Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What do you know about me?” he asked, voice calm, hands folded neatly on the desk, chin resting lightly on top. There was no urgency behind the question. Just curiosity. Like he already knew the answer but wanted to see how Fourth would handle it.

Fourth blinked. His mind blanked completely. Gone was every carefully memorized phrase and bullet point. He had done the prep for the interview. The mission statement, the market trends, the company values, all locked in. He even spent hours reading through employee reviews, trying to understand the culture, picking apart every line like it might be a test question.

But he hadn’t looked into the man sitting right in front of him.

Not even once.

“Fine,” the man chuckled. “Do you at least know my name?”

Fourth's eyes went wide and his lips parted slightly, like he was about to speak but had nothing to give. He didn’t move, didn’t even try to pretend. He looked frozen, stuck in the space between realization and recovery. A few seconds passed in silence that felt louder than anything else.

The man leaned forward just a little, subtle enough to keep things casual, but intentional enough to pull Fourth back into the moment.

“I’m the future successor of this company,” he said, a faint smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. “If you’re hoping to be a part of it, you should probably know who’s going to be running it.”

He said it smoothly, with a touch of humor. There was no judgment in his tone. No threat. Just quiet amusement. It felt like he found Fourth’s reaction more interesting than disappointing. Like he had expected it, or maybe even preferred it to a rehearsed answer.

Fourth didn’t respond. The words stayed lodged somewhere inside, and the moment moved forward without him.

The man finally nodded, before reaching for the file in front of him. “No further questions from my end,” he said, flipping the folder open without another glance.

The rest of the interview passed like background noise. Fourth answered what he needed to, kept his posture straight, nodded at the right moments, but the earlier exchange clung to him. It lingered in his thoughts even as the conversation drifted away from it.

When it was finally over, Fourth stood. He smoothed down the front of his pants, mostly to give his hands something to do. They were still slightly unsteady. He glanced at the man again, who was still flipping through papers, then looked toward the other interviewers.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” Fourth said, giving a small bow. “And thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

The man looked up. He was the only one who answered back. “Thank you,” he said, voice steady and warm. “We’ll be in touch soon.”

//

Fourth stepped out of the building and took a slow, careful look at it. He let out a disappointed sigh, feeling like he’d just flunked the interview. Pulling out his phone, he typed in “heir of GMM” and hit search. The results popped up within seconds.

“Norawit Tit-Carorak? Tita-Caronrak?” he mumbled quietly, scanning the screen. He scrolled down and read more carefully. Fourth skimmed through the brief bio, Norawit, also known as Gemini, had finished his commerce degree and master’s in business management at Cambridge. He had returned to Thailand just two years ago and was now expected to take the lead at GMM soon.

Fourth closed his eyes tightly, replaying the moments from the interview, especially the way Gemini had completely shattered the confidence he’d held onto throughout the session. “I’ll probably get rejected,” he whispered to himself, sliding the phone back into his pocket before heading toward the nearest bus station.

Once on the bus, Fourth settled into a seat by the window, eyes flicking between the passing streets and his phone. He refreshed his email app again and again, waiting for a response from the company. It wasn’t the only interview he’d done recently, but it was the one he really hoped would go his way.

He had packed up and left his hometown for Bangkok just a week ago. With what little he had, he managed to rent a small room, still expensive in his eyes and planned carefully around this interview. If nothing came of it, he told himself he’d find a part-time job to scrape by while waiting for another chance.

He didn’t want to work at GMM just because it had been around for ages or had a strong reputation. That was part of it, sure, but the real reason ran deeper. What really drew him in was Phuwin. A boy from his own neighborhood. Just a couple of years older, from the same kind of background, nothing flashy, nothing handed to him. And yet, somehow, Phuwin had managed to turn his life around.

Fourth had always admired him. He held a quiet respect for him, who walked the same streets he had and still managed to break through. He wanted to follow that path, to prove that someone like him could make it too. Phuwin was proof that background didn’t have to be a barrier.

He remembered the evenings before his high school exams, how the man used to sit with him, patiently explaining formulas and helping him stay focused when his mind kept drifting. Fourth had watched him study late, work hard, disappear into textbooks while others gave up.  And then, just like that, Phuwin had left their neighborhood to study accounting at Chulalongkorn University. It was the reason Fourth chose to study accounting there too.

If Phuwin could do it, then maybe he had a shot too. That was the thought he clung to when everything felt stacked against him.

Now, years later, attending the interview at the company where Phuwin worked, Fourth let out a long breath, the kind that carries more weight than it lets on. A trace of disappointment flickered across his face.

“I probably won’t get the job,” he muttered, the words sitting heavy in his heart.

//

It has been two days. Fourth had been sitting on the edge of his bed for what felt like hours, just staring blankly at his phone like it might magically buzz if he looked pitiful enough. He had already refreshed his email at least ten times in the past half hour, each time with a flicker of hope that fizzled out just as fast. His heart was stuck in this loop of anticipation and disappointment, over and over again.

Then, just when he was about to give up and toss his phone aside, it buzzed. A new email. From GMM.

His stomach dropped. He froze, eyes locked on the screen. His thumb trembled a little as he tapped to open it.

The subject line read, “Application Update: GMM.”

He took a breath, held it for a second too long, and finally opened the message.

The first line hit him like a punch and a hug all at once. “Congratulations, you’ve been offered to join us as-”

He didn’t even finish reading. He set the phone down like it had turned hot in his hand. Eyes wide. Lips slightly parted. For a few seconds, he just sat there in stunned silence.

Then slowly, cautiously, he picked the phone back up and reread the email, this time letting the words sink in fully.

“Congratulations, you’ve been offered to join us as a Junior Accountant.”

The words sat quietly on the screen, but they felt massive to him. A small grin tugged at his lips, soft and slow, like it was blooming on its own. His chest felt lighter. His mind, still spinning, started to settle just enough to let the moment land.

He had made it.

//

“Get some good clothes and shoes,” his mom said through the phone, her voice warm and familiar even through the patchy signal. “I’ll send over some money. I heard things in Bangkok are expensive.”

Fourth smiled as he stood in the middle of the men’s clothing clearance section, fingers idly brushing through rows of shirts on hangers. The store was brightly lit, with soft pop music playing somewhere in the background, and everything around him smelled faintly of new fabric.

“No need to send me money,” he said with a quiet chuckle, letting his hand linger on a neatly pressed blazer before moving on. “I’ve saved some.” His tone was light, but there was a hint of pride in it, like he was glad to be able to say that out loud.

He kept skimming through the racks, the phone still tucked between his ear and shoulder. “Take care of yourself, alright? I’ll come visit you soon,” he added, his voice a little softer this time.

His mom told him to eat properly, to stay healthy, to not skip meals just because he was busy or distracted. Fourth smiled at that, fond and a little amused. “I will,” he promised, before ending the call.

After slipping the phone into his pocket, he pulled out a light blue formal shirt from the rack. It was simple, clean, and the kind of thing he imagined someone at a proper office job might wear. He held it up against himself, then stepped toward a nearby mirror.

The shirt looked good. It wasn’t flashy, just neat and presentable, but somehow it felt like a quiet milestone. It was probably a size bigger than he needed, but his mom always bought him larger shirts and shoes, convinced he might grow into them in a few years.

As he adjusted the fabric, his eyes drifted upward, moving slowly from the shirt to his own reflection in the mirror.

His gaze landed on his face, and for a moment, he just looked at himself.

Then, almost without thinking, a small smile appeared. Not wide or loud, just something soft. A little proud. Like he was starting to see the person he’d been working so hard to become.

//

It was his first day of work, and Fourth had woken up earlier than usual, a bit more alert than he expected to be. He ironed his clothes with extra care, smoothing out every crease like his whole career depended on it. He double-checked everything before leaving, shirt tucked properly, shoes polished, hair in place. He wasn’t going to risk showing up looking sloppy.

He caught the train and was pleasantly surprised to find it almost empty. That alone felt like a win. As he grabbed a seat by the window, he glanced down at his watch. He was at least an hour early. A small smile crept onto his face. His heart was thumping like crazy, quick and loud, but not in a bad way. More like excitement that had nowhere else to go. He sat back and watched the city blur past the window, trying to calm the nerves by just taking it all in.

Once he got off at his stop, he took a deep breath as he walked out of the station. The company building stood tall in front of him. He paused for a moment, just looking at it. There was something surreal about seeing it in person after dreaming about it for so long. He closed his eyes for a second and muttered a small prayer under his breath before walking forward.

When he stepped inside, the lobby was cool and quiet. He walked up to the receptionist’s desk, trying to keep his nerves in check.

“I’m the ne…new joiner here. Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul,” he said, his voice just slightly shaky.

The receptionist looked up and gave him a kind smile, her tone warm and easy. “Welcome, Fourth. This is for your lobby pass.”

She handed him a form and he nodded, filling it out quickly before receiving a temporary pass and directions to the elevator. As he stepped inside and pressed the button for his floor, his brain started running a hundred different versions of how he was going to introduce himself.

“I’m Fourth. Call me Fourth… no, wait.” He shook his head quickly, exhaling through his nose. “Call me Fourth… Fourth Nattawat Jirochtikul from Chiang Mai… no, no.”

He drew in a deep breath, pressing his lips into a small circle as he let it out slow. “Calm down,” he muttered under his breath. His mouth formed another careful o as he exhaled again. 

“I’m Fourth,” he said at last, a small smile tugging at his lips. “From Chiang Mai, and I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

He paused, then nodded once to himself with a little more confidence. “Yeah… that’s better.”

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. He straightened his shoulders, took one more steady breath, and stepped out. 

As he walked in, Fourth was immediately greeted by a senior named Joong. The man looked friendly, approachable, and wasted no time getting into things. Joong guided him through the onboarding, patiently pointing out the pantry, the meeting rooms, and the HR desk along the way.

“Your shirt’s too big for you,” Joong remarked offhandedly.

Fourth immediately glanced down at his attire, a flush creeping up his neck as self-consciousness hit. But Joong carried on as if he hadn’t said anything at all.

“You’ll most likely be trained by the lead accountant,” he continued, his tone smooth and easy, as they headed toward the main office space. Then, with the same casualness, he pushed open the door.

“Hi everyone,” he called, before gesturing toward Fourth. “This is our new joiner.”

Fourth gave a small nervous smile, glancing around the room, adjusting his cuff. A few colleagues looked up and smiled back, some gave polite nods, while others didn’t bother to lift their eyes from their laptops. Still, he cleared his throat, tried to ignore the sweaty palms, and gave his best shot.

“Hi,” he began, his voice a little shaky but steadying as he went. “I’m Fourth, junior accountant. From Chiang Mai.” His nerves showed plainly. Sweaty palms, uneven breaths, and a heartbeat thudding too fast for comfort.

He probably didn’t even sound warm or approachable, just someone who wanted to get the introduction over with as quickly as possible.

There was a round of soft claps. A few people gave him welcoming looks, while others remained indifferent. Just as he started to relax, someone called out his name.

“Fourth?”

He turned quickly, trying to locate the voice. A man had just stepped out of a glass cabin. Sharp suit. Straight posture. A familiar face. It was Phuwin, and he was looking at him with a mix of surprise and recognition.

“Fourth Nattawat?” Phuwin repeated, the corners of his mouth curling into a slow, familiar smile.

“Hey, you know our lead accountant?” Joong asked, eyebrows slightly raised.

Fourth glanced at Joong, then nodded quietly.

Phuwin started walking toward him, that smile now growing into a grin. “I haven’t seen you in a while,” he said. “How are you?” he asked gently.

“I’m doing well. How are you, Phi?” Fourth replied, using the familiar term with ease.

Before Phuwin could say anything else, Joong jumped in. “Wait, how do you two know each other?”

“He’s my junior from university,” Phuwin answered quickly, brushing past the question like it wasn’t worth lingering on. Fourth blinked, caught off guard. He glanced at Phuwin, but the older man wasn’t looking his way. He didn’t mention that they knew each other from childhood, from the same neighborhood. He didn’t bring up the hours of tutoring, or the afternoons spent sitting together on the old bench by the 7-Eleven near their street.

Before Joong could press further, Phuwin shifted gears completely.

“The deadline for the project is approaching. I need the file today. Are you finished with it?,” he asked firmly, his tone changing.

Joong’s smile flattened into a tight line. “Yes, I’m working on it,” he replied, nodding slowly.

Phuwin didn’t say anything more. He just gave Joong a judgemental glance before turning back to Fourth, the intensity in his face softening almost instantly.

“Had your breakfast?” he asked, his voice suddenly quiet, almost caring.

Fourth blinked, caught slightly off guard. “No,” he answered softly, shaking his head.

“Let’s go,” Phuwin said, smiling again. He tilted his head slightly, then turned and walked ahead, expecting Fourth to follow.

//

Fourth followed behind Phuwin as they made their way to the elevator. He stood a little off to the side, his steps slightly behind, not really sure if it was intentional or just out of habit. Phuwin stood in front, tall and composed, his presence somehow sharper now than it ever was back home.

Fourth’s eyes lingered on him. Everything about Phuwin looked tailored, his pants fit just right, his shirt tucked and pressed with not a crease out of place. Even the way he stood, hands tucked neatly into his pockets, looked like something out of a magazine. It wasn’t just clothes. It was how he carried himself. Like he belonged here.

Fourth glanced down at his own shirt, his off-the-rack pants, the slight wrinkle he’d tried to iron out this morning but clearly missed. A tiny flicker of insecurity crept in. 

He looked alright, just... not like him.

The elevator hummed as it moved down. Somewhere between the floors, Phuwin finally turned to glance at him.

“So,” he asked casually, “how are things back at home?”

Fourth perked up a little at that. “Good, Phi. I’m planning to go back in a couple of weeks. Visiting my mom.” Phuwin nodded, but there was something unreadable in his face, like his mind was already racing ahead, somewhere beyond what they were saying. 

After a moment, he asked softly, “How’s the neighborhood?”

Fourth met his gaze, feeling his expression soften. Phuwin hadn’t set foot there since he graduated. From what Fourth’s mom said, Phuwin only sent money every month without much else, no calls, no visits, just a quiet, steady support from afar. It made Fourth think how different they’d become, even though they came from the same streets.

“Still the same,” Fourth said with a warm, almost nostalgic tone. He pictured the streets, the corners, the familiar sounds that had been a constant in his life. “Satang’s family moved away, actually. They found a new place somewhere else, and there’s a new family living in their old house now.” He looked at Phuwin, curiosity mixing with a hint of sentiment. “Do you remember Satang?”

Phuwin’s brow furrowed slightly, like he was digging through old memories. “Is that the boy who was bad at math?” he asked, sounding almost surprised that the memory was still there. Fourth chuckled, a light laugh that came from a place of fondness.

“Yeah, that’s definitely him,” Fourth said, giggling softly. The thought of Satang struggling through math homework somehow made the past feel more alive, more real.

Then, after a brief pause where the air between them shifted, Phuwin’s tone turned quieter, more serious. “Fourth,” he said carefully, like choosing his words with care, “I think it’s better if the team doesn’t know we were neighbors.” There was weight behind those words, like a boundary was being drawn, unspoken but clear.

Fourth blinked. There was a slight tilt in his brow, confusion flashing briefly, but Phuwin didn’t explain. He just kept his eyes on the elevator door like that was all he had to say.

Before Fourth could even process it, the elevator dinged. The doors slid open and they walked out, headed toward the canteen. The hallway was busy with people walking, with coffee cups and food tray in hand, conversations in mid-flow. Fourth glanced around as they passed, some staff were laughing in little groups, some were scrolling on their phones while eating alone, a few looked just as lost as he felt. It was a whole rhythm, a whole world, and he was just stepping into it.

They reached the stall and joined the queue. It was a little slow. A couple people ahead were still figuring out their orders. Fourth noticed Phuwin shifting his weight slightly, arms crossing, eyes narrowing just a little.

“So slow,” he mumbled under his breath, clearly impatient.

When it was finally his turn, Phuwin stepped forward quickly and pointed to one of the servers. “An Americano,” he said, crisp and clipped. Then he stepped aside without waiting for acknowledgement.

Fourth moved up next, eyes still darting over the menu board as if it would rearrange itself to make the choice easier. “Uh... latte, with some syrup,” he finally said.

The guy behind the counter, a young man with a friendly face and a "Trainee" tag on his shirt, nodded. “How many?”

Fourth blinked. “Sorry?”

“How many pumps of syrup?” the guy repeated, smiling gently like he was used to this question catching people off guard.

Fourth parted his lips, paused, then guessed, “Ummm…two.”

Truth was, he didn’t really know. He wasn’t used to this kind of setup. Back in Chiang Mai, it was simpler. He’d mostly just had coffee at home or the small cart near campus. Even when he lived in Bangkok for university, he stayed on campus most of the time. The city always felt too big, too fast. People didn’t smile the same. Everything moved like clockwork, but nobody looked like they were really living in it.

While he was lost in thought, the young man behind the counter signaled that the drinks were ready. Phuwin walked over, picked up one of the cups, and frowned almost immediately.

“I asked for an Americano,” he said, voice slow and pointed, each word spaced out like he was talking to a child, “This isn’t an Americano.”

Fourth stepped up beside him, and it did look like the orders had gotten mixed up. The trainee’s expression shifted into panic mode. “I’m really sorry,” he said quickly, eyes darting between the two of them. “I’ll fix it right away.”

Fourth glanced at him and the poor guy looked flustered, sweat starting to form near his hairline.

Phuwin let out a soft exhale, sharp around the edges. “You know what,” he said, stepping back, “forget it.” His voice was flat, cold. And just like that, he walked off without the drink.

The trainee called out after him, “Sir, ” but Phuwin was already halfway across the canteen, unmoved.

Fourth looked between them. Then he turned back to the counter.

“I’ll take mine, thank you,” he said softly, giving the young man a small nod before hurrying after Phuwin, the latte warming his hand, and something else, something unsettled, starting to simmer under his skin.

As Fourth sat at the table, he couldn’t help but notice how worked up Phuwin was getting. The man’s frustration was practically vibrating off him.

“Incompetent,” Phuwin muttered, face twisted with disdain. “Why bother being a barista if you can’t even get the coffee order right?”

He kept complaining, his tone sharp, words biting. Fourth wasn’t exactly surprised. Phuwin had always been the kind of person who had zero tolerance for mistakes. Sloppiness, in his book, was almost a crime. But even so, watching him go off on someone who was clearly just trying, probably new, probably nervous, didn’t sit well with Fourth.

“He’s a trainee,” Fourth said, keeping his voice calm, hoping that might ease the tension.

“That’s even worse. What’s he doing at the front counter?” Phuwin shot back immediately.

Fourth didn’t say anything to that. He just blinked, a little thrown by how much energy Phuwin was putting into this. He turned his attention away, taking a slow sip of his coffee, letting the warmth distract him. His gaze wandered, then landed on Phuwin’s wrist. A Rolex. Classic, clean, expensive. The kind of watch that didn’t just tell time but told a story. It probably cost more than what the trainee earned in a year. Fourth found himself wondering what exactly Phuwin did to afford something like that. His eyes lingered for a beat too long.

Then Phuwin’s voice brought him back.

“So, what’s the plan for you today?”

Fourth dabbed at his mouth with a tissue and said, “I’ve got a few meetings lined up. Introduction stuff. Then I’ll meet everyone on the team, get to know who’s who.”

Phuwin didn’t hesitate. “You don’t have to do that.”

Fourth glanced up, surprised.

“There’s no point in meeting them all separately,” Phuwin continued. Then, a little quieter, “They’re not that significant anyway.”

Fourth heard that. The way he said it, offhanded but cutting. It made him pause. He didn’t respond, just gave a small nod, letting the thought sit.

“Get to know the department heads instead,” Phuwin said. “And we’ll start training after lunch.”

Fourth nodded again, more to himself this time, not fully in the moment. His thoughts were still swimming when Phuwin’s eyes turned to him with a curious look.

“How did you apply?” Phuwin asked.

Fourth paused for a moment. He had stalked the company’s careers page every day, waiting for a vacancy to open. “…LinkedIn,” he finally said.

Phuwin nodded. “And who interviewed you?” he asked, a small smile beginning to tug at the corners of his mouth.

Fourth thought carefully. “The finance manager,” he said slowly. “The treasurer… and…” he hesitated, searching his memory before it clicked, “…Gemini.”

At that, something flickered across Phuwin’s face. It wasn’t obvious or dramatic, just the slightest shift, subtle, but noticeable enough to make Fourth wonder.

Chapter Text

By the time Fourth made it back to his place, he was completely wiped out. The day had been non-stop, packed with back-to-back meetings and hours of intense training with Phuwin, which was its own kind of mental marathon. He dropped himself onto the chair like his body couldn’t take another second of standing, letting the weight of the day settle into his shoulders.

That’s when he heard it, voices behind him, quiet enough to pass as whispers, but just loud enough to catch. It was deliberate, the kind of hush-hush tone that almost wanted to be overheard.

“So… is he a nepo baby?” someone said, the curiosity in their voice poorly masked.

A second voice chimed in, “No, I don’t think so.”

Then came a scoff. “Doesn’t look like one.”

“Probably in through connections,” another added with a knowing edge. “He knows Phuwin.”

Fourth paused. Took a deep breath. It was his first time hearing this kind of thing, and he doubted it would be the last. 

Is this what they call workplace gossiping? 

He kept his face neutral, his expression unreadable, and focused on opening his laptop. Fingers to keys. The sound of typing felt like a small act of defiance, or maybe just a lifeline to something else. He hoped the noise of his own keystrokes would drown out the whispers, or at least distract him enough to not care.

Fourth did his best to drown out the whispers and focus on the slides Phuwin had given him earlier. He pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, trying to anchor his mind in something a little more productive. Slowly, he started jotting down notes, letting the scribbles on the page act like white noise to block out the background chatter.

A few minutes passed before that same group walked by again. This time, each person gave him a glance, some curious, others indifferent. One of them, a woman with tired eyes and a forced smile, slowed her pace and asked, “How’s your first day?”

Fourth looked up and gave her a polite nod, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Good,” he said simply.

“Staying back late?” she asked, and Fourth only nodded this time. She hesitated for a second, maybe expecting more, maybe hoping to strike up a longer conversation, but it didn’t come. He returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“See you all tomorrow,” he added, turning his gaze to the rest of them.

There were a few awkward smiles and murmured goodbyes before the group shuffled off, their footsteps fading into the corridor. Fourth turned back to his screen, letting the silence fill in around him. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed after that, he’d gotten lost in the flow of reviewing, rereading, making notes, erasing, and starting over.

Eventually, his body reminded him of the time. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a long yawn, the kind that feels like it comes from the bones. When he glanced around, he noticed most of the office had emptied out. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly in the background, but the desks were mostly cleared and the hum of people was long gone.

He looked at his watch. It was almost 9:30 PM.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he gathered his things quickly and made his way toward the elevator. As he waited, his shoes tapped lightly against the floor in a calm, almost rhythmic beat. The building had that stillness that only comes late at night, quiet, almost peaceful.

When the elevator doors finally slid open, he was surprised to see someone already inside. A man stood there, leaning casually against the back wall. The moment their eyes met, the man straightened and gave a friendly smile.

Gemini.

“Hey,” he said casually.

Fourth blinked, a little caught off guard, then gave a small bow out of instinct. “Good evening,” he replied softly as he stepped into the lift. His voice was polite, composed, but there was a faint trace of surprise still lingering in his expression.

“You're the new joiner, aren't you?” Gemini asked, his voice light with curiosity.

Fourth nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“First day?” the man asked, and Fourth nodded.

The man smiled, a bit of amusement playing on his face. “Why are they making you head back this late?”

Fourth turned to him quickly, caught a little off guard. “No, I, ” he shook his head, “I was the one who stayed behind. I just felt like I needed to prepare a bit for tomorrow.”

Gemini tilted his head slightly, like he was trying to understand why someone would put that kind of pressure on themselves on day one. “You don’t have to,” he said gently. “Take it easy. You’re still new.”

Fourth gave a small nod, turning his eyes forward again, the weight of the long day settling in. The elevator hummed softly as it descended.

“So, where do you stay?” the man asked, glancing at him again.

Fourth paused for a moment before answering, “It’s a place about forty minutes from here.”

Gemini’s brows lifted a little, trying to place it. Fourth added, “Bang Na.”

He nodded slowly, clearly not too familiar with the area. “And how are you getting there?”

“I take the train,” Fourth said, shifting his weight slightly, starting to feel the fatigue in his legs.

The elevator doors finally opened, and Fourth stepped forward, a quiet relief washing over him. “I’ll make my move,” he said with a small bow before starting to walk off.

“Do you want me to drop you off?” Gemini called after him.

Fourth stopped in his tracks, surprised. “No, sir,” he replied quickly. “The train station’s just nearby.”

The man chuckled. “You don’t have to call me ‘sir.’”

He smiled again, and then, almost as if something clicked in his mind, he asked, “Ah, do you know who I am now?”

“Yes,” Fourth answered without missing a beat. “Gemini Norawit Titicharoenrak,” he said.

Gemini laughed, clearly a little surprised. “Not bad,” he chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll have everyone’s names memorized by tomorrow at this rate.”

He then looked at him, eyes crinkling at the corners. “You can call me Gemini,” he said.

Fourth looked at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He realized this man was the only one today who had taken the time to actually talk to him. Not just surface-level small talk, but a real conversation. It felt different. It felt like someone was finally trying to make him feel like he belonged.

A quiet warmth settled in his chest as he nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, then added, a little more sure this time, “Gemini.”

//

The next time Fourth ran into Gemini was probably about a week later. He had stepped into the canteen for a quick coffee, hoping to clear his head before heading back into another meeting. As he walked in, he spotted Gemini standing near one of the tables, casually chatting with a few of the staff. The sound of laughter floated through the space, and Fourth couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. There was something refreshing about seeing someone in a senior position being that relaxed, blending in so easily with everyone else, just joking around like it was no big deal.

He made his way to the coffee station, placed his order and stood to the side, waiting his turn. The group nearby was still chuckling at something Gemini had said, and it gave the whole space a kind of warmth that wasn’t always present in office common areas. While Fourth waited, he noticed Gemini stepping over to the counter to place an order too.

That’s when Fourth spotted the same trainee from a few days ago behind the counter, still looking like he wasn’t quite sure what he was doing. The poor guy looked visibly frazzled, eyes darting between the coffee machine and the order slip in his hand like he was trying to crack a secret code. Fourth instinctively stepped a bit closer, already bracing himself in case something went wrong.

Gemini, on the other hand, seemed completely unbothered. He was speaking slowly, patiently repeating his order in the gentlest tone. It wasn’t condescending, just calm. Fourth could see how that alone seemed to ease the trainee’s nerves, even if just a little.

Then Gemini smiled at the guy and said softly, “It’s okay, take your time. I can wait.”

Foruth then stepped a little closer to the counter to grab his drink, though he found himself lingering there longer than necessary, without really knowing why. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was the quiet comfort of not rushing off just yet. As he stood there, Gemini finally glanced over and greeted him with that same easy smile.

“Hey,” he said casually.

Foruth returned the smile with a small nod. “Hi.” He looked like he was about to say something more, maybe start a proper conversation, but just then Gemini’s drink arrived. 

He thanked the trainee with a polite nod, took a sip, and they naturally fell into step together, heading toward the elevator.

As they walked, Gemini noticed Foruth glancing at his own drink with a slightly puzzled look.

“Did he get it right?” Gemini asked, motioning toward the cup in Foruth’s hand.

“No,” Foruth answered without thinking, his attention still half on the drink. “I think he gave me someone else’s order.”

Gemini let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, mine has way too much sugar,” he said, shrugging.

Foruth looked at him for a second, caught off guard by how casually he said it, and then chuckled too.

“It’s like a surprise,” Gemini added, taking another sip. “You never really know what you’re gonna get.”

He winced slightly, scrunching his eyes as he swallowed. “But this is way too sweet for me.”

Foruth grinned, watching him struggle a bit. “You can still fix it,” he said, “Add more coffee or milk. Tone it down.”

Gemini looked at him, a little puzzled at first, as if that hadn’t crossed his mind.

“Do you want me to do it for you?” Foruth offered.

Gemini paused, then smiled. “Yeah, let’s try that.”

The two walked toward the pantry together. Foruth opened the fridge, pulled out a carton of milk, and took Gemini’s cup. He popped the lid off and added a bit of milk, gave it a gentle shake, then handed it back.

Gemini took a small sip, held it in his mouth for a second, then swallowed. “Still sweet,” he said, half-laughing.

Foruth added a bit more milk without needing to be asked. Gemini took another sip, this time nodding in approval.

“That’s better,” he said, smiling.

Foruth smiled too, feeling a little lighter, until his eyes caught a group walking into the pantry. The same group who had gossiped about him last week.

“Good morning, boss,” Mark, said with a practiced smile.

“Morning,” Gemini replied, polite but brief. Then he turned slightly toward Foruth. “Thanks,” he said genuinely. And as his eyes flicked back to the group, he added, “I’ll see you next time.”

Fourth stiffened a little once Gemini walked off. The moment felt lighter just a second ago, but now something in the air had shifted, subtle, but noticeable. He turned back toward the fridge, quietly slid the milk carton onto the shelf, then shut the door. His hand reached for the coffee cup he had left on the counter, and just as he wrapped his fingers around it, the first voice came.

“Must be nice getting so much attention immediately,” one of them, Satang, said, their smiles stretched a little too wide to be genuine.

Fourth glanced up briefly, catching the performative warmth in their expression. Before he could say anything, another, Winny, voice high and sugary-sweet, “Guess connections really do go a long way.”

It wasn’t exactly rude. Not on paper. But the undertone was impossible to miss. The way their voices tilted just slightly too high, the way their smiles held for a beat too long, it was the kind of comment you couldn’t really call out without looking overly sensitive. They knew what they were doing.

Fourth let out a small breath through his nose, forcing a polite smile onto his face. He gave them a small bow, and quietly walked out of the pantry, coffee in hand, jaw tight but steps steady.

//

Weeks blurred into a rhythm, and before Fourth even realized it, a whole month had passed since he first walked through the company doors. It hadn’t all been smooth sailing, there were tight deadlines that came out of nowhere, unexpected tasks piling up, and the occasional brush with coworkers who weren’t exactly easy to deal with. But somehow, he made it through. Bit by bit, Fourth learned to navigate the chaos, finding his own pace. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress, and that mattered.

One thing that helped more than he expected were those quiet, almost routine run-ins with Gemini. Most evenings, when Fourth was wrapping up late or just heading home after another long day, he’d spot Gemini somewhere in the building, sometimes waiting for the elevator, sometimes just coming out of a meeting himself. They’d trade a few words, maybe a joke or two, nothing heavy. But it always left Fourth in a slightly better mood.

Other times, he’d run into him at the canteen, both of them waiting for their daily caffeine fix. By now, it had become a bit of a running gag between them, seeing whose drink order got messed up that day. They’d hold up their cups like contestants in a mystery game, sniffing or sipping cautiously, trying to guess if they actually got what they ordered. And even if the drink was wrong, the shared laugh that followed always seemed to make it worth it.

There was something about Gemini’s presence that put Fourth at ease. He wasn’t trying too hard, wasn’t putting on a show. He just showed up, easygoing and genuine, like talking to him was the most normal thing in the world. And maybe that’s what made it work, no pressure, no pretense. Just a bit of warmth in a place that could often feel cold.

//

“Do revise this, Phi,” Fourth said as he held out the document, his voice calm but clear. He wasn’t trying to start anything, just pointing out a mistake. Mark took it from him with a sharp movement, flipping through the pages with the kind of roughness that made it obvious he was already annoyed.

“I already revised this,” Mark muttered after a quick scan, like the conversation was already over.

Fourth didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t change his tone. “There’s an error on page two,” he said, then added, “and also on pages fourteen and thirty. The calculations don’t add up.”

Mark’s response came with a bitter chuckle as he tossed the document onto his desk. “Doesn’t add up?” he repeated, like the very idea offended him. His eyes locked onto Fourth’s, sharp and a little too pointed, as if daring him to elaborate.

Fourth didn’t bite. He just nodded slightly, expression steady. “I’ll need the revised document by today,” he said politely, with a small bow of his head before he turned and walked back to his seat.

As he crossed the room, he could feel the weight of eyes on him. Whispers began to ripple from a nearby table, low and masked behind half-smiles and fake small talk. He didn’t need to hear the exact words to know the tone. He’d spent enough time in the office now to recognize it, thinly veiled commentary meant to sting without sounding outright cruel. But Fourth had also learned how to filter it out. Or at least pretend to.

He sat down, rolled his shoulders back, and resumed typing. The hours slipped by in the quiet hum of the office. People slowly filtered out one by one, the once-busy space beginning to empty. But still, no revised file landed in his inbox.

Then, just as the office grew quiet enough to hear the distant whirr of the copy machine down the hall, he caught movement from the corner of his eye. Mark was heading out, slinging his bag over one shoulder like it had been a long day, even though the file still sat untouched.

Before leaving, Mark stopped by Fourth’s desk and said in the flattest voice imaginable, “I’ll send it to you tomorrow.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “But if it’s that urgent, and since you’re the one who spotted the errors, why don’t you go ahead and fix them?”

He didn’t wait for a response. He just turned and walked out, as if his smugness was a mic drop.

Fourth sat there, lips parted slightly in disbelief, not sure whether to be angry or just tired. He took a breath, exhaled slowly, then turned back to his screen and opened the file. If no one else was going to clean it up, he would. He went through it line by line, rechecking the numbers, correcting the formatting, and making sure nothing was left out. Once he was satisfied, he sent the revised file off to Phuwin.

A few minutes later, Phuwin emerged from his office, ready to leave for the day. On his way out, he passed Fourth’s desk and slowed slightly.

“Staying back late again?” he asked, his tone casual.

Fourth glanced up with a small, tired smile. “Just finishing up some studying,” he said lightly.

Phuwin nodded and glanced around the quiet office. “Where’s Mark?”

“He left,” Fourth replied, eyes still on his monitor.

There was a pause, just a breath of silence that felt heavier than it should’ve. “Did you do the revision for the file that was just sent?” Phuwin asked, voice soft but direct.

Fourth looked up, startled. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then gave a tiny nod.

Phuwin stared at him for a moment, unreadable. Then he said, “Clean up quickly. Let’s get dinner.”

It wasn’t a question.

They ended up walking to a small, almost hidden noodle shop tucked just around the corner from the office. It was the kind of place you wouldn’t expect a guy like Phuwin to frequent. Fourth had always imagined him eating at sleek, trendy places, with reservations and wine lists. But this restaurant was modest, bright fluorescent lights, plastic stools, mismatched tables.

Phuwin didn’t even look at the menu. He ordered egg noodles with ease, like it was a habit.

Fourth chuckled softly as he sat down.

“What?” Phuwin asked, glancing over.

“You always ordered that whenever you visited my mom’s stall,” Fourth said, still amused.

Phuwin smiled faintly, a rare softness crossing his features. “Nothing ever comes close to that taste,” he said, his voice distant for a second, lost in a memory.

Fourth caught the moment, that flicker of the past showing on Phuwin’s face, and it made something inside him settle. The man wasn’t always composed and sharp edges, sometimes, he was just someone who remembered where he came from.

As they began eating, the conversation shifted.

“So,” Phuwin said, breaking the quiet between spoonfuls, “did you do it?”

Fourth was mid-slurp, caught off guard. “What?”

“The revision.”

He froze for a moment, then slowly put down his chopsticks and reached for a tissue. He dabbed his mouth and gave a reluctant nod.

“Why?” Phuwin asked, not harsh, but pointed.

Fourth hesitated. “It was just minor amendments,” he muttered.

“But it’s not your job,” Phuwin said, and this time his tone was firmer.

Fourth didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t want to throw Mark under the bus. Complaining felt like weakness. But it also felt like Phuwin already knew the full story.

“If you keep doing people’s work for them,” Phuwin said after a pause, “it’ll become a habit. For them.”

Fourth lowered his gaze, chewing slowly, processing the words. “I just didn’t want them to…” He trailed off. The truth lingered at the back of his throat but he couldn’t say it.

He didn’t want them to talk about him. He tried to pretend the whispers didn’t matter, but sometimes, the things they said, they stung. And even when he kept his head down, tried to be polite, tried to do his job, it never seemed to be enough.

Phuwin must’ve sensed it, the weight of what went unspoken.

After a while, Phuwin spoke again, his voice lower this time, more thoughtful than before.
“Do you know why I asked you to meet with the department heads on your first day,” he began, not looking at Fourth directly, “instead of introducing you to your teammates?”

Fourth shook his head, just a small motion.

Phuwin let out a quiet breath. “Because they’re the ones who matter, the only ones you should care about,” he said plainly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You don’t get rewarded just for doing good work, or for being kind or understanding by your colleagues.” He paused, then added, “You’ll only get rewarded if you are seen by the right people.”

The words settled into the space between them like a quiet truth, one Fourth hadn’t fully grasped until now.
He didn’t say anything, but his mind was racing. The difference between university and the corporate world had never felt more stark than in that moment. It wasn’t just about doing the job well anymore. It was about placing effort in the right places, aligning with the right people, learning how to read the room, how to navigate.

“Don’t let him take credit for your work,” Phuwin said next, his voice softer, almost like he was sharing something from personal experience. It didn’t come off as a warning. It felt more like a lesson passed down from someone who’d already been through it, someone who knew the game better than most.

And then, in a tone that was somehow calm, eerily calm, even, he added, “If you’re going to do his job for him, fine. But make sure people know it’s you.”

He glanced at Fourth, his expression unreadable for a beat before adding one more thing. “Make sure you note it was you who made the amendment. And if there are any errors, throw him under the bus.”

Fourth looked at him, lips parted slightly at the advice, but Phuwin continued eating, as if he hadn’t just told him to sabotage Mark.

//

As they finished their meal, they stepped out of the restaurant and started walking, passing by the office building on their way toward the train station. The city buzzed softly around them, the night wrapping everything in a familiar, quiet hum.

Just then, they spotted Gemini exiting the office building. He walked down the steps with that same effortless confidence. A sleek black car pulled up smoothly at the curb, its glossy surface reflecting the streetlights. Fourth barely recognized the luxury vehicle, but his attention was drawn to the chauffeur, who promptly opened the door.

Gemini nodded politely, then reached out to tap the chauffeur lightly on the arm ,  a quiet gesture of thanks before sliding gracefully into the back seat. The chauffeur closed the door behind him, and within seconds the car glided away, speeding off into the night until it disappeared from view.

Both Fourth and Phuwin watched the car vanish, the red tail lights shrinking into the distance. Phuwin let out a dry scoff, breaking the silence. “Life’s very unfair, isn’t it?” he muttered without looking away.

Fourth glanced at him, catching the bitterness threaded through his words. Phuwin’s voice softened, almost a whisper now, “We’re the same age, same potential, but somehow living completely different lives.”

After a pause, Phuwin added, as if voicing a lingering thought, “I really hate rich people.”

Chapter Text

As Fourth slid into his seat that morning, Joong glanced up from his screen and raised an eyebrow.

“Is that a new shirt?” he asked, his tone light but clearly curious.

Fourth chuckled and glanced down at himself. “Yeah,” he said, brushing a crease from the fabric. “Bought it a while ago, just never really got around to wearing it.”

“It looks nice on you,” Joong offered with a grin.

“Thanks,” Fourth replied, then added casually, “It’s kind of funny though… I didn’t really get to buy new clothes when I was younger. Most of what I wore were hand-me-downs from cousins or neighbors. Now that I can afford to shop for myself, I still find myself hesitating every time.” He chuckled again, this time a little more sheepishly. “I even sort the prices from low to high when I shop online,” he admitted, grinning as if laughing at his own habit.

Joong laughed, shaking his head. “Goodness,” he said with a playful sigh. “You have adult money now. You should treat yourself sometimes. Retail therapy is real.”

Fourth smiled and gave a small nod, appreciating the sentiment as he opened his laptop and got to work. They both settled into the rhythm of the morning until lunchtime rolled around.

A little before noon, the door to Phuwin’s office opened and he stepped out, his presence as composed as always. “Let’s go for lunch,” he said casually, and the rest of the team began to stir, standing and gathering their things. Fourth quickly saved his progress, tidied up his desk, and joined the group as they made their way to the canteen.

The line was moving slowly, giving everyone time to talk about the morning’s workload and random bits of office gossip. Once everyone had their trays loaded with food, they settled at one of the longer tables, spreading out naturally into their usual seating pattern. Fourth found himself across from Phuwin and beside Joong.

As they dug into their meals, Fourth’s eyes briefly flicked to Phuwin’s wrist, he was wearing a new watch, different from the one Fourth had seen a few days ago. He couldn’t make out the brand, but it looked sleek and definitely expensive. The kind of item that didn’t just tell time, but status.

Amid the casual hum of conversation, Phuwin suddenly glanced up at Fourth. “You look different today,” he said.

Before Fourth could even open his mouth, Joong chimed in cheerfully, “It’s his new shirt.”

Fourth offered a small smile, but Joong kept going.

“Apparently he only wore hand-me-downs growing up, and the habit kind of stuck with him,” Joong said with a chuckle. “He even shops for the cheapest ones. But I told him, he’s got to start getting nice stuff. He looks good in it, doesn’t he?”

The table giggled lightly, a few agreeing in good humor. Fourth laughed too, but there was a flicker of discomfort behind his smile. He hadn’t expected Joong to share that bit, something he’d mentioned in passing, a quiet memory he hadn’t intended for the whole table. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of it, just surprised that Joong had repeated it so casually.

He started to pull back, feeling himself quiet down as the attention shifted.

That was when Mark joined in, clearly seizing the moment. “I still remember what he wore on his first day,” he said, snorting with a laugh. “You need to invest a bit in your wardrobe, man.”

The laughter bubbled again, but this time, Fourth just nodded, a slight heat creeping up his neck. His smile was tight, and he suddenly became very aware of every thread on his shirt, of how it fit, of how everyone was looking at him.

It wasn’t teasing that was cruel, but it pinched somewhere deep, subtle, but real.

Phuwin must have noticed the shift in energy because he leaned back slightly and, with a practiced ease, redirected the conversation.

“True,” he said, his voice casual but edged. “But some of you should consider investing more time into your work too.”

His eyes didn’t move, but the tone sharpened just a fraction.

“You can’t rely on your junior to clean up your mess,” he added, with that same calmness that somehow carried weight.

Then, almost like it was part of a conversation already happening, he turned slightly to his right and smiled. “Right, Mark?”

Mark blinked, caught completely off guard. His smug expression vanished like a light switching off.

He let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head. “Of course,” he muttered.

Phuwin smiled, the same polite expression on his face. “Let’s eat fast,” he said, casually checking his watch. “We’ve got that meeting at two.”

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted again. But Fourth didn’t miss it. He didn’t miss how Phuwin had deflected the spotlight from him, clean, effortless, and sharp.

//

The lunch wrapped up, and the group began to disperse, some heading back to the floor, others lingering in small groups. Fourth stayed back a beat, gathering his tray and mentally replaying the moment when Phuwin had cut in, clean and sharp, like a blade smoothing over a fray.

As they walked toward the elevators, Fourth felt Phuwin fall into step beside him. They didn’t speak at first, the low hum of the office filling the quiet between them. Fourth adjusted his sleeve self-consciously, the fabric suddenly feeling too thin, too cheap, like it couldn’t quite hold up under the weight of the day.

Then, just as they reached the elevator doors, Phuwin spoke, quiet, casual, like it was an afterthought.

“Mark was right. Invest in your wardrobe. Appearances matter.”

It wasn’t harsh, but it wasn’t exactly gentle either. It was just... matter-of-fact. Like he was commenting on the weather.

Fourth’s steps faltered for a fraction of a second, his brows lifting in a tiny flicker of surprise. He glanced at Phuwin, expecting maybe a smirk, a nudge, something to say just kidding, but Phuwin just kept walking, eyes forward, already scanning his phone like the comment was already behind them.

//

After the meeting wrapped up, Fourth felt completely wiped. His brain was foggy, his shoulders were stiff, and all he really wanted was to breathe air that didn’t taste like recycled AC and fluorescent lighting. Without saying anything to anyone, he quietly made his way to the rooftop. It had become a bit of an escape for him lately, a quiet spot above the chaos where he could regroup for a few minutes before diving back into work mode.

As he stepped out into the open air, the breeze hit him gently, cooling the back of his neck. But he wasn't alone. There was already someone standing near the edge, looking out over the city. Tall frame, relaxed posture, familiar presence. It took only a few more steps for Fourth to recognize him, Gemini.

He hesitated. Part of him wanted to turn back, not wanting to interrupt, but instead he approached slowly, hands in his pockets.

"Hey," Fourth greeted casually.

Gemini turned to him with a tired smile. "Hi, Fourth."

Something about his expression struck Fourth as different. Gemini always carried himself with this calm, collected demeanor, like he had the world figured out. But today, there was a heaviness in his eyes. A tension in his shoulders. He looked... off.

“Is everything alright?” Fourth asked, careful not to sound too nosy.

Gemini didn’t answer right away. He just kept his eyes on the skyline, the city stretching endlessly in front of them. Then, after a moment, he said softly, “Just a bad day.”

Fourth nodded and leaned against the railing next to him. “Well, that makes two of us,” he replied with a half-smile.

Gemini glanced over at him, that same faint smile tugging at his lips. “What happened to you?” he asked.

Fourth shrugged, not really wanting to get into it, but the words still came out. “I told someone something kind of personal,” he said slowly. “Nothing huge, but... they kind of announced it to the whole group.”

He gave a small laugh, trying to downplay the sting. “It’s not even that serious, just embarrassing. I don’t know why it’s bothering me this much.”

Gemini nodded, still looking out at the city. “If you are bothered, it’s not a small thing either,” he said simply.

And just like that, Fourth felt something loosen inside him. That small comment, said without pity, made him feel seen. He let out a soft breath and glanced sideways at Gemini.

“What about you?” he asked.

Gemini sighed, the sound long and tired. “Well, for starters, I couldn’t use my card at the vending machine on my floor.” 

Fourth chuckled at that, amused by the random annoyance.

“But also,” Gemini continued more seriously, “we just launched an operation in Indonesia. It’s... not going so well.”

Fourth hummed thoughtfully and nodded. “That does sound bad,” he said simply, offering quiet understanding rather than fake solutions.

There was a moment of silence between them then, comfortable, not awkward. Just two people letting the air settle around them. Eventually, Gemini spoke again.

“So, what did you share with your colleague?” he asked gently, leaning a little more onto the railing.

Fourth paused. He didn’t really want to go over it again, but something about Gemini made it easy to talk. So he did.

“I told him that when I was younger, I didn’t get to wear new clothes much,” he said, voice low. “My family wasn’t doing great financially. Everything I had was just used stuff,” He swallowed before continuing, “And he told the group, and someone made a comment about what I wore on my first day.”

He let out a small, nervous chuckle, a little embarrassed, his voice softening as he added, “The shirt was a little too big for me,” he admitted, “I must have looked like a country bumpkin.”

Gemini nodded slowly, as if letting the thought settle. Then his voice shifted, quieter but steadier, carrying the weight of something he had mulled over many times. “People are quick to say things or judge when they don’t know you personally.”

His gaze stayed forward, calm, unwavering. “Sometimes, when someone says mean things, it’s not really about you. It’s about them.”

He let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding, almost like an afterthought but with a quiet certainty, “You know… some people can be quite shallow.”

He stood up a little straighter then, brushing his fingers through his hair before continuing. “And about the person you told, give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he didn’t mean to be hurtful. Could just be a lack of tact. Or just being a little insensitive.” Then, after a brief pause, he added with a slight shrug, “But still, I’d probably think twice before saying something personal to him again.”

Fourth looked down, a small, reluctant smile forming. That actually made sense. And it made him feel better.

“They’re doing repairs on that vending machine, by the way,” Fourth said, shifting the conversation back. “Card doesn’t work. But coins do. You should carry some change.”

Gemini laughed and nodded quietly. 

“And startup operations are rough in the beginning,” Fourth added, meeting his gaze. “Give it time. It’ll get better.”

They both chuckled then, the tension between them easing as they stood side by side, the city humming below. Somehow, what started as a heavy moment had turned into something lighter, shared between two people who probably needed it more than they admitted.

//

Fourth was typing away at his laptop, cross-checking numbers in a spreadsheet, his eyes flicking between the rows as if sheer focus could solve every problem. He was mid-calculation when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching, the low, steady rhythm of polished shoes on tile. Out of instinct, he glanced up and saw them.

Gemini and Phuwin, walking side by side, chatting like they’d known each other forever. There was a lightness in their tone, the sound of laughter spilling out between words, enough that a few colleagues turned to glance at them. Fourth couldn’t help but watch too.

They did look similar, same height, same broad shoulders, same sharp features, but the energy they carried couldn’t have been more different. Phuwin was composed, every step measured, as if he was always three moves ahead, always aware of the room, the people, the weight of the air itself. Gemini, though, he looked almost effortless. Like the world moved around him, not the other way around. Casual, unbothered, like he didn’t have to worry about the little things.

Fourth’s gaze followed them as they both disappeared into Phuwin’s office. He tried to focus back on his screen, but Mark’s voice cut through the hum of the room.

“He sure is a lucky dude, Gemini,” Mark said, a tightness in his voice that wasn’t even trying to hide the bitterness. “His dad owns the company, right? Doesn’t really have to do anything. In a few years, the whole thing’s his. Born with a silver spoon, truly.”

Winny, ever the one to stir the pot, chuckled and added, “You don’t think he’s got what it takes?”

Mark scoffed immediately, like the idea itself was offensive. “Definitely not. He doesn’t work like us, doesn’t have to care.” He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “It’s unfair, man. Just is.”

Fourth frowned, his fingers hovering over the keys. That’s not true, he thought, his mind replaying moments like snapshots. He’d seen Gemini leaving the office late, later than most, sometimes the last one out. He’d seen him come in early the next morning, shoulders tight, forehead creased as he reviewed reports. He’d seen the worry in his eyes when operations went sideways. Gemini wasn’t someone who just let things fall into his lap. He cared, really cared. And he pulled his weight.

Before he could dwell too long, the door to Phuwin’s office cracked open. He heard Phuwin’s voice, light but clear: “Don’t worry about it, Gem.”

Gemini’s voice followed, soft with gratitude, “Thanks.”

Then Phuwin’s laugh rang out, and Fourth glanced up just in time to see Phuwin slap Gemini’s arm in a way that felt friendly.

It wasn’t like Phuwin at all. At least, not in the way Fourth had seen him with anyone else. Just a few days ago, he’d been talking about Gemini with spite, sharp words dripping from his tongue. And now here he was, smiling, leaning in, looking almost chummy.

Fourth blinked, almost like he’d misread it, but the moment passed quickly. Gemini walked out of the room, and Fourth’s eyes followed him, tracked the way he moved, the calm, steady steps, as if through the thin creaks in his desktop monitor.

//

Minutes later, Phuwin called Fourth into his office, his voice calm. Fourth walked over, trying to steady the swirl of thoughts in his head. As he stepped inside, Phuwin was already reviewing some files on his desk, eyes focused but relaxed.

Without looking up, Phuwin said, “You’re in for Titan.”

Fourth’s eyes went wide. Titan was the major project everyone at the company knew about, the one that only the most capable senior employees were trusted to handle. It was big, important, and definitely intimidating.

“Me?” Fourth asked, pointing to himself as if confirming he’d heard right.

Phuwin didn’t even glance at him. He simply nodded once. “Yes,” he said casually. “You’re capable, and you have what it takes.”

Then Phuwin turned to his laptop and started typing. “I’ll send you some reference files,” he added without missing a beat. “Have a look at them, and we’ll start on Monday.”

Fourth stood there, still speechless, his lips slightly parted as he tried to process what had just happened. Phuwin finally looked up, catching Fourth’s stunned expression.

“What?” he asked, a quiet confusion in his tone.

That pulled Fourth back to reality. He shook his head faintly, then bowed his head slightly in gratitude. “Alright. Thanks,” he said softly before turning and walking out.

The door clicked shut behind him, and Fourth was left standing in the hallway, heart pounding, already thinking about the challenge ahead.

//

Fourth stayed late in the office, the soft glow of his laptop screen the only light breaking through the quiet hum of the empty floor. He was deep into the revision files Phuwin gave, double-checking the calculations with careful eyes. Something didn’t add up. As he sifted through the numbers, he spotted it, a small amount of cash that wasn’t accounted for properly. It had been tucked away under “Others,” a vague category that made it easy to overlook. The sum wasn’t huge, but it was missing nonetheless, just gone like it had quietly slipped through the cracks.

Feeling a mix of frustration and fatigue, Fourth decided to call it a night. He would pack up and tackle the rest over the weekend from home. Slowly, he tidied his desk, stacking the papers neatly and shutting down his laptop. Just as he was about to head out, his stomach let out a loud grumble, reminding him that skipping lunch wasn’t the best idea.

He made his way toward the elevator, stepping inside as the doors closed behind him. When they opened again, he spotted Gemini stepping out from the elevator across the hall. “Hey,” the man greeted first, breaking the silence.

Fourth smiled widely, feeling a bit lighter with the familiar presence. “Hi,” he replied, walking over to him.

“Staying late again today?” Gemini asked casually, glancing at the tired look on Fourth’s face.

Fourth simply nodded. “I’ve got some new work assigned to me,” he said quietly.

Gemini raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. Leaning in a little, Fourth lowered his voice to almost a whisper. “Titan.”

Gemini nodded his head slightly in mock seriousness, playing along with the hushed tone and chuckled softly. “That’s great,” he whispered back.

Fourth chuckled but studied him carefully, searching for any hint of concern about him joining the high-stakes project, but the man showed none. Instead, he smiled warmly and said, “You deserve it.”

Fourth gave him a look that said he thought the man was just being polite, maybe trying to make him feel better. But Gemini wasn’t done. “You were the top two in your university after all,” he reminded him casually.

Surprised, Fourth’s lips curled into a small smile. Gemini caught the reaction and grinned. “I did interview you, remember?” he added.

Something about the fact that he remembered this detail, a moment Fourth thought he’d blown, convinced he wouldn’t get the job, made him feel unexpectedly giddy.

As they started walking out together, Fourth suddenly blurted out, “Had your dinner?”

Gemini just looked at him, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Do you want to join me?” Fourth asked, not sure why he was inviting him but feeling glad he did. “I know a place around here.”

Gemini hesitated for a brief moment, caught off guard by the invitation. Fourth noticed and quickly added, “It’s okay if you’re busy.”

“No,” Gemini said with a genuine smile. “I can join for a bit.”

Fourth led Gemini into the little restaurant Phuwin and he went the other day. Inside, the place was quiet, not many people around, which made it feel almost like a secret spot. Fourth didn’t hesitate; he made a beeline for a table right under the fan. Gemini followed, eyes flicking around with a mix of curiosity and caution. It was obvious he hadn’t been there before.

“This place has nice stuff,” Fourth said, glancing up at Gemini, who was still taking in the surroundings with that quiet, cautious look.

“Do you like it here? Or we can go somewhere else if you want,” Fourth offered, wanting to make sure Gemini felt comfortable.

“No, it’s fine,” Gemini replied quickly, a little too quickly. “I just... never been here,” he added, almost like he needed to explain himself.

Fourth smiled and relaxed a little. “I came here with Phuwin once,” he said casually, watching Gemini’s reaction. The man looked back at him, a flicker of interest in his eyes. Fourth decided to add, “He was my senior at university,” careful to skip the part about them being neighbors, something he remembered Phuwin wasn’t keen on letting slip.

Gemini nodded, smilling. “Right. He’s from Chula too,” he said, referring to the university, the connection clear.

Just then, an auntie approached to take their order. Fourth was quick, ordering an egg noodle dish for himself and a side of stuffed blood sausage, comfort food he knew well.

“What do you want?” Fourth asked Gemini, glancing at him.

Gemini hesitated, clearly unsure. He finally settled on plain water and a sticky rice dish, simple and safe.

“Just that?” the auntie asked, raising an eyebrow at Gemini, who simply nodded. Fourth caught the reluctance in Gemini’s choice but didn’t push. He understood, some places took getting used to.

After the auntie left, Fourth leaned back and said, “My mom runs a food stall back home. This place kinda reminds me of her cooking.”

Gemini’s face softened a bit, and he asked fondly, repeating, “Your mom runs a stall?”

Fourth nodded. “If you ever come to Chiang Mai, I’ll take you to eat there,” he said casually. Gemini chuckled quietly in response.

As they waited for their food, Fourth found himself talking easily about his hometown, the differences from Bangkok, and the little things he missed. There was something about Gemini’s calm, quiet presence that made it easy to open up, without the usual worries about being judged or misunderstood. Gemini just listened, a soft smile on his face, letting Fourth do the talking.

Minutes later, the food arrived. Fourth dug in immediately, probably because he’d skipped lunch and was starving. The meal was everything he needed, warm and satisfying. Gemini took a small scoop of his sticky rice, watching Fourth eat with quiet amusement.

“That hungry?” Gemini asked, watching as Fourth all but inhaled the last bite of his meal.

Fourth nodded, barely pausing. “I skipped lunch.”

“Why?” Gemini’s voice was easy, just curious, not pushing.

Fourth shrugged, mouth half-full. “Was busy... with some work stuff.”

Gemini raised an eyebrow, taking another scoop of his rice, chewing slow. “Don’t do that.” His voice was casual, almost like an afterthought. “They give you an hour for lunch. Use it.”

Fourth glanced up at him, a little caught off-guard by the simple reminder, like it wasn’t something he’d thought about before.

“Work’s important, sure,” Gemini continued, still not making a big deal out of it, “but so’s your health. And anyway, you’re not getting paid for skipping your lunch break,” He gave a slight tilt of his head, a small, amused smile on his lips.

Fourth looked at him, chewing, quiet for a second, then let out a short laugh, a little self-conscious. “Alright... I won’t skip anymore.”

“Good,” Gemini said, smirking a little as he leaned back. “Next time, lunch is on me.”

Fourth blinked, a little surprised, but the smile stayed on his face.

Chapter Text

Fourth woke up late that Saturday, sunlight already shining bright into his small unit, the clock on the wall ticking lazily past noon. With a groggy stretch and a yawn, he decided it was as good a day as any to tackle the mess he’d been ignoring all week, cleaning his unit, throwing laundry into the machine, wiping down the fridge shelves that had been quietly growing suspicious stains. It was a slow, easy pace, but when he finally looked at the time, it was already pushing 1 p.m.

Out of nowhere, Gemini’s voice popped into his head like an uninvited but familiar guest, Don’t skip lunch. Fourth paused mid-swipe of a rag, chuckling under his breath at how random that reminder was, but it stuck. He figured it was as good a reason as any to heat up whatever leftovers were sitting in his fridge, probably not the freshest, but still edible.

He plopped down at his little dining table, balancing a bowl in one hand and flicking open his laptop with the other, one leg casually propped up on the chair. The reference files Phuwin had sent on Friday were still staring back at him from the screen, and he figured he might as well kill two birds with one stone. As he chewed absentmindedly, spoon halfway to his mouth, his eyes scanned the rows of numbers.

Minutes ticked by. The food disappeared. Fourth set the bowl down without even realizing it, leaning in closer, eyes narrowing at the screen. There it was again, that amount, tucked away neatly under "Others," like a little puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit. He grabbed his notepad, scribbled the number down, flipped to another file, ran the numbers again, and sure enough, the same thing. A small amount here, a little there, scattered just enough to slip under the radar if you weren’t paying attention.

He let out a slow exhale, frowning, the weight of it sinking in. He could feel a headache brewing, so he decided to shut it down for now, he’d get clarification from Phuwin on Monday.

Before closing the laptop completely, something made him pause. On a whim, he clicked over to LinkedIn, opened up Gemini’s profile, and just stared at it for a moment. His chin rested on his hand, a lazy, almost shy smile creeping onto his face as he scrolled through. The man really did have that aura, polished, competent, but there was something else too. Something calm, a sense of ease that Fourth couldn’t quite explain, but definitely felt.

Talking to Gemini... it was like a small pocket of comfort in his otherwise chaotic, high-pressure world.

//

“It’s not adding up,” Fourth muttered, eyes glued to the screen as he pointed at the figures with the cursor. “They put it under Others, but there’s no breakdown, nothing on how the money was spent.” He squinted, moving the cursor across the rows, then pointed again. “And look, it’s the same thing here… and here too.”

Phuwin leaned in, his expression sharpening as he scanned the screen, brows furrowing just a little. “Hmm… maybe most of the stuff got lost during data migration,” he mused, tapping his fingers on the table lightly, like he was already thinking a few steps ahead. Then he glanced over at Fourth. “Do you see this pattern anywhere else?”

Fourth shook his head. “No,” he replied, voice steady.

Phuwin nodded, letting out a quiet breath as he turned back to his laptop. “Okay, I’ll handle this,” he said, already typing away, his focus shifting back to whatever plan he was working on. Then, almost as an afterthought, he glanced back at Fourth, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “How was your weekend?” he asked casually.

Fourth sat back a little, surprised at the sudden shift in tone. He thought for a second before answering, “Did some reviewing… and,” he glanced down at his shirt, brushing off a bit of lint with an awkward smile, “bought some new shirts.”

Phuwin gave him a long look, eyes flickering over the shirt. There was a hint of amusement on his face, like he was trying not to let the smile widen.

“They’re not from the clearance rack,” Fourth added quickly, voice a little too firm, like he needed to make that clear. “And this time… they’re the right size,” he said, almost pointedly.

Phuwin nodded slowly, clearly entertained but not pushing it. “Good,” he said, still typing. Then he closed his laptop with a soft click. “Alright, we’ll have the meeting at 11,” he added, his tone back to business.

Fourth nodded, standing up as he left the cabin, feeling a bit lighter but still thinking about the numbers on the screen.

In the pantry, he went to get himself some water. As he was filling his cup, Joong walked in, flashing him a grin.

“Hey man,” Joong greeted.

Fourth gave him a polite smile. “Hey.”

Joong leaned on the counter casually, eyes sparkling like he was waiting for a story. “How was your weekend?” he asked, tilting his head expectantly.

Fourth kept his tone even, casual. “It was good.”

Joong didn’t let up, raising his brows like he was waiting for more. “Soo… what did you do?”

Fourth shrugged lightly. “Nothing much. Went out. Did a few things here and there,” he said, deliberately vague.

Joong gave him a slightly puzzled look, like he had been expecting something more elaborate. “What do you do?” he pressed again, probing.

Fourth only smiled in response, offering nothing more.

But Joong didn’t even seem to notice. He was quick to switch gears, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping into a whisper as though sharing some grand secret. “Hey, did you hear? Pond just broke up with his partner,” he said. “He told me his partner cheated on him.”

Fourth paused, glancing at him quietly. He remembered Gemini’s words, how Joong was insensitive, crossing lines without realizing it.

Fourth exhaled softly and said, “I don’t think he’d like that being shared.”

Joong blinked, a little confused, his glass of water halfway to his mouth, “What?” he asked. 

“He…” Fourth added slowly, careful not to sound too sharp, “he probably told you that in confidence. I don’t think he’d appreciate it being out there like that.”

Joong just… stared at him, lips parted, like the thought had never even crossed his mind. His gaze flickered a bit, uncertain, as if processing the weight of what Fourth just said.

Fourth gave him a quick, polite smile and nodded. “See you later,” he said casually before slipping out of the pantry, leaving Joong standing there, still holding his glass, looking a little lost in thought.

//

Roughly half an hour before the meeting, an official email pinged in everyone’s inbox. It was from HR, announcing the employees selected for Project Titan. Fourth’s eyes skimmed the list, and his stomach did a small flip when he saw his name. 

Accounting team: Phuwin, Lead Accountant and Fourth, Junior Accountant.

He sat frozen for a second, hyper-aware of the sudden shift in the room. The air seemed thicker now, buzzing with the low murmur of voices. From behind him, he caught snippets of the inevitable chatter.

"Not even six months in, and he’s chosen for the project?" Mark’s voice, dripping with that thinly-veiled bitterness, cut through the space. “Isn’t he still in his probation period?”

Winny chimed in almost immediately, her tone sharp, "So unfair to us who’ve been here for years."

There was a grunt of agreement, someone muttering under their breath, "Shit like this pisses me off."

Fourth sat stiffly, pretending to focus on his screen, but the words stung a little more than he expected. His ears burned, and he swallowed, trying to push down the knot forming in his chest.

Then Joong appeared by his desk, his usual easy-going energy filling the space. "Congrats, dude," he said, his voice sincere but carrying that mock-offended undertone, like he was trying to keep it light. He slapped Fourth’s arm playfully. "You didn’t even tell me."

Fourth forced a small smile, scratching the back of his head in that sheepish, caught-off-guard way. "I was told not to discuss about it," he mumbled, feeling the weight of the stares that hadn’t left him.

Joong, leaning in with curiosity, asked, "So how did you get in? Did our lead recommend you?"

The casual assumption ,  that Phuwin must’ve pulled strings for him ,  made Fourth freeze for a beat. His brain stumbled over the words.

"No," he managed, his voice faltering a little.

He thought back to what Gemini had said about his academic qualifications, the quiet confidence in that conversation. I got in because I’m qualified, he wanted to say, I earned this. But the words stuck somewhere between his throat and his brain, the moment slipping away before he could catch it.

Before the awkward silence could stretch too long, Phuwin’s cabin door swung open, and the man himself walked out, laptop tucked under his arm, looking as calm as ever.

"Come on," Phuwin said, his voice casual, almost bored, as he strode away without waiting.

Fourth nodded quickly, gathering his laptop and muttering to Joong, "I have to go," before hurrying after Phuwin, the sounds of the office fading behind him.

//

Fourth walked into the meeting room, the long table stretching down the middle, chairs lined up on both sides. Some people were already there, talking in small groups, others half-focused on their laptops, tapping away. The air had that mix of formal and casual tension, the kind that usually comes with big project kick-off meetings. Phuwin pulled out a chair, and Fourth slipped into the seat beside him.

Phuwin glanced at him briefly, then back at his laptop. “Today’s mostly just an introduction of the members and a bit of briefing on the project,” he said, clicking through some files. Fourth nodded, barely catching the words, because his eyes were darting around the room, scanning the faces. Everyone seemed so at ease, like they belonged.

A few minutes later, Gemini walked in, a presence that immediately shifted the energy. Everyone stood up, a soft, collective rustling of chairs as they greeted him in unison. “Sit down, all, good morning,” he said, grinning as he walked to his spot at the head of the table, casually unbuttoning his blazer as he sat down. “Everyone had their breakfast?” he asked, that laid-back tone of his somehow making the room feel a little less stiff. The room murmured their confirmations, a mix of polite chuckles and nods.

“Good,” Gemini said with a small nod, his eyes sweeping across the room. “Alright, let’s start with a brief introduction of the members.” He gestured toward the man sitting at the far right of the table, who immediately stood up and began introducing himself, name, department, years at the company, the usual script.

Fourth felt a small knot forming in his stomach. His palms were getting a little damp, and he subtly rubbed them against the fabric of his pants, trying to shake off the nerves. He whispered under his breath, like a mantra, “Hi, I’m Fourth from the accounting team.” Over and over, just to get the words out smoothly when the time came.

The introductions moved down the line, one by one, and suddenly, it was his turn. Fourth cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. “Hi, everyone,” he started, his voice a little soft at first, almost too soft, but then, he glanced up, and his eyes landed on Gemini.

Gemini was looking at him, smiling, that small nod of encouragement that somehow made the air feel less heavy. It was a little thing, but it steadied Fourth’s nerves.

“I’m Fourth, Junior accountant. Looking forward to work with all of you,” he finished, this time his voice firmer, more confident, the words clearer. His shoulders loosened slightly as he sat down.

Gemini smiled, that easy, effortless kind of smile, blinking slowly at Fourth. Then, just like that, his attention shifted smoothly to Phuwin, who was up next for his introduction. The round of introductions kept going, one person after another standing up, rattling off their names, titles, and what they did. Fourth listened, but every now and then, his eyes couldn’t help but drift back to Gemini. The man sat there, leaning slightly back in his chair, hands resting on the table, that same polite smile on his face. He nodded along, looking genuinely engaged, like he was taking mental notes on everyone’s names and roles. It was subtle, but Fourth noticed it, and he found himself smiling a little too, appreciating that quiet attention.

Once the last person finished, Earth, the project manager, stood up to take over. He clicked through his slides, pointing out key timelines, objectives, and deliverables. Fourth refocused, typing notes into his laptop, tapping away quietly as the details poured in. His handwriting was a mess, so he kept it digital, jotting down important points here and there, making sure to catch deadlines, numbers, all the small bits that might slip past if he wasn’t paying attention.

Two hours later, the meeting finally wrapped up. Gemini stood, smoothing down his blazer, and thanked everyone for coming. There was that smile again, polite, warm, like he appreciated them all for being there. And then he was gone, walking out of the room. Fourth’s eyes followed him, watching the way the man moved, until he disappeared from sight.

Next to him, Phuwin closed his laptop with a soft click. He leaned back a bit in his chair, glancing at Fourth like it was just another Tuesday. “I’m having lunch with Gem,” he said casually, his tone light but not exactly inviting. His eyes stayed on the laptop screen as he gathered his things. “Once I’m back, we can have a short catch-up on your roles,” he added, smiling. 

Fourth nodded, a little too quickly, the words catching in his throat. “Sure,” he said softly, but it came out almost automatically.

As Phuwin left the room, Fourth sat there for a second, just blinking at the table in front of him. Gemini’s words from the other day floated back into his mind, that casual promise of him having lunch together. A small pang hit him right in the chest. Silly, really. He shook it off, forced a tiny smile to himself, and started packing up his laptop, telling himself it didn’t matter.

Fourth trudged back to his desk, his shoulders slumped in full defeat mode. The sigh that slipped out was practically a whole mood, like the universe was just piling it on. He plopped his laptop on the desk, not even bothering to open it yet. His gaze drifted toward Phuwin’s empty cabin. He pouted, barely realizing it, just as Joong’s voice snapped him out of his spiral.

“Lunch, Fot?” Joong called, his usual grin in place, a hint of mischief in his tone.

Fourth opened his mouth, ready to decline, to mumble something about skipping it, but then, his eyes caught Phuwin heading back to his cabin. Fourth tilted his head, curiosity sparking, and blurted out before he could stop himself, “Not going out for lunch?”

Phuwin barely glanced his way, already half-turned into his office. “Not happening, Gem’s got other stuff to do,” he said with that casual shrug, like it wasn’t a big deal, then disappeared inside.

A small grin crept onto Fourth’s face, catching him off guard. Something about hearing that, Gemini’s lunch plans falling through, gave him a tiny boost. He turned back to Joong, who was still waiting, and nodded, this time with more energy.

“Let’s go,” he said, a little too quickly, and Joong looked at him confused but Fourth just laughed and led the way.

//

The next time Fourth saw Gemini, it was a week later. He was just standing at the canteen, waiting for his coffee, scrolling through his phone, when that familiar voice caught him off guard.

“Morning, Fourth,” Gemini said as he stepped up beside him, placing his own order like it was just another normal day.

Fourth glanced up, a little surprised, but smiled quickly, following him without even thinking. “Morning.”

Gemini turned a little, raising an eyebrow in that casual, unreadable way of his. “How’s your weekend?”

Fourth shifted on his feet, looking at the coffee machine like it was the most interesting thing in the room. “Oh, you know… cleaned my unit, did laundry, cooked some food… worked a bit.”

Gemini gave him this slight head tilt, like he was about to ask do you not go out? but he didn’t actually say it. Still, the look was enough.

Fourth caught the vibe and let out this awkward little laugh, rubbing the back of his neck like he just got caught. “I don’t really have frien, ” He stopped himself, let out a breath, and smiled instead. “I just like staying in.”

The thing was, Fourth hadn’t really found his footing in Bangkok yet. No big social circle, no one to drag him out on weekends. He was still figuring out the rhythm of the city, and sometimes he didn’t mind doing things alone, going to the movies by himself, wandering around a mall, eating by himself at a café. Also, he didn’t really know how to make friends here. Not in a city like this, where everyone already seemed to have their people, their routine. And sometimes it hit, that weird, quiet loneliness, and he wasn’t sure what to do with it.

Gemini didn’t push, just nodded like he got it.

When his coffee came, Gemini took a sip, smiled to himself, and said, “He’s getting better,” like it was an inside joke only they knew.

Fourth let out a small laugh, his mood lifting just a little as they started walking toward the elevator.

Then, totally out of nowhere, Gemini turned to him. “Do you have any plans for lunch today?”

Fourth froze for half a second, his heart skipping like it wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be calm or panic.

“No,” he said, his voice small, barely there.

Gemini smiled, so effortlessly cool, like it was just a casual thing. “Wanna eat lunch with me?”

Fourth felt the words sticking in his throat, but he nodded fast, the smile creeping up before he could stop it. “Yeah,” he mumbled, cheeks warming. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

Chapter Text

He settled in next to Gemini, trying his best not to look too obvious about how nice everything felt inside the car, the seats were plush, the engine was so quiet, and the way the city just zipped by the windows made the whole thing feel so smooth, like they were gliding. Bangkok’s streets outside were a mess of honking cars and flashing lights, but inside the car, it was almost... calm.

Gemini glanced over at him, casual as ever, and asked, “What do want to eat?”

Fourth hesitated, not really sure. He wasn’t picky, and honestly, half the time he just defaulted to whatever the canteen had. So he mumbled that he usually ate at the canteen, and Gemini nodded thoughtfully.

“Well, want to try something new today?” he asked, and Fourth nodded, feeling a little too eager.

They ended up at this restaurant that looked fancy. Glass walls everywhere, clean lines, the kind of place he didn’t even know existed. Fourth tried not to gawk, but it was hard not to stare when everything was so sleek. The menus arrived, and when he opened it, his eyes almost popped out of his head, those prices were insane. He was seriously about to just order a side dish and call it a day when Gemini, without even glancing up, said casually, “Order whatever you want.”

Fourth hesitated for a second, then gave in and picked something that wasn’t a side salad. When the food came, they started eating, and Gemini asked, “How’s it?”

Fourth shrugged, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s... a bit bland, honestly.”

Gemini laughed, almost like he expected that answer. “I like it, It’s not spicy,” he admitted, like it was some kind of confession.

That made Fourth’s head tilt in surprise. “You can’t eat spicy?” he asked, eyes widening a little. Then he suddenly remembered, that dinner the other night, where Gemini barely touched anything but the sticky rice. “Oh, so that’s why you only ate sticky rice the other day,”

Gemini just smiled, not denying it, and Fourth chuckled, a little too loud maybe, before teasing, “You wouldn’t last a day in Chiang Mai if you can’t handle spice.”

Gemini gave him this mock-worried expression, brows raised and lips pressed together like he was in serious trouble. “I’ll have a tough time then,” he said dramatically.

Without thinking, Fourth blurted out, “I’ll ask my mom to cook without spice for you.”

And the second the words left his mouth, he felt the heat bloom in his cheeks and he looked at the man immediately. Gemini raised an eyebrow, that small amused smirk tugging at his lips, and Fourth tried to act like it was no big deal.

They both ended up laughing, and after that, they settled into a quiet, comfortable rhythm, just eating and enjoying the food.

//

And so it begins.

What started off as just one lunch somehow turned into a quiet little routine. At least once a week, Gemini would casually ask Fourth if he was free to grab lunch, and Fourth, without fail, would say yes, a little too quickly every time. Over time, he started picking up on the man’s preferences. Gemini wasn’t a fan of vegetables and had a laughably low spice tolerance. He liked places with a calm, quiet atmosphere, no loud music, no chaotic crowds.

Sometimes on weekends, Fourth would find himself scrolling through restaurant reviews, mentally bookmarking cozy spots that might suit Gemini’s taste. Just in case he asked again. And he usually did. But there were also weeks when Gemini couldn’t make it. Work came up or meetings piled on, and on those days, Fourth would go back to eating with Joong or sometimes even Phuwin if he was around. 

Once, Joong asked where he disappeared to during lunch on those other days. Fourth had just shrugged and mumbled, “With a friend,” not offering any more details.

Those lunches with Gemini started to feel like more than just food breaks. It was a soft, safe corner of the week, where conversation flowed easily, where he didn’t have to pretend or filter himself. He could talk about his thoughts, his weird observations, random things from his day, and Gemini would listen, sometimes amused, sometimes curious, always kind. And there was this strange feeling that maybe, just maybe, Gemini felt the same around him too.

//

“So, how’s everything going on in Indonesia?” Fourth asked, his voice casual as he took another bite of his food.

Gemini chewed on his own bite for a moment, as if giving himself time to think, then let out a sigh. “Honestly? I’m not really seeing any improvement,” he admitted, his tone a little heavier than usual.

Fourth paused mid-bite, watching him.

“I might have to send someone more senior over there to take charge for a few months,” Gemini continued, voice dropping slightly as if the thought weighed on him.

Fourth could tell, he wasn’t just talking logistics, he was stressed. The kind that seeps into your shoulders and makes you stare at your plate a little too long.

“How bad is it, exactly?” Fourth asked, more gently this time.

Gemini’s brows furrowed slightly as he stared down at his plate, like he was caught in some far-off thought. “We’re… basically where we started,” he said, voice quiet and almost resigned, like he was admitting something he didn’t want to.

Then, after a brief pause, almost like the thought slipped out without him meaning to say it, Gemini muttered, “Sometimes I wonder if I really have what it takes to take after my dad.”

It was rare, seeing him like that. Vulnerable, a little uncertain, like the confident, put-together image he usually carried was just a thin layer hiding everything else underneath.

Fourth’s gaze lingered on him, maybe a little longer than it should have. Something about that moment tugged at him, like he was watching someone important quietly crack. And in that quiet, he found himself speaking, soft but sure. “You do have what it takes,” he said.

Gemini glanced up at him, his eyes meeting Fourth’s, a small softness in them that wasn’t always there.

“You think so?” he asked, his voice lighter but still unsure, like he needed to hear it one more time.

Fourth gave a small nod, voice steady, “I know.”

//

Fourth stepped out of the car, a grin naturally stretching across his face as the night air brushed past him. Gemini followed, closing the door behind him, and turned toward Fourth with a warm, genuine smile.

“Thank you, Fourth,” he said, his voice light and sincere, like he really meant it.

Fourth glanced at him, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Thank you too,” he replied, his voice gentle, almost thoughtful, like they shared some quiet understanding in that moment.

Just then, Phuwin stepped out of the elevator in the lobby, casually heading out. But his eyes caught on the scene just outside, the two of them, Fourth and Gemini, walking side by side, chatting and laughing like they’d known each other for ages.

Phuwin’s brows furrowed slightly, his expression shifting into one of mild confusion. He slowed down just a little, his gaze flickering between the two of them, trying to piece it together. Since when had they gotten so close?

//

When Fourth finally arrived at his seat, he couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at the corners of his lips. There was this lightness in his chest, a bit of a spring in his step, like something had lifted off him. As he settled into his chair, he switched on his laptop, fingers tapping on the keys almost with a sense of purpose. It wasn’t like he suddenly loved work, but today? He felt unusually energetic, like he could tackle the whole world if he wanted to.

He was deep in focus, eyes glued to the screen, when Phuwin’s voice broke through.

“Fourth, come in for a quick catch-up.”

Fourth looked up, blinking a bit like he was coming back to reality. “Sure,” he said, nodding politely. After a few seconds, he stood and followed Phuwin into the cabin.

The moment they were inside, Fourth’s tone shifted, straight to business. “I’ve been reviewing the reports from this morning and working on the vendor accounts, ”

Phuwin nodded, but there was a faraway look in his eyes, like his brain was somewhere else entirely. Fourth didn’t seem to notice at first, but Phuwin wasn’t really following the details. He was too busy wondering… What was up with Fourth and Gemini? How did *they* get so close? What were they even talking about outside?

He opened his mouth, the question almost slipping out. “Actually, I wanted to ask you about, ” But just as the words were forming, he caught himself. A small hesitation, a split-second pause where he debated whether to go there.

“Titan,” he said instead, shifting the topic. “How’s everything with Titan?”

Fourth nodded, slightly confused as he was just talking to him about it. “Pretty good,” he replied smoothly. “I’m reviewing the accounts from vendors, do you want me to look into the contractors too?”

“No,” Phuwin replied a bit too quickly, the words almost cutting in before Fourth finished.

“I’ll take care of it,” he added, a little too firmly, brushing off the question and moving on.

//

The next Titan meeting was two days later. By the time everyone assembled in the boardroom, the atmosphere was a blend of quiet tension and casual chatter. Some team members were discussing their progress, talking through the latest updates, while others spoke up about the challenges they were facing, offering explanations or throwing in a few half-baked excuses here and there.

Fourth sat at his spot, listening intently, nodding along when needed, keeping his focus sharp. But from the corner of his eye, he could feel it, Gemini’s gaze on him. It was subtle, but it was there. Fourth tried not to let it distract him, biting back the grin that was threatening to form on his face. He kept his eyes on the table, not daring to look back, though the urge was strong.

A few managers gave their presentations, running through slides and stats. Once they wrapped up, Gemini leaned forward slightly, a small smile on his lips, and addressed the room.

“Anything from the accounting team?” he asked, his tone steady but warm.

This time, Fourth couldn’t help it, he glanced at Gemini, eyes catching his just for a moment. But before he could say anything, Phuwin’s voice cut in, firm and confident.

“We’re on track,” Phuwin said, as if that settled everything. “Me and Fourth are working together reviewing the accounts from the vendors and the contractors.”

Gemini nodded, that polite smile still in place, but there was a flicker in his expression, his eyes lingered on Fourth, a quiet interest that didn’t go unnoticed.

Minutes later, the meeting was adjourned. People began gathering their things, chairs scraping back, conversations shifting into more casual tones. Fourth and Phuwin stayed back for a bit, chatting with the procurement team about a few pending issues. The others trickled out one by one, leaving the boardroom feeling a little less crowded.

When they finally wrapped up their conversation, Fourth noticed Gemini was still in the room, talking with another senior manager, his posture relaxed, laughing at something the other person said.

Just as Fourth was about to grab his laptop, Phuwin called out, “Gem, up for lunch?”

Gemini didn’t even hesitate. “Yes,” he replied, immediate and easy.

Fourth, assuming this was an invite strictly for Phuwin, nodded and glanced at his watch, ready to head out. He started to gather his things, and without thinking, said to his lead, “I’ll see you after you’re back.”

Phuwin nodded in agreement. 

But then, right as Fourth was about to leave, Gemini’s voice called after him. “Join us too.”

Fourth froze, blinking in surprise. His eyes darted to Gemini, slightly stunned by the invitation. Even Phuwin looked a little taken aback, his eyebrows arching in surprise.

“You’re a part of the team too,” Gemini added with a warm smile, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Let’s have lunch together.”

The three of them stepped out of the building together, heading toward lunch. It felt like a regular day, but there was this subtle shift in the air, at least, for Phuwin, it was impossible to ignore.

Gemini and Fourth fell into an easy conversation almost instantly, chatting back and forth like they’d been doing this forever.

“How’s your day going so far?” Gemini asked, glancing at Fourth with a soft smile.

Fourth replied, “Busy, but good. You?”

Gemini gave a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck like he’d just remembered something funny. “Pretty packed. I have a couple of meetings to attend,”

Their words floated between them naturally, no effort, no awkward pauses. They laughed at something Fourth said, and Gemini's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

Meanwhile, Phuwin walked a few steps behind, watching the scene unfold with a faint crease forming between his brows. It wasn’t like he was annoyed, exactly, but there was this quiet puzzle building in his mind, like he was missing a piece that everyone else seemed to have.

Eventually, they ended up at a cozy Korean restaurant, Phuwin’s pick. He led the way inside, and they settled into a table by the window. Menus were spread out in front of them, pages flipping as they scanned the options.

Phuwin glanced up, already taking charge. “The grilled pork set is good,” he suggested, pointing at the menu. “And maybe the kimchi stew, ”

But before he could finish, Fourth cut in, his voice casual, almost distracted, eyes still focused on the menu in front of him.

“Grilled pork sounds good, but I’m not sure about the stew,” Fourth said absentmindedly. “Gem don't eat vegetables or spicy stuff.”

It was like the words just fell out of him, no filter, just a natural part of the conversation.

Gemini, without even looking up, just hummed in agreement, as if that was a known fact between them.

And Phuwin, well, the crease in his brow deepened, the confusion tightening in his chest. It was almost like he wasn’t even there, a background figure in a conversation he wasn’t a part of.

//

Weeks went by, and Titan had been running smoothly, almost like the project had found its own rhythm. The work was progressing steadily, and honestly, Fourth was starting to feel it. He was getting more confident in his speech during meetings, his voice a little stronger, his words more certain. It wasn’t forced, either. It just came naturally, like he was finally stepping into his own.

And yeah, he started dressing the part too. Crisp shirts, sharp trousers, a little more polished than before. It wasn’t even about impressing anyone, although Phuwin’s advice would come to his mind: Appearance does matter. 

With his teammates, though, Fourth kept a bit of distance. He wasn’t cold or rude, just professional. He’d engage when he needed to, offer help when it was required, but he had stopped the casual banter and the small talk. It was like he had this invisible bubble around him, keeping the vibe focused and all business.

Joong was the first to call him out, of course. One afternoon, when they were packing up, Joong nudged him with an elbow and grinned. “Man, you’ve gone all arrogant now that they picked you for Titan, huh?” His tone was teasing, the kind of playful jab that usually stung a little if you weren’t in the right mood.

But Fourth just smiled, a real one, not forced, and brushed it off. He didn’t even feel the need to defend himself. The old Fourth might’ve gotten flustered or even upset, but now it was like the comment just rolled off his back.

Sometimes, when he was alone, he’d pause and realize how much he had changed. It surprised him. He wasn’t the same kid who used to overthink every little thing or worry about fitting in. Something was shifting him into someone a little different. Someone a little more sure of himself.

And then there was that, the thing with Gemini. It wasn’t anything they talked about, not out loud, but Fourth could feel it. The way Gemini looked at him sometimes, like he was seeing something more. The way their conversations lingered just a bit longer than necessary, how they’d bump shoulders in the hallway and neither of them would pull away.

Something was definitely brewing there. Fourth was almost certain Gemini felt it too. They just hadn’t acknowledged it yet, hadn’t said it out loud or even given it a name.

For now, though, whatever it was, this quiet, unspoken thing between them, it was enough. It felt good.