RED STRING REWRITTEN

31

The morning sunlight barely penetrated through the thick curtains of the hotel dining hall, casting long streaks of light over the polished floor. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast lingered in the air, but the students barely noticed it as they finished eating in silence. Plates clinked, chairs scraped lightly against the floor, and then-without warning-the professor's voice cut through the calm.

Professor: "Alright, students, listen up! Today, we're going to conduct an activity-more than just a game. It's a test. A test of your trust, your bond with each other, your courage, and your ability to think and act under pressure. This isn't just about winning; it's about how well you know each other and how strong you really are."

The room fell silent, a mixture of anticipation and unease settling over everyone. Gemini, sitting with his arms crossed and a mask of indifference on his face, spoke up immediately.

Gemini (half-lidded, annoyed): "Um... sorry, but I really don't want to play this game."

Professor (firmly): "I'm afraid that's not an option, Mr. Norawit. Participation is compulsory. You don't get to opt out."

Gemini's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation crossing his face, but he didn't argue further.

Gemini: "Fine. Just... make it quick. I don't have all day to waste on games."

The professor's gaze swept across the room, and he nodded with an approving, almost predatory smile.

Professor: "Very well. Since participation is mandatory, I've divided everyone according to their room partners. Listen carefully."

He paused dramatically, letting the suspense hang in the air.

Professor: "First group: Mark, Ohm, Fourth, and Gemini. Second group: Dunk, Joong, Phuwin, and Pond. Third group: Winny, Satang, Aou, and Boom. Your task is simple... but not easy."

Fourth (under his breath, panic creeping into his voice): "What? Again... I'm stuck with Gemini? Why is this happening to me? Why does he have to be there? I can't do this..."

Ohm (reassuringly, placing a hand on Fourth's shoulder): "Don't worry, Fourth. At least we're with you. You're not alone in this. We'll make sure you're safe."

Mark (nodding, confident): "Yeah, Fourth, we've got you. Whatever happens, we're in this together."

Fourth's eyes softened slightly at their words, but the shadow of fear lingered. He knew he wasn't ready to face the unknown without support.

Professor: "Now, here's the challenge: You are to proceed to the abandoned palace just beyond the hotel grounds. Somewhere within its walls, an object has been hidden. Your mission is to locate it. The first team to bring it back to me wins. Simple, yes?"

A collective shiver passed through the students. The palace, abandoned for decades, had long been the subject of rumors-some said it was haunted, others claimed the floors were unstable, and no one dared step inside after dusk.

Dunk (quietly, to Gemini): "Are you... okay with playing alongside Fourth? You seem... reluctant."

Gemini (cool, detached): "I don't want to, but I have no choice. As far as I'm concerned, he's... a stranger. He means nothing to me. I'm just here to finish this quickly and leave."

Joong (raising an eyebrow): "You're sure you can handle this without... losing your patience?"

Gemini (smirking, sharp): "Do you have any doubts about me? No? Then let's move on."

Pond (cheerful, patting Gemini's shoulder): "Alright, best of luck, bro."

The teams gathered their courage and set off toward the abandoned palace, leaving their phones behind as the professor had instructed.