REALLY LIKE YOU [Sim Jake]

14

The students of Seocho High School were now having their after-party, celebrating the success of the school's club festival.

The after-party was held only among their respective club members to ensure that the gathering was held as minimal as possible.

"Thanks to Jiyeon, our pastries were completely sold out!" The head of the baking club stated while pointing at Jiyeon who was currently rubbing her nape, having her head low due to embarrassment.

"Take this as a token of gratitude." The leader said while handing Jiyeon a box of pizza, causing the girl to widen her eyes.

"T-thank you."

"For you guys, let's share the pizza together. She deserves it." The leader stated to the other group members while patting Jiyeon's shoulders.

"Umm..." Jiyeon opened her mouth, trying to say something, causing everyone in the room to look at her.

"Can I eat this somewhere else?" She hesitantly asked in which her voice was almost inaudible to the others' ears.

"Sure! We don't mind." The leader replied, reassuring the girl.

Jiyeon instantly exited the room after thanking them, making her way out of the club rooms' building. She then made her way towards the outdoor basketball court with the pizza box in her hands.

She slowed her pace when she was about to reach the area, not wanting to interrupt whatever conversations the boys were currently having.

"Of course he likes someone! Do you think Jake is a heartless loser who doesn't have feelings?" Jiyeon heard a speaking voice who sounded like Jay.

She slowly peeked in between the chain link fence to see whether the person she was searching for was there.

There he was, sitting on the cement floor, with his arms behind his back, supporting his leaning body, with Sunghoon and Jay beside him.

The guy just chuckled upon hearing his friend's words, causing Jiyeon to pout, slightly disappointed with what she witnessed.

"Isn't that Jiyeon?" A voice enquired, causing the girl to stumble back after hearing her name being called by one of the guy at the court.

The boys turned their heads at once to look at her directions.

"I-umm, Jake this is for you!" She stuttered, eyes shaking due to the unwanted attentions given by the boys.

She placed the pizza box on the nearest bench before leaving the area in a hurry, didn't dare to stay there any longer after being caught.

"Jiyeon!" Jake tried to stop the girl but she was fast enough to escape that she was now not in sight anymore.

He quickly packed his stuff before leaving the court, going after the braided-hair girl.

Jake suddenly turned around, returning back to the court when he realised that he was forgetting something.

"Bye, guys! See you guys tomorrow!" He spoke while picking up the pizza box that she left behind for him.

"Hah! The high school love story that we never get to experience." One of the guys spoke while sighing.

Thanks to her short legs, Jake didn't need to run far to catch up with her pace.

"Jiyeon, wait!" He called.

Upon realizing that it was no use for her to run, she slowed down, but still not turning back. Jake took the opportunity to quicken his steps so that he could stand in front of the girl, stopping her from walking further.

As they were standing face-to-face, Jiyeon just stood there awkwardly, playing with her fingers while looking at the guy who was catching his breath.

Jake then fixed his posture, running his fingers through his hair while looking at the shorter girl.

"Let me walk you home. It's late." He suggested, looking at his watch. It was already an hour before midnight.

Jiyeon responded with a nod. She had to admit that it was quite dangerous for her to ride a bus at this hour. And she'd rather walk home with him than having to disturb her personal driver who might be sleeping already.

"But before that," He spoke, causing the girl look at him, waiting for his next words.

"shall we stop somewhere to eat this together? I bet you still haven't eaten you dinner." He suggested.

"Okay." Jiyeon replied in a soft tone.

********************

Jake got out of the convenience store, with two cans of drinks on both of his hands, walking towards the table which was occupied by Jiyeon.

He opened one of the can before handing it to the girl who was currently eating the pizza.

"Thank you." She said with her mouth stuffed, earning a chuckle from the guy.

"You're not going to eat?" She asked, looking at him.

"I'm going to." He responded, earning a nod from the girl.

"How much did you hear just now?" The guy finally asked after fighting with thoughts in his head.

Jiyeon took her time to think before replying to the guy's question.

"Not much. Just the thing you guys conversed towards the end." She replied.

"The one that Jay said?" He questioned for confirmation.

"Hm." Jiyeon nodded, causing Jake to heave a huge sigh.

"Why? Is it not true?" She asked back, putting down the pizza she was holding before brushing the crumbs on her hand.

"I-it's... true." He replied, not sure if it was best to tell her the truth or not.

"Ah..." Jiyeon reacted, sounding disappointed.

"Good for you then." She spoke in a very soft voice, hoping that the latter wouldn't notice her sudden change in mood.

Jake, on the other hand, just bit his lips while repeatedly tapping his drink can with his finger due to anxiousness, afraid that he might hurt the girl's feelings.

Upon finishing their food, the two students walked home side by side in a silence.

"Are you mad by the fact that I like someone?" Jake asked, breaking the silence.

"Why would I?" Jiyeon replied short, causing the guy to close his eyes, frustrated by the whole situation.

"How should I say it? How should I say it?" Was the thoughts playing in his mind.

"It's you." Jake spoke, keeping his eyes on his shoes while walking.

Jiyeon raised her eyebrows, tilting her head, trying to understand his words.

"It's you, the one that I like." There. He finally said it.

Jake stealthily took a glance at the girl beside him while scratching his head, uneasy with her silent response.

"A-are you okay?" He hesitantly asked.

"Hm? Ohh...yes. I just don't know what to say." She replied, looking everywhere except for the guy beside her.

"I'm sorry. I never want you to find out like this." He spoke up, sighing.

"It's fine." She responded, finally looking at him with a smile.

Upon reaching in front of the girl's house, Jake bid her a goodbye before turning around to leave the place.

"Jake!"

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Kindly vote please!

Love, Nia♡