You're My Escape[S.Coups FF]✅ - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

As they watched Seungcheol and Ara from a distance, mingling in the warmth of their newfound love, Mingyu, Jungkook, and Joshua shared a knowing smile. Their plan had succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, bringing together two hearts that were meant to be.
Joshua glanced at his friends, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Should we go and check on them?" he suggested, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Jungkook nodded eagerly. "Yeah, hyung, let's leave the lovebirds alone for today," he agreed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Mingyu chuckled, his grin widening. "Yaa both of you let them have some fun oh my god i am so happy for me ariiii," he remarked, his tone filled with amusement.
As they reached the parking lot, still buzzing with excitement from their successful plan, Minghao couldn't help but shake his head with a grin. "Ya, because of your plan, Seungcheol almost killed me today," he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Mingyu laughed and clapped Minghao on the back. "But it worked, didn't it? You should have seen his face when he realized he is going to loose ara to someone like you."
Jungkook chuckled. "Yeah, he was so angry and jealous, it was perfect! You were a great decoy, Minghao."
Joshua nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "We knew it had to be something dramatic to get Seungcheol to finally confess. And you, Minghao, you were the key."
Their minds replayed the events of the day. Mingyu, Jungkook, and Joshua shared a knowing glance, remembering how it all began.
Flashback
Earlier that day, they had met in the locker room, concerned about their friends. Joshua had spoken first, worry evident in his voice. "Guys you know Seungcheol's been acting today? He's so zoned out."
Mingyu nodded, a frown creasing his forehead. "Yeah, and Ara's been looking upset and sad too. It's like they're both carrying this heavy weight."
Jungkook, always the problem solver, asked, "Isn't there any way we can make him confess to her? This has gone on long enough."
They were deep in thought when Minghao entered the locker room. Jungkook rolled his eyes , and he pointed at him. "See, here comes Ara's dance partner!"
Joshua's face broke into a grin as a plan began to form in his mind. "Guys, I have an idea."
Flashback ended
Back in the parking lot, Joshua couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "I can't believe how well it worked. Seungcheol really needed that push."
Jungkook grinned. "And Minghao, you played your part perfectly. Seungcheol's reaction was exactly what we needed."
Minghao shrugged, still amused. "Well, I'm glad it worked out. But next time, you guys owe me big time. I thought Seungcheol was going to throw me through the wall."
They all laughed, the tension and worry of the day melting away.
As they were about to leave, Jungkook suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Oh, shit," he exclaimed, his face turning pale.
The other three turned to look at him, concern etched on their faces. "What happened?" Mingyu asked.
Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, anxiety evident in his voice. "Joshua hyung, in all of this, we forgot about Jeonghan hyung. How will he react when he finds out about this?"
Joshua's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, no. You're right. He's going to be mad."
Mingyu bit his lip, worry creeping into his expression. "Jeonghan is super protective of Ara. We might have a bigger problem on our hands than we thought."
Minghao, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Well, Maybe Seungcheol and Ara will be able to explain things to him."
Joshua nodded, but the worry didn't leave his eyes. "They need to prepare for the worst, though. Jeonghan's not going to be easy to convince."
Jungkook sighed. "Let's hope that Seungcheol's hyung ready to face him. This might get messy."
As they walked away, the laughter and lightheartedness from moments ago had been replaced with a sense of foreboding. They had succeeded in bringing two hearts together, but now they had to face the consequences of their actions. The challenge of winning over Jeonghan loomed ahead, and they knew it wouldn't be easy.
Meanwhile
Ara and Seungcheol were sitting in the practice room, their earlier tension replaced with shared love and laughter. Seungcheol gently held her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as they talked about everything and nothing. The room was filled with a warmth that neither wanted to let go of.
But then Ara's mind wandered to her brother, Jeonghan. She bit her lip, her eyes clouding with worry. "Cheol," she began softly, "how are we going to tell oppa about us? Do you think he will accept us?"
Seungcheol's expression mirrored her concern. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, but his own worry was evident. "I've been thinking about that too, Ara. Jeonghan is very protective of you. I don't know how he's going to react."
Ara nodded, her heart heavy. "I'm scared, cheol. He means so much to me, and I don't want to hurt him."
Seungcheol sighed, pulling her closer. "I know, Ara. I'm scared too. But I also know that we can't keep this a secret forever. We have to be honest with him, even if it's difficult."
Ara leaned her head on Seungcheol's shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. "I just hope he can understand how much you mean to me," she said quietly.
Seungcheol kissed the top of her head. "We'll face it together, Ara. No matter what happens, I'm here with you. We'll find a way to make him understand."
Ara lifted her head to look into his eyes, finding strength in his determination. "Okay," she whispered. "We'll tell him together just at the right moment."
Ara then remembered the promise she had given to Jeonghan-that he would be the first to know about her relationship and that she wouldn't date without his permission. Her eyes filled with tears at the thought of breaking that promise. Seungcheol noticed her sudden change in mood and gently cupped her face, wiping away a tear with his thumb.
"Ara, what's wrong?" he asked softly, concern etched on his face.
She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "I promised Jeonghan oppa that he would be the first to know if I started dating someone and that I wouldn't date without his permission. I can't bear the thought of breaking that promise."
Seungcheol's expression softened as he gave her a reassuring smile. "Then let's not date now," he said, surprising her. "Let's wait and get his permission first. Until then we can get to know each other more."
Ara blinked, taken aback. "You'd really do that?"
He nodded, his eyes full of sincerity. "Of course. Your relationship with Jeonghan is important, and I don't want you to break your promise with your brother. We'll talk to him together, and if he gives us his permission, then we'll officially start dating. Until then, we can wait."
Ara felt a wave of relief wash over her. She smiled through her tears, touched by Seungcheol's understanding and patience. "Thank you, cheol. That means a lot to me."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently. "We'll do this the right way, Ara. Together."
They spent the rest of their time in the practice room planning how they would approach Jeonghan, determined to be honest and respectful. Despite the uncertainty ahead, they felt a renewed sense of hope and strength in their love for each other.
On the other side, Jeonghan was sitting in the living room, worry etched across his face. His fever had subsided, but his concern for his sister grew with each passing minute. It had been two hours since college ended, and Ara still wasn't home. He had tried calling her, but her phone was switched off.
Desperate, he called Mingyu and Jungkook. They assured him they had left school already and mentioned that Ara had stayed back to practice with Minghao. This information did little to ease his worry.
Just then, the main door creaked open, and a smiley Ara walked in. Jeonghan sprang up from his seat, rushing over to her.
"Ara, where have you been? I've been worried sick!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of relief and frustration.
Ara's smile faded as she took in her brother's anxious expression. "Oppa, I'm so sorry. I was practicing, and I lost track of time."
Jeonghan pulled her into a tight hug, his relief evident. "Your phone was off. I thought something happened to you."
She hugged him back, guilt tugging at her heart. "I'm really sorry, oppa. I didn't mean to worry you."
He pulled back, holding her at arm's length, studying her face. "It's okay, Ara. I just... you know how much I worry about you. Next time, please try to keep your phone on."
Ara nodded, feeling the weight of her earlier promise to Seungcheol. "I will, oppa. I promise."
Jeonghan's face softened, and he sighed, ruffling her hair. "Alright. Go get some rest, and don't forget we have to talk about your dance competition."
Ara smiled, feeling a pang of anxiety about the conversation she and cheol would soon have with Jeonghan. "I won't forget. Thank you, oppa."
As she walked to her room, she glanced back at Jeonghan, a mix of love and worry in her eyes. She knew the next few days would be challenging, but she felt a renewed determination to face them head-on, with Seungcheol by her side.