Beat Me

Beat Me! Episode 23 "You're Stupid"

The moment we stepped through the door, the familiar scent of home washed over me, and a wave of exhaustion hit like a tidal force. So much had happened in such a short span of time-dangerous confrontations, tense moments, and an emotional rollercoaster that left me drained. It was a relief to finally be back in a place where I felt safe.

I kicked off my shoes and all but collapsed onto the sofa, letting out a long sigh as my body sank into the cushions. The soft fabric cradled me, offering a comfort that I hadn't realized I'd been yearning for. "Ahh..." I exhaled, feeling the tension begin to melt away. My eyes were heavy, and the idea of drifting off right there on the couch seemed more appealing by the second.

Ga Ram, ever the responsible one, headed straight to her room to check on Iseul. I barely registered the sound of her footsteps as she moved away, too lost in the haze of fatigue that clouded my mind. I heard Jayden shuffle behind me, and before I could react, he yawned and unceremoniously plopped down right on top of my stomach.

"Ugh!" I groaned, the sudden weight knocking the breath out of me and instantly shattering the comfort I'd just found. "Jayden, what the hell?"

He let out a contented sigh, clearly oblivious-or more likely, indifferent-to the discomfort he was causing. "I'm tired, too," he mumbled, stretching out and making himself comfortable on top of me. "And this is... kinda nice."

"Nice for you, maybe," I retorted, though there was no real heat in my voice. I was too tired to argue, and part of me was just too relieved that we were back home, safe and sound, to really care. But still, his weight was pressing down on my stomach, making it hard to breathe comfortably. I wriggled underneath him, trying to shove him off. "You're squishing me, you idiot."

Jayden chuckled, a lazy sound that vibrated through his chest. "Stop complaining. I'm not that heavy."

"Says the guy who's crushing my ribs," I muttered, giving up on trying to push him off. Instead, I poked his side, hoping to annoy him enough to make him move. "C'mon, Jayden, get off. I'm serious."

He shifted slightly, finally easing some of the pressure off my stomach, though he still didn't get up completely. "Fine, fine," he said with a resigned sigh.

As he finally moved away, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Watching Jayden, I felt a mix of exasperation and sympathy. He kept pushing, kept liking me despite my clear disinterest. His persistence, while irritating, was a testament to his dedication and care, but it also made me realize something deeper.

He deserved so much more than to be someone's perpetual second choice. There was a part of me that wished he could find someone who would genuinely reciprocate his feelings, someone who would appreciate his relentless affection and care. He deserved a love that wasn't just one-sided, a relationship where his feelings were truly valued and returned.

But for now, he was stuck in this endless cycle of unrequited affection. It was frustrating to watch, knowing that he was caught up in a situation where his emotions weren't fully reciprocated. It made me question whether it was fair to let him continue like this, chasing after someone who couldn't fully return his feelings. Jayden deserved someone who would love him for who he was, not just as a persistent suitor but as a person who could truly appreciate and cherish him.

"Jayden... You know..." I began, my voice soft and uncertain. I stared at the ceiling, my hands resting on my stomach. "You should move on. You don't know if I'll ever give you the thing you want back."

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of truth I'd been avoiding. Jayden's silence was deafening. He shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me with an unreadable expression.