My Beloved//Jake Kiszka

Ch.12

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The next day in history class, you found yourself nervously tapping your pen against your notebook as Mr. Thompson handed out the project assignments. You tried to focus on the board, but your mind kept drifting back to Jake's tense expression whenever the new guy was mentioned.

"All right, everyone," Mr. Thompson began, "for this project, you'll be working in pairs. I've already assigned the partners, so listen up."

You glanced around the room, catching a glimpse of Jake at the back. He gave you a small smile, and you felt a bit reassured. But when Mr. Thompson called your name, your heart sank.

"Y/N, you'll be working with Zach," he announced, causing a few murmurs among your classmates.

You turned to see Zach give you a friendly nod, his green eyes bright with interest. You forced a smile and nodded back, trying to hide your apprehension.

"Jake, you'll be with Josh," Mr. Thompson continued, making Jake's eyes widen slightly. He exchanged a look with Josh, who shrugged but didn't seem too bothered.

"Izzy," Mr. Thompson continued, "you'll be with Alex."

Izzy's eyes widened, and she shot you a look of disbelief mixed with excitement. Alex, the star quarterback, flashed her a charming grin, and she practically melted in her seat. Josh, sitting nearby, clenched his jaw slightly but managed to keep his cool.

As class ended, Zach approached you. "Hey, Y/N. Looks like we're partners."

"Yeah, looks like it," you replied, trying to sound casual.

"I was thinking we could start the research part at my place after school. Is that okay with you?" Zach asked.

"Sure, that works," you agreed, though you could already feel the tension building.

Later, as you walked to your locker, Jake caught up with you. "So, you're working with Zach," he said, his tone neutral but his eyes searching yours.

"Yeah, it's just a project, Jake," you assured him.

"I know, but... just be careful, okay?" he said, squeezing your hand a bit too tightly.

"I will," you promised, giving him a quick kiss before heading to meet Zach.

At Zach's house, you were surprised by how organized and welcoming it was. He had already set up a workspace with books and notes spread out.

"Make yourself at home," Zach said, smiling. "I've got some snacks if you're hungry."

"Thanks," you replied, sitting down and pulling out your notebook. "Let's get started."

You spent the next couple of hours working on the project, and you had to admit that Zach was intelligent and focused. Despite your initial reservations, you found yourself enjoying the conversation and the progress you were making.

"You know," Zach said, leaning back in his chair, "I didn't expect to have such a cool partner. You're actually fun to work with."

You laughed. "Thanks, Zach. You're not so bad yourself."

"So, tell me, do you have a secret boyfriend or something?" Zach asked, his tone playful.

You felt your cheeks heat up. "No, why do you ask?"

"Just curious," he said with a wink. "A girl like you must have someone special."

You tried to play it cool. "Maybe, maybe not."

When you finally wrapped up for the day, Zach walked you to the door. "This was great, Y/N. Looking forward to our next session."

"Yeah, me too," you said, waving goodbye as you headed home.

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Over the weekend, your group decided to go to the local fair. The atmosphere was lively, with colorful lights and the scent of fried food filling the air. However, there was a noticeable tension between you and Jake.

"Hey, you okay?" Jake asked as you walked through the fairgrounds.

"I'm fine," you replied, though your mind was still on the project with Zach.

Izzy and Josh were bickering back and forth, mainly about Alex. "I can't believe you think he's buffer than me," Josh said, feigning hurt.

"Oh, please," Izzy retorted. "You know I love you, Josh."

"Good, because I'd hate to lose to Mr. Quarterback," Josh teased, pulling her into a hug.

Meanwhile, Sam was glancing nervously around, his eyes searching for someone. "Who are you looking for?" Danny asked, nudging him.

"Alice," Sam admitted. "She's in our math class, remember?"

"Oh, right," Danny said, grinning. "You got a crush, Sammy?"

"Maybe," Sam mumbled, blushing.

The group finally found Alice near one of the game stalls, and Sam awkwardly introduced himself. She smiled, seeming genuinely pleased to see him.

"Hey, Sam! Want to try and win a prize?" Alice asked, pointing to the ring toss.

"Sure," Sam said, his face lighting up.

As you watched them, Jake pulled you aside, his grip on your arm a bit too tight. "Y/N, we need to talk."

"About what?" you asked, already knowing the answer.

"About Zach," he said, his voice tight. "I know you're just working on a project, but I can't help but feel... uneasy."

"Jake, you have nothing to worry about," you said, taking his hand. "You're the one I care about."

"I trust you, Y/N," he said softly, "but I don't like the idea of you spending so much time with him. I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea."

"Jake, you're starting to sound a little possessive," you said, your tone edged with frustration. "It's just a project."

"I don't care. I don't like it," Jake snapped, his voice low but intense.

"Jake, you're being unreasonable," you shot back, trying to keep your voice down. "We need to trust each other."

"I do trust you," he insisted, "but I don't trust him."

"That's not fair," you said, pulling your hand from his grip. "I can't avoid working with him just because you're jealous."

"I'm not jealous," Jake muttered, but the look in his eyes said otherwise. "I just don't want to lose you."

"You won't," you promised, trying to soften your tone. "But you need to relax."

Jake nodded reluctantly, pulling you into a hug. "I just care about you so much."

"I know," you whispered, hugging him back.

As the night went on, the tension eased, and you found yourself enjoying the fair with your friends. Despite the drama, you knew that your relationship with Jake was strong, and nothing would come between you.