𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 | 𝐉𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦

EPISODE 2

The next few days drifted by in a familiar, quiet rhythm. School was a place where Jake and I barely exchanged more than a few words, but at home, things felt different—almost like we could be ourselves again. As time went on, I couldn't help but notice how quickly three months had passed us by. It felt like a blink of an eye, yet the situation remained the same.

But a subtle shift began to stir within me. I had made new friends, and we shared laughter and stories, but there was this gnawing loneliness that crept up on me at school. I had hoped to enjoy these moments with Jake, to share the highs and lows of school life together, but it seemed those dreams were fading into the background.

One afternoon, I was buried under a mountain of homework when Conor burst into my room, practically vibrating with excitement.

"You will not believe what I just found!!!" Conor announced, his eyes wide with mischief.

"What did you find?" I asked, barely glancing up from my notes.

"Jake—"

"Conor!! Shut up, will you?" Jake's voice interrupted, his tone sharp but playful.

Conor's grin widened. "Nope. Jake has a crush."

My heart skipped a beat. "Wh-what..."

For some reason, those words struck a chord deep inside me, a mix of surprise and unease. I tried to steady my voice as I asked, "You have a crush?"

Jake looked flustered, running a hand through his hair. "Look, it's not what it seems—"

"Oh, yeah? Want me to expose you further?" Conor taunted, clearly enjoying the drama.

"Okay, okay, enough. Fine, yes. I have a crush. Happy?" Jake's exasperation was palpable.

Conor's grin was wide and triumphant. "Yes."

Just then, Kamakhya's voice called from downstairs. "Guys, come down for dinner."

Conor's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Kam! You won't believe what I just found out!!"

"Not again..." Jake groaned.

Dinner was a quiet affair for me. I couldn't shake the strange sadness that had settled over me ever since Conor's revelation. I couldn't pinpoint why it affected me so deeply. It shouldn't have mattered if Jake had a crush. But it did. It really did.

After dinner, I wandered outside to catch some fresh air and clear my thoughts. The evening breeze was soothing, but my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. As I sat on the porch, lost in thought, Jake joined me, his presence a comforting but confusing mix of familiarity and longing.

"Hi," he greeted, settling down beside me.

"Hey," I replied, my voice soft.

"All good? You were quiet at dinner too," he observed, concern etched in his eyes.

I nodded, trying to put on a brave face. "I'm fine."

He nodded back, then pulled out a small, crinkled package from his pocket. "Here. I brought your favorite chocolate."

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I took the chocolate from him, the sweet taste melting on my tongue. "So, you have a crush?"

Jake sighed, a look of resignation crossing his features. "Yeah."

"Who is she?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

"A classmate," he said, his gaze distant.

I tried to keep my voice steady. "What's her name?"