The evening stretched on as we continued playing basketball, the rhythmic bounce of the ball echoing through the gym. Despite the late hour, the atmosphere remained light-hearted and relaxed. Jake, Heeseung, Ni-ki, and I had found a comfortable rhythm, each of us enjoying the friendly competition and the chance to unwind after a long day.
As the game winded down, Ni-ki spoke up suddenly, his voice breaking the pleasant silence. "Chloe, you shouldn't walk home alone. Jake should come with you," he suggested with a tone of concern.
Heeseung nodded in agreement. "It's safer this way, especially at night in a big city like Seoul."
Their concern touched me, but I hesitated, not wanting to impose. "I appreciate it, really, but Jake doesn't need to do this," I started to decline, feeling a mix of gratitude and reluctance.
Jake stepped in before I could finish, his voice firm but reassuring. "Ni-ki's right. It's not safe for you to walk alone at night. I'll walk you home, Chloe. Don't worry about it; it's no trouble."
Despite his words, a knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach. "I'm just worried someone might see us together," I admitted quietly, my gaze shifting between them.
Heeseung's brow furrowed slightly as he realized my concern. "You're right; we didn't think about that," he acknowledged, trying to find a solution.
Jake, ever resourceful, pulled out a mask from his bag and adjusted his hood. "I can cover up. In the dark, I won't stand out too much," he assured us, trying to ease my worries.
Ni-ki grinned encouragingly. "Hyung, don't worry about it. Let's head out," he suggested, taking charge of the situation.
With their insistence and understanding, I reluctantly agreed. Jake and I bid farewell to Heeseung and Ni-ki, their friendly smiles lingering as we walked away together. The streets were quiet and dimly lit, a stark contrast to the lively gym we had just left behind.
As we walked, our conversation shifted to lighter topics. Their dedication and passion for music were palpable, making me appreciate their talents even more.
Eventually, we reached the entrance of my apartment building. Turning to Jake, I expressed my gratitude sincerely. "Thank you for inviting me tonight, Jake. I had a really great time and meeting some of the members was a highlight. You guys are amazing, on and off camera."
Jake's grin was modest, his eyes warm with appreciation. "Thanks, Chloe."
Standing there, a sudden question caught me off guard. Jake's tone was gentle, almost tentative. "When they mentioned the concert earlier, I couldn't help but wonder if you were disappointed about not being able to come."
I paused, uncertain how to respond at first. "Of course, I'm disappointed. I would love to see you guys perform live. But it's okay; these things happen. There are other ways to support you, even if attending a concert is something special."
Jake nodded thoughtfully, his gaze sincere as he considered my words. "What if I could get you a ticket?" he asked suddenly, his eyes meeting mine with determination.
My surprise was evident. "W-what?" I stammered, taken aback by his unexpected offer.
"If it would make you happy," Jake continued, his smile widening. "Would you like that?"
I struggled to find words, my mind racing. "I mean, yes, of course, but..."
"Okay, then," Jake interrupted gently, his expression warm and reassuring. "I know what I need to do now. Goodnight, Chloe. Sleep well."
Before I could fully process his words, Jake turned and started walking away. I stood there, dumbfounded, staring after him as he disappeared into the night. "Goodnight, Jake," I finally murmured softly to the empty street.
Entering my apartment, I replayed our conversation in my mind. Did he really mean it?
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