My Beloved//Jake Kiszka

Ch.11

❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

The week after the gig was a whirlwind. You and Jake had been trying to navigate your new relationship while keeping it under wraps from your friends. But today, something new was adding to the chaos.

"Have you seen the new guy?" Izzy asked, sliding into the seat next to you in chemistry class.

"New guy?" you asked, not really paying attention as you scribbled down some last-minute homework answers.

"Yeah, he's in our history class too. Tan, short black hair, green eyes... and super tall. Honestly, he's pretty hot," Izzy said with a sly grin.

You looked up from your notes. "Really?"

As if on cue, the new guy walked into the room. He was exactly as Izzy described—tall and tan with striking green eyes. He flashed a charming smile at the teacher before taking a seat near the front.

"See? Told you," Izzy whispered, nudging you with her elbow.

"Yeah, he's definitely attractive," you admitted, glancing over at him again.

Jake walked into the room a few moments later, immediately noticing your conversation and following your gaze to the new guy. His jaw tightened slightly, but he quickly masked it with a casual smile as he took his seat next to you.

"Hey," he said, his voice a bit more tense than usual.

"Hey," you replied, squeezing his hand under the table.

Class went on as usual, but you couldn't help but notice Jake glancing over at the new guy every so often. You tried to focus on the lesson, but your mind kept drifting back to the conversation you'd had with Jake after the gig. You knew he was serious about your relationship, but seeing him slightly jealous was a new and surprising feeling.

After class, you walked with Jake to your locker. "So, the new guy, huh?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Yeah, I guess," you shrugged. "Izzy thinks he's hot."

Jake laughed, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "What do you think?"

"I think he's attractive, but he's not you," you said, looking up at him.

He smiled, genuinely this time, and leaned down to kiss you lightly. "Good answer."

As you walked to your next class, you couldn't help but feel the eyes of the new guy on you. It was a strange feeling, being the center of attention like that. But you pushed it aside, focusing on getting through the rest of the day.

❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

Later that evening, you and the group gathered at Josh and Jake's house. The living room was buzzing with activity as everyone settled in for a movie night.

Izzy plopped down next to Josh, giving him a playful shove. "So, did you hear about the new guy at school?" she asked, grinning.

Josh raised an eyebrow. "New guy?"

"Yeah, Mr. Tall, Tan, and Handsome," Izzy said, rolling her eyes. "He's in our history class and chemistry."

"Sounds like someone's got a crush," Josh teased, earning a laugh from everyone.

"Please, I'm just stating facts," Izzy said, sticking her tongue out at him.

Jake sat down next to you on the couch, his arm draped over your shoulders. "So, what's the deal with this new guy?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"Nothing much. He's just... new," you said, shrugging.

"Yeah, and hot," Izzy added with a smirk, glancing at Josh to see his reaction.

Josh's smile tightened slightly, though he quickly covered it with a joke. "Well, I hope he knows he's got some serious competition."

Izzy laughed, but you noticed the way Josh's eyes flicked over to her, a hint of jealousy there. It was clear that both Josh and Jake were feeling a bit threatened by the new arrival.

As the movie started, you leaned into Jake, feeling his warmth against you. Despite the new guy's presence, you knew where your heart lay. Jake's hand found yours, and he squeezed it gently, as if reassuring you—and himself—that everything was fine.

Halfway through the movie, Sam and Danny started goofing off, throwing popcorn at each other and making everyone laugh. It lightened the mood, and soon everyone was back to their usual selves.

"Hey, Y/N," Danny called out, "do you think the new guy would survive in this madhouse?"

"Probably not," you laughed. "He seems too normal for us."

"Good," Jake whispered in your ear, making you smile.

❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

By the end of the night, the tension had eased, and you felt more at ease with your friends. As you all said your goodbyes and headed home, Jake walked you to your door.

"Thanks for tonight," you said, turning to face him. "I needed that."

"Anytime," he replied, pulling you into a kiss. "I'm glad we're in this together."

"Me too," you whispered against his lips, feeling a sense of contentment wash over you.

As Jake walked back to his house, you couldn't help but think about the new guy and the impact he'd had in such a short time. But as you watched Jake walked away, you knew that no matter what, your heart belonged to him.