Second Chance ▪︎》 JEONGCHEOL

Chapter 11: Resilience

The rest of the school day passed by in a blur and Seungcheol couldn't focus on anything properly. His mind was preoccupied with Jeonghan and their conversation from earlier. Seungcheol found himself looking out for him between classes, but he was nowhere to be seen.

The bell rang signaling the end of school. Seungcheol gathered his things, steeling himself for the conversation he was about to have with Jeonghan. He was determined to get through to him, one way or another.

He made his way through the hallway, hoping to find Jeonghan near his locker. But as he rounded the corner, he stopped in his tracks, heart sinking. Jeonghan was standing a short distance away, talking to his basketball group, including Seonjun.

Seungcheol watched from a distance, gut clenching with worry. The last thing he wanted was for Jeonghan to get into another dispute, especially with Seonjun. He considered approaching them, but something stopped him. Maybe it was the look on Jeonghan's face, the way his expression hardened in defiance.

Against his better judgment, he decided to hang back and observe for a moment longer. Seungcheol could hear bits and pieces of their conversation, their voices carrying through the emptying hallway.

Just as the argument between Jeonghan and Seonjun seemed to escalate, he intervened, walking over to the group and firmly pulling Jeonghan away.

Jeonghan's expression was a strange mix of surprise and anger, as he tried to wrench his arm out of his grip. Seonjun and his friends watched us with a mixture of curiosity and hostility, waiting to see what would happen next.

"Let go of me," Jeonghan protested, struggling against my grip. "What the hell are you doing?"

Seungcheol steered Jeonghan out of the school building, still holding onto his arm firmly. Joshua saw them approaching and stepped forward, his expression concerned.

"What's going on?" Joshua asked, taking in Jeonghan's sullen expression and Seungcheol firm grip on his arm.

"Just another instance of Jeonghan causing trouble," Seungcheol responded, tone weary. "He was about to get into another argument with Seonjun and his gang."

Joshua's expression darkened, and he turned to Jeonghan. "Seriously, Jeonghan?" he scolded. "You can't keep doing this."

Jeonghan rolled his eyes, his defiant attitude still in full force. "What's the big deal?" he retorted. "I can handle myself."

"Obviously you can't," Seungcheol shot back, his patience wearing thin. "You keep getting into fights and causing trouble. And for what? To prove something to yourself?"

Jeonghan's expression darkened, his jaw clenching as he struggled to find a response. It was clear that Seungcheol words had hit a nerve, but his stubborn pride was preventing him from admitting it.

"Just stop," Jeonghan snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. "Both of you. You're not my parents, and I don't need you telling me what to do."

Seungcheol was about to reply, his own temper flaring, but Joshua stepped in before he could say anything. "We're not trying to control you, Jeonghan," he said calmly. "We're just trying to help you."

Jeonghan's scowled, clearly unimpressed with Joshua's words. "Yeah, right," he muttered. "If you really wanted to help me, you'd stop telling me what to do and let me make my own decisions."

Joshua said. "Jeonghan turn down your attitude because of your fight you are already suspended from school for two days."

Jeonghan's expression darkened, realizing that his actions had consequences. "What? That's bullshit," he protested. "Why do I have to be suspended?"