Second Chance ▪︎》 JEONGCHEOL

Chapter 8: Tight Tension

As the days went by, a sense of normalcy returned to their lives. They all went back to school after the summer break, and classes resumed as usual. Things had settled down, and Jeonghan had been on his best behavior, trying earnestly to make amends.

Despite the initial tension and anger following Jeonghan's actions, Seungcheol had reached a sort of uneasy truce. Yewon had forgiven him, which meant Jeonghan was treading carefully. He had been unusually well-behaved, refraining from his usual pranks and mischievousness.

Seungcheol found it strange to see Jeonghan so serious and reserved, not his usual energetic self. But he also couldn't deny that it was a welcome change, at least for a while.

They were as usual in the midst of a basketball game at school, everyone focused on the court and the game at hand. Jeonghan was playing as well, but his usual energetic and competitive self was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he was quiet, passing the ball to other teammates and avoiding the spotlight.

It was a bit disconcerting to see him like this, his usual playful banter and showboating completely absent. Seungcheol couldn't help but glance at him occasionally, wondering what was going on in his head.

As the game continued, Seungcheol found himself focus occasionally shifting to Jeonghan. His uncharacteristic seriousness and lack of energy stuck out like a sore thumb amidst the usual laughter and banter of the team.

It was hard to ignore the change in his demeanor, and it tugged at his curiosity. He stole glances at him throughout the game.

Jeonghan could feel Seungcheol's gaze on him often during the game, and it was a bit unnerving. Normally, he would've played up the attention, but this time, he kept his head down, focusing on passing the ball and avoiding any grand gestures. It was hard resisting the urge to be his usual self.

Jeonghan knew he had to prove to everyone, especially Seungcheol, that he could be mature and responsible. It was taking all of his willpower to hold back his natural tendencies, but it was necessary to earn back everyone's trust.

The game finally ended, and they gathered around to cool down and chat. Everyone was discussing the game and joking around, but Jeonghan stayed a bit apart, still trying to keep a low profile. As they were catching their breaths, Seungcheol walked over to him, a puzzled expression on his face.

He stopped in front of him, fixing him with an inquisitive look. "You alright?" Seungcheol asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Jeonghan smiled weakly, trying to play things off as he shrugged. "Yeah, I'm good," he responded, his voice lacking the usual energy.

Seungcheol raised an eyebrow at his response, not believing him for a second. Knowing Jeonghan well enough to know when he was being insincere. "Really?" he said, crossing his arms. "Because you've been unusually quiet today. No smartass comments, no pranks. It's not like you at all."

Jeonghan shifted on his feet, avoiding eye contact. "Can't a guy just have a serious moment once in a while?" he said, attempting to sound lighthearted but failing. "Maybe I'm just tired, you know?"

Seungcheol watched as Jeonghan walked away, still unsatisfied with his explanation. There was definitely something bothering him. He considered following him, but Seungcheol knew Jeonghan well enough to know that he would only open up when he was ready, not a moment sooner.

Jeonghan found an empty spot in the school courtyard, away from the noise and commotion of the other students. He sat down on the grass, leaning against a tree, and finally allowed himself to relax a bit. The serious facade he had been putting on all day was tiring, and he felt a sense of relief to be alone.