RED STRING REWRITTEN

9

Scene: Midnight - Gemini's Room

(The door slams shut as Gemini enters his room, fists clenched so tight his nails dig into his palms. His chest heaves with suppressed rage. His father's words echo in his skull: "Remember what your lover did to you for money... that can happen to Jungkook too."

For years, Gemini thought the wound had scarred over. But tonight, it feels ripped open again-raw, bleeding, and merciless. He drops heavily on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room is dark, but his mind is louder than ever.)

Gemini (to himself, whispering through gritted teeth):
"He left me... just like that. Not even a fight. Not even a reason. Just... money."

(He shuts his eyes tight. Gun's face flashes before him, the laughter they once shared, the promises whispered in the quiet, and then-the note. That single, cruel note. "I can't stay. Don't look for me." His chest burns. He presses a hand against it, as if to hold himself together.)

(Gemini's door creaks open slowly. Jungkook peeks in, hesitant. He sees his brother sitting on the bed, his posture rigid, eyes glossy with unshed tears. He steps inside and closes the door softly.)

Jungkook (carefully):
"Gem... are you okay?"

(Gemini laughs bitterly, shaking his head without looking at him.)

Gemini:
"Do I look okay, hyung?"

(Jungkook walks closer, his jaw tight. He hates seeing his brother like this. He hates their father for dragging Gun back into the open. He sits down on the chair near the desk, facing Gemini.)

Jungkook (gently, but firm):
"You don't have to listen to him. You know he only says that to hurt you. To keep you chained."

Gemini (snapping, eyes flashing):
"And what if he's right? What if it does happen again? What if one day, the boy you're sneaking out to meet decides you're not worth it? That you're too much trouble. That he can get something better. What then, hyung?"

(Jungkook stares at him, silent. Gemini's voice cracks but he keeps going, the words spilling like poison he's been keeping inside.)

Gemini:
"You think you'll survive it? You won't. It'll break you. Just like it broke me. And I can't-"
(he stops, fists trembling)
"I can't watch it happen to you."

(Jungkook swallows hard. For the first time, he sees the depth of Gemini's fear-not arrogance, not cruelty, but fear. A fear so strong it's been eating him alive.)

Jungkook (soft, steady):
"Gem... I'm not you. And he's not Gun."

(Gemini's head jerks up, eyes sharp with pain. Jungkook leans forward, his voice stronger now.)

Jungkook:
"I don't care if Dad calls me weak. I don't care if he threatens me. I won't stop living just because of what he did to you. I won't let him dictate who I can care about. I won't let him decide what I feel."

(Gemini's lips part, but no words come out. Jungkook grips his hand tightly, forcing him to meet his gaze.)

Jungkook (firm):
"You're not weak, Gemini. You're not useless. You survived something most people wouldn't. But you're letting his words and Gun's betrayal turn into chains around your neck. Break them, Gem. Or they'll keep choking you."

(Gemini's walls crack. He turns his face away quickly, but Jungkook doesn't let go of his hand. For the first time in years, Gemini whispers the truth out loud.)

Gemini (hoarse, almost inaudible):
"...I loved him. I gave him everything. And he still left. Do you know what that feels like? To realize you were never enough?"