Third Person's POV.
It was back to the grind. Business as usual. The university schedule immediately squeezed everyone, including Percy, who already had the heavy weight of his family's business on his shoulders. Right next to him was Gemini, pouring everything he had into studying towards his second semester exams.
Their study sessions started up again right after the holidays. Gemini had passed his first semester exams with flying colors. impressive enough to keep his scholarship—but now he was desperate to prove himself even more. He was nothing but tense and focused. Percy was right there, every single step of the way, his presence a steady shadow.
Percy noticed things weren't so smooth between them anymore. They weren't fighting over studying, but the academic stress and their confusing feelings were clashing. One night, Gemini was spread out over the big drafting table, piles of drawings everywhere, trying to finish a tough foundation model—a nightmare project for all first-years.
He was running on pure frustration and zero sleep.
"It just... it doesn't line up," Gemini grumbled, slamming his pencil down. "The weight-bearing is totally wrong, and I can't even see why. I'm going to fail this class, I swear to God."
Percy, who was working on his own huge project nearby, pushed his chair back with a scrape. He walked over fast. He didn't offer any design tips; he offered comfort. He sat on the edge of the table, his hip near Gemini's shoulder—a strong, steady place to lean.
"Look at me," Percy said, his voice firm but gentle.
Gemini slowly lifted his head, his beautiful blue eyes now tinted with red and exhausted.
"If you're going to tell me to take a deep breath, please don't. I've been trying for hours to figure out how to keep this whole fake building from falling over and nothing is working."
"I'm not going to tell you to breathe," Percy said, his green eyes serious. He reached out, not for the drawings, but to gently hold the back of Gemini's neck, his thumb finding the hard, tight knot there. "I need you to stop looking at the disaster. You are too stressed right now. You're only seeing the failure."
"Because it is a disaster! I'm a newbie at this, Percy. I'm not like you, a genius. Lool, I can't even get the basic foundation right! I don't belong here." Gemini admitted, the stress finally breaking his calm. "I should have studied business. I'm good with numbers."
That confession was honest and desperate. Percy's face softened, showing a deep, almost painful sympathy.
"You do belong here," Percy insisted, his thumb rubbing small, gentle circles on Gemini's neck. "You're stressed because you care. Now, watch." He leaned closer, his voice just above a whisper. "I am right here. I see how hard you're working, and this foundation is just fine. You need to relax, put your head down for a minute."
Percy didn't pull away. Instead, he drew Gemini closer so his head rested right on his chest. Gemini let himself relax and took a long, deep breath.
"But you're supposed to be studying, too," Gemini mumbled, leaning further into the warmth, feeling the tightness finally ease.
"It can wait," Percy replied, his breath warm against Gemini's ear. "This is more important."
The anxious feeling didn't vanish right away, but it was shared. Gemini's stress pushed them into a much closer, more definitely intimate space. For Gemini, Percy's presence was everything. For Percy, the younger boy needing him was the only thing keeping his own messed-up feelings quiet.
And just like that, days became weeks, and another month melted away until it was Gemini's birthday. Gemini hadn't gone home for Christmas because he needed the time to work before exams. He repeatedly told everyone he was fine with his decision, but Percy noticed the quiet disappointment, and he decided to use this opportunity to do something about it.
When Gemini's eyes fluttered open that morning, the sunlight filtering through the curtains gave him a familiar feeling—the cozy, slightly messy bedroom, the soft hum of cars as people went about their business outside. But today felt different. Slowly, he turned his head and saw Percy sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a small, beautifully decorated birthday cake with a single lit candle. Percy looked up and gave him a gentle smile.
"Hey, sleepyhead. Happy birthday," Percy said softly, his voice warm. "Make a wish."
Gemini's heart felt a little fluttery. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and thought about what he truly wanted. Then he blew out the candle, feeling sparks of happiness inside.
While Gemini was still recovering from waking up, Percy went to freshen up. Just as he was about to leave the room, Gemini's phone buzzed. He reached over and saw Nana's name flashing on the screen. With a smile, he answered.
"Happy birthday, my sweet bunny!" Nana's cheerful voice rang through the line. "I hope today is just as wonderful as you are. I love you so much!"
Gemini's heart warmed at her words. "Thanks, Nana. I love you too." Hearing her cheerful voice on his special day made him feel a little more special.
After freshening up, Gemini headed downstairs, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement. As he stepped into the kitchen, he was greeted by Penelope and Ohio?
She's here, in Percy's house?
He couldn't believe his eyes. Penelope's eyes sparkled with mischief as she winked at him, and something told him she had something to do with this. Ohio looked just as happy as Gemini felt.
"There's our birthday boy," Penelope teased, giving him a tight hug before adding, "Happy birthday, sweetie."
"Thank you, Pen." Gemini replied happily as Ohio grinned and handed him a wrapped box.
"Happy birthday, Gem. I've got something for you."
Gemini opened the box and found a gold wristwatch and a bracelet with a tiny star charm that matched hers.
"Wow. I love it. Thank you so much, Ohio." he said softly, feeling grateful.
Then, Percy appeared in the doorway, looking relaxed but with an unreadable expression.
"Hey, Ohio," Percy said casually. "Are you two ready to go?"
Gemini blinked, surprised. Ohio just nodded with a smile.
"Ready? Ready to go where?" Gemini asked, confused.
"You're spending the day with Ohio. She's going to take care of you, right?" Percy said, looking pointedly at Ohio for the last part, and she nodded eagerly.
Gemini felt a small wave of disappointment. He had hoped Percy would want to celebrate with him. Still, he nodded, smiling.
"Okay. Umm... see you later, Percy. Bye, Pen."
"Bye sweetie. Have fun!" Penelope called after them as Ohio and Gemini headed out.
Gemini couldn't shake the disappointed feeling off, but he decided to enjoy his day with his best friend regardless. Ohio kept him busy. She told silly stories and made him laugh the whole day. They went to an amusement park, played games at an arcade, and even tried pottery making, enjoying each other's company.