For the next two days, Jain found himself restless. Every time he looked at Wonwoo, something tightened in his chest—a strange mix of guilt and something else he couldn't quite name.

The bet still loomed over him like a dark shadow, reminding him that time was running out. He needed to make Wonwoo confess, but with each passing moment, the thought of forcing it felt more and more wrong.

At first, Jain tried being extra sweet to him. He sent good morning texts, waited for him after class, and even made excuses to stay close whenever they walked home together. Wonwoo noticed the change, his cheeks tinting pink at times, but he never brought it up. Jain thought the plan was working, yet every time Wonwoo smiled at him, an unfamiliar guilt crept in.

During lunch the next day, Jain decided to push further. Casually, he leaned closer to Wonwoo and asked, "Do you think I'd be a good boyfriend?"

Wonwoo nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he tried to recover. "W-Why are you asking me that?" he stammered, looking flustered.

Jain smirked, though it felt forced. "Just curious."

Wonwoo fidgeted, avoiding his gaze. After a pause, he muttered, "You'd... probably be fine."

Jain expected to feel victorious, but instead, his stomach twisted. He didn't like the uncertainty in Wonwoo's voice.

By the third day, Jain was running out of ideas. If Wonwoo didn't confess today, Park and the others would assume he had lost. But Jain no longer cared about winning—at least, that's what he told himself. Still, he needed to know.

That evening, as they left school together, Jain suddenly turned to Wonwoo. "Let's go for a walk."

Wonwoo looked at him, confused. "A walk?"

"Yeah. Just us."

They walked side by side in silence, their steps synchronized. The quiet between them felt different this time—not awkward, but heavier, as if unspoken words were hanging between them.

Jain finally stopped under a streetlight, turning to face him. "Wonwoo... do you like me?"

Wonwoo froze. His eyes widened slightly, his body tensing.

"What kind of question is that?" he asked, his voice quieter than before.

Jain shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "I'm just curious."

Wonwoo swallowed hard. He shifted uncomfortably, his fingers twitching at his sides. "You already know I used to..."

Jain's heart skipped. Used to? The words felt like a punch to his chest.

"And now?" he pressed, unable to stop himself.

Wonwoo hesitated before shaking his head. "I don't know."

Jain should have felt frustrated. Instead, his chest ached in a way he didn't understand.

He had been pushing Wonwoo toward a confession, but now, standing here, watching him struggle, Jain realized something.

He didn't want a forced confession.

He didn't want to win the bet.

He just wanted Wonwoo.

The thought hit him harder than he expected. For the first time, he saw things clearly.

Jain turned away, forcing a laugh. "Forget it. I was just teasing."

Wonwoo let out a breath, clearly relieved, but Jain couldn't shake the weight in his heart.

This bet... this stupid bet...

He needed to end it.