RED STRING REWRITTEN

4

After Classes – Fourth’s Apartment Visit

The campus was buzzing with the usual late-afternoon chatter as students spilled out of the main building. Fourth adjusted the strap of his backpack on his shoulder, the fabric still slightly damp from the drizzle earlier in the day. He was halfway through mentally planning his evening when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

Dunk: “Fourth, are you home alone today?”

Fourth turned, his brows knitting slightly.
Fourth: “Yess…? Why?”

Phuwin, who was standing beside Dunk, grinned and leaned forward like he was about to share some exciting plan.
Phuwin: “If you want company, we can come with you na. We’re planning to enjoy at your place until your hyung comes back.”

Fourth hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
Fourth: “But…”

Dunk’s eyes narrowed in mock suspicion.
Dunk: “But what, Fourth? You don’t want us to come to your house?”

Fourth quickly shook his head, his voice flustered.
Fourth: “It’s not like that. It’s just… my home isn’t like yours. We live in a small apartment. I don’t know if that will make you guys comfortable to hang out and chill.”

Phuwin rolled his eyes and lightly smacked Fourth’s arm.
Phuwin: “Are you crazy, Fourth? That doesn’t matter at all. What matters is how you welcome us and how we’re going to chill together. It’s not about whose house is big or small — it’s about the people who make it feel like home. Okay?”

Fourth tried to hide his smile, mumbling:
Fourth: “Okay, okay… you’re also behaving like my hyung now. Lecture and all.”

Dunk smirked, nudging Fourth’s shoulder.
Dunk: “You deserve that for thinking like that.”

Fourth sighed dramatically, pretending to give in.
Fourth: “Fine, sorry hyung. Happy now? Let’s go.”

Phuwin clapped his hands together.
Phuwin: “Good! Let’s go.”

---

The Walk to Fourth’s House

The three of them walked side by side, their shoes splashing slightly in shallow puddles left from the earlier rain. Dunk kept teasing Phuwin about his messy hair, while Phuwin kept firing back with sarcastic comments. Fourth mostly listened, smiling quietly, feeling a warm sort of comfort he hadn’t felt in a while.

They stopped at a small convenience store on the way so Phuwin could grab a drink. Dunk picked up a packet of chips, tossing it into Fourth’s hands with a grin.
Dunk: “This is our tax for visiting your house.”

Fourth rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

---

Arriving at the Apartment

Fourth’s building wasn’t fancy — just a modest, well-kept place tucked between two larger complexes. The hallway smelled faintly of detergent and something sweet, probably from a neighbor baking.

As soon as Fourth unlocked the door and stepped inside, Dunk’s voice echoed through the small space.
Dunk: “Ooo, such a beautiful house, Fourth! You really keep it clean. If you saw my room, you’d faint on the spot.”

Phuwin laughed, dropping his bag near the sofa.
Phuwin: “Same here, dude.”

Fourth shrugged, heading toward his small kitchen area.
Fourth: “It’s just… my hyung doesn’t like anything messy. I have to clean the room almost every hour.”

Dunk’s eyes widened.
Dunk: “Every hour? Oh my god.”

Phuwin rubbed his stomach dramatically.
Phuwin: “Okay, I’m hungry. Let’s make something!”