RED STRING REWRITTEN

2

Fourth’s Side – After College

The afternoon sun hung low over the city as Fourth walked home alone. His backpack felt heavier than it should, each step echoing in the quiet of the side streets. He fiddled with the strap, replaying moments from the day in his head — Dunk and Phuwin’s kindness, Gemini’s piercing stare from afar, and the unfamiliar feeling of being in a place where no one really knew him.

When he reached their small house, the warmth of home greeted him — the faint scent of laundry detergent and the soft hum of the fridge in the kitchen. Tae’s slippers weren’t by the door, confirming what he already knew: his hyung was still at work.

Fourth changed into his comfy hoodie and sweatpants, then wandered into the kitchen.

Fourth: (muttering to himself) “Let’s see… what can I make without burning the house down…”

He pulled out a packet of instant noodles, a couple of eggs, and some vegetables from the fridge. Humming a little tune, he set the pot on the stove, boiled water, and chopped the vegetables with slow, deliberate care. Cooking wasn’t his specialty, but he wanted something warm to fill the quiet.

Minutes later, he sat at the table with a steaming bowl of noodles, slurping quietly.

After finishing, he washed his bowl, then flopped down on the sofa. He grabbed the remote, flipping through TV channels — dramas, news, variety shows — none of them holding his attention for long. Eventually, he settled on a light comedy show, curling up under a small blanket.

The hours ticked by. The sky outside turned from soft orange to deep blue, then to the dark stillness of night. Fourth dozed off in the middle of the show, the soft glow of the TV flickering across his face.

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Late Evening – Tae Comes Home

The door clicked open quietly. Tae stepped inside, exhausted from the day’s work. His shoulders ached, and his hands were rough from hours of serving. He noticed the living room light still on — and there was Fourth, curled up on the sofa like a cat, the blanket slipping off his shoulder.

Tae set his bag down and smiled faintly.

Tae: (softly) “Aish… this kid.”

He walked over, kneeling beside the sofa, and gently shook Fourth’s shoulder.

Tae: “Fourth… wake up. Come on, you’ll hurt your back sleeping here.”

Fourth stirred, blinking slowly, his voice groggy.

Fourth: “…Hyung? You’re home?”

Tae: “Yeah. Now get up and go to your room. The sofa’s not for sleeping.”

Fourth sat up, rubbing his eyes.

Fourth: “You’re so late, hyung… I waited and waited. Thought you’d be back before dinner.”

Tae sighed, sitting down next to him.

Tae: “I know… I’m sorry. Work was crazy today. Mr. Choi was watching me like a hawk.”

Fourth: “You should’ve at least texted me… I was bored out of my mind.”

Tae: (teasing) “Bored? Didn’t you say you wanted to live independently? Sounds like you missed me already.”

Fourth: (pouting) “I didn’t say that! I just… I cooked for myself, ate alone, watched TV alone… It’s so quiet without you.”

Tae’s expression softened.

Tae: “I’ll try to be home earlier when I can. But you did well today — cooking for yourself, not burning the house down… I’m proud.”

Fourth: “Hyung…” (grinning) “You’re making it sound like I’m five years old.”