PAPER HEARTS || JAKEHOON

AWKWARD BEGGININGS

As the weight of awkwardness settled heavily upon him, Jake heaved a resigned sigh, recognizing that forging a connection with his new roommate would be a daunting task. With a sense of determination, he reached for the fresh set of clothes on his bed, eager to rid himself of the stained hospital shirt that served as a constant reminder of his fragility.

Quickly changing into the clean attire, Jake couldn't help but steal a glance at himself in the mirror, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he refused to let the awkwardness dampen his spirits.

Turning his attention to Sunghoon, who was engrossed in a book on his bed, Jake couldn't resist the urge to strike up a conversation, hoping to break through the icy barrier that seemed to separate them.

"Hey, you're so handsome! Where are you from? Oh! What's your name again? Oh, and why were you here again?" Jake's words spilled forth in a rush, his enthusiasm bubbling over as he attempted to bridge the gap between them.

Sunghoon pulled off his wireless headphones and placed them on his lap, his expression unreadable as he regarded Jake with a mixture of annoyance and indifference.

"Hey-oh, I remember your name now! Park Sunghoon, your name suits you! You—" Jake's words were cut short as Sunghoon abruptly placed the headphones back on his ears, drowning out Jake's voice with the strains of music.

"That's so rude," Jake muttered under his breath, his pout evident as he sank back onto his bed, feeling deflated by Sunghoon's dismissive behavior.

Swinging his feet idly, Jake couldn't help but steal glances at Sunghoon, his admiration plain to see. But Sunghoon's annoyance was palpable, and with a sharp 'tsk,' he made his displeasure known.

"Can you not? Your stares are annoying. Mind your own business," Sunghoon snapped, his irritation evident as he turned away from Jake, seeking refuge beneath the blanket.

Jake's smile faded away, replaced by a sense of disappointment as he rolled his eyes and let out a defeated sigh. It was clear that winning over Sunghoon would be no easy task, and Jake was left to ponder the daunting road ahead.

As Sunghoon drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Jake couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness wash over him. With a heavy heart, he lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as he contemplated the challenges of building a friendship with his seemingly indifferent roommate.

But even in the midst of uncertainty, Jake found solace in his faith, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a delicate necklace. Holding it close to his heart, he whispered a silent prayer into the stillness of the room, his words a plea for strength and guidance in the face of adversity.

"Lord, please... please help me live," Jake murmured, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air as he closed his eyes, seeking comfort in the quiet sanctuary of his thoughts.