RED STRING REWRITTEN

9

(Jungkook's chest tightens. He squeezes Gemini's hand even harder.)

Jungkook (with conviction):
"Then let me tell you what I believe. It wasn't you who wasn't enough. It was him. He didn't deserve you, Gem. And if Tae ever-"
(he stops himself, biting his lip, but Gemini catches it instantly)

Gemini (raising a brow, voice weak but teasing):
"Tae? So that's his name."

(Jungkook freezes. Gemini lets out a shaky chuckle, but it's not mocking-it's soft, almost fond.)

Gemini:
"I knew there was someone. The way your eyes light up when you come back... I haven't seen that look in a long time."

(Jungkook looks down, cheeks heating. But Gemini's smile fades, replaced by a serious look.)

Gemini:
"Hyung. If you're going to keep seeing him... promise me one thing."

Jungkook (meeting his gaze):
"What?"

Gemini (low, steady, almost begging):
"Don't let him leave you the way Gun left me. Don't let him break you. Because if he does..."
(his voice cracks, eyes wet)
"...I won't survive losing you too."

(Jungkook's throat tightens. Without another word, he pulls Gemini into a tight hug. Gemini stiffens for a second, then slowly gives in, burying his face into Jungkook's shoulder. For once, he lets himself be held, the cracks in his chest bleeding openly.)

Jungkook (whispering, fiercely):
"I promise, Gem. I won't let anyone take me away from you. Not Dad. Not anyone. And not him."

(They sit like that for a long time, two broken brothers holding onto each other in a house that only knows how to break them. Outside, the night is silent. But inside Gemini's room, a fragile, unspoken vow is made-one that may be the only thing keeping them alive.)

Scene: Next Day - College Grounds (After Classes End)

(The sun is setting, staining the sky with orange and purple. The campus is slowly emptying, students heading home in groups, their chatter fading into the distance. But behind the college, where the walls are chipped and the ground littered with dry leaves, a darker story brews. Gemini stands leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp but hollow. His jaw is tight, replaying his father's words from last night and his own breakdown with Jungkook. The anger still boils inside him, looking for an outlet. And he knows exactly where to throw it.)

(Gemini pulls out his phone and dials Fourth's number. His tone is deceptively casual, almost mocking.)

Gemini (on call, coldly):
"Behind the college. Now. Don't make me wait."

(Fourth, sitting alone in his classroom packing his books, freezes. His hands tremble. He knows what this means-it always means pain, humiliation, another scar to hide. But some part of him has stopped fighting. He swallows hard, whispers "okay," and quietly slips his phone back in his pocket. He doesn't tell Dunk or Phuwin, but when he walks out of the classroom, his brothers notice his pale face and the way he avoids their eyes. They exchange worried glances and follow him silently at a distance.)

---

Scene: Behind the College

(The ground is uneven, littered with stones. The back wall is high, making the place feel trapped. Gemini is already there, pacing. Pond and Joong lean against the wall, arms crossed, watching Fourth arrive. The sight of Fourth-thin shoulders, eyes lowered, steps hesitant-fuels Gemini's rage even more. He mistakes weakness for the reflection of his own past, and it terrifies him.)

Gemini (mocking smile):
"Well, well... look who came running like a good little puppy."

(Fourth lowers his eyes, gripping his bag tighter. His knuckles whiten. He doesn't respond. Gemini steps forward and smacks the bag from his hands, the books spilling on the dirt.)