_A Jakehoon Fiction_

27

Sunghoon is again zoned out at his work.

After a week has elapsed since the incident, Sunghoon's health has steadily improved, enabling him to resume both school and his part-time job at the café.

Despite Jake's attempts to reach out and bridge the gap, Sunghoon's stubbornness persists, complicating their dynamic. Sunghoon struggles with the internal conflict of wanting to reciprocate Jake's efforts but also finds himself unable to overcome his own stubbornness. This inner turmoil takes its toll on Sunghoon as he grapples with conflicting feelings of regret and frustration.

Jay stands on the sidelines of the unfolding chaos, feeling helpless and weary.

Jay's POV
"I can't take this anymore... God, please help them and give me a moment of peace."

With a heavy heart, he wishes nothing more than for peace to be restored among his friends, who hold such a significant place in his life.

Jay: "Oh Jake..?" He said as he saw Jake standing in front him at the counter.

Sunghoon's instincts kick in, attuned intently to the mention of a familiar name. However, he resists the urge to glance in their direction, feigning preoccupied with his task of brewing coffee kepping his back faced towards them.

Jake's eyes was on Sunghoon as he desperately hoped he would give him a single glance.

Jake: "Mm..I would like to give two orders for..uh, for me grande iced latte and what do you want?" Looks at the tall handsome figure beside him.

???: "Americano." He spoke out with a cool tone.

Jay eyes the unknown figure with him with curiosity.

Jay: "Right uh.." Looks over at Jake. "You're friend?"

Jake was waiting for that quistion as he quickly shook his head.

Jake: "My 'boyfriend'."

Jake exaggerated the word boyfriend so it can be heard clearly to Sunghoon..and it did. Sunghoon froze at spot as he couldn't believe Jake's words.

Jay was also in shock.

Jay: "W-what, your boyfriend??.."

Jake: Smiles "Yeah." Says nonchalantly. "Ni-ki, this is my friend Jay." He says to the man who he referred him as his boyfriend.

The younger man nods as then proceeds to look at Jay.

Ni-Ki: "Hi, I'm Ni-Ki." He offers his hand to Jay for an handshake.

Jay was quite dumbfounded as he accepts his hand. He looked over at Jake asking.

Jay: "He's really your-....?"

Ni-Ki chuckles at his words he then spoke up.

Ni-Ki: "Why? You have doubts?"

Jake chuckles as he then spoke.

Jake: "Well he is now, don't have any doubt. Please bring coffee for me and my handsome boyfriend now."

Jay's mind couldn't process. Ni-Ki slightly cringed at Jake's words but composed himself.

Jay: "R-right, it'll be right up."

Sunghoon feels like drowning himself. He couldn't help but finally look back; Jake was indeed standing with an unknown man.

In a fleeting moment, Jake's gaze softened upon making eye contact with Sunghoon. Just as quickly, however, he averted his attention. His hand moved down to the side intertwining his fingers with Ni-Ki's. As Sunghoon witnesses this exchange, his heart clenches, making it increasingly difficult to maintain his composure. Overwhelmed by regret and the weight of his emotions, he struggles to catch his breath, tightly grasping the table before him.