RED STRING REWRITTEN

8

Taehyung (sighing): "You don't have to wait for me every night."

Jungkook (smirking): "I know. But I want to. Come on, hop on. I'll drop you home."

Taehyung (crossing his arms, stubborn): "I can walk."

Jungkook (playful): "Oh really? At this hour? What if someone dangerous shows up? Guess I'd have to come save you anyway."

Taehyung (gives him a look): "And who exactly is the dangerous one here?"

Jungkook (grinning wider, patting the bike seat): "Me. Now get on."

(Taehyung huffs, but eventually gives in. He climbs on the back, his hands hesitating before resting lightly on Jungkook's shoulders. Jungkook smirks to himself, starting the car.)

Jungkook (teasing, over the engine's roar): "You trust me enough to get on, but not enough to sit in front? Tae, I'm hurt."

Taehyung (rolling his eyes, but tightening his grip around Jungkook's waist): "Shut up and drive."

(Jungkook's grin softens into something more genuine. For a moment, the night feels light-like maybe they both found a piece of something they lost long ago.)

---

The Ride

(The city lights blur past them. The wind rushes against their faces. Taehyung feels something strange-freedom. He hasn't felt it in years. Jungkook tilts his head slightly, speaking over the sound of the car.)

Jungkook (softly, almost sincere now): "See? Told you. You smile better when you're with me."

(Taehyung's chest tightens, but before he can answer-Jungkook's phone buzzes loudly in his pocket. He pulls over abruptly, the smile on his face fading as he sees the caller ID: "Dad." His jaw tightens. He answers quickly, his tone shifting completely.)

Jungkook (serious, sharp): "Yes, sir... I understand. I'll be there immediately."

(He ends the call, his expression hard and unreadable now. Taehyung notices the sudden change, worry flickering in his eyes.)

Taehyung (careful): "What happened?"

Jungkook (forcing a half-smile, avoiding his gaze): "Nothing you need to worry about. Just... something I have to take care of."

Taehyung (quiet, sensing the weight): "Jungkook..."

Jungkook (cutting him off gently): "I'll see you tomorrow, tae. I promise."

(He helps Tae down from the car, then revs the engine again, disappearing into the night without another word. Taehyung stands there, the echo of the bike fading into silence. For the first time, he realizes-Jungkook isn't just teasing. He's carrying something heavy too.)

Scene: Night - Jungkook's House

(The heavy wooden doors creak open as Jungkook steps inside. His shoulders are tense, the earlier lightness of the café ride gone. The house feels colder than usual, shadows clinging to every corner. At the far end of the living room, their father sits in his leather chair, a glass of whiskey in hand. Gemini is on the couch, head bowed, pretending to scroll through his phone-but his eyes flick up the second Jungkook enters.)

Father (sharp, cutting through the silence):
"Where were you?"

(Jungkook stiffens, his hand tightening around his keys. Gemini's eyes widen slightly, already sensing trouble. Jungkook keeps his tone calm, but it's strained.)

Jungkook:
"Out."

Father (slamming the glass down, voice rising):
"Out? That's all you can say? I asked you a question, Jungkook. Where. Were. You."