I would like to list down some reasons as to why Pran acted the way he did
1) Pran's mom's manipulation. Pran had been brought up with the idea that this rivalry is their destiny, that they're simply born that way. Pran, despite all the damage it had done to him, doesn't seem to question his parent's rules and restrictions yet.
"If we know how it ends, isn't it better not to start at all?"
He accepts them as a fact of life, a truth, fate. Although both families are deeply invested in this rivalry, only of them has instilled this deep rooted anxiety in their son, this belief that it is right and inevitable. He doesn't want the ill-fated cycle of separation and pain repeating again. He'd rather have Pat as his enemy than not have him at all.
"I should take a break. It still hurts"
2) The complex relationship of Pat and Pran. Pran and Pat's relationship has had me fascinated big time. Despite being in love, they aren't lovers. Despite occasionally being friendly, they aren't friends. Despite constantly being at odds, they aren't enemies. Pran and Pat having kept their relationship hidden under the guise of rivalry, a direct confrontation between the two was never required. Pran being the more sensitive one, was reluctant to admit that he had feelings for Pat. Moreover having kept his feelings hidden away for a long time, he had full control over his emotions
3) Pat not clearing the air between him and Pran regarding Ink. Although Pat had kissed him, still he was the one who had claimed that he likes Ink only a day ago. Moreover, Pat has always hidden his sincerity and commitment behind the goofy tone of his. The goofiness in his tone, might have made Pran question his actions, commitment and sincerity.
That is why Pat chose the bet to give Pran a safe and familiar place where they can explore their feelings freely. Because their dynamic all along has been about competing. Pran in that way would care less about parents or friends or any other external other external forces and focus solely on Pat.
