𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 || 𝐉𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐌

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟽

"Jake," I said as politely as I could muster, "could you meet me upstairs, please?" He nodded and followed me up to my room.

"Don't have too much fun up there, kiddos!" My dad called from the table.

"UGHH," I groaned, dragging my palms across my face, "COME ON, DAD!" I slammed the door behind Jake and me and sprawled out on my bed.
"Words can't describe how mad at you I am right now, Jake Sim! Now my parents think we're dating!" I scowled at him.

"You're fine, you're fine," he tried to console me, taking a seat on the edge of my bed, "I'm sorry."
I averted my gaze from him, blinking back the tears starting to form in my eyes. My mind was already racing with thoughts of school - which started tomorrow - how badly I needed sleep, as I'd been deprived of it for the last several days, and now Jake. It was overwhelming. I curled into a ball, knees to my chest, and let myself cry. Usually I wasn't one to show emotion, but today I couldn't hold it in.

"Aw, now I really feel bad." Jake laid down next to me and pulled me into his chest. As much as I hated him at the moment, I couldn't help but melt into his embrace. His skin was cold, but his breath was warm against my neck - his thumb gently caressing my arm. He smelled faintly of maple leaves, warm and comforting. I turned around to face him. "Do you forgive me?" he pouted.

"There's no way I couldn't." I grinned, tucking my chin into the crook of his neck. We spent the next few hours getting to know each other. Although I hate to admit it, I enjoyed Jake's company. He really was sweet - I can say that confidently now. He listened to me attentively, offered excellent advice, and knew how to make me genuinely laugh. He said all the right things. We haven't known each other for long, but it feels like we've been together for years. His presence offered me the solace I yearned for.

"Y/n?" he abruptly said.

"What's up?"

"I think I'm in love with you." My mind went blank. H-he loved me? Is that even possible? We've only seen each other twice, well, three times, I guess, if you're counting the first time I saw him at the orphanage. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Uhmm...I'll leave now," he said promptly, "I'm so sorry. Have a good rest of your night."