Chapter 1: Streets of Deception

The neon lights of Bangkok's notorious Khao San Road cast a gaudy glow over the crowded streets, a stark contrast to the darkness that lurked in every alleyway. Fourth Nattawat, a name synonymous with fear and respect, navigated through the throngs of tourists and locals with ease. His rugged features and imposing physique made him a formidable figure, and those who crossed his path couldn't help but give him a wide berth. As the leader of a local gang, Fourth had built a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, with a network of connections that stretched far and wide. Fourth's eyes scanned the crowded streets, his gaze lingering on the street vendors and petty thieves that lined the road. He had a meeting with one of his associates tonight, and he was running late. As he turned a corner, his phone buzzed with an incoming message. He pulled it out, his eyes scanning the screen, and his expression darkened. "What do you mean, they're still not paying up?" Fourth growled into the phone, his voice low and menacing. The voice on the other end trembled, "I-I'm sorry, Fourth. They said they'll pay soon, but-" "Soon isn't good enough," Fourth cut in, his patience wearing thin. "Get me the money, or get me their kneecaps. Your choice." He hung up the phone, his mind already racing with ways to collect the debt. As he walked, he noticed a young man standing on the corner, his eyes fixed intently on Fourth. The young man's messy brown hair and expressive brown eyes seemed almost... familiar. Fourth's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he continued on his way. That young man was Gemini Norawit, a valuer who worked for a local pawnshop to pay off his family's debts. Gemini's life had been turned upside down a year ago when his father's business went bankrupt, leaving them with a mountain of debt. He had taken on various jobs to make ends meet, but it seemed like no matter how hard he worked, they were always one step away from financial ruin. As Gemini watched Fourth disappear into the crowd, he couldn't shake off the feeling that their paths would cross again. Little did he know, their lives were about to become intricately entwined. Gemini's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing. He pulled it out, his eyes scanning the screen, and his heart sank. Another overdue notice from the bank. He let out a frustrated sigh, wondering how he was going to make ends meet this month. The neon lights of the city seemed to blur together as Gemini walked, his mind preoccupied with his financial woes. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a small alleyway, and his eyes landed on a flyer advertising a high-stakes underground poker game. A spark of desperation ignited within him, and he wondered if this could be his ticket to paying off his family's debts. As he stood there, weighing his options, Gemini couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had a feeling that his life was about to take a drastic turn, one that would lead him down a path of uncertainty and danger. And, unbeknownst to him, Fourth Nattawat was already a part of that world, one that Gemini was about to enter.