Agony (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 1: High School

The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden glow over the small neighborhood where Fourth and Gemini lived. The houses stood side by side, separated only by a thin fence, just as they had been for as long as either boy could remember. This close proximity had fostered more than just a friendship; it had built a bond between the two that felt more like family.

Fourth Nattawat, short for his age and with a face that often attracted attention for its mix of both prettiness and handsomeness, was already up, staring at himself in the mirror. His messy black hair stuck up in every direction despite his attempts to smooth it down. No matter how stubborn he was with his appearance, his reflection refused to cooperate. He sighed, pulling his school uniform over his head, a stubborn look in his eyes as he prepared for the first day of high school.

Across the fence, in the house next door, Gemini Norawit was getting ready as well. Tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably handsome, he moved with an ease and confidence that came naturally to him. His family had always commented on how mature he was for his age—responsible, considerate, and always looking out for others. It was just who he was, especially when it came to Fourth.

Fourth, despite his small stature and rebellious nature, had always been the one to find trouble. Whether it was sneaking into the teachers' lounge or coming up with wild excuses for not doing his homework, trouble followed him like a shadow. And Gemini, as always, was there to bail him out, guiding him back on track or covering for him when things got messy. It was a routine that had started in elementary school and showed no signs of stopping.

As they both prepared for their new chapter in high school, Fourth shot Gemini a text, calling him by the nickname he had used since they were kids:

"Gem, hurry up. You don't want to be late on the first day, do you?"

Gemini, already dressed and ready, smiled at his phone and quickly grabbed his bag. He had always been a bit of an early bird, making sure things were set for the day before Fourth even managed to get out the door. He swung by Fourth's house on his way to school, just like he always did.

"You're gonna need me to make sure you don't get lost, huh?" Gemini teased when Fourth finally emerged, hair still a bit of a mess despite his best efforts. Fourth shot him a look, but the smirk on his face betrayed the seriousness of his expression.

"Yeah, right. I'm the one who's gonna save you from getting too serious all the time," Fourth shot back, already jogging ahead.

Their group of friends had already gathered by the front gates of the school: Satang, Phuwin, and Winny—all of whom had been waiting excitedly for the first day to start. Satang and Winny stood side by side, always close, their relationship a well-known secret to their group of friends. They had been together for a while now, and the group teased them often, especially since Satang could barely keep his hands off Winny whenever they were near each other. Phuwin, the quietest but sharpest of the group, leaned against the gate with a knowing grin.

"Finally," Phuwin said as Fourth and Gemini approached. "We were starting to think you got lost."

"We're here, aren't we?" Fourth shot back with a grin, slinging his arm around Gemini's shoulder casually, despite their noticeable height difference.

Their group had been inseparable for years, and today was no different. They exchanged stories about their summer, teasing each other relentlessly, but beneath all the jokes, there was a sense of excitement buzzing in the air. This was the beginning of a new chapter for all of them.

As they made their way inside, the time had come to choose clubs for their after-school activities. Satang and Winny naturally gravitated toward the music club, having bonded over their shared love for singing and songwriting. Phuwin, always analytical, leaned towards the science club.

But Fourth had different plans for Gemini.

"You should totally join the drama club, Gem," Fourth said, nudging Gemini in the ribs as they passed the sign-up sheets posted on the walls. "You've always talked about wanting to be an actor, right?"

Gemini hesitated, unsure. He had always loved acting, ever since they were little, but he wasn't one to put himself in the spotlight unless he had to. Besides, he had other things to worry about—like making sure Fourth didn't fall behind in his studies again.

"I don't know, Fourth. Maybe I'll join something else," Gemini replied, eyeing the other clubs. But Fourth wasn't having it.

"C'mon, you've got the talent, and you know it. Don't waste it. I'll even come to your shows and cheer for you—loudly," Fourth added with a cheeky grin, knowing full well that Gemini could never resist a challenge from him.

"And what about you?" Gemini raised an eyebrow. "You're not gonna bail on me, are you?"

Fourth shrugged. "Nature club sounds fun. Less rules, more exploring. Right up my alley."

Gemini laughed. "Figures."

With a sigh, Gemini relented, signing his name under the drama club. He didn't know why, but he trusted Fourth's instincts. They had always pushed each other to be better, even if they didn't always admit it out loud.

As the bell rang and their first day officially started, the future stretched out before them like an open book—full of possibilities, challenges, and new experiences. And, as always, they would face it together, just like they had since they were kids.

Their families might have shipped them, teased them about growing up and getting married one day, but for now, all that mattered was that they were starting this new adventure side by side, just as they always had.

Little did they know, high school was about to throw more at them than they had ever imagined.