Rivalry Unveiled | HEEJAKE

09

The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Jake stirred in his sleep, slowly becoming aware of the sensation of warmth enveloping him. As his consciousness gradually returned, he realized that Heeseung's arms were wrapped securely around his waist, and Heeseung's forehead was gently touching his.

A wave of panic washed over Jake, his heart racing as he processed the situation. He hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire to move away and the comfort of Heeseung's embrace. His heart raced, trying to comprehend how they had ended up in such an intimate position.

Instead of pulling away, Jake found himself lifting his hands and placing them on Heeseung's cheeks. He watched in surprise as Heeseung leaned slightly into his touch, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Emboldened by this reaction, Jake's fingers began to caress Heeseung's cheeks in a gentle, soothing motion.

The softness of Heeseung's skin beneath his fingertips was unexpectedly comforting. Heeseung's eyes fluttered slightly, his breathing deep and even. Jake couldn't help but smile at the sight, his touch growing more tender as he continued to caress Heeseung's cheeks.

After a while, Jake felt the fatigue of sleep creeping back in. He lowered his hands, opting to hug Heeseung's shoulders instead. He nestled closer, the rhythmic rise and fall of Heeseung's chest lulling him back towards slumber.

Just as he was about to drift off, he felt a soft kiss pressed to his forehead. His eyes shot open, and he reflexively craned his neck to look up at Heeseung. The movement was a bit too quick, and he winced, half-expecting to feel a sharp pain from his neck.

To his surprise, he found Heeseung smiling down at him, his eyes warm and affectionate. "Good morning," Heeseung greeted in a husky morning voice that sent shivers down Jake's spine.

Jake's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and he turned his head away in a futile attempt to hide his embarrassment. "Morning," he murmured softly, his voice barely audible.

A moment of comfortable silence passed between them before Jake gathered the courage to ask, "What was that, just now?"

Heeseung's smile turned sheepish, his fingers idly tracing patterns on Jake's waist. "Honestly, I'm not sure. It just felt like the right thing to do."

Jake's heart raced at Heeseung's candid response. He felt a mix of emotions swirling within him—confusion, curiosity, and a fluttering sensation he couldn't quite define.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he turned his head back to Heeseung. "When did you wake up?"

Heeseung's fingers paused in their gentle tracing, and he looked thoughtful for a moment. "Right around the time you started caressing my cheeks."

Heat rushed to Jake's cheeks as he realized that Heeseung had been awake and fully aware of his actions. He quickly looked away, his embarrassment intensifying.

They settled back into a comfortable silence, wrapped up in each other's embrace. Jake felt a sense of contentment and safety in Heeseung's arms, one that he had never experienced before.

After a while, Jake reluctantly shifted, his voice a mixture of reluctance and longing. "I should head back home. I left everything a mess yesterday."

Heeseung's hold on him loosened, and he nodded in understanding. "Yeah, you should take care of that. We've got a big day ahead with only one day until the fuss."

Jake sighed softly, the reluctance evident in his expression. "I know. I just wish I could stay here a bit longer."

Heeseung chuckled softly, his fingers playing with a loose strand of Jake's hair. "Well, there's always tonight."