赤い糸 - Red String of Fate

Chapter 19 - I hate 'Fate'

Tzuyu pov

I woke earlier than everyone else. My bag was already packed; I had promised my brother I'd head home today. The dorm was still quiet, heavy with the faint smell of soju and leftover food from last night.

Before leaving, I went to check on Sana.

She was still curled under her blanket, breathing softly, her hair a wild mess across the pillow. The same girl who had gone down after only three small cups—out cold in Jeongyeon's lap, not even an hour after midnight.

I knelt down and shook her shoulder lightly, "Sana-ya"

Her lashes fluttered. "Hmm?"

"I have to go. My brother's waiting. But... here." I pulled the small box from my bag. "A late birthday gift"

She opened her eyes a little wider, just enough to smile as I placed the case in her hands.
"Thank you, Tzuyu-yah" Her fingers closed around mine briefly, warm and soft, before sleep pulled her back under.

I stayed frozen there for a moment, staring at our joined hands even after she let go. My chest tightened.

"Get well soon," I whispered, brushing her hair gently before standing.

. . .

Sana-ya, what did you mean last night?

Those drunk words still echo. Should I ignore them because you weren't sober? Or should I believe them—because they sounded too raw to be a mistake?

Your birthday passed a few days ago. If the Red String appeared for you, you haven't told me. And maybe that silence is my answer. Maybe I was right. Maybe I'm not your soulmate.

The thought hurts more than I want to admit.

I hate it. I hate how much this fragile thread controls our lives. Why does God get to decide who we belong to? Why not our own choices, our own hearts?

I walked away with that question burning in me, heavier than my bag.