RED STRING REWRITTEN

28

Gemini: (finally stops, turns to face them, eyes sharp) Hope? Hope is what’s been killing us all year. Hope is what makes Dunk cry himself to sleep every night. Hope is why you all stare at empty seats in class. Hope is poison. I cut it out. That’s why I’m still standing.

Phuwin: (steps closer, furious) Standing? Look at yourself, Gem. You’re not standing. You’re just… surviving. You don’t laugh, you don’t smile, you don’t even live anymore. You’re just a shell. Fourth took your heart with him, and instead of fighting, you buried it yourself.

(Gemini’s eyes flicker with pain at Phuwin’s words, but he hides it quickly, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets.)

Gemini: (flat) Maybe. But at least I’m not crying like a fool every night.

(Dunk suddenly shouts, his voice breaking.)

Dunk: (screaming) AND WHAT’S WRONG WITH CRYING?!

(The whole group freezes. Dunk’s tears fall freely, his voice raw.)

Dunk: (sobbing) I cry because I loved him. I cry because I still love him. I cry because my heart refuses to accept that he’s not here anymore! If that makes me a fool, then fine—I’m a fool. But at least I don’t hide it behind some fake cold mask like you do, Gem. At least I admit I miss him!

(Gemini flinches hard this time, his mask cracking. His throat works, but no words come. He turns away, swallowing hard.)

(Joong quickly hugs Dunk tightly, holding him as Dunk shakes in his arms. Phuwin rubs Dunk’s back, whispering softly. Pond sighs, his own eyes wet, but he stays quiet. The group slowly gathers themselves and walks to class again, the silence heavier than before.)

At class

The sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows as students shuffled into their seats. The atmosphere was normal—papers rustling, pens tapping—until the professor cleared his throat loudly.

Professor: "Settle down, everyone. I have some news. Next week, our university is hosting a competition and cultural picnic. It will be held overseas, in… Thailand."

(A wave of murmurs spread through the class. Some students whispered excitedly about traveling abroad, while others frowned, already calculating expenses and time.)

Professor (smiling): "Participation is voluntary, but I highly recommend it. It’s a chance to experience new culture, new people, and show your talents outside the classroom. Registration closes at the end of the week."

(The bell rang soon after, and the students began leaving. Joong immediately turned around in his seat to face his group.)

Joong: "Guys, listen—we should totally go for this!"

(Phuwin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.)

Phuwin: "Thailand? Just like that? You sound too excited for someone who hasn’t even read the competition details yet."

(Dunk leaned back in his chair, his voice calm but doubtful.)

Dunk: "I don’t know… traveling abroad, competing, and dealing with strangers? It sounds more exhausting than fun and i just cant."

(Gemini stayed quiet, flipping his notebook shut. Pond noticed but didn’t say anything yet.)

Joong (nudging Dunk): "Come on, Dunk. Don’t you think it’ll be refreshing? We’ve been stuck in Seoul with the same routine for months. This could actually be fun and we can change this atmosphere of being sad all the time."

Phuwin (crossing his arms): "Or it could just be another headache."

(Pond finally spoke, his tone persuasive but gentle.)

Pond: "Think about it. When was the last time we actually enjoyed something together that wasn’t just classwork or staying in the dorm? A trip like this could give us memories. And who knows? Maybe it’ll even make us closer than we already are and maybe something unexpected happen."

(Dunk tilted his head, considering. Phuwin frowned, but his resistance softened slightly.)

Phuwin: "You’re both acting like this is some magic trip. It’s just Thailand."

Joong (grinning): "Exactly! Which means there’s nothing scary about it. Just beaches, food, and maybe a little competition."

(Pond leaned forward eagerly.)

Pond: "Come on, Phuwin. Dunk. Let’s not waste this chance. Don’t you feel like we need something new, something to refresh our moods?"

(Dunk let out a soft sigh before nodding.)

Dunk: "Fine. If you guys really want to go, I’ll come too."

(Phuwin looked at him, then at Joong’s hopeful face, and groaned.)

Phuwin: "Ugh, I hate how convincing you both are. Okay, okay. I’ll go. But if it turns out boring, I’m blaming you."

(Joong clapped his hands together triumphantly, then turned toward Gemini—the last one silent at the table. Gemini’s eyes were sharp, his tone flat.)

Gemini: "I’m not interested. Don’t count me in."

(Pond placed a hand gently on Gemini’s desk.)

Pond (calmly): "Gem, why not? We’re all going. Do you really want to stay back here alone while we’re away?"

Gemini (coldly): "I don’t see the point. It’s just another country, another event. Nothing special."

(Joong leaned closer, his voice softer this time.)

Joong: "That’s exactly why you should come. No pressure, no heavy meaning. Just us, spending time together. Don’t you think it’s worth a try?"

Dunk (quiet but supportive): "We’ve all been through a lot here in Seoul, even without realizing. A break might help."

(Gemini’s lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to refuse again, but the way all of them looked at him—with warmth, not pressure—made something in his chest loosen.)

(After a long silence, he exhaled.)

Gemini (reluctant): "Fine. But don’t expect me to smile about it."

(Pond grinned widely, patting Gemini’s shoulder.)

Pond: "That’s all we needed! Smiles can come later."

(Joong laughed, looking around at the group.)

Joong: "So it’s decided. Seoul squad is heading to Thailand. This is going to be fun—I can feel it."

(Dunk chuckled faintly, Phuwin rolled his eyes, and Gemini just shook his head. Still, beneath his reluctance, something inside him stirred—an unspoken anticipation he didn’t want to admit.)

Thailand????? Huhh interesting....what do you think about this chapter guys please tell me your thoughts na...love you and take care smilies💜🫶🏻