Chapter Text
Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak leaned casually against the polished bar, his glass of whiskey glinting under the warm chandeliers of the grand hotel ballroom. The place reeked of luxury: crystal chandeliers draped in gold light, tuxedos tailored to perfection, and women adorned in glittering gowns. It was yet another evening of shallow conversations and forced smiles, the kind of event where people came to flaunt their wealth and connections rather than enjoy themselves. But for Gemini, this was his playground.
His dark eyes scanned the room, not for potential business deals, but for entertainment. Gemini didn't care much about profits or mergers-that was his father's domain. He thrived on attention, thrill, and, above all, challenges. Tonight, however, there was only one person who caught his eye.
Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul stood by the far window, quietly sipping a glass of champagne. He was calm, poised, and, above all, disinterested in the chaos around him. He wore his tailored navy-blue suit like armor, his hair perfectly styled, his demeanor unshakable. Unlike the loud personalities buzzing in the room, Fourth carried himself with an understated elegance that drew people in without trying.
Gemini had seen him before-at charity galas, business launches, and high-profile events. Fourth was the youngest son of a prominent business family and the epitome of everything Gemini wasn't: disciplined, composed, and, most annoyingly, straight. At least that's what everyone believed, considering he was engaged to the girl he had been in love with since high school.
A sly grin spread across Gemini's lips as an idea formed in his mind.
"What's with the smirk?" Joong, Gemini's closest friend and perpetual wingman, asked, leaning beside him. Joong had been nursing his drink for most of the night, uninterested in whatever mischief Gemini was brewing.
"See Fourth over there?" Gemini tilted his glass in Fourth's direction.
"Yeah. So?"
"I'm going to make him fall for me."
Joong choked on his drink, sputtering as he stared at Gemini in disbelief. "You've lost it. Fourth's engaged, you idiot. And, need I remind you, he's not even into men?"
"That's what makes it fun," Gemini replied, his grin widening. "Everyone has a breaking point, Joong. And I'm willing to bet I can find his."
Joong shook his head, though a small part of him was intrigued. "This isn't one of your little games, Gemini. Fourth's not some party girl you can flirt with for fun. He's-"
"Boring?" Gemini cut in. "Exactly. I'm doing him a favor, really. He needs to loosen up."
Joong sighed. "This is going to end badly. For you, not him."
"Care to make a wager?" Gemini's voice was playful, teasing.
Joong studied him for a moment before rolling his eyes. "You're impossible."
Gemini laughed, raising his glass as if he'd already won. "Watch and learn."
He straightened his suit, adjusted his cuffs, and strode confidently across the ballroom toward Fourth. As he approached, he noticed the subtle details that made Fourth stand out: the way his fingers rested lightly on the stem of his champagne glass, the faint furrow in his brow as though he was deep in thought, the way his dark eyes seemed to see everything yet reveal nothing.
"Fourth," Gemini greeted smoothly, his voice low and inviting.
Fourth turned, his expression polite but guarded. "Gemini. Good evening."
"Enjoying the party?" Gemini asked, stepping into Fourth's personal space just enough to make his presence known.
Fourth gave a small, diplomatic smile. "As much as one can at these events."
"You always seem so calm," Gemini said, tilting his head. "Don't you ever let loose?"
Fourth's brow arched slightly, his tone measured. "Some of us don't find the need to make spectacles of ourselves to have fun."
Gemini chuckled, undeterred by the jab. "Touché. But I find it hard to believe you don't have a wild side. Everyone does."
Fourth's gaze narrowed slightly, as if trying to decipher Gemini's intentions. "Is there a point to this conversation, or are you just bored?"
"Both," Gemini admitted with a grin. "But mostly, I was curious about you. You're an enigma, Fourth. Always so composed, so controlled. It makes me wonder what it would take to shake you."
Fourth's lips twitched, though it was unclear whether it was amusement or irritation. "You won't find me as interesting as you think."
"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," Gemini said, leaning in just enough to make Fourth's eyes flicker with awareness. "You see, I'm very good at figuring people out. And I have a feeling there's more to you than meets the eye."
Fourth's gaze didn't waver, his voice steady. "Whatever you're trying to prove, Gemini, I'd advise you not to waste your time. Some things aren't worth chasing."
Gemini's grin only grew. "That's the thing, Fourth. I love a good challenge."
The air between them was charged, a mix of curiosity, tension, and something unspoken. Fourth straightened, his expression unreadable, and took a deliberate sip of his champagne.
"Good luck with that," he said simply, turning away and leaving Gemini standing there, intrigued and, for the first time, genuinely uncertain of what he'd just started.
As Fourth disappeared into the crowd, Joong appeared at Gemini's side, shaking his head. "You're playing with fire."
Gemini smirked, his eyes still fixed on the spot where Fourth had stood. "Maybe. But doesn't fire make life more exciting?"