RED STRING REWRITTEN

22

Chapter: The Rules of a Fragile Heart

[Saint Gabriel University –]

The sun had begun to dip, casting long golden shadows through the classroom windows. Students filed out in noisy groups, but Fourth stayed behind, his bag still on his desk. His hands trembled as he slipped a folded piece of paper out of his notebook.

Gemini lingered near the door, hesitant, watching him.

Fourth didn’t look up. His voice was low, almost too calm.

Fourth: “Here.”

He placed the folded note on Gemini’s desk and walked past him without another word.

Gemini’s chest tightened as he picked up the paper, fingers shaking. His heart pounded louder with every second.

[Gemini’s POV – Evening, His Room]

Gemini sat on his bed, staring at the folded note like it was something sacred, dangerous, and fragile all at once. Slowly, he opened it.

The handwriting was neat but sharp, like every stroke carried weight.

Rule 1: Never lie to me again. Even if the truth hurts.
Rule 2: Don’t force me to forgive you. I’ll decide when I’m ready.
Rule 3: If I say stop, you stop. No questions.
Rule 4: Don’t hide behind “Lion.” If you want to talk, talk as Gemini.
Rule 5: Prove with actions, not words.
Rule 6:-Never bully anyone again
Rule 7:-No fighting

Gemini’s throat tightened. His eyes blurred with tears, but he pressed the paper to his chest.

Gemini (whispering): “I’ll follow every one of them… no matter what it takes.”

[ Campus Garden]

Fourth sat under a tree with Dunk and Phuwin. Dunk was ranting about an assignment, Phuwin scrolling through his phone, but Fourth’s gaze drifted across the field.

Gemini stood by the library steps, not moving closer, not interrupting. Just watching silently.

Every time Fourth looked up, Gemini’s eyes were on him—not desperate, not pleading—just steady.

Fourth bit his lip. It was strange. The old Gemini would’ve stormed in, reckless and loud. But this Gemini… he was keeping his distance. Respecting the rules already.

[Later – Cafeteria]

Joong and Pond cornered Gemini at their table.

Pond (raising a brow): “So? Did he give you the rules?”
Gemini (nodding, quietly): “Yes.”
Joong (leaning forward, serious): “And?”
Gemini: “I’ll follow them. Every single one.”

Pond smirked faintly.

Pond: “Good. Because Dunk and Phuwin? They’ll be watching your every move. One mistake, and you’re done.”

Gemini didn’t flinch. His eyes burned with determination.

Gemini: “Then I won’t make one.”

[That Night – Fourth’s Room]

Fourth sat at his desk, staring at his phone. His chest was restless. Against his better judgment, he typed a short message to Lion’s old chat—then stopped, fingers trembling.

He deleted the draft.

Fourth (to himself, whispering): “No more Lion… only Gemini.”

He shut his phone off, but deep inside, a small spark of curiosity—and fear—remained.

[Saint Gabriel University – next day after class]

The campus was quieter now, most students already gone. Gemini lingered near the library entrance, his bag slung over his shoulder, eyes following Fourth’s retreating figure as he walked with Dunk and Phuwin. He didn’t try to follow, just watched silently, respecting the distance.