CHAPTER 11

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Jake watched Sunghoon's retreating figure until he was out of sight, his heart heavy with worry and confusion. He stood there for a moment, trying to make sense of what had just happened before finally turning around and heading home. The walk felt longer than usual, his mind replaying the scene over and over. About fifteen minutes later, Jake arrived at his house. He tossed his backpack onto the couch and sank into a chair, pulling out his phone. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he started typing.

Jake: SUNGHOONN?!! ARE U OK WHAT HAPPENED BACK THERE..

Sunghoon's phone buzzed in his pocket as he wandered aimlessly through the park. He pulled it out, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the contact name, "Jake ! <3". He took a deep breath, already too nervous to read the message knowing this was his chance. His fingers trembled as he typed out his response.

Sunghoon: OH UM YH SORRY ABT THAT

Sunghoon: i just got wayyy to nervous yk?

Jake read the message, his concern deepening. He quickly replied.

Jake: It's okay. You can tell me anything, you know that.

Sunghoon closed his eyes, gathering his courage. He typed out the words he'd been struggling to say all evening.

Sunghoon: okay listen the truth is, I have feelings for you. More than just as a friend. I've been scared to tell you because I didn't want to ruin our friendship, but I can't keep it to myself anymore.

Jake stared at his phone, his heart pounding. He hadn't been expecting this, but as he kept rereading Sunghoon's message, he felt a warmth spread through him. He took a moment to compose his thoughts before replying. At this rate, Sunghoon was already regretting his decisions. 

Jake: Sunghoon, I... I don't know what to say. This is a lot to take in. But... I think I feel the same way. I've been trying to figure out these feelings too, and I was just scared to mess things up between us.

Sunghoon's breath hitched as he read Jake's message. Relief and happiness flooded through him, and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.

Sunghoon: Really? You mean it?

Jake: Yeah, I do. I care about you a lot, Sunghoon. Maybe we can figure this out together?

Sunghoon felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He nodded to himself, typing back quickly.

Sunghoon: I'd like that. Thank you, Jake. For understanding and for being here for me.

Jake: Always, Sunghoon. Let's talk more tomorrow, okay? i gtg now but make sure you get some rest !!

Sunghoon: okay bye now..

Jake: bye sunghoon !

Sunghoon put his phone away, feeling more at peace than he had in a long time. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he felt confident that with Jake by his side, they could face anything together. The next day, Sunghoon woke up feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He replayed the text conversation in his head, a smile tugging at his lips. After getting ready, he decided to text Jake to set up a time to talk in person. It was a Saturday, does he really want to go out? Well, of course he does! It's jake after all!

Sunghoon: Morning, Jake. Do you want to meet at the park later to talk?

Jake's reply came quickly.

Jake: Morning ! Yeah, that sounds good. How about 4 PM?

Sunghoon: Perfect. See you then.

The hours seemed to crawl by as Sunghoon anxiously awaited their meeting. When 4 PM finally rolled around, he made his way to the park, his heart pounding with anticipation. He spotted Jake sitting on their usual bench, and a wave of relief washed over him.

"Hey," Sunghoon greeted, his voice a little shaky.

"Hey," Jake replied with a warm smile. "You feeling okay?"

Sunghoon nodded, taking a seat beside Jake. "Yeah, I am. Just... still a bit nervous, I guess."

Jake placed a reassuring hand on Sunghoon's arm. "It's okay. We'll take this one step at a time."

Sunghoon took a deep breath, feeling the tension ease. "I've liked you for a while, Jake. I just didn't know how to tell you. I was so scared you wouldn't feel the same way." Jake's eyes softened. "I've liked you too, Sunghoon. I think part of me always knew, but I didn't want to risk our friendship either. But now... I'm glad we're finally talking about it." Sunghoon smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. "So, what do we do now?" "Well," Jake said thoughtfully, "I think we should just be ourselves. We'll figure this out together, like we always do. And if things get complicated, we'll talk about it." Sunghoon nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. "I like that. One step at a time." They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The park was peaceful, the sounds of children playing in the distance and the rustling of leaves creating a soothing backdrop.

"I've been thinking about us a lot," Jake said after a while. "And I realized that you've always been the person I turn to for everything. You're my best friend, and now... maybe you can be more than that." Sunghoon's heart swelled with emotion. "I feel the same way, Jake. You're the most important person in my life. I want to see where this goes, as long as we're together."

Jake smiled, his eyes shining with affection. "Then it's settled. We'll take it slow, and we'll be honest with each other. No more running away!" Sunghoon chuckled softly. "Agreed. No more running away."

They spent the rest of the evening talking, sharing their hopes and fears, and finding comfort in each other's presence. By the time they parted ways, Sunghoon felt more certain than ever that they were on the right path. As Sunghoon lay in bed that night, he thought about how much had changed in such a short time. He felt a sense of peace and happiness that he hadn't felt in a long time. With Jake by his side, he knew they could face whatever the future held. The next few weeks were a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences for both of them. They navigated the challenges of transitioning from friends to something more, learning to communicate openly and honestly. There were moments of awkwardness and uncertainty, but they faced them together, always coming back to the promise they had made to take things one step at a time. One evening, as they sat on the same bench in the park where they had first confessed their feelings, Sunghoon turned to Jake with a thoughtful expression.

"Jake, do you ever think about what the future holds for us?" he asked softly.

Jake looked at him, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "All the time. And you know what? I see us facing it together, no matter what. I see us supporting each other, growing together, and being there for each other through thick and thin." Sunghoon felt a warmth spread through him at Jake's words. "I like that vision. It sounds... perfect." Jake reached out and took Sunghoon's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It does, doesn't it? And I believe we can make it happen, as long as we keep being honest with each other and facing everything together." Sunghoon squeezed Jake's hand back, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for the boy sitting beside him. "I believe that too, Jake. With you, everything feels possible." As they sat there, watching the sun set and the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, Sunghoon knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And in that moment, he felt truly happy and at peace, knowing that he had found something incredibly special with Jake.

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YAY THEY FINALLY GOT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!

anyways sry for the lack of updates i lwky js got lazy after school ended😭

WORD COUNT: 1314 words

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