparently, it was some kind of legendary, iconic tune back in the day here in Thailand. Luna, a devout listener of metal rock (much to her Baba’s mock horror), had never heard of it. It sounded… catchy. And, dare she admit it, kind of good.
Luna had always admired her dads’ talent. They were ridiculously good at singing and dancing. She had no doubt they could have been massive stars if they'd stayed in the entertainment industry. Sold-out arenas, screaming fans, the whole shebang. But instead, they chose… this. Serenading each other in Grandma Ning's living room, surrounded by relatives and the lingering aroma of Tom Yum soup.
With a sigh that was more affectionate than exasperated, Luna pulled out her phone. Her parents were being utterly adorable. Disgustingly so. They were gazing at each other with those eyes again, the ones that made Luna want to both gag and melt. As they launched into the chorus of "Hook," their voices blending seamlessly, Luna couldn't resist. She took a video, capturing the moment, the love, the sheer cheesiness of it all, and posted it on social media. "My embarrassing dads," she captioned it, adding a string of heart emojis for good measure. Let the world see their adorableness. Even if it was a little bit disgusting.
Luna’s phone buzzed incessantly. At first, she ignored it. Anniversary parties at Grandma Ning’s were notorious for their post-dinner lull, a period of gentle digestion and polite conversation that Luna usually escaped by retreating to a quiet corner with her phone. She assumed it was just her friends group chat blowing up with memes or discussing the latest episode of her favorite K-drama.
But the buzzing didn’t stop. It grew, becoming a persistent vibration against her thigh, a relentless hum that even Grandma Ning’s gentle snoring couldn’t drown out. Frowning, Luna finally pulled out her phone. Her screen was flooded with notifications. Hundreds of them. From Instagram, Twitter, even Facebook, which she hadn’t checked in months.
Confused, she clicked on the Instagram notification. It was a tag. And another. And another. Her video. The one of her parents singing "Hook." It had gone… viral.
Luna’s stomach dropped. Viral? How? She’d only posted it to her close friends list, a small, curated group of people who wouldn’t judge her parents’ cheesiness too harshly. Panic started to bubble in her chest. Had she accidentally posted it publicly? She checked her settings. No, it was definitely on her close friends list.
Then she scrolled through the comments. They weren’t from her friends. They were from… strangers. People she didn’t know. And they were all saying the same thing.
“Is that… Gemini? Khunnos wake up, they are back.”
“Oh my god, it’s Fourth! Fourth mommies where are you?”
“GeminiFourth? Is that really them? This is a happy day for the Khunnoo fandom”
The names echoed in her mind, familiar yet distant. She’d heard her parents mention them occasionally, whispers of a life they used to live. A life they had left behind. A life Luna knew nothing about.
Her heart pounded in her chest. She looked at her parents. They were still beaming at each other, oblivious to the digital tsunami that was about to engulf them. Fourth was wiping a stray bit of sauce from Gemini’s cheek, and Gemini was whispering something in his ear that made Fourth laugh.
Luna felt a strange mix of excitement and dread. Excitement because… well, her parents were kind of a big deal, apparently. And dread because she knew, instinctively, that this was going to change everything.
She showed the phone to her best friend, who was sitting beside her. Her friend’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping. “Dude, that’s… that’s insane!” she whispered, grabbing Luna’s phone to scroll through the comments herself.
Luna looked back at her parents. They were still lost in their little world, a world Luna suddenly felt excluded from. A world she was now, inadvertently, dragging into the light. She knew she had to tell them. But how? How could she explain that a silly little video, a snapshot of their love, had just unleashed a wave of the past onto their present? She took a deep breath, her heart still pounding. This was going to be a long night.
Chapter 5: Famous dad
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"Ba, Pa," Luna began, trying to keep her voice steady despite the rising tide of confusion and a strange, fluttery feeling in her stomach.
"What is it, little Dao?" Gemini asked, a playful glint in his eyes. Luna sighed, internally willing herself not to roll her eyes. Sometimes, her dads could be so dense.
"Ba, this is serious," Luna whined, holding up her phone. The screen glowed with a chaotic mess of notifications, comments, and tags.
"Oh, you hear that, Fotfot? This is serious," Gemini said to Fourth, his playful tone unwavering.
"Gem, stop teasing her," Fourth said, a gentle smile on his face. He placed his hand on Gemini’s arm, a silent request for him to dial back the dad jokes. "What is it, Luna?"
Before Luna could even begin to explain the digital explosion on her phone, her best friend, who had been hovering nearby, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, blurted out, "Are you guys… famous? I just discovered, like, fan accounts dedicated to you guys!"
The words hung in the air, thick with unspoken questions and a hint of disbelief. Luna’s best friend, usually so cool and collected, was practically vibrating with excitement. Luna herself felt a strange mix of dread and a weird, almost giddy feeling. Famous? Her parents? The image of them serenading each other in the living room suddenly seemed… amplified. Larger than life.
Gemini and Fourth exchanged a look, a flicker of something unreadable passing between them. The playful glint in Gemini’s eyes faded, replaced by something Luna couldn’t quite decipher. Fourth’s smile faltered slightly, a hint of… what? Worry? Sadness?
The room fell silent, the only sound the gentle hum of the refrigerator and the distant chatter of their relatives. Luna’s heart pounded in her chest. She needed answers. What was a “khunoo fandom,” and why were so many strangers suddenly obsessed with her parents?
Gemini had always known this day would come. He and Fourth had discussed it, a quiet, almost morbid conversation held late at night, years ago. They knew their past wouldn't stay buried forever. They just hadn't expected it to resurface quite so… explosively. And certainly not via a viral video of them singing a cheesy love song at his mother's house.
He and Fourth sat on the sofa, Luna and her best friend Kayla perched on the edge of their seats, a mixture of shock, awe, and teenage curiosity plastered across their faces. Gemini and Fourth explained, as calmly as possible, the story of GeminiFourth, the whirlwind of fame, the pressures, the eventual decision to walk away. They talked about concerts, endorsements, the crazy world of entertainment, carefully editing out the more… colorful details.
Luna's reaction was… interesting. Mostly a combination of wide-eyed surprise and a healthy dose of teenage skepticism. "So, you guys were like… really famous?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"We had a moment," Fourth said dryly, earning a chuckle from Gemini.
"A moment that involved screaming fans, sold-out stadiums, and enough merchandise to fill a small country," Kayla interjected, her eyes shining with excitement. She was clearly more impressed than Luna.
"I know this might not be the time," Kayla continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "but there are, like, over five thousand fanfics written about your dads."
Luna groaned. "Ba! There are fanfics written about you two?" she whined, mortified. The image of strangers writing fictional stories about her parents made her skin crawl.
Gemini winced. "Let's not dwell on that," he said quickly, shooting a pleading look at Fourth. He had a feeling some of those fanfics were… creative.
Kayla, however, was on a roll. She scrolled through her phone, her eyes widening with each new discovery. "Oh my god! You two were Tommy Hilfiger ambassadors?" she exclaimed. "Dude, your dads were hot – I mean, they still are, but… I mean…" She trailed off, realizing she was venturing into potentially awkward territory. "I'll just shut up now," she mumbled, blushing slightly.
Fourth, who had been silently observing the chaos, couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay, Kayla," he said, winking. "We were pretty stylish back in the day."
Gemini, ever the showman, struck a pose. "Still am," he corrected, grinning. "Just a little less… flashy these days."
Luna rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. Her parents were definitely weird. But they were her weird parents. And now, apparently, they were also… famous? This was going to take some getting used to. Especially the fanfic part. That was just… disturbing.
Luna remained skeptical. Sure, her parents had admitted to a little bit of fame, a "moment" as her Papa had so understatedly put it. But "famous" could mean anything from being the local karaoke champion to, well, whatever her parents were. It all felt a bit… abstract.
Then Kayla, armed with the unlimited Wi-Fi access that only a teenager could truly appreciate, descended upon the situation like a digital whirlwind. She came bearing information, mountains of it, a relentless torrent of online evidence that blew Luna's skepticism out of the water.
Thousands of edits, pictures, and entire accounts dedicated to her dads. Not just a few scattered fan pages, but organized, active communities with inside jokes, elaborate theories, and an almost religious devotion to… well, her parents. It turned out her dads weren't just mildly famous. They were, as Kayla dramatically declared, super famous. Like, global luxury brand ambassador famous. Like, her Baba was once the spokesperson for L'Oréal, as in the L'Oréal, famous. Luna's mind struggled to process this information.
"Your dads were friends with Pond!" Kayla shrieked, clutching her phone to her chest as if it held the Holy Grail. "As in, my future husband Pond!"
Luna rolled her eyes. "Kay, you're, like, thirteen, and he's in his thirties. He's old enough to be your dad," she pointed out, not unkindly. "Besides, isn't he, like, married?"
"He is," Kayla said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And here's the crazy part. He's married to Phuwin. Phuwin, who was papa Fourth’s s best friend!"
The connections were starting to form in Luna’s brain, a tangled web of names and faces. It was becoming increasingly clear that her parents' past was more complicated, and more significant, than she had ever imagined. Judging by the sheer number of still-active Twitter accounts dedicated to them, they still were a big deal, even after all this time.
Kayla, ever the enthusiastic researcher, convinced Luna to watch some of her parents' old series. "My School President" was, as Kayla put it, "pretty cute." Luna had to admit, it was. Her dads were… good. Like, really good. Then they watched "Ticket to Heaven," and Luna cried. So. Much. Angst. So. Much. Pain. She understood now. She understood the devotion, the fan accounts, the sheer volume of online content. Her parents weren't just talented. They were… captivating.
The skepticism was fading, replaced by a growing sense of… something. Pride? Curiosity? A little bit of fear? She still needed to talk to her parents. This wasn't just a "moment" anymore. This was a whole other life, a life Luna knew nothing about. And she had a feeling it was about to change everything.
Chapter 6: Back in the spotlight
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The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. Luna finally understood why Grandma Pui and Grandma Ning were the designated school event attendees, the parent-teacher meeting representatives, the academic support system. Her grandmothers, bless their hearts, had sat her down a few days after the "Hook" video debacle and explained, as gently as possible, the toll that fame had taken on her dads. They described the relentless scrutiny, the invasion of privacy, the constant pressure to perform, not just on stage, but in every aspect of their lives. They explained why her parents had chosen to leave it all behind, to seek a simpler, quieter life.
Luna’s own life, however, had suddenly become… complicated. Her Instagram following exploded overnight. Kayla, ever the enthusiastic hype woman, declared her "instafamous," a title Luna wore with a mixture of amusement and discomfort. Her Papa, however, did not share Kayla's enthusiasm. Her phone was promptly confiscated, deemed too addictive, too distracting, too… something. Luna suspected it was less about her screen time and more about her Papa’s deep-seated aversion to the online world.
Then came the school inquiries. Kids she’d barely spoken to were suddenly interested in her. They asked about her dads, about their "famous" past, about the rumors they’d heard online. It was awkward. Luna was an introvert. She preferred quiet corners and deep conversations with Kayla to navigating the swirling vortex of teenage social dynamics. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and she certainly wasn't prepared for the level of interest her parents' past had generated.
The final straw, the incident that catapulted her parents into full-blown overprotective mode, happened at the mall. Luna and Kayla were browsing through a bookstore, discussing the merits of various fantasy novels, when they realized they were being followed. Not in a creepy, stalkerish way, but in a… fan-ish way. Someone was taking pictures of them. And then, those pictures appeared online, accompanied by the caption: "GeminiFourth's love child!"
That was it. The line had been crossed. Her parents, their carefully constructed wall of privacy crumbling around them, stepped in. They were not happy. Their protectiveness, always simmering beneath the surface, boiled over. Luna found herself caught in the crossfire of their concern, a mixture of embarrassment and a strange sense of security. Her parents, the ones who were so embarrassing, so cheesy, so out of touch with modern teenage life, were also her protectors. And they were ready to defend her, and their family, from the prying eyes of the world.
Gemini knew this day would come. He’d always known. He just hadn’t expected it to arrive quite so… aggressively. The "GeminiFourth's love child!" headline, splashed across various online platforms, felt like a personal affront. He paced the living room, a caged tiger in designer slippers.
"We're moving," he declared, his voice firm, his jaw set. "We're taking Luna out of school. We're going to Austria. They have mountains there. And schnitzel. It'll be perfect."
Fourth, who was attempting to soothe a very agitated Luna with a cup of hot chocolate (extra marshmallows), sighed. "Gemini, be reasonable," he said gently. "We're not moving to Austria. Again. And we're not pulling Luna out of school. She's finally made friends. Remember the Great Scottish Homeschooling Debacle of '29? We agreed, no more homeschooling."
"But… but they're calling her 'GeminiFourth's love child!'" Gemini sputtered, gesturing wildly at his phone, which displayed the offending headline. "It's like… like she's some kind of… celebrity spawn!"
"She is our child, Gem," Fourth pointed out, wincing slightly at the phrasing. "And we were celebrities. It's… complicated."
"Complicated? It's an invasion of privacy! It's… it's… utterly ridiculous!" Gemini fumed. "I'm going to write a strongly worded letter! To the internet! That'll show them!"
Fourth took a deep breath. "Gemini," he said patiently, "we're not going to write a strongly worded letter to the internet. We're going to write a statement. A calm, reasonable statement. Asking people to respect our privacy, and Luna's. We'll express our happiness, our desire to continue living our lives privately. And then," he added, a glint in his eye, "we're going to hide all the sharp objects. Because I have a feeling you're going to need a lot of chamomile tea after this."
Gemini grumbled but knew Fourth was right. A strongly worded letter to the internet was unlikely to achieve anything except provide the internet with more fodder for memes. They drafted a statement, a carefully worded plea for privacy, a gentle reminder that they were just a family, trying to live their lives. They released it, hoping, praying, that it would be enough.
"You know," Gemini said, as they watched Luna and Kayla attempt to build a marshmallow tower in the living room, "if this doesn't work, I'm still voting for Austria."
Fourth just smiled. "We'll see, Gem. We'll see." He knew that even though being in the public eye again was stressful, and that he would have preferred to stay out of it, they would get through this, together. Just like always.
Chapter 7: The floodgates
Chapter Text
The statement, carefully crafted and released with a mix of trepidation and hope, did little to stem the tide. In fact, it seemed to have the opposite effect. It was like throwing gasoline on a bonfire. The internet, that fickle beast, exploded.
#GeminiFourthIsBack trended worldwide. Old fan accounts resurrected themselves with the fervor of Lazarus rising from the dead. New fan accounts sprang up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. News outlets, starved for a juicy story, jumped on the bandwagon. Paparazzi camped outside their house, their telephoto lenses hungry for a glimpse of the elusive family.
"I told you we should have gone to Austria," Gemini grumbled, peering through the curtains at the cluster of photographers huddled across the street.
Fourth, ever the voice of reason, patted his arm. "It's going to be alright, Gem. It's just… a lot to process. For everyone."
Luna, surprisingly, was taking it all in stride. After the initial shock and the mortification of having her entire school discover her parents' past, she seemed to settle into a strange sort of acceptance. She even started engaging with some of the fan accounts online, answering questions, sharing old photos she found tucked away in dusty albums.
"They're actually really nice," she told her dads one evening, scrolling through her newly reinstated Instagram account (with strict parental supervision, of course). "They just… miss you guys."
Gemini and Fourth exchanged a look. Miss them? After all this time? It was a strange concept to grasp. They had deliberately stepped away, chosen to leave that life behind. And yet, here they were, a decade later, being pulled back into the spotlight.
The floodgates had opened. There was no going back. They had to decide, once again, how they wanted to navigate this new reality. Would they retreat further, attempt to build even higher walls around their privacy? Or would they embrace the unexpected resurgence of their past, acknowledge the fans who had never forgotten them?
It was a question with no easy answers. A question that would force them to confront their past, their choices, and their future. A question that would ultimately determine the fate of their family, their love, and their newfound peace.
The phone rang, jolting Gemini out of his contemplation of the merits of building a moat around their property. He snatched it up, half-expecting to hear the insistent click of a paparazzi camera on the other end. Instead, it was Perth.
"Gemini! It's me! Perth!" Perth's voice boomed through the phone, nearly blowing out Gemini's eardrum.
"Perth! Oh my god, it's you!" Gemini shrieked, his inner fangirl momentarily escaping. "How are you? How's Santa?"
"We're good! Great, actually," Perth said, chuckling. "We're engaged! Santa finally said yes!"
"Oh my god, congratulations!" Gemini squealed. "I'm so happy for you two! You have to tell me everything!"
And so began a flurry of phone calls, a whirlwind of catching up and excited chatter. Ohm called next, his voice surprisingly calm and collected.
"Gemini, it's Ohm. Listen, I know things have been… crazy lately, but we really need to see you guys."
"Ohm! Of course! We'd love to see you too!" Gemini said, his excitement bubbling over. "How's… you know… everything?"
"Everything is… surprisingly good," Ohm replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Nanon and I… we’re back together."
Gemini might have shrieked. Just a little. His inner fujoshi, the one who lived for the drama and romance of his friends' lives, was having a field day. "Oh my god! I knew it! I always knew you two were meant to be!"
Fourth, overhearing the conversation, rolled his eyes. "Gemini, please try to contain your inner shipper," he said dryly.
"I can't help it!" Gemini protested. "It's like a real-life drama unfolding before my very eyes!"
Then there was Phuwin, his voice filled with warmth and laughter. "Gemini, Fourth! It's so good to hear your voices. Pond and I… well, we'd love to see you, and Luna, of course. We’ve missed you guys so much."
"Phuwin! We've missed you too!" Fourth said, his voice genuinely touched. "How's Pond? How's married life?"
"Married life is… interesting," Phuwin said, chuckling. "Let's just say Pond still leaves his socks everywhere. But other than that, it's perfect."
Mark's call was brief and to the point. "Gemini, Fourth. It's Mark. I'm… seeing someone. It's… going well. We should get together soon." Mark, ever the enigma, remained as mysterious as ever.
The calls left Gemini and Fourth feeling a mixture of joy and a strange sense of nostalgia. They were excited to see their friends, to catch up on their lives, to introduce Luna to the people who had been such a huge part of their past. It was going to be a reunion for the ages. And Gemini, for one, couldn't wait.
Luna, despite her earlier eye-rolling and protests about her parents being "so embarrassing," was secretly buzzing with excitement. Meeting her dads' old friends felt like stepping into a time capsule, a glimpse into a life she hadn't known they lived. And, let's be honest, a chance to glean some juicy gossip about her parents' past.
Kayla, of course, was in full fan-girl mode. She’d been practically vibrating with anticipation since the moment she found out she was invited to dinner. Her obsession with Pond, despite Luna’s repeated reminders that he was married, a father, and old enough to be her… well, Luna wasn’t even going to go there, remained undeterred.
As they pulled up to their house after school, Kayla gasped. "Dude! Your house is like a celebrity… I don't know… a place where celebrities gather?" she whispered, her eyes wide with awe. She craned her neck, trying to peer through the gates. "Are there going to be red carpets? Is there a step-and-repeat? Will I get to take a selfie with Phuwin?"
Luna rolled her eyes. "Kayla, calm down," she said, though a small smile played on her lips. "It's just dinner. With my dads' friends."
"Just dinner with your dads' friends who are also, like, super famous!" Kayla squealed. "This is insane!"
The moment they stepped inside, Kayla’s inner fan-girl went into overdrive. She spotted Pond across the living room, chatting with Fourth, and let out a small, high-pitched shriek.
"Oh my god, it's him! It's Pond!" she whispered, clutching Luna's arm so tightly that Luna thought her circulation might be cut off.
"Kayla, breathe," Luna said, trying to pry her arm free. "Remember, he's married. And he has kids. And he's old enough to be your… you know."
Kayla, however, was already halfway across the room, her eyes fixed on Pond like a laser beam. She approached him cautiously, like a pilgrim approaching a sacred shrine.
"Khun Pond?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm… I'm Luna's friend. Kayla."
Pond turned, his face breaking into a warm smile. "Hi Kayla," he said. "It's nice to meet you. Luna's told us a lot about you."
Kayla beamed. "Really? What did she say?"
"She said you're a great friend," Pond replied. "And that you have an… interesting taste in music."
Kayla’s face fell slightly. "Oh," she said. "Yeah. I like… metal rock."
Pond chuckled. "That's cool," he said. "My kids are really into that kind of music too."
Kayla's eyes widened. "You have kids?" she asked.
"Yeah," Pond said, smiling. "Two little ones. They're a handful."
Kayla blinked. The image of Pond as a rock-and-roll dad was a bit… jarring. Her future husband, it seemed, was not quite as she had imagined. She looked back at Luna, who was trying very hard not to laugh, and sighed. Maybe, just maybe, she needed to rethink her life plan.
Chapter Text
The house buzzed with a comfortable chaos. Laughter echoed through the rooms, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations. It felt like a family gathering, albeit a very glamorous one. Luna, having recovered from the initial shock of meeting her parents' friends (and Kayla's near-meltdown), found herself actually enjoying the evening. She even managed to hold a semi-coherent conversation with Phuwin about the challenges of raising teenagers, a topic he seemed surprisingly well-versed in.
Gemini and Fourth, meanwhile, were in their element. They moved through the crowd, greeting their friends with warm hugs and genuine smiles. The years melted away as they reminisced about old times, sharing stories, both hilarious and poignant, from their shared past.
"Remember that time we accidentally set off the fire alarm at the fan meet in Hong Kong?" Perth chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye.
"And then we tried to blame it on the catering company?" Ohm added, shaking his head. "That was a disaster."
"A disaster that ended with us having to sing karaoke for three hours straight as an apology," Fourth said, laughing. "I still have nightmares about that rendition of 'first love.'"
The laughter continued, punctuated by moments of quiet reflection. They talked about their lives, their families, their hopes for the future. They shared stories of joy, of loss, of the challenges and triumphs of navigating life after fame.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted, becoming more intimate, more personal. The conversation drifted towards the reason for their sudden resurgence in the public eye.
"Luna's video," Phuwin said softly, "it was… something. It reminded everyone of what they’d been missing."
"It was like a time capsule," Mark added. "It brought back so many memories."
Gemini and Fourth exchanged a look. They knew this conversation was coming. They had discussed it, late at night, after Luna was asleep, the weight of their past pressing down on them.
"We never intended to disappear completely," Fourth said quietly. "We just… needed a break. A long one."
"The pressure was… intense," Gemini added. "We felt like we were living our lives under a microscope. Every move we made, every word we said, was scrutinized, analyzed, twisted."
"We needed to reclaim our lives," Fourth continued. "To be ourselves, not just 'GeminiFourth.'"
"And you did," Perth said gently. "You built a beautiful life, a beautiful family."
"We did," Gemini said, smiling at Fourth. "And we're grateful for it. But…"
"But?" Ohm prompted.
Gemini and Fourth looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. They had come so far, built a life they loved. But the past, it seemed, was not quite finished with them. The question was, what were they going to do about it?
The "but" hung in the air, heavy with unspoken questions and the weight of a shared past. Gemini and Fourth looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. They had built a life they loved, a life of quiet normalcy, a life far removed from the dazzling chaos of fame. But the past, it seemed, had a way of resurfacing, of demanding to be acknowledged.
After much deliberation, many late-night discussions fueled by copious amounts of coffee, and some gentle nudging from their friends (and Luna, who, despite her constant embarrassment, secretly enjoyed the attention), they made a decision. They would return to the entertainment industry… but on their own terms.
It wasn't a full-blown comeback, a return to the whirlwind of concerts, endorsements, and constant public appearances. They were older now, wiser, and they had different priorities. They released a small studio album, a collection of songs that were close to their hearts, a gift to the fans who had never forgotten them. The album was a success, not just commercially, but also emotionally. It was a way for them to reconnect with their audience, to share their music, their love, their story.
Fourth even dabbled in acting again, taking on guest roles in a few series. He discovered a newfound appreciation for his craft, a freedom to explore different characters without the pressure of maintaining a public persona. He enjoyed it, but it was a side project, a hobby, not a career.
Mostly, they were just Luna's dads. The embarrassing, cheesy, utterly devoted parents who cheered her on at school plays (much to Luna's chagrin), who cooked her questionable culinary creations (with varying degrees of success), who drove her to soccer practice, who argued about whose turn it was to do the dishes.
They held on to their privacy, fiercely protective of their family and their sanity. It wasn't complete privacy. The occasional paparazzi photo still surfaced, the whispers about their past still echoed in certain corners of the internet. But it wasn't the suffocating lack of privacy they had experienced before. They had learned to navigate the blurred lines between public and private, to find a balance that worked for them.
Luna, of course, was perpetually embarrassed by them. Their cheesy love songs, their over-the-top enthusiasm, their mere existence as "famous" parents – it was all fodder for teenage eye-rolls and dramatic sighs. But deep down, Luna loved her dads. She loved their weirdness, their devotion, their unwavering support. And even though she would never admit it, she was proud of them. Proud of their talent, proud of their love, proud of the life they had built together. They were her dads. And they were, in their own unique way, pretty amazing.
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Notes:
Gemini and Fourth would be such great and goofy dads!!! I just know it. Let me know what you think. Rak na kha 💖

geminighty on Chapter 8 Sun 16 Feb 2025 08:16PM UTC
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Methun_Nattawat on Chapter 8 Tue 25 Feb 2025 05:23PM UTC
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