Betting on Love [JEONGCHEOL] ✓

Chapter Nineteen: Side by Side

The next morning arrives sooner than Seungcheol expects. As he stands in front of his closet, he can’t stop himself from overthinking. He pulls out a few different outfits, holding them up in front of the mirror, but none of them seem right.

"Why am I even putting so much thought into this?" he mutters to himself, shaking his head.

But deep down, he knows why. Jeonghan’s words—dress nice—keep echoing in his mind, making him want to put in the extra effort. It’s not just another casual hangout, is it? There’s something else in the air, something he can’t quite name, but he feels it pulling him closer to Jeonghan.

After finally settling on a simple but well-fitted outfit, Seungcheol grabs his phone and texts Jeonghan.

Seungcheol: Ready.

Jeonghan responds almost instantly.

Jeonghan: I’ll pick you up in 10.

Seungcheol’s heart beats a little faster as he paces around his apartment, the minutes stretching out longer than usual. When he finally hears the familiar honk from outside, he grabs his jacket, takes a deep breath, and heads out.

Jeonghan is waiting in his car, leaning casually against the driver’s seat. His eyes light up when Seungcheol approaches, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

"You clean up nice," Jeonghan says as Seungcheol slides into the passenger seat.

"You said to dress nice," Seungcheol replies, trying to sound casual, but his heart is still racing. He glances at Jeonghan, who is wearing a leather jacket that fits him perfectly, looking effortlessly cool as always.

Jeonghan chuckles, his gaze lingering on Seungcheol for a moment longer than usual. "I did. And you listened. I’m impressed."

Seungcheol feels a warmth spread through him at the compliment, though he quickly brushes it off with a scoff. "So, where are we going?"

Jeonghan smirks, starting the engine. "You’ll see. Just relax and enjoy the ride."

As they drive, Seungcheol finds himself sneaking glances at Jeonghan, the teasing remarks, the easy banter—it’s all so familiar, yet today it feels different. There’s an electricity in the air, an unspoken tension that makes every word, every glance, feel loaded with something more.

They pull up to a quiet park by the river, a place Seungcheol never would’ve expected. The sun is starting to cast a golden glow over the water.

"This is where you wanted to take me?" Seungcheol asks, raising an eyebrow.

Jeonghan shrugs, stepping out of the car. "I figured we could use some peace and quiet."

They walk side by side along the riverbank, the silence between them comfortable. But Seungcheol’s thoughts are loud, running over the past few days, their banter, the way Jeonghan’s presence lingers with him even when they’re apart.

"You know," Jeonghan suddenly says, breaking the silence, "I wasn’t sure you’d actually want to come."

Seungcheol frowns, glancing at him. "Why wouldn’t I?"

Jeonghan chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don’t know. Maybe you thought I was joking or... maybe I’ve been coming on too strong."

Seungcheol stops walking, staring at him. "Coming on too strong?"

Jeonghan pauses too, turning to face him. His usual playful expression is gone, replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. "Yeah... I’ve been pushing a little, haven’t I?"