Clock In

Part 9

Over the next few days, Fourth made a pretty solid effort to avoid running into Gemini anywhere , especially in the lobby or the elevator. He started showing up a little later than usual, hoping to slip in unnoticed. Whenever he caught sight of a silhouette or even a shadow that remotely looked like Gemini, he would immediately step back, disappear into the crowd. It was like he was trying to dodge Gemini's presence, at all costs.

The man, however, tried reaching out, sending messages here and there, inviting Fourth to lunch, or just to talk. But Fourth always found some reason to say no. Something would come up, he'd be "too busy," or he'd claim he had work to finish.

It was the week the Titan project meetings were scheduled to resume, and this time, for the first time, Fourth walked into the room alone, no Phuwin by his side, no familiar presence from the accounting team to buffer the awkwardness. The chair next to him, where Phuwin would usually sit, was glaringly empty. But even more unsettling was the fact that Gemini was sitting just a few seats away.

Fourth could feel his eyes. That steady gaze, like Gemini was trying to read something off his face. But Fourth didn't look at him. No smile, no glance, no acknowledgment. He kept his face neutral, blank, even, as if Gemini wasn't there at all.

When it came time for him to speak, Fourth stood up calmly and presented his findings to the group. His voice was clear, steady, professional. He didn't even spare a look at the man's direction. Not once. And the second the meeting wrapped up, he gathered his things and left immediately, not sticking around for small talk or idle pleasantries.

Back on his floor, feeling a little dry-throated and scattered, Fourth figured he could use a drink. He walked toward the vending machine, eyes scanning the buttons before settling on one. He pressed it, reached into his pocket, and fished out the coins. Only to realize, of course, he was short.

He let out a soft, frustrated sigh and was about to just give up when a clink sounded behind him. Someone had dropped in the remaining coins. He turned, and there was Gemini, standing close behind him.

Fourth froze, body tensing instantly. He quickly pressed the button again and grabbed the can as it fell into the dispenser. He gave a slight, formal nod, avoiding Gemini's eyes, and turned to walk away.

But then Gemini spoke. "Are you avoiding me, Fourth?"

His voice was gentle. Fourth stopped, still not facing him.

"Did I do something wrong?" Gemini asked again, softer this time.

There was a brief silence. Fourth didn't move, didn't even shift his weight, but after a few seconds, he finally responded.

"No," he said, barely above a whisper. Then, a beat later, "I'm just busy. I'll talk to you soon."

//

It was about a week later when Fourth heard it, just soft whispers floating around near the photocopier. Two ladies were chatting while waiting their turn, and he wasn't really paying attention. His head was full with numbers and pending reports, so he just focused on scanning the documents in his hand.

"Did you hear?" one of them said, her voice a little too excited for the office setting.

"He's really leaving, huh?" another replied.

Then a third voice chimed in, almost mournful, "So we won't see him for 6 months?"

Fourth's brow furrowed, curiosity tugging at him, but he didn't react. Right then, Joong walked into the room, greeting Fourth with his usual easy smile before turning to the group of women.