Betting on Love [JEONGCHEOL] ✓

Chapter Fifteen: Heart-to-Heart

As Seungcheol walks through the door of his home, he’s met by his brother, Seojun, who greets him with a smug smile.

“So—” Seojun starts, but Seungcheol cuts him off.

“Don’t,” Seungcheol warns, anticipating whatever teasing comment Seojun is about to make.

“I haven’t even said anything yet,” Seojun replies, his grin widening.

“Your smile says it all,” Seungcheol retorts, rolling his eyes.

Seojun chuckles, clearly enjoying Seungcheol’s reaction. “Alright, alright. I’m just glad to see you home in one piece. How was your day with him?”

Seungcheol throws his bag onto a chair and heads for the kitchen, grumbling as he replies, “It was fine. Jeonghan’s idea of ‘relaxing’ is apparently getting me to play video games and lounge by a pool.”

Seojun follows him, leaning against the kitchen counter with a teasing glint in his eyes. “So, did you enjoy it or just survive it?”

Seungcheol grabs a bottle of water from the fridge and takes a swig. “I suppose I did have a good time. It was different.”

“Different how?” Seojun presses, clearly interested in the details.

Seungcheol sets the bottle down and sighs. “Let’s just say Jeonghan has a knack for making things more interesting. I didn’t think I’d actually enjoy hanging out like that.”

Seojun raises an eyebrow. “Interesting, huh? Sounds like you might be warming up to him.”

Seungcheol shoots him a look. “Don’t read too much into it. I just didn’t expect to have fun.”

Seojun smirks. “Well, I’m glad you did. Maybe Jeonghan’s good for you after all.”

Seungcheol shakes his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, maybe. But don’t get any ideas. I’m still not letting you off the hook for all your nonsense.”

Seojun laughs, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. No more teasing. Just glad to see you enjoying yourself.”

Seungcheol nods, feeling a bit more relaxed now that he’s home. “Thanks, Seojun. I guess you were right—sometimes it’s good to take a break.”

“Anytime,” Seojun replies with a grin. “Now, how about I make us some dinner? I’ve got some leftover lasagna that’s calling my name.”

Seungcheol’s stomach grumbles in agreement. “Sounds perfect. I’ll be right there.”

As they head together to have dinner, Seungcheol feels a sense of contentment. The day might have been unexpected, but it ended on a high note, and that’s something he can definitely get used to.

On the other hand, Jeonghan sits on the edge of his bed, staring out at the sprawling view from his room. The mansion, usually a source of comfort and familiarity, feels oddly empty now that he’s alone. His mind drifts back to the day with Seungcheol—the laughter, the teasing, the surprising ease of their time together.

He leans back against the headboard, a frown tugging at his lips. The dare had started as a game, a way to get Seungcheol to let his guard down. But now, as he replays their interactions, Jeonghan realizes something he hadn’t expected: he genuinely enjoyed himself. Seungcheol had been different from what he’d anticipated—less rigid, more relaxed, and oddly endearing.

The thought makes Jeonghan uneasy. He’d always prided himself on his ability to stay detached, to keep his emotions at bay. But seeing Seungcheol open up, even a little, stirs something within him. There’s a strange mixture of fear and confusion, a nagging feeling that the lines between their game and reality are blurring.