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The first week back at campus was in full swing. Students filled every corner of the quad, the buzz of reuniting friends echoing in the warm autumn air. Jisung, trying to avoid the crowd, strolled across campus with his headphones in, listening to a playlist he’d labeled 'Move On'—though, admittedly, it wasn’t working as planned.
He wasn’t over Chenle. Even after their breakup a few months ago, Chenle had this way of lingering in Jisung’s mind, appearing when he least expected it. As Jisung turned toward the library, he spotted a familiar laugh—a sound he could pick out anywhere. There, leaning casually against the library entrance with a coffee in hand, was Chenle, looking just as effortlessly cool as ever.
Jisung froze, his heart hammering. He considered turning around, disappearing before Chenle noticed him. But his plan quickly dissolved as Jaemin and Jeno spotted him from across the courtyard.
“Hey, Jisung! Over here!” Jaemin called, grinning and waving him over.
Jisung reluctantly made his way over, casting a quick glance at Chenle, who’d looked up and noticed him. Chenle’s expression didn’t change, but Jisung could swear there was a brief flicker of surprise—or was it something else?
As he joined Jaemin and Jeno, Renjun sidled up, arms crossed with his usual no-nonsense look. Beside him were Mark and Donghyuck, the latter snickering as he nudged Mark.
“Well, well,” Donghyuck teased, glancing at Jisung with a smirk. “Guess the universe decided it’s reunion day, huh?”
“Hyuck, don’t make it weird,” Mark sighed, though he couldn’t hide his amused smile.
But Donghyuck’s grin only widened as he glanced back and forth between Jisung and Chenle. Jaemin, ever the romantic, gave a knowing smile.
“Think they’ll talk this time?” Jaemin whispered to Jeno.
“With us around?” Jeno shrugged, a sly smile on his face. “I doubt they’ll have a choice.”
Chenle, meanwhile, had wandered a little closer, pretending to look through a book he’d pulled out of his bag. Jisung could feel his heart beating faster, knowing that Chenle was only a few feet away. It was like they were drawn together by an invisible string—one they both kept tugging on, even if they pretended they weren’t.
“This is getting painful to watch,” Renjun sighed, rolling his eyes. “One of you just say something!”
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jisung stammered, glancing nervously between them.
“Yeah, we’re just friends,” Chenle said casually, though the hint of a smirk played on his lips. “Right, Jisung?”
His eyes held a glint of mischief, and Jisung felt his face heat up. He wasn’t sure if Chenle was teasing or just trying to be distant, but either way, the effect was the same. Jisung took a shaky breath and met Chenle’s gaze, feeling the strange, familiar tension between them—the one that always felt like it could go one way or the other.
But before Jisung could answer, Donghyuck clapped his hands together, clearly delighted with himself.
“Alright,” he announced. “How about a friendly group dinner later? Let’s catch up! And if a few unresolved feelings come up in conversation, well, that’s what friends are for, right?”
Chenle shot Donghyuck a look but didn’t object, and Jisung just gave a small nod, secretly hoping this accidental encounter might just be the beginning of something new… or maybe the continuation of something he’d never truly let go.
---
In the beginning, Jisung and Chenle had been drawn together easily, their connection intense and almost effortless. But as they got deeper into the relationship, insecurities and misunderstandings began to surface. Jisung, naturally reserved, struggled to fully express his feelings, often holding back when things felt too vulnerable or uncertain. Meanwhile, Chenle, who could be a bit of a perfectionist, had difficulty understanding Jisung’s silences, sometimes mistaking them for indifference or a lack of commitment.
In the months leading up to their breakup, they’d both started feeling the strain. Jisung’s reserved nature made it hard for him to open up about his insecurities—he feared Chenle would eventually find someone who was “easier” to be with, someone who didn’t hesitate to express every feeling. Chenle, on the other hand, wanted to feel reassured that Jisung cared as deeply as he did, but each time he tried to bring up their relationship struggles, he felt Jisung pulling away.
The breaking point came one evening after an argument over something trivial—an unreturned call, which turned into a tense conversation about communication. Chenle, feeling unheard and uncertain, had blurted out that maybe they needed a break if Jisung couldn’t show he was committed. Hurt and frustrated, Jisung had agreed, thinking Chenle was pushing him away for good.
In the end, they both walked away with unspoken feelings and unresolved questions, each convinced the other wasn’t fully invested. They spent months apart, each trying to move on, but the truth was, neither could really let go. Their connection had been too strong, too real.
---
The café on campus was bustling when the group finally piled in that evening. The air was thick with laughter and chatter, and Donghyuck was quick to claim the large booth in the back, declaring, “Perfect spot for group bonding—and, you know, other important things.”
Jisung slid into the booth, feeling his nerves heighten as Chenle took the seat directly across from him. He focused on the menu, trying not to overthink the familiar scent of Chenle’s cologne or the way he leaned back casually, as if they hadn’t just run into each other after months of silence. His heart was doing flips, but he was determined to keep things casual.
Mark cleared his throat, leaning in to get the conversation rolling. “So, how was everyone’s summer?” He smiled, looking around at the group. “Did anyone actually accomplish the goals they set?”
“Goals?” Renjun snorted. “You mean like your failed attempt to learn surfing? I saw the bruises, Mark.”
The table erupted into laughter, and even Chenle cracked a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Jisung stole a glance, feeling a pang of nostalgia—he’d always loved Chenle’s laugh. It felt like old times, but a little more complicated.
Donghyuck, unable to resist stirring the pot, leaned in with a smirk. “And what about you, Chenle? Any new adventures?”
Chenle raised an eyebrow, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice. “I kept busy,” he said simply, avoiding Jisung’s gaze but sneaking a quick glance his way.
“Keeping busy, huh?” Jaemin chimed in, grinning mischievously. “Didn’t see you around much this summer. Jisung, what about you?”
Jisung tensed under everyone’s expectant stares, feeling his face heat up. “Uh… yeah, I kept busy too. Did a lot of… reflecting,” he finished awkwardly, hoping they’d move on.
Donghyuck, however, wasn’t letting anything slide. “Reflecting, huh?” He leaned back, giving Jisung a pointed look. “Funny, because from where I’m sitting, it seems like there’s still some unfinished business between you two.”
The table went quiet, and Chenle’s face flushed a faint pink. Jisung’s fingers fidgeted nervously on the edge of his menu, unable to look away from Chenle.
“It’s just... sometimes things don’t work out, and that’s okay,” Jisung said, more to himself than anyone else, but he dared a quick glance at Chenle, who was watching him with an unreadable expression.
“But sometimes,” Chenle said quietly, his voice softer than usual, “they’re worth a second chance.”
Everyone at the table went wide-eyed, glancing between the two of them as if watching the latest campus drama unfold. Jisung felt his heart skip a beat, Chenle’s words lingering in the air, filled with a strange kind of hope.
“Well then,” Mark said brightly, breaking the tension with a grin, “maybe we should toast to second chances!”
Everyone raised their glasses, cheering and clinking, laughter filling the space once more. Jisung felt the warmth return to his chest as Chenle gave him a small, knowing smile. Perhaps this accidental reunion was more than just coincidence—maybe it was a new beginning waiting to unfold.
---
The dinner wore on with plenty of laughs, loud stories, and Donghyuck’s relentless teasing, but for Jisung and Chenle, the evening felt like balancing on a knife’s edge. The tension was thick, hovering between them in every accidental brush of hands, in every stolen glance. Jisung could feel Chenle’s eyes on him every so often, each glance setting his pulse racing.
Halfway through the meal, Donghyuck leaned back with a satisfied grin, looking between the two with mock innocence. “So, Jisung,” he began, drawing everyone’s attention, “I noticed you’ve been staring. Got something on your mind?”
Jisung choked on his drink, face flushing as he quickly looked down at his napkin, avoiding Chenle’s gaze. “I, uh… was just thinking about… the pasta,” he mumbled.
“Oh yeah?” Donghyuck grinned, glancing at Chenle. “Did you hear that, Chenle? Jisung’s been deeply contemplating the pasta.”
Chenle smirked, his usual cool expression in place, but Jisung caught the faint blush on his cheeks. “Yeah, I’m sure pasta is the only thing he’s been thinking about tonight,” Chenle replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
The table erupted in laughter, with Jaemin giving Jisung a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. You’re both just shy. Nothing wrong with that,” Jaemin said, though he was clearly enjoying the awkwardness.
Jisung took a shaky breath, daring a glance at Chenle, who was now stirring his drink casually, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Gathering his courage, Jisung leaned forward, voice low but steady.
“Maybe… we should talk?” he offered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Chenle’s smirk faltered for just a second, replaced by something softer, but he quickly recovered, giving a casual shrug. “Depends. You ready for that conversation, or do I need to hold your hand through it?”
Jisung felt his heart skip at the double meaning, and the rest of the group went silent, watching the exchange with wide eyes and barely concealed grins. This wasn’t their usual banter—it was layered with something deeper.
“Maybe I wouldn’t mind,” Jisung shot back, surprising himself with the boldness of his words. Chenle’s expression shifted, his usual smirk replaced by a small, genuine smile.
“Alright then,” Chenle replied softly, his gaze locking with Jisung’s. “Let’s step outside.”
The group watched as the two got up, exchanging knowing glances as Jisung and Chenle headed toward the exit, the quiet between them thick with unresolved tension.
Outside, under the glow of the streetlight, Jisung could finally breathe. He turned to Chenle, his hands stuffed into his pockets, feeling both nervous and excited.
“I never wanted things to end like they did,” Jisung admitted, glancing down, his voice barely a murmur.
Chenle sighed, stepping a bit closer, his expression softer than Jisung had ever seen it. “Maybe I didn’t either. But I guess we’re both a little clueless sometimes,” he said, his voice teasing but with a warmth that melted the chill in the air.
Jisung smiled, feeling a familiar thrill as Chenle looked at him with that old spark in his eyes. “Then… maybe we can be clueless together?”
Chenle laughed, a quiet, genuine sound, and took a step even closer, close enough that Jisung could feel the warmth of him. “Fine. But don’t expect me to go easy on you.”
With a gentle smirk, Chenle reached out, brushing a stray hair from Jisung’s face, lingering just a little longer than necessary. Jisung’s breath hitched, his pulse racing, but he didn’t pull away. The air was thick with anticipation, and the only thing he could focus on was the feeling of Chenle’s hand lingering by his cheek.
“Chenle, I—” Jisung started, his voice barely above a whisper.
But Chenle cut him off with a quick, teasing smirk. “Let’s save the big speeches. For now… let’s just see where this goes.” And, before Jisung could react, Chenle gave his hand a small squeeze, a wordless promise between them.
They didn’t need to say much more. Sometimes, a second chance was as simple as standing together under the streetlight, with all the unsaid words swirling around them—until they were ready to say them out loud.
---
The campus café was buzzing with energy, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the tables as friends shared stories and laughter. But at one table, a certain group had gathered with one singular topic of interest—Jisung and Chenle. Donghyuck, ever the instigator, had been hinting at a “plan” all morning, and now that the whole group had assembled, he was ready to unveil his latest scheme.
Jisung glanced nervously at Chenle, who was sitting across from him, arms crossed and expression unreadable. They hadn’t really talked since that brief, unexpected run-in at the library a few days ago. But their friends had sensed the sparks—or maybe just the tension—and, naturally, Donghyuck had taken it upon himself to create a “solution.”
Donghyuck cleared his throat, grinning as he caught everyone’s attention. “Alright, listen up! I have an idea that’ll make this semester way more interesting,” he began dramatically, glancing pointedly between Jisung and Chenle. “Here’s the deal: I’m giving you five days to either confess your undying love or go back to pretending nothing ever happened.”
Jisung’s eyes widened as he felt his cheeks heat up. He opened his mouth to protest, but Donghyuck silenced him with a mischievous wave.
“The catch?” Donghyuck continued, “You have to go on ‘dates’ without letting anything slip—no touching, no flirting, and absolutely no staring into each other’s eyes for longer than three seconds.” He raised an eyebrow at Jisung, who had, predictably, just glanced at Chenle for a little too long.
Jaemin clapped his hands, thoroughly amused. “Oh, I love this! Campus could use some romantic drama,” he said, eyes twinkling as he nudged Jeno, who chuckled and leaned back to watch the show unfold.
Chenle, arms still crossed, raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “And what do we get if we ‘win’ this little game?” he asked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
Donghyuck grinned, clearly delighted to see that Chenle was intrigued. “Winner’s choice,” he declared, his grin widening. “You get to choose the reward—but trust me, I’ve got a backup plan if you can’t decide.”
Jisung’s cheeks burned as his mind raced, picturing every embarrassing possibility. He tried to keep his voice steady. “So, wait… if either of us shows any sign of old feelings, we lose?”
“Exactly!” Donghyuck said, his tone smug. “Every slip-up—every lingering glance, every accidental touch—earns you a ‘point.’ The person with the fewest points after two weeks wins. And if either of you… let’s say… ‘confesses,’ then it’s game over.”
The table broke into laughter, and Jeno leaned in, nudging Jisung playfully. “So, are you going to go all-in, or are you just going to stand by and let Hyuck win?”
Jisung felt his cheeks burn even more, but despite his nerves, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of determination. He’d agreed to this, and he wasn’t about to back down now. “Fine,” he said, glancing at Chenle with a newfound resolve. “Let’s see who’s really clueless here.”
Chenle gave him a slow, confident smirk, clearly unfazed. “Game on,” he replied, his tone cool as ever.
So, The Rules of the Bet: Both Jisung and Chenle had to prove they could go on a “date” with each other and keep things completely platonic without falling back into old feelings. Every time someone caught them getting a little too close or staring a little too long, they’d earn a “point” for losing their cool.
---
Day 1: The Library Challenge
The first day of Donghyuck’s infamous bet begins with a challenge that’s deceptively simple: a study date in the library. Jisung and Chenle are assigned one small, shared table tucked away in a quiet corner, with Jaemin and Renjun casually stationed nearby, ready to referee any signs of… affection. The rules are clear—study, stay calm, and above all, stay cool. But with old feelings hovering between them, that may be easier said than done.
Jisung settles into his seat, pretending to be engrossed in his notes, but every so often, he sneaks a glance at Chenle. Despite his best efforts to appear unbothered, his heart speeds up every time Chenle so much as glances his way. For his part, Chenle looks completely calm, flipping through his textbook with practiced focus, but his eyes flicker up just a little too often, betraying his casual facade.
Chenle clears his throat, giving Jisung a smirk. “You know,” he says softly, so only Jisung can hear, “if you keep staring at me like that, you’re going to lose a point.”
Jisung turns red, quickly looking back down at his book. “I—I wasn’t staring. I was just… thinking,” he stammers, trying not to notice the faint laugh lines at the corners of Chenle’s eyes.
Chenle raises an eyebrow, leaning in slightly. “Oh, really? What exactly were you thinking about?”
Jisung hesitates, trying to come up with an answer that doesn’t sound ridiculous. “About how I… need to focus,” he says, cursing himself for how weak it sounds.
Before Chenle can tease him further, Jaemin casually strolls by, leaning over their table with a wide grin. “Aww, Jisung! You’re looking a little flushed,” he says, loud enough for nearby students to hear. “Maybe we should call this a point?”
“Not a chance!” Jisung blurts, earning a snicker from Chenle. He feels his cheeks heat up even more, but he refuses to back down.
Chenle chuckles, pulling his notebook closer. “Fine. Let’s see who’s better at focusing.”
The two dive back into their books, but the quiet competition fuels the tension between them. Every so often, Chenle will reach over to adjust his textbook, fingers brushing Jisung’s in the slightest of touches. Jisung’s heart skips each time, and he notices the subtle curve of Chenle’s lips each time he catches Jisung’s flustered reaction.
An hour passes, and Renjun swings by, smirking as he checks his phone. “Just got a photo from Donghyuck,” he says, flashing them a picture taken secretly from behind the bookshelves: Jisung, leaning slightly too close to Chenle, both looking as though they’d forgotten the world around them.
“Should I count this as one point for each of you?” Renjun asks, looking amused.
Chenle raises an eyebrow, leaning back with a smug expression. “Count it if you want, but I’m not the one losing focus here.” He shoots Jisung a playful glance.
Jisung huffs, forcing himself to stay calm. “It’s just day one. You’ll slip up eventually,” he mutters, trying to keep the competitive edge strong.
But as the study session wraps up and they gather their things, Chenle leans in one last time, voice low, his breath warm against Jisung’s ear. “Good luck keeping it together tomorrow.”
Jisung’s heart pounds as he watches Chenle walk away, leaving him speechless. Day one ends with two points on the board, one for each of them, but Jisung can’t shake the feeling that Chenle might just be playing a game he wants to lose.
---
Day 2: The Coffee Shop Challenge
Day two of the bet had arrived, and with it, a new challenge designed to test their ability to keep things platonic. The task? A casual coffee “date,” arranged at the cozy campus café by none other than Donghyuck, who had a mischievous grin when he announced it. The rules were straightforward: get drinks, talk, and above all, no romantic tension allowed. To make things harder, Jaemin and Mark were stationed nearby, pretending to study but clearly keeping tabs on their every move.
Jisung arrived first, his nerves getting the better of him as he ordered his favorite iced latte and chose a table by the window. The familiar scent of coffee helped him relax, but as he waited, he could feel his heart racing. It’s just coffee, he told himself. We’re just friends. But his mind kept replaying flashes of yesterday’s study session—the teasing, the warmth in Chenle’s smile. He shook the thoughts away, determined not to let the bet get to him.
Just then, the door chimed, and he saw Chenle walking in, looking as effortlessly cool as ever, with a casual confidence that made Jisung’s heart skip a beat. Chenle spotted him and approached, his smirk already in place.
“Already here? Wow, I thought I’d be the one waiting on you,” Chenle teased as he took the seat across from Jisung and stirred his Americano.
Jisung cleared his throat, trying to focus. “Just being on time doesn’t mean anything,” he replied, crossing his arms. “We’re here to hang out like… friends.” Even to him, it sounded forced.
Chenle raised an eyebrow, amused. “Relax, Jisung. You’re way too tense. Remember, no points if we’re just casual.”
Jisung took a calming sip of his latte. “I am relaxed,” he huffed, but the way he fidgeted with his straw betrayed his nerves. “This is fine. Just two people having coffee.”
“Right,” Chenle chuckled, leaning back with that familiar, amused sparkle in his eyes. “Two people who just happened to date and break up. No big deal.” His tone was light, but there was a knowing edge to it that made Jisung’s pulse spike.
Jisung forced a laugh, leaning back to appear nonchalant. “Ancient history,” he replied, trying to brush it off. “So, uh… how was your summer?”
They began chatting, moving from classes and projects to some campus gossip that Jaemin had passed along. For a while, it felt like they’d slipped into an easy rhythm. Chenle shared a story about a mishap on his summer internship, and Jisung found himself genuinely laughing, feeling a bit of the tension ease.
But as the conversation flowed, Jisung couldn’t help noticing the little details he’d missed. The way Chenle’s hand would occasionally brush the table, close to his own. The slight tilt of his head when he was listening intently. The way his gaze lingered just a little too long before he looked away. And each time, Jisung felt his heart stutter, and he was certain that Chenle knew.
Finally, in a quiet lull in their conversation, Jisung glanced around, noticing Jaemin and Mark whispering and clearly waiting for some sign of a slip-up. He decided to throw a curveball of his own.
“So, have you, uh… been seeing anyone lately?” he asked, hoping it sounded casual.
Chenle looked up, eyebrow raised, his lips curving into a small smirk. “Why? Are you jealous?”
Jisung’s cheeks flushed, and he cursed himself for walking straight into that. “No, I was just… curious,” he stammered, his voice a little higher than he intended, as Chenle leaned in slightly, his eyes dancing with amusement.
Jaemin, who had apparently been eavesdropping, seized the moment and grinned. “Point for Team Chenle!” he called out triumphantly.
Jisung groaned, hiding his face in his hands, while Chenle just laughed, clearly enjoying every second of his embarrassment.
“Don’t worry, Jisung,” Chenle said, his tone softer now as he leaned a bit closer. “You can ask me anything. I don’t mind.” There was a challenge in his voice, as if daring Jisung to push his limits.
Gathering his resolve, Jisung decided to flip the tables. “Fine. If you’re so open, then maybe I’ll start asking the real questions.” He looked at Chenle, his gaze steady. “Why did you… really agree to this bet?”
For a split second, Chenle’s smirk faltered, and he seemed caught off guard. His eyes flickered down to the table before he looked up again, his voice quieter. “Maybe I thought it would be… interesting,” he replied, his tone holding a note of sincerity that surprised Jisung.
The moment stretched between them, charged and unspoken, until Mark loudly whispered, “Uh-oh, someone’s slipping,” earning snickers from Jaemin.
Chenle rolled his eyes, quickly regaining his composure. “Don’t get too comfortable, Jisung. It’s only day two,” he said, though his smile was softer, and for a moment, the mask had slipped.
Jisung’s pulse raced, feeling a surge of confidence. “Oh, I’m just getting started,” he replied, a grin forming. “You’re the one who should be careful.”
They continued talking, the atmosphere relaxed but with an undercurrent of something unspoken that neither dared to bring up. Chenle mentioned a few upcoming events on campus, and Jisung found himself nodding along, even joking about attending one together. For a moment, he could almost forget the bet, forget everything that had happened between them, and pretend it was just… normal.
As they finished their drinks, Jisung glanced down at his empty cup, a pang of disappointment creeping in. He didn’t want this to end.
Chenle seemed to notice, because he leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “You know, we could keep this going… or are you scared you’ll lose?”
Jisung’s eyes widened, and he felt a jolt of excitement, realizing Chenle was giving him an out—a reason to stay. “Oh, I’m not scared,” he replied, feeling bolder than usual.
Chenle smirked, standing up slowly and giving him a look that sent Jisung’s heart racing. “Good. Then I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Jisung nodded, barely managing to keep the smile off his face as Chenle walked away, pausing just long enough to flash him a knowing look over his shoulder.
As he sat there, Jisung realized something important: neither of them was winning or losing this bet. If anything, they were both slowly, inevitably, being drawn back into something that felt as thrilling as it did dangerous. And despite his best efforts to play it cool, he found himself eagerly looking forward to day three.
---
Day 3: The Arcade Challenge
Day three of the bet was in full swing, and today’s challenge, courtesy of Jaemin and Jeno, took place at the campus arcade. The goal? A friendly arcade game day, where Jisung and Chenle would try to beat each other’s high scores—without letting their competitive streak (or anything else) get out of hand. And just to make things interesting, Jaemin added a little twist: every time someone got too intense or a little too close in their quest for victory, it would count as a “point” against them.
Jisung was already waiting by the arcade entrance when Chenle showed up, hands in his pockets, his trademark smirk firmly in place. Jisung’s heart did a little flip, and he braced himself for what was sure to be a rollercoaster of a day.
“Well, well,” Chenle teased as he walked up. “Trying to get a head start?”
Jisung crossed his arms, doing his best to look unimpressed. “Just making sure you didn’t chicken out.”
Chenle chuckled, nodding toward the row of games. “I hope you’re ready to lose, Jisung.”
They started off with a classic: the basketball hoop game. Chenle went first, sinking shot after shot with impressive focus. Jisung watched, feeling both impressed and frustrated by how easy Chenle made it look. When it was his turn, he threw himself into the game, trying to outdo Chenle’s high score.
Just as Jisung was about to take his final shot, Chenle leaned in close, whispering, “You know, if you lose, that’s a point for you.”
Jisung’s shot went wide, and he groaned as the basketball bounced out of the hoop. Chenle burst into laughter, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Point for Team Chenle!” Jaemin called from the nearby Dance Dance Revolution machine, grinning as he watched Jisung’s face turn red.
Jisung tried to brush it off, determined to make up for it in the next game. They moved to the claw machine, where Chenle insisted on “coaching” him, which basically involved leaning over his shoulder and pointing out how he was “doing it wrong.” Every time Jisung tried to focus, Chenle would lean in a little too close, his arm brushing against Jisung’s, or his breath warm against Jisung’s ear as he gave “instructions.”
“Come on, it’s not that hard,” Chenle murmured, his voice low. “Just aim and… gently now.”
Jisung’s fingers trembled, and he ended up dropping the claw way off target. Another point for Chenle.
“You’re doing great, Jisung,” Chenle said with a wink, making Jisung’s heart pound. He knew Chenle was doing it on purpose, but that only made it harder to keep his cool.
Next, they moved on to racing games. As they both sat down, Jisung finally found his confidence again, gripping the wheel with determination. “Hope you’re ready to eat my dust,” he said, flashing Chenle a competitive grin.
Chenle just shrugged, giving him a smug look. “Bring it on.”
They both threw themselves into the race, turning sharply, leaning forward, and occasionally bumping their wheels against each other’s to throw the other off-course. The playful rivalry grew intense, neither willing to lose. As they rounded the final lap, Chenle gave a slight nudge to Jisung’s cart on-screen, sending him spinning into a corner.
“No fair!” Jisung cried, but he couldn’t help laughing as Chenle crossed the finish line first, throwing his hands up in victory.
“Looks like I won again,” Chenle said, grinning widely. “Guess that’s another point for you.”
Jisung glared at him playfully, unable to hide his own smile. “This isn’t over yet.”
They moved on to the air hockey table, the most intense game of the day. Jisung felt his competitive side flaring up, determined to finally win a round. They both dove into the game with everything they had, their focus intense, their movements fast and sharp. Chenle was surprisingly skilled, blocking every shot Jisung tried to make, smirking with each save.
“Getting frustrated?” Chenle asked, eyes gleaming.
Jisung narrowed his eyes, hitting the puck harder. “I’m just getting started.”
At one point, in his eagerness to make a shot, Jisung leaned too far forward, and his hand brushed against Chenle’s on the table. They both froze, eyes meeting for a charged moment. Jisung felt his pulse quicken, his gaze locked with Chenle’s, and he noticed Chenle’s smirk soften just a little.
Jaemin, ever the observer, cleared his throat loudly. “Point for both of you,” he said with a smirk, snapping them out of their moment.
Jisung quickly looked away, his face turning pink, and Chenle chuckled, shaking his head as he took another shot, scoring again.
By the end of the day, they’d both racked up points from too many stolen glances, brushes of hands, and smirks that lingered just a little too long. But neither seemed to mind, both fully caught up in the thrill of their playful rivalry.
As they were leaving, Chenle nudged Jisung with his elbow, his expression more serious this time. “You know… you’re not as bad at these games as I remember.”
Jisung blinked, surprised at the almost compliment. “Well, maybe you just underestimated me,” he replied, feeling a bit braver.
Chenle’s gaze softened, and he gave a small, almost shy smile. “Maybe.”
They stood there for a moment, a comfortable silence settling between them, until Jeno shouted from across the arcade, “Alright, lovebirds! Let’s go before Jaemin spends his entire allowance on Dance Dance Revolution.”
Chenle rolled his eyes, but he didn’t move away from Jisung. “Guess we’ll see what tomorrow brings,” he murmured, a hint of something unspoken in his voice.
Jisung nodded, watching as Chenle walked away with the others. Day three had left them both a little breathless, a little too aware of each other—and maybe, just maybe, looking forward to whatever came next.
---