The air in the mansion remained thick with tension after Tay and New’s bombshell announcement. Fourth sat stiffly on the couch, his fingers curled into the fabric of his pants. The idea of marriage had never crossed his mind—let alone with someone like Gemini.

Gemini, meanwhile, looked ready to explode. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw clenched as he glared at his parents. “So, that’s it? No discussion? Just ‘Gemini, you’re getting married to some kid you barely know’?”

New sighed, his patience unwavering. “Fourth isn’t just ‘some kid,’ Gemini. He’s family. And we need to secure his future.”

“I didn’t sign up for this,” Gemini shot back. “Why can’t someone else do it?”

Tay’s voice was firm. “Because everyone else is taken. Prim and Tu have feelings for each other, and we respect that. Pond and Phuwin are already in a relationship. That leaves you.”

Phuwin, sitting next to Pond, shifted uncomfortably but nodded. “It’s true, Gemini. You’re the only one who isn’t committed.”

Fourth’s face burned with shame. He felt like a burden, a problem that needed solving. He lowered his gaze, wishing he could disappear.

Prim, noticing his distress, immediately moved to his side, wrapping a reassuring arm around his shoulders. “You’re not alone in this, Fourth,” she whispered. “We’ll figure it out together.”

Tu, seated nearby, nodded in agreement. “We’re your family now. We won’t let you go through this alone.”

Gemini groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re all acting like this is normal. It’s not! Marriage isn’t something you just throw at someone.”

Pond leaned forward. “No one’s expecting you to love him right away, Gemini. But at least give it a chance.”

New’s expression softened as he looked at his youngest son. “We’re not asking for perfection. Just that you take responsibility and help Fourth find a place where he belongs.”

Gemini huffed, turning his gaze to Fourth for the first time since the conversation started. Fourth looked so small, curled in on himself with Prim and Tu acting as his shields. Something about the sight made guilt creep into Gemini’s chest.

He exhaled sharply. “Fine. I’ll do it. But don’t expect me to play the happy groom.”

Fourth flinched at the coldness in his tone, but Prim squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Tay nodded. “That’s all we ask for now.”

Phuwin finally spoke up, his voice gentle. “Fourth, if you ever need anything, you can always come to me and Pond, alright?”

Fourth hesitated before nodding, his voice barely above a whisper. “Okay.”

The discussion was over, but the weight of it lingered. Fourth wasn’t sure what the future held, but at least he wasn’t facing it alone.