Jake and I had been best friends since we were little. We were inseparable, despite our differences. He was the annoying kid, always full of energy, while I was the quiet girl, content with observing the world around me. Our bond was so strong that everyone around us believed we were meant to be together.
But everything changed when we entered 10th grade. Jake started avoiding me, distancing himself from our friendship. It felt like he was slipping away, becoming a completely different person. I couldn’t understand what had caused this sudden change.
Then, I noticed him getting close to another girl. They became inseparable, just like Jake and I used to be. Jealousy consumed me. I convinced myself that I loved him, that I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him to someone else. And so, against all odds, I mustered the courage to ask him on a date.
To my surprise, Jake was overjoyed. It turned out that he had been waiting for me to make a move for a long time. But deep down, I knew that my feelings were not genuine. They were born out of fear, fear of losing him as a friend. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth, so I decided to stay with him.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Jake was good to me, treating me with kindness and affection. But every day, I carried the weight of regret in my heart. I regretted not being honest with him, not being true to myself. I had let my fear dictate my actions, and now I was paying the price.
Looking back, I realize that true friendship should never be based on possessiveness or jealousy. It should be built on trust, understanding, and acceptance. I had let my insecurities cloud my judgment, and in doing so, I had lost sight of what truly mattered.
...
Jake had mentioned that he was waiting for me near his apartment, so I headed over and found him sitting alone. As soon as I called his name, he turned around and I took a seat beside him.
"I apologize for making you wait," I said, feeling frustrated that he hadn't informed me earlier. "I wouldn't have been late if you had told me in the first place."
He responded with a dark smile on his face, saying, "I should have told you too." Something seemed off, and I could sense that there was something troubling him.
"What's wrong? Are you alright?" I asked, my face filled with confusion.
"Y/n, I called you here because I wanted to ask you something," he said politely.
"Of course, you can," I replied, curious about what he had to say.
"Okay, it has been four years since we started dating, but you have never once told me that you truly love me. Every time I try my best to make a change for you, but you never reciprocate. I understand everything in your mind, even if you don't voice it. Y/n, are you sure you still love me?" There was a moment of silence between us. "I don't want you to hurt yourself just to spare my feelings. I don't want you to worry about me anymore. Just tell me!"
He looked into my eyes, but I couldn't find an immediate answer. "Okay, y/n, let's take a break. I want you to think about your feelings for me. You know I will understand your decision, right? Take the time to figure out whether you want to continue this relationship or be alone. I'll support you either way."
"Thank you, I will do that," I replied.
"You can stay at my home. I'll go to a hotel and stay there, don't worry," he suggested. However, I didn't agree with his plan. Instead, I decided to go to Jeongin's place, as I knew he wouldn't mind.
"No, Jake. I can stay at my friend's house. You should stay here," I insisted.
"What friend? You only have me..." He paused for a moment. "Please don't tell me it's Jeongin."
"Yes, it is Jeongin. He's been there for me and understands me well. Don't worry about it," I answered, grabbing my bag to leave.
"But still..." he tried to object.
"It's okay, don't worry. Goodbye," I said to him, making my way to Jeongin's home. I called him to let him know I was on my way, and he kindly opened the door for me.
