Betting on Love [JEONGCHEOL] ✓

Chapter Two: The Plan

The next morning, Jeonghan is up earlier than usual. He isn't the kind of person who rushes through his mornings-every step in his routine is calculated and purposeful. His reflection stares back at him in the mirror as he carefully combs through his long hair, letting it fall naturally around his face. His school uniform, as always, is immaculate, the tie perfectly knotted, the blazer wrinkle-free. He knows how much appearances matter, especially when he wants to make an impression.

Today marks the start of his plan.

He arrives at the university with time to spare, his footsteps unhurried as he walks through the familiar hallways. Classes have yet to start, so the campus is quieter than usual, with only a few students milling about. Jeonghan makes his way to the library, a place where Seungcheol is known to spend most of his free time. It is a strategic choice-quiet, neutral, and lacking the pressure of a crowded cafeteria or bustling classroom.

As he enters the library, the faint smell of old books greets him, the soft rustle of pages and the occasional click of keyboards filling the air. His eyes scan the room, searching for Seungcheol. It doesn't take long to spot him. Seungcheol sits near the back, away from the few other students present, his head bowed over a thick textbook. He looks just as he did the day before-disheveled, tired, and completely engrossed in his studies.

Jeonghan moves silently through the aisles, careful not to draw attention to himself until he reaches the table where Seungcheol sits. He hesitates for only a second before pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him.

Seungcheol doesn't look up.

Jeonghan waits, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asks, his voice soft, casual.

Seungcheol blinks, finally pulling his attention away from the book in front of him. His eyes, dark and sharp, meet Jeonghan's for the briefest moment before flicking back down to his notes. "There are plenty of other tables," he mutters, his tone indifferent.

Jeonghan smiles, unbothered by the cold reception. "This one seemed like the best spot."

Seungcheol doesn't respond, his attention already drifting back to the dense text in front of him. He clearly has no interest in small talk, and Jeonghan knows better than to push too hard too soon.

For a few minutes, neither of them speaks. The only sound between them is the soft scratch of Seungcheol's pen against paper as he takes notes. Jeonghan leans back in his chair, his eyes casually skimming the pages of the book Seungcheol is studying-something about quantum mechanics, judging by the equations scattered across the page.

"You're studying physics?" Jeonghan asks after a moment, his voice light but curious.

Seungcheol's pen pauses mid-stroke, but he doesn't look up. "Yeah."

Jeonghan lets the silence stretch out for a beat before speaking again. "That's impressive. I always find physics a little too abstract."

This time, Seungcheol glances up, his gaze sharp. "What do you want?"

Jeonghan doesn't miss a beat, his expression remaining friendly and open. "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Jeonghan."

Seungcheol raises an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. "I know who you are."

Jeonghan leans forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand as he smiles. "Then we're already off to a good start."

Seungcheol's frown deepens, clearly unimpressed. He closes his book with a quiet thud, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent library. "If you're looking for a study buddy, I'm not interested."