07

                                    

                                          
Gemini sat on his bed, his fingers still lightly brushing his lips as the memory replayed in his mind. He hadn't meant for it to happen, hadn't anticipated Fourth turning his face at that exact moment. 
What was supposed to be a playful jab had turned into something entirely different—something that left him frozen, trying to process the soft, fleeting sensation of Fourth's lips against his.
He could still taste it, faint and lingering, as if the touch had left a ghost behind. When their lips met, Fourth had quickly covered his face, his cheeks flushing a deep red, while Gemini had just sat there, stunned into silence. 
When he finally found his voice, it had been shaky, laced with nerves as he apologized, fearing he'd crossed a line and made Fourth uncomfortable. But to his surprise, Fourth had also apologized, as if he had something to be sorry for.
Gemini had wanted to excuse himself then, his mind spinning in a dozen different directions. He was grateful his sister was back, giving him an easy out. But Fourth had asked him to stay, to finish the episode they were watching, and the simple request had made his heart flutter in a way that felt strange and new.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his father's voice. "Can I come in? I'm so tired of standing here." Gemini blinked, pulling himself back to the present, and saw his father leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Sure," Gemini replied, scooting over slightly as his father entered the room and sat beside him on the bed.
"What are you thinking about? Smiling like an idiot—falling in love, or perhaps you already have?" His father's tone was teasing, but there was an underlying curiosity there that made Gemini laugh, albeit nervously.
Gemini's giggle was light, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He felt his father's gaze on him, warm but inquisitive, waiting for an answer. "Oh, so I guess it's true, then?" his father continued, leaning in with a grin. "Who is she? Is she pretty? In the same class as you? What's her name?"
Gemini's smile faltered slightly as his father bombarded him with questions. He turned to face him, nerves bubbling up as he tried to find the right words.
"Who is she?" his father repeated, but Gemini shook his head, the words stuck in his throat. He had to say it, had to get it out. But how? Finally, he managed to stammer, "He."
For a moment, his father didn't catch on, the word hanging in the air between them. But then it clicked, and his father's expression shifted, softening into something more serious. "Are you sure, son?"
Gemini nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea how his father would react. Would he be mad? Disappointed? He had always feared this moment, the fear of rejection twisting in his stomach. But his father didn't look angry. Instead, there was concern in his eyes, a deep, careful thoughtfulness.
"Coming out isn't easy," his father said gently, his voice calm. "It's a big decision, and it takes a lot of courage. But if you're sure, then I support you, no matter what."
The relief that flooded through Gemini was almost overwhelming. He hadn't expected this—had braced himself for something much worse. But here was his father, just supporting him, accepting him without hesitation.
"Thanks, Dad," Gemini whispered, the words catching in his throat.
His father smiled, placing a comforting hand on Gemini's shoulder. "You're my son. That's all that matters."
There was a moment of silence between them, a comfortable one. Then, Gemini hesitated before asking, "Dad... how did you confess to Mom?"
His father chuckled softly, leaning back on the bed. "Ah, that's a story. Why do you ask?"