𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | sim jaeyun

11

chapter eleven;; comfort

Jake and Inah strolled leisurely through the picturesque coastal town. The sun emits a warm glow on the cobblestone streets as the sound of seagulls echoes from the sky.

They passed by the quaint shops and houses, exchanging friendly handwaving with the townsfolk.

"This place is really charming," Jake remarked, glancing around the area.

Inah turned her head to look up at Jake, plastering a teasing smile. "Wow! You finally get to admire this town. I remembered the day you kept on complaining about the project and being fussy towards this place."

Jake stifled a laugh, sheepishly grinning. "I'm sorry about that. I was so annoyed at that time, wanting to finish this task quickly. But now, everything made me intrigued... especially the lighthouse. It's the reason why I'm starting to change... and you." He uttered, looking back at Inah.

She warmly smiled, feeling touched of his words and glad that he's able to develop his behavior. She really hoped that Jake would finally free himself from trouble.

"That's great to hear from you, Jake," she mumbled.

"And I assure you..." Jake stopped on walking as he paused for a few seconds to face her. "...that I'll completely change... that I'll never involve myself from trouble anymore. Unless..." he paused again, hinting a serious yet sincere expression towards her. "...when someone dares to hurt you, I'll protect you... no matter what."

Inah had a hard time thinking of a response. She felt emotionally stirred by his words, not expecting that he'd tell those things to her.

"Jake..." she uttered, still not able to build a sentence as he smile and gently ruffled her hair.

"Remember that, okay?"

Inah smiled back, slowly nodding her head.

As they walked again, few of the locals greeted Inah with friendly smiles and curiously glancing at Jake.

"Hi, Inah dear!" An elderly woman called out from her porch. "Who's this handsome friend of yours?" She asked with a teasing grin.

Inah blushed, quickly responding. "This is Jake. He's my classmate."

The elderly woman chuckled knowingly. "Oh I see... a classmate. Not a boyfriend then?"

Jake widened his eyes of what he heard. Both him and Inah turned a shade redder, stumbling over their words.

"Oh... no, no," Inah stammered, "we're just classmates. He was the one tasked to restore the lighthouse and I was appointed to assist him so..." she added, coyly laughing.

"Alright~ enjoy you two," the woman plastered another grin as they both continued to walk after Inah waving at her.

Walking again, they met more friendly people.

A fisherman waved at them from his boat, and now a shopkeeper from her store. The woman handed them a couple of complimentary sweets, insisting that they should keep them.

"Are you sure about this, Ma'am?" Jake asked with an innocent look.

The woman smiled, cupping her hand on his cheek for a second. "Of course, young man. They're free when it comes to Inah. Take them."

Jake shyly chuckled, scratching his nape. "Oh uh... thanks."

"Anytime. Have a good day you two~"

Inah quietly giggled and Jake noticed it when she looked up to him.