Betting on Love [JEONGCHEOL] ✓

Chapter Five: Testing Limits

Jeonghan is totally stuck. He’s tried everything he can think of to get Seungcheol to open up, but nothing seems to work. He’s feeling pretty frustrated, and honestly, the pressure is getting to him. If he doesn’t get Seungcheol to admit his feelings within the next month, he’s going to have to sing a ridiculously sappy love song in front of everyone. Just the thought of it is enough to make him cringe—talk about a nightmare!

He’s pacing around, brainstorming all sorts of wild ideas, but nothing seems to hit the mark. Jeonghan’s usual charm and tactics aren’t making a dent in Seungcheol’s stubbornness. He’s tried being casual, charming, even a little more serious, but Seungcheol just keeps his guard up.

The pressure is mounting, and Jeonghan’s frustration is building. He’s not just worried about failing the dare; he’s dreading the humiliation of singing that cringeworthy love song in front of everyone. He can already picture himself on stage, awkwardly belting out cheesy lyrics while his friends laugh and Seungcheol watches, unimpressed. It’s enough to make him break into a cold sweat just thinking about it.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Jeonghan’s trying to come up with a plan that will finally get through to Seungcheol. He’s convinced there has to be a way to crack this nut, and he’s determined to figure it out before the deadline hits. The clock’s ticking, and with each passing day, the pressure to succeed—and avoid that dreaded performance—only grows stronger.

That’s when fortune throws him a lifeline. Jeonghan’s professor sends out an email announcing a new project, and the students are already paired up. Jeonghan’s heart leaps when he sees the list—he’s paired with Seungcheol.

It’s the perfect opportunity. With this project, Jeonghan can spend more time with Seungcheol, work closely together, and hopefully break through his defences. This is exactly the kind of chance he needs to get Seungcheol to open up and confess his feelings, all while dodging the dreaded love song performance.

Jeonghan feels a renewed sense of determination. This project could be the key to unlocking the mystery of Seungcheol and finally winning the dare. It’s a golden opportunity, and Jeonghan is ready to seize it.

Without wasting any time, Jeonghan heads straight to the library—the only place Seungcheol could possibly be. And true to form, Seungcheol is there, buried in his books, deep in study. Jeonghan can never fully understand it. Even though he's a top student himself, he has never seen anyone study as relentlessly as Seungcheol.

“Hey,” Jeonghan greets with his usual charming smile as he slides into the seat next to Seungcheol. Predictably, Seungcheol doesn’t even acknowledge his presence.

Jeonghan chuckles, undeterred, and without hesitation, he closes Seungcheol’s book. This earns him an icy glare.

“Relax, big guy. I just want to talk about something,” Jeonghan says, his tone playful.

Seungcheol sighs in defeat, clearly annoyed. “What is it?”

Smirking, Jeonghan leans in a little closer, ignoring Seungcheol’s obvious discomfort. “I’m sure you’ve heard by now that we’ve been paired up for the project.”

Seungcheol pushes his glasses up and nods. “I do.”

Jeonghan grins, sensing victory. “Good. Then let’s exchange numbers. It'll make things easier for planning our project, don’t you think?”

Seungcheol hesitates, clearly not thrilled by the idea. His eyes flicker with reluctance, but he knows there's no escaping it. It’s for the project, after all.

With a small sigh, he pulls out his phone and places it on the table. "Fine," he mutters, pushing it toward Jeonghan. "But this is strictly for the project."

Jeonghan smirks as he pulls out his own phone, quickly entering Seungcheol's number. "Of course, strictly professional," he replies, though the gleam in his eyes suggests otherwise. He’s clearly enjoying this small victory.

Seungcheol doesn't look convinced, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he opens his book back up, silently signaling the end of the conversation.

But Jeonghan isn’t quite done. “You know,” he says casually, leaning back in his chair, “this project could be fun. We might actually work well together.”

Seungcheol raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Jeonghan’s optimism. “Fun isn’t exactly the word I’d use,” he mutters, his tone dry as he returns his focus to his book.

Jeonghan watches him for a moment, the silence thick between them, but then leans in a little closer, lowering his voice as if he’s sharing a secret. "You might be surprised. I have my moments."

Seungcheol doesn't look up, but Jeonghan notices the slight twitch of his lips, like he's holding back a smile. That’s enough for him to keep going.

"Anyway, we’ll need to meet up more often for the project. Maybe after class tomorrow?” Jeonghan suggests casually, knowing full well he’s pushing his luck.

Seungcheol sighs, closing his book once more, but this time, it’s not out of irritation. “Fine,” he says, his tone resigned. “But only for the project."

Jeonghan grins. "Of course. Just the project."

The next day rolls around, and Jeonghan finds himself oddly excited. He doesn't expect Seungcheol to suddenly open up or anything, but there's something about this situation that gives him hope. Having Seungcheol in a setting where they have to communicate, even if it's just about a project, is a step forward.

When they meet after class, Seungcheol is punctual as always, already seated in the café, laptop open and ready to dive straight into work. Jeonghan arrives a little more relaxed, his usual playful attitude in full swing.

"You're always so serious," Jeonghan teases, sliding into the seat across from Seungcheol. "You ever think about just... relaxing for once?"

Seungcheol glances up, unimpressed. "We're here to work on the project, remember?"

Jeonghan smirks, leaning back in his chair. "Right, right. But doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun while we’re at it."

Seungcheol doesn’t respond, his fingers already moving across the keyboard. Jeonghan watches him for a moment, marveling at how focused and driven he is. It’s something he’s always admired about Seungcheol, though he’d never admit that out loud.

Jeonghan tries to steer the conversation toward something lighter. "So, do you have any hobbies outside of studying? Something you actually enjoy, maybe?"

Seungcheol looks up briefly, his expression unreadable. "Why do you care?"

"Just curious," Jeonghan replies, feigning innocence. "We’re spending time together. Thought it might be nice to know a little more about you."

Seungcheol doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he closes his laptop and leans back in his chair, finally meeting Jeonghan’s gaze. "I don’t see how that’s relevant to our project."

Jeonghan shrugs, unfazed. "Maybe not, but it’s relevant to me. Can’t we work and get to know each other at the same time? It doesn’t have to be one or the other."

Seungcheol’s eyes narrow slightly, as if trying to figure out Jeonghan’s angle. "What is it with you and this need to get close to people?"

Jeonghan pauses for a moment, thrown off by the question. "Maybe I just like people," he says with a grin, though the sincerity behind the statement is clear. "Especially people who seem so determined to keep everyone at arm’s length."

Seungcheol doesn’t respond immediately, but Jeonghan can tell he’s thinking about it. He doesn’t push further, letting the silence settle between them for a while. For the first time, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. There's a strange tension, but it’s not the kind that makes Jeonghan want to fill the space with his usual banter.

Eventually, Seungcheol speaks again, his voice softer this time. "Let’s just focus on the project for now."

Jeonghan nods, sensing that this is as much as he’ll get for now. But it’s something—a small crack in Seungcheol’s armor. He doesn’t need Seungcheol to spill his heart out just yet. For now, he’ll take what he can get.

"Fine, fine," Jeonghan says with a smile, opening his own laptop. "Project it is. For now."