"Cheol- I-" Jeonghan cussed beneath his breath for stammering like that.

"What happened Jeonghan?" Seungcheol held his boyfriend's shoulders as he sensed his nervousness.

"We'll have to break-up." Jeonghan finally blurted out.

"What?" Seungcheol was in an utter dilemma, "We've been dating for a week. What's wrong? Did I do something? We can fix it-"

"No! There's no problem." Jeonghan fiddled with his fingers, "Actually, it was a- a dare. I had to date you for a week."

"Dare?"

Jeonghan nodded in guilt, "I'm sorry Cheol, I didn't mean to hurt you. It was just a harmless-"

"Harmless?" Seungcheol chuckled bitterly, "You dated me for a fucking dare? You played with my feelings Jeonghan! Do you even understand that?"

"It's not that deep Cheol, please try to understand." Jeonghan pleaded.

"No shut up!" Seungcheol choked on his own words, "A dare? Seriously Jeonghan?"

"I didn't know that you liked me-"

"I don't like you, I FUCKING LOVE YOU." Seungcheol's eyes brimmed with tears and rage, "Everyone knows this Jeonghan. How can you be so oblivious about this fact? You shouldn't have done this. Have you ever been in love? I doubt. But imagine if your best friend suddenly comes up and says that he has been with you just because of a dare. How would you feel?"

"Seungcheol, I'm genuinely very sorry."

"And? What do I do of your sorry?" Seungcheol walked backwards, "I hate you Jeonghan, never show me your face again! NEVER!"

"Seungcheol- Stop- I-" Jeonghan tried to make the older stay but he left. It was when Joshua arrived at the scenario, "Jeonghan, I'm sorry."

"Now why are you sorry?" Jeonghan massaged his temples. He didn't know why he was getting affected so much. Of course he was feeling guilty but why was he feeling uneasy for the older? He didn't know.

"I shouldn't have forced you to do so." Joshua looked down, "I'm sorry."

"I'm not a kid Joshua, I know it's my very own mistake and I hold responsible for it." Jeonghan turned around to leave, "I'll fix it myself."

He rushed towards the basketball court as he knew Seungcheol used to spend his time there whenever he had any kind of overwhelming feeling.

And he found him there, slamming the ball harshly on the floor. One stroke almost hit him on his face after which it bounced away.

"What are you doing?" Jeonghan rushed to the older and cupped his face, "You could have gotten hurt."

"Why do you care?" Seungcheol yanked his hands away, "Did you get another dare to show fake concern to me?"

"Cheol-"

"It's Seungcheol for you."

Jeonghan shut his eyes for a brief second, "Seungcheol, I genuinely didn't know about you having feelings for me or else I would have never done that."

"Then you're probably the dumbest person alive." Seungcheol glared at the younger as he walked away to get another ball and continue his practice, "Just go away Jeonghan, I don't want to see your face anymore."

"Seungcheol, I'm sorry."

"Will you stop with this shit?" Seungcheol slammed the ball on the ground, "Why are you sorry? Why do you care? Even if you didn't know whatever I feel for you, is it okay to play with someone's feelings for a fucking dare? How can you steep so low?"

"I said I'm sorry!" Jeonghan's voice raised, "I know what I did was wrong and I'm genuinely sorry for that."

"So? You said sorry, now go?" Seungcheol cocked a brow, "What else do you want?"

Right. What else was left to say?

"You're too stubborn." Seungcheol muttered as he packed his stuff into his bag, "Listen here Jeonghan, you won't understand it now but I hope a day will come when you'll genuinely regret everything you did. I'll leave myself. Don't follow me."

After the older left, Jeonghan stayed in the stadium as he blankly stared at the floor. He couldn't quite understand what he was feeling was guilt, or something much more than that.

The next morning, Jeonghan left Seungcheol's favourite flowers with an apology note in his locker and left. After two of his consecutive classes, he returned to the locker room to check if Seungcheol was there.

But he saw those flowers, on the ground, crushed.
-----------

"Mom, you shouldn't have done that." Seungcheol scoffed.

"What?" Sana blurted out.

"Why are you so desperate about my marriage?" Seungcheol rolled his eyes, "At this point, you'll even agree to marry me to a random stranger walking on the streets."

"Mind you my dear son." Sana chuckled sarcastically, "But Jeonghan is not a random stranger walking on the road. I know him very well."

You don't.

"Young, smart, handsome and a hardworking gentleman." Sana recalled him, "Tell me, can you find a partner better than him? He's a perfect match for you. Have you ever seen him making any mistakes? No! Neither in business nor in personal life."

"Mom! Just because you haven't seen anyone a mistake, that doesn't imply that he's perfect." Seungcheol spat, "And I don't even want someone perfect because I'm not either. I want someone who can embrace my imperfections."

It always ends the same

When it was me and you
But every time I meet somebody new
Its like déjà vu (déjà vu)

I swear they sound the same
It's like they know my skin
Every word they say sounds just like him
And it goes like this

"Exactly." Sana got excited, "You both have your own flaws but guess what? You both look perfect together. You both compliment each other, I can't even imagine how great of a couple you can be!"

Great couple? No. Not at all. Not even in any other life.
------

"When will you stop doing this shit?" Seungcheol coldly stated when he caught Jeonghan keeping flowers in his locker, red handed.

"The day when you'll stop throwing them." Jeonghan retorted.

Seungcheol walked towards the younger as he closed his locker, pinning Jeonghan against it during the process, "Stop taping broken glasses Jeonghan, it won't turn into a perfectly fine glass again."

"At least I can buy you a new one." Jeonghan stated, "I mean, I know I can't turn back anything I did. But I'm genuinely very sorry for it Seungcheol. Everyone can do mistakes-"

"Yes everyone can but when you do it intentionally, it's a different story." Seungcheol glared at the younger, "You might thing it's not a big deal because for you it isn't. But for me- argh just forget it. Why are you doing all this? Why do you suddenly want to apologise?"

"To get back to normal?" Jeonghan mumbled, "To be friends agai-"

"We. Can't. Be. Friends." Seungcheol stated, "And we never were. Because if you would have thought me as your friend then you wouldn't have done this filthy act with me. What's left Jeonghan? You used me for your dare, to prove everyone that you're very daring. That's it. What's your business now?"

"That's what I'm saying?" Jeonghan squinted his brows, "I did it all but now I want to repent for it."

"Please stop it, I'm requesting to you, please." Seungcheol sighed in distress, "There's nothing left between us Jeonghan, I don't even want to see you anymore. Get that in your wicked mind, please!"

"Seun-" Jeonghan scoffed in defeat, "Fine. If this bothers you so much, I'll never show you my face again. Goodbye Choi Seungcheol but I hope you'll remember that I'm genuinely sorry to you."

He began to leave when Seungcheol's voice halted him, "Take them with you." He referred to the fresh flowers, "Or I'll throw them again."

"I gave them to you so now they're yours." Jeonghan looked back, "Do whatever you want to."

After he left with tears in his eyes, Seungcheol broke down as well. His heart was crying, he didn't want to talk like that with Jeonghan.

But sometimes, it's important to accept the harsh reality rather than embracing sweet facades.
-

And as Jeonghan had promised, he never showed up to Seungcheol ever again. For the time they were together in school, they treated each other as strangers, no matter how hurt they used to feel after that.

That's how the differences between them kept increasing. That's how they never got to treat each other as friends. That's how they began their personal rivalry that never seemed to end.

But destiny was too cruel for them as they met again. Jeonghan's company happened to be the closest dealer of Seungcheol's label. And then their families happened to be friends. Then their brothers happened to be in love. And now, they happened to be in a debate about getting married.

Yes, everything just happened, without their will.

We'll get in your car and
You'll lean to kiss me
We'll talk for hours
And lie on the backseat

And then one random night
When everything changes
You won't reply
And we'll go back to strangers

"Mom please stop it already." Seungcheol gathered his calm, "How can you, as a third person, decide our compatibility? You're dreaming about our sweet future but we are the ones who would be thrown into the harsh reality."

"You're saying why am I so optimistic but you can't see yourself imagining the worst scenarios." Sana scoffed, "What's wrong in trying once-"

"Marriage is not something to try mom!" Seungcheol reasoned, "Don't force me or anyone okay? I'll not marry him, that's full and final." He began to storm out of the hall but Sana's next words halted him.

"Fine. Since you've already stated your decision then hear mine too." Sana crossed her hands against her chest, "Seokmin won't marry Joshua until you marry Jeonghan."

"MOM?!" Seokmin stood up.

"Oh you know how to speak Seokmin?" Sana taunted, "You were mute all this time. You should also think about your brother's marriage."

"Hun, that's a ridiculous demand." Sunwoo intervened.

"Don't say this to me, ask your son to agree for at least one of my demands." Sana glared at her husband.

"Yes of course I'll talk to him but don't make such unrealistic demands." Sunwoo reasoned.

"Mom this is so wrong." Seungcheol muttered, "You're just being reckless and childish."

"You shut up." Sana sharply stated as her breaths were rising, "You're so proud of your profession and honestly, we are too. I never asked you to do this or that and never interfered in your career. Is it too hard for you to accept one request of mine?"

"You're literally threatening me by using Seokmin and calling it a request?" Seungcheol raised his eyebrows, "You're unbelievable."

"So are you, son." Sana's voice lowered, "Just marry Seungcheol, before I die-"

"Mom please huh? I can hear everything that you're saying but don't talk about ridiculous things." Seungcheol turned around as he sighed.

One thing was for sure, he wasn't marrying Jeonghan. He just couldn't trust him with his feelings anymore. It was better to keep him away from his life.

It's something that I hate
How everyone's disposable
Every time I date somebody new
I feel vulnerable (vulnerable)

But soon enough he heard a loud thud, followed by Sunwoo and Seokmin's screams.

He turned around to witness his mother lying on the floor, unconscious. He instantly rushed towards her, "Mom? What happened? MOM-?!"

"Sana? Hun?!" Sunwoo panicked as well.

"Dad, let's go to the hospital." Seungcheol suggested in a hurry.

"I'll call the ambulance." Seokmin stood up.

"No it will consume a lot of time." Seungcheol lifted up his mother in her arms as he summoned the staff, "Bring the car, QUICK!!"

All of them got into the car and reached the hospital. As soon as they arrived at the hospital, the medical staff took charge and their known doctor was informed.

Dr. Kim Hyunseok was personally in charge of Sana. He was a lead cardiologist at the Seoul Hospital and was very close to the Choi family.

After Sana was admitted and the doctor made sure that she was fine, he came out of the room. Seokmin had informed it to the Yoon family in the meantime.

"How is she, Doctor?" Seungcheol instantly asked.

"She's stable now. I think she didn't take her medicines today and probably stressed too much." Hyunseok stated in relief, "You can go in after half an hour. I had already told you to keep her blood pressure in check and not to stress her for at least 2 months after the surgery."

"Blood pressure?" Seungcheol was clueless, "And her bypass surgery was 7 months ago, right?"

"I'm not talking about-"

"Thankyou doctor." Sunwoo intervened, "I'll explain it to him, don't worry."

"Yeah sure." Hyunseok chuckled, "The nurse will inform you when you'll be allowed to meet her." He left after patting Seungcheol's shoulder.

"What was it dad?" Seungcheol immediately turned to Sunwoo, "I don't think mom has any blood pressure problems? And what surgery?"

"Calm down hyung." Seokmin held his back, "Dad will explain you but please don't get angry or something."

"Two months ago, Sana began to feel weakness everyday. Sometimes she would sweat too much and faint." Sunwoo slowly explained, "When we consulted the doctor, it turned out that she had developed BP problems. It's medication began but one day she mistakenly took wrong dose and it effected her bypass surgery. So she had to undergo a minor surgery last month. But she's fine now, don't worry."

"Don't worry." Seungcheol chuckled bitterly as tears formed in his eyes, "What's even left to worry about? So much happened in these months and I don't even know about anything?"

"Hyung please calm down." Seokmin caressed his back, "You were already dealing with your extra hectic schedule, we didn't want to stress you."

"That's ridiculous." Seungcheol irritatedly scoffed, "You won't tell me about what's going on in my family just because of my schedules? Do you even know how wrong that is?"

"Son-"

"No dad." Seungcheol cut him off, "If that's the case then even I won't talk about my problems to you. Seokmin is busy with his cafe and you both have to take care of us, the house and everything. Then I shouldn't STRESS you with my problems either."

"Cheol, I know it was wrong, trust me, I really do." Sunwoo held his elder son's shoulders, "But you were on a tour. I saw you working hard for those concerts, I just couldn't bring myself to call you back."

"And when I returned?" Seungcheol gently shrugged his father's hands, "You not calling me back was wrong, still, if I accept that thing, what happened after I returned dad? Why didn't you tell me then?"

"We got busy with everything else-"

"Great." Seungcheol's eyes teared up, "You forgot to tell me. There's literally no excuse to this and you found the worst one over that. You didn't forget to tell me dad, you simply just forgot me."

"No, Cheol, you're getting me wrong-"

"Not that I blame you." Seungcheol wiped his tears, "It's my own fault after all. If only I had gathered some time to see you everyday, I wouldn't have drifted away from my own family."

"Cheol!" Sunwoo embraced Seungcheol as he broke down in his arms, "Don't you dare think like that ever again. I know your profession demands extra dedication. Some people even forget their family after gaining success but you've always been there for us."

"During your resting periods, you always come to see us. You've done many things for us Cheol, I can see the shine in your eyes when you see us happy." Sunwoo caressed his back, "You're the best son to us and best brother to Seokmin. You've drifted nowhere, I'm really sorry for everything. I'm sorry for hurting you."

Seokmin stepped forward to join the hug, "Hyung I'm sorry too. If not mom and dad, then I should've told you, at least. Forgive me, please."

"Okay stop it you both, don't say sorry to me." Seungcheol mumbled, "But please don't hide anything from me ever again. From the smallest to the biggest, I should know everything that's going on in my family."

"Of course, Cheol." Sunwoo nodded, "That's your right."

It was when the nurse came out of the room, "You can see Mrs. Choi now. But please make sure that she isn't stressing much and keep her as happy as you can."

"Thankyou." Seungcheol and Seokmin bowed a bit after which the nurse began to leave.

But she turned around after a while, "And Mr. Choi, I'm your big fan. Don't worry, I won't bother you at this sensitive moment." She chuckled and left after earning gratitude from the idol.

"Okay boys, don't cry in front of her okay?" Sunwoo stated.

"Of course dad!" Seokmin complied.

It was when Seungcheol recalled something. His mom's earlier demand and it wasn't needed to mention over how stubborn she was.

And this was the best moment for her to take promises from Seungcheol.

What was awaiting for him? How was he going to convince his mom that he could do anything but was never going to accept that one specific person in his life?

The person who had once shattered his heart into a million pieces? The person who terribly changed his personality? The person whose betrayal he could never forget?

That it'll never change
And it will just stay like this
Never really dating, breaking up
And it goes like this

And when we spoke for months
Well, did you ever mean it? (did you ever mean it?)
How can we say that this is love
When it goes like this?

A/n : I've a meme lol. To those who read BLOOD RIVALRY, it was a Seungcheol guilty arc and now ARRANGED is Jeonghan's guilty arc.
Parallel universe revenge lmaoo.

Also I've literally no clue about the medical field so spare me if I messed something in that part lmao.

Plus, idk what's wrong with Wattpad, it won't show a notif when I publish a new chapter-

Anyways, take care!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo