Agony (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 34: The Hardest Decision

The weeks following the incident had been relentless. The scandal involving Gemini and Fourth showed no signs of quieting down. Social media was still flooded with rumors and speculation about their relationship, and despite the best efforts of Gemini's agency to contain the situation, the pressure only seemed to grow.

Gemini's management had tried everything—PR statements, social media posts, even silencing certain fans. But none of it was enough. The world wanted answers, and the agency knew that the only way to put the rumors to rest was with a press conference—a public denial. They had scheduled it for the end of the week, hoping it would put the whole scandal to bed.

But for Gemini, this solution felt like a betrayal.

He had never wanted to hide his relationship with Fourth. He didn't care what people thought—he had always been ready to face the consequences. If his career had to suffer because of the truth, then so be it. He couldn't stand the idea of lying about the person who meant the most to him. But his agency had made it clear: if he didn't deny the rumors, his career would be over. Public opinion mattered too much in the entertainment industry, and the pressure to conform was immense.

The night before the press conference, Gemini sat in his room, seething with frustration. Fourth sat beside him, quiet but thoughtful, knowing how much this was tearing Gemini apart.

"I'm not doing it," Gemini said firmly, crossing his arms. "I'm not going to stand up there and deny who I am. I don't care what they say, I'm not ashamed of us."

Fourth glanced at him, his heart aching as he saw the anger in Gemini's eyes. "Gem..."

"No, Fourth," Gemini interrupted, his voice rising with emotion. "This is ridiculous. Why should I have to lie just to make everyone else comfortable? I'll quit acting if I have to. I'll give it all up before I pretend like we don't exist."

Fourth felt a lump form in his throat. He understood Gemini's frustration—he shared it. But as much as he hated the idea of denying their relationship, he couldn't let Gemini throw away everything he had worked so hard for.

"This is what you've wanted since we were kids," Fourth said softly, his voice careful. "You've dreamed of being an actor your whole life, Gem. Are you really ready to give all of that up?"

Gemini looked at him, his chest tightening. "None of it matters if it means losing you."

Fourth's heart swelled at Gemini's words, but the reality of the situation hung heavy in the air between them. He knew Gemini loved acting—knew how hard he had worked to get where he was. But this scandal threatened to take all of that away if they didn't handle it carefully.

"I don't want you to lose everything you've worked for," Fourth whispered, placing a gentle hand on Gemini's arm. "I can handle whatever happens to me. But I don't want you to regret this later."

Gemini clenched his jaw, his hands trembling slightly. "But denying it... denying us... it's like pretending what we have doesn't matter."

Fourth's heart broke at the pain in Gemini's voice, but he remained calm, his own emotions swirling beneath the surface. "It does matter, Gem. To us. That's what's important."

Gemini shook his head, the anger and frustration boiling inside him. "I don't care about the industry. I don't care about the fans or the money. I don't care about any of it if it means lying about who I am. I won't do it."

Fourth took a deep breath, knowing this conversation wasn't easy for either of them. He hated the idea of standing in front of the world and denying their relationship, but he also knew that this wasn't just about them. It was about Gemini's future—his dream, his passion. If Gemini lost that, he might never forgive himself.

"I know," Fourth said softly, his voice steady. "But, Gem... this isn't just about now. This is about your future. You've worked so hard to get here. This is your dream."

Gemini's expression softened slightly, his anger giving way to something more vulnerable. "You're my dream too."

Fourth smiled gently, his heart aching at the sincerity in Gemini's words. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Gemini's. "And I'm not going anywhere. No matter what we say tomorrow, no matter what the world thinks... I'll still be here. We'll still be us."

Gemini closed his eyes, letting the warmth of Fourth's presence calm him. For a long moment, they stayed like that, their foreheads touching, their breaths in sync. But the weight of the decision still loomed over them, and they both knew what had to be done.

"I don't want you to give up your dream for me," Fourth whispered, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Please, Gem. Just follow what the agency says. Deny the rumors. We'll still have each other, even if we can't show the world right now."

Gemini pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Fourth's face. "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you by doing this."

Fourth nodded, though his heart felt heavy. "I'm sure. I can handle this if it means your career is safe."

Gemini stared at him, conflicted and torn, but deep down, he knew Fourth was right. He didn't want to lose everything he had worked for, and he didn't want to drag Fourth through more hate and scrutiny. As much as it hurt to deny the truth, this was the only way to protect both of them for now.

With a deep sigh, Gemini finally nodded. "Okay. I'll do it."

Fourth smiled softly, though there was a sadness in his eyes. "Thank you."

Gemini reached out, pulling Fourth into his arms, holding him tightly as if to reassure himself that everything would be okay. "I'm sorry we have to do this."

"It's okay," Fourth whispered, his arms wrapping around Gemini. "We'll get through this. Together."

As they held each other, the decision made, both of them knew that the path ahead wouldn't be easy. But no matter what the world thought, no matter what lies they had to tell, they would face it side by side.