Agony (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 5: A Familiar Worry

The morning light filtered through the curtains in Fourth's room, casting a soft, golden glow on the walls. Outside, the world was waking up, and normally, Fourth would be groggily dragging himself out of bed, half-asleep but ready to meet Gemini at the front gate as usual. But today was different.

Fourth lay curled up under the covers, his face pale, a wet towel resting on his forehead to cool down his fever. His body felt heavy, his head throbbing with each shallow breath. He hadn't been able to muster the energy to get up, let alone think about going to school. Everything felt distant, like he was stuck underwater, and even the soft sounds of the morning seemed muffled.

He had barely slept the night before. The fever had come on suddenly, making his whole body ache and leaving him feeling too hot one moment and freezing the next. His mom had checked on him throughout the night, bringing him water and medicine, but there was little else she could do. Fourth was used to this by now—getting sick was almost routine for him.

Outside, a familiar knock sounded at the door. It was Gemini, calling out like he did every morning.

"Fourth! You ready yet?" Gemini's voice carried through the quiet house, the sound of his footsteps approaching the front door.

Fourth's mom opened the door with a gentle smile, her voice low as she spoke to Gemini.

"Morning, Gemini. I'm afraid Fourth won't be going to school today. He's sick—fever and all."

Gemini's heart sank the moment he heard the words. He'd known this feeling all too well. Fourth had always been more prone to sickness than anyone else. As kids, there had been countless times when he had seen Fourth sick, curled up under layers of blankets, looking smaller than usual, fragile in a way that always made Gemini worry.

Without a second thought, Gemini stepped inside, politely nodding at Fourth's mom before heading straight for Fourth's room. The door was slightly ajar, and he gently pushed it open, stepping inside to see his best friend lying in bed, looking miserable.

Fourth's eyes flickered open when he heard the door, and even in his feverish state, he managed a weak smile. "Hey, Gem..."

Gemini sighed as he walked over, his gaze immediately softening when he saw the wet towel on Fourth's forehead. "You look terrible," he muttered, but his voice was full of concern.

"Thanks," Fourth croaked, his voice rough from the fever. He shifted slightly, trying to sit up but quickly gave up, too exhausted to manage it.

Gemini sat down at the edge of the bed, his expression tight with worry. He hated seeing Fourth like this. Since they were kids, Fourth had always been the one to fall ill, catching fevers and colds more often than anyone else. Every time it happened, Gemini would feel that same knot of concern tighten in his chest.

"You should have told me you weren't feeling well," Gemini said, his voice soft but stern. "I could've helped out."

Fourth gave a tired shrug, his voice barely above a whisper. "It came on fast last night. Didn't want to bother you."

"Idiot," Gemini muttered, shaking his head. "You never bother me."

He reached out and gently replaced the damp towel on Fourth's forehead, making sure it was cool enough to bring the fever down. It was a simple gesture, one they had both grown used to over the years. This wasn't the first time Gemini had taken care of Fourth, and it wouldn't be the last.

"You should sleep," Gemini added, his tone a mix of authority and warmth. "You look like you're about to pass out anyway."

"Don't need to tell me twice," Fourth mumbled, his eyes already half-closed. He shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position, but even that small movement seemed to sap his energy.

Gemini stayed quiet for a moment, watching as Fourth's breathing evened out, though his face was still flushed from the fever. He looked so small like this, buried under the blankets, his usual stubbornness and energy nowhere to be found. It was a sight Gemini hated, one that brought back too many memories of childhood days spent worrying about whether Fourth would get better soon enough to come back outside and play.

Fourth's mom appeared at the door, holding a cup of warm tea and a small bottle of medicine. She smiled gently at Gemini, handing him the medicine. "Thank you for checking on him. I know he doesn't say it, but he's always glad when you're around. Helps him rest better, I think."

Gemini nodded, accepting the medicine and tea. "I'll stay with him for a bit. Make sure he's alright."

"You're always welcome, dear," she said softly before stepping out, leaving the two boys in the quiet, sunlit room.

Gemini placed the tea on the bedside table and set the medicine aside for when Fourth woke up again. For now, he just stayed close, sitting on the edge of the bed and watching over his friend. He wasn't going to school today, not when Fourth was like this.

The room was filled with the quiet hum of the fan and the soft rustle of the curtains, the atmosphere calm despite Fourth's feverish state. Gemini glanced around the room, taking in the familiar sight—Fourth's mess of clothes, the scattered gaming consoles, and the band posters that lined the walls. This was their space, their world, and despite the situation, it felt strangely comforting.

As he sat there, Gemini couldn't help but think back to all the other times they had been in this same position. The countless afternoons he'd spent sitting by Fourth's bedside, keeping him company, distracting him with stories or games when they were younger. It felt like nothing had changed, and yet everything had. They were older now, navigating new challenges, but some things—like this—remained the same.

After a while, Fourth stirred, opening his eyes slightly, his voice hoarse. "You should... go to school, Gem. Don't worry 'bout me."

"Not a chance," Gemini replied firmly, folding his arms across his chest. "I'm staying right here. Besides, I already texted Satang to grab the homework for us. You're stuck with me."

Fourth gave a weak chuckle, his eyes fluttering shut again. "You're too nice. Shouldn't have to take care of me all the time."

"That's what best friends do, right?" Gemini said, his voice soft but steady. "I've been taking care of you since we were kids. Not stopping now."

Fourth didn't reply, but the small smile on his face said enough. He was too tired to argue, and truthfully, he was glad Gemini was there. Even when he felt at his worst, knowing Gemini was by his side made everything a little more bearable.

As the day stretched on, Gemini stayed by Fourth's side, making sure he drank water, took his medicine, and got enough rest. It was a routine they had perfected over the years, a quiet understanding between them. And as the hours passed, with the sun climbing higher in the sky, Gemini felt a little bit of that old childhood comfort settle in his chest.

No matter how much had changed, some things never would.