Love Beyond Chains | Enhypen Jake

10

Nabi's POV

It's been a week since Jake and I escaped. We've been savoring our time together, basking in each other's company and sharing stories.

Earlier today, I brought up the idea of finding a job. I don't want to rely on Jake's money indefinitely. Back home, I had enjoyed working at a local café, and I miss the sense of independence it gave me. When I mentioned this to Jake, he agreed it was a great idea. He suggested we both apply for jobs at a nearby café. Of course, I happily agreed. 

I look through my clothes, trying to find clothes worthy of my interview today. I realize now that I probably should have gotten some formal clothes as well when we had gone shopping. As I rummage through my clothes, I'm able to find a floral skirt and white blouse. I stare at them for a while before deciding to put them on. They're not quite what I would prefer, but I don't have much of a choice. 

As soon as I slip the clothes on, Jake comes out of the bathroom. He's shirtless, with a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair still dripping wet. In the past week, it's a sight that I've been forced to become accustomed to. But my admiration for his perfect body never wanes. 

He walks over to the closet, and I do my best to keep myself from staring. I keep my head down, trying to give him his privacy, but I can't stop watching him from the corner of my eye. 

Once he grabs his outfit, Jake heads back into the bathroom to change, but stops right before he enters. Without even looking back, he says, "I saw you looking by the way."

Before I even get the chance to refute it, he closes the door behind him. I blush profusely, embarrassed that he caught me in the act. 'I can't keep doing that' I tell myself.  'Or maybe...I just got to be more discreet next time...'

Snapping me out of my invasive thoughts, Jake steps out of the bathroom, now fully clothed. He looks polished and ready for the interview, and I can't help but admire how he manages to look so effortlessly put together.

"You look great," I say, trying to mask my earlier embarrassment. "Ready for today?"

Jake grins. "I think so. How about you?"

"I'm not sure if this outfit is exactly what I had in mind, but it'll have to do. I just hope it's good enough."

He walks over and takes a closer look at my outfit. "You look amazing," he reassures me with a comforting smile. "Trust me, you'll do great."

"We'll do great," I correct him gently.

"Of course," he chuckles lightly. Oh, how I love his laugh.

With new confidence, we both walk out of the door, heading outside to Jake's car. The sun is shining brightly, and the gentle breeze adds to the sense of optimism I feel. 

Within a few quick minutes, we arrive at the café. As I step out of the car, I glance at Jake, who gives me an encouraging nod. With his confidence encouraging me, I lead the way into the café. As we enter, we're greeted by a middle-aged woman standing behind a desk. 

"Hello! My name is Amelia, and I'll be the one to-" the woman pauses as she makes eye contact with me. She looks me up and down, observing both my body and face for quite a while. 

I feel incredibly uncomfortable as she gazes at me, and I turn to Jake for help. Noticing my silent plea for help, Jake turns to Amelia, "Ma'am?" he calls out, trying to remove her attention from me. 

She looks up, finally realizing that she had been staring at me the entire time. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she apologizes, looking away from me.  Even though she claims to be sorry, I don't truly believe it. She has a weird smile on her face, as if she's up to something. And what's even weirder is that I feel like I recognize that smile... "I hadn't realized I was staring. I'm so sorry if I made you uncomfortable."