Criminal Love || Heejake

Chapter 9: Emotions

It had been over two months since Jake had been declared not guilty, and he was still in the process of recovering from the emotional damage caused by the trial. Amidst the healing process, an old friend from Daejeon, Sunghoon Park, had recently moved to the city. Sunghoon was a charismatic and flirty individual, known for his lighthearted nature. Though Jake was cautious about letting new people into his life, he trusted Sunghoon, knowing he was a genuine friend.

As Jake walked down the bustling streets of Itaewon, lost in his own thoughts, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. "Hey, Jakey!" Sunghoon exclaimed from afar, a playful glint in his eyes. "How's it going?"

Jake let out a sigh, his expression reflecting the weight of his recent ordeal. "You know," he sulked, "I was arrested and accused of being part of those gangs from Itaewon."

Sunghoon's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my gosh! That's really bad. I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he sympathized, his tone filled with genuine concern.

They found a quiet corner to sit and talk, and Sunghoon leaned in closer, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "But you know, Jakey, being the alleged 'bad boy' has its own charm. I wouldn't mind having a notorious friend by my side," he teased, his words carrying a flirtatious undertone.

Jake chuckled, appreciating Sunghoon's attempt to lighten the mood. "Well, I can assure you, I've had enough excitement to last a lifetime. I'm just glad it's all behind me now."

Sunghoon's eyes twinkled mischievously as he shifted the conversation to lighter topics. "So, Jakey, tell me, have you been enjoying your newfound freedom? Any plans to celebrate your innocence?"

Jake smiled, feeling grateful for Sunghoon's presence and his ability to make even the darkest moments seem brighter. "Honestly, I've been taking it easy, trying to heal from all the stress. But I think it's time to let loose a little. How about we gather some friends and have a night out? We can celebrate my freedom and catch up properly."

Sunghoon's grin widened. "Now that sounds like a plan. Count me in. Let's make it a night to remember!"

Their conversation continued, filled with laughter and flirtatious banter. However, Heeseung, who had been observing them from a distance, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Heeseung had grown closer to Jake over the past months, their bond strengthened by the trial and their shared pursuit of justice. He had developed strong feelings for Jake but had kept them hidden, fearing the vulnerability that came with revealing his emotions.

Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Heeseung approached Jake and Sunghoon, his voice laced with misplaced anger. "Jake, I need to talk to you. Excuse us."

Sunghoon raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension between Heeseung and Jake. "Sure thing. I'll catch up with you later, Jake." He gave them a knowing smile before walking away, leaving Heeseung and Jake alone.

Heeseung's emotions had gotten the best of him, and he began to speak without thinking, his words tinged with jealousy and hurt. "Jake, I don't appreciate you getting so close to him. It's as if... as if you're interested in him."

Jake looked at Heeseung, taken aback by his sudden outburst. Confusion mixed with concern on his face. "Heeseung, what are you talking about? Sunghoon is just a friend. We were catching up, that's all."

Heeseung immediately regretted his words, realizing how irrational and unfair he had been. He took a deep breath, mustering the courage to apologize. "Jake, I'm sorry. It's not about Sunghoon. It's about... my own feelings. I let my emotions get the best of me, and I shouldn't have lashed out like that. I hope you can forgive me."

Jake's expression softened as he realized the depth of Heeseung's emotions. He gently placed a hand on Heeseung's arm, offering reassurance. "Heeseung, you don't need to apologize. I understand that emotions can be complicated. We've been through a lot together, and I value our friendship. Let's not let misunderstandings come between us."

Heeseung nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Jake. Your understanding means a lot to me. I promise to work on my own insecurities and not let them affect our friendship."

With their conversation taking a more sincere turn, Jake and Heeseung decided to find a quieter place to continue their talk. They walked through the bustling streets, searching for a hidden spot where they could share their thoughts without interruption.

Finally, they stumbled upon a small, cozy cafe tucked away in a side alley. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they settled into a secluded corner. Jake leaned forward, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Heeseung, I want to understand what you're feeling. We've been through so much together, and our bond has grown stronger. Please, tell me what's been going on in your heart."

Heeseung took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Jake's with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Jake, these past months have made me realize how much you mean to me. I've been struggling with these emotions, unsure of how to express them. But watching you with Sunghoon triggered a wave of jealousy within me, and I couldn't hold it back any longer."

Jake listened attentively, his heart touched by Heeseung's honesty. He reached out, placing his hand on top of Heeseung's, offering comfort and support. "Heeseung, you're an important person in my life, and your feelings matter to me. I never want to hurt you, and I appreciate you opening up to me. But I need you to understand that my connection with Sunghoon is purely platonic."

A mix of relief and hope washed over Heeseung's face as he absorbed Jake's words. "Jake, I... I had no idea. I was so afraid of jeopardizing our friendship. But now that you've told me, I can't hold back any longer. I care about you deeply."

Jake's smile widened, and he squeezed Heeseung's hand gently. "Heeseung, let's take this journey together, supporting and cherishing each other every step of the way."