The rain from the previous day had left the air crisp and cool, making the school grounds feel fresher than usual.

But inside the classroom, things were anything but refreshing—at least not for Ara, who was currently trying to ignore the group of students chatting a little too loudly near her desk. 

“I swear, Jungwon always wins these things,” one of the guys said, shaking his head. 

“Maybe because he actually has luck?” Jiwon laughed. “Or because he never backs down from a challenge.” 

Ara tried to focus on her notes, but when she caught Jungwon smirking from across the room, she knew she wouldn’t be able to ignore them for long. 

“What's this about?” she finally asked, looking up. 

Jiwon grinned. “A bet. We dared Jungwon to—” 

“Nope,” Jungwon cut in quickly, standing from his seat and walking toward her. “Not important.” 

Ara raised an eyebrow. “Not important?” 

He shot a warning glance at Jiwon, who just giggled and walked away with the others. 

“Okay, now I’m curious,” Ara said, closing her notebook. “What was the bet?” 

Jungwon leaned against her desk, arms crossed, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Why? You want to be part of it?” 

“That depends,” she said, tilting her head. “What did they dare you to do?” 

Jungwon’s smirk deepened, but instead of answering, he slid onto the seat beside her. “Let’s just say it involved a certain someone in this room.” 

Ara stared at him for a moment before realization hit. 

“No way,” she muttered. “Did they bet that you could—” 

Jungwon casually stretched, cutting her off. “Like I said, not important.” 

She narrowed her eyes. “If it’s not important, then why did you stop Jiwon from telling me?” 

He let out a low chuckle. “Because I’d rather you not overthink things.” 

Ara scoffed. “Overthink what? The fact that you’re a serial bet-taker?” 

Jungwon grinned. “That, and the fact that you’re definitely thinking about what the bet could be right now.” 

She hated that he was right. 

“Whatever,” she muttered, gathering her things. “I don’t care.” 

“Good,” Jungwon said, standing up just as the bell rang. “Then I won’t have to tell you whether I accepted the bet or not.” 

Ara froze for a split second before glaring at him. “You—” 

“See you later, seatmate,” he said, flashing a cheeky smile before walking off. 

Ara sat there, annoyed—and yet, somehow, more intrigued than she cared to admit.