Chapter 7: Bet

The next morning, Jihoon was getting ready for school, the remnants of yesterday's dream still fresh in his mind. The heat of embarrassment crept up his cheeks as he recalled the vivid images before pushing the thoughts aside. Breakfast was a hasty affair; he scrambled through his toast and juice, running late as usual, every moment heavy with distraction. He had made up his mind to avoid Seungmin for the entirety of the school day.

As Jihoon entered the school building, the bell rang, signalling the start of a new day. He trudged toward his classroom, almost dreading the moments ahead. Taking his seat at his desk, he immediately spotted Seungmin across the room. The sight of him sent a rush of warmth to Jihoon's face, and he quickly averted his gaze, shame washing over him at the memories of the dream.

Throughout the day, Jihoon did his best to steer clear of Seungmin, but fate had other plans. As he approached his locker, there stood Seungmin, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"Wanna make a bet?" Seungmin asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Sure, what's the bet about?" Jihoon replied, trying to sound indifferent, but his heart raced.

"If I get a high score on our test tomorrow, I get to make you do anything I want. If I fail, I have to do anything you want," Seungmin said, practically grinning from ear to ear.

"Okay, deal," Jihoon said, trying to match Seungmin's enthusiasm despite the nervous flutter in his stomach.

"Deal." Seungmin leaned in closer, their faces mere inches apart, and Jihoon felt the heat flood his cheeks once more. He instinctively took a step back, avoiding eye contact and wishing desperately that it was possible to just disappear.

With the day trudging on, Jihoon found himself shifting in his seat as the last class approached—math. As he settled in, the teacher strode into the room, her presence commanding respect. "Today, we have a pop quiz. So don't disappoint me," she announced, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the class.

Jihoon's heart sank. The weight of the sudden challenge loomed over him. The pop quiz was unexpected, but it also ignited a spark of determination. As the papers passed out and the quiz began, Jihoon concentrated hard, his mind racing through the formulas and theorems they'd studied.

Glancing at Seungmin, Jihoon noticed his friend's expression—a deep frown marred his usual cheerful demeanour. Jihoon suppressed a smile, thinking to himself, I would win the bet after all."

"Alright, time is up. Please pass your tests to me," the teacher instructed, collecting papers as she walked around the room. Jihoon's stomach churned nervously as he handed in his quiz. The uncertainty hung in the air like a storm cloud, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this bet might lead him somewhere he wasn't prepared to go.

As the class ended, Jihoon gathered his things, still lost in thought. What if he failed? The idea was daunting, but then again, the thought of Seungmin's mischievous grin and the thrill of the bet was equally enticing. Would he dare to face the consequences?

With a final glance at Seungmin, who was busy chatting with friends, Jihoon felt a rush of adrenaline mixed with anxiety. Tomorrow held not just a test of academics but also a challenge of their growing connection—one that might just change everything between them.