RED STRING REWRITTEN

2

Joong grinned faintly.

Joong: “So, how far do we go?”

Gemini’s smirk returned, sharp and dangerous.

Gemini: “Far enough that he won’t forget it. But not enough to get me in trouble — at least not yet. I want him scared… but still breathing.”

Chapter — The Game They Played

Location: Saint Gabriel University – Back Courtyard, Afternoon

The sun was low, shadows stretching across the cracked pavement of the old back courtyard. Most students avoided this area — it was quiet, almost too quiet. Which made it perfect for Gemini’s plan.

Pond leaned casually against the wall, hands in his pockets, while Joong stood by the steps, eyes scanning the path. Gemini was seated on the edge of a low wall, sunglasses on, spinning his phone in his hand like he had all the time in the world.

Pond: (smirking) “You’re sure about this? If anyone finds out—”

Gemini: (cuts in, cold) “No one will. Fourth doesn’t talk. He doesn’t fight. He’s too busy trying to survive. That’s why it’s fun.”

Joong: (grinning) “So, what’s the plan? The usual… or are we going bigger?”

Gemini finally looked up, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

Gemini: “Bigger. I want him to remember today every time he closes his eyes.”

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Fifteen minutes later, Fourth appeared from the corridor, clutching his old, worn-out bag, looking like he’d just finished class. His steps were small, careful, as if he already sensed something was wrong.

Fourth: (hesitant) “You… called me here?”

Gemini: (smiling faintly) “Yeah. We need to talk.”

Fourth glanced at Pond and Joong. Both of them were smiling in that way that didn’t reach their eyes.

Fourth: “…What about?”

Gemini: (standing up slowly) “About you. And about how you’ve been walking around this place like you belong here.”

Fourth: (confused) “What—? I’m just—”

Before he could finish, Pond stepped forward and snatched Fourth’s bag from his shoulder.

Fourth: “Hey! Give that back—”

Joong grabbed his arm, twisting it just enough to make Fourth flinch.

Joong: “Relax. We’re just curious.”

They emptied the contents of his bag onto the ground — a few notebooks, an old pen, and a small lunch box wrapped in a cloth. The food inside was simple — rice and one small piece of egg.

Pond: (mocking) “Wow… luxury lunch, huh?”

Gemini: (stooping down, picking up the lunchbox) “This… is what you eat?” (He opens it and tips the food onto the dirt) “Oops.”

Fourth froze. His hands clenched, but he said nothing.

Gemini: (tilting his head) “No reaction? You’re too polite.”

Pond suddenly shoved Fourth hard against the wall.

Pond: “Maybe we need to help him ‘react’.”

Joong stepped closer, holding Fourth’s chin up so he couldn’t look away.

Joong: “Your brother… Taehyung, right? Works like a dog so you can study here. Small house. Barely surviving. And you… you think you can walk here like you’re invisible.”