RED STRING REWRITTEN

1

Chapter - First Day Trouble

Morning at Tae and Fourth's small house in Seoul

The early light filtered through the thin curtains, painting the small, cozy room in a soft golden glow. The smell of the city morning - a faint mix of bread from the nearby bakery and the crisp winter air - drifted in through the half-open window. Tae leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched his younger brother bundled up in the blanket like a stubborn cocoon.

Tae: (raising his voice) "Fourth, wake up. Today's your first day at college. If you don't get up now, you'll be late."

Fourth: (groaning, eyes still closed) "Hyung... just five more minutes, na... please. I'm so sleepy."

Tae: "Five more minutes? Do you want me to eat your breakfast too? Because if you don't wake up now, you're not getting any."

That made Fourth open one eye in alarm.

Fourth: "Okay, okay! I'm up now. Don't threaten me with food."

Tae: (smirking) "Good boy. Now hurry up and get ready. I'll make breakfast."

---

A few minutes later, they sat at the small wooden dining table, steam rising from bowls of rice and soup. Tae placed a plate of rolled omelets in front of Fourth.

Fourth: "Hyung... you don't have to cook for me every day, na. I can make something for myself. You're already doing so much for me."

Tae: (pointing his chopsticks at him) "Shut up and eat. I like making breakfast for you."

Fourth: "But you also have a part-time job. You'll get tired if you keep doing all this daily."

Tae: "Don't worry about me. I've handled worse. Tell me instead... how are you feeling? First day at college, huh?"

Fourth: (hesitating, playing with his spoon) "Honestly? Scared... and nervous. I don't know how I'll manage. New place, new college, new people..."

Tae: "You'll be fine. Just be confident. You're smarter than you think."

Fourth: "I'll try..."

Tae: (serious) "And if someone teases you or bothers you, tell me immediately. I'll handle them."

Fourth: (half-laughing, half-nervous) "Hyung... you're making me more afraid."

Tae: (grinning) "Good. Let them know who your brother is."

Fourth: "You're talking like Jimin hyung now."

Tae: "That's because he's right. He loves you, so he protects you."

Fourth: "Okay, okay... I understand, my hyung."

Tae: "Good. Now hurry up. If we don't leave now, you'll be late. I'll drop you near your college - my part-time job is in that area."

Fourth: "Sure, hyung. Let's go."

---

The two brothers stepped out into the chilly morning air, their small house fading behind them as they walked toward Tae's scooter. Seoul buzzed awake around them - shop shutters opening, buses rumbling past, students hurrying with coffee in hand.

They reached the gate of the college. Fourth stood there for a moment, looking at the large building with a mixture of awe and anxiety.

Tae: "Bye, Fourth. Take care, and remember - tell me if anything happens."

Fourth: (smiling) "Sure, hyung. Bye. Love you."

Tae: "Love you too, baby brother."

Fourth: (pouting) "I'm not a baby, please."