|| 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐄𝐑 || HeeJake ||

• || 23 || •

Jake arrived at Jungwon's house in the dead of night, the moonlight casting eerie shadows across the quiet suburban street. His footsteps were nearly silent as he approached the front door, his face a mask of cold determination. The darkness around him seemed to echo the darkness within, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn't fully control. His heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins as he raised his hand to knock on the door.

But before his knuckles could make contact with the wood, Jake hesitated. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to shift his expression. The hard, calculating look in his eyes softened, replaced by a facade of fear and vulnerability. The transformation was quick, practiced—Jake knew how to play the victim, how to make others believe he was helpless, even when the truth was far more sinister.

With his mask firmly in place, Jake knocked on the door, his fist trembling slightly to sell the illusion. A few moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a groggy and surprised Jungwon. He blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep as he took in the sight of Jake standing on his doorstep, looking disheveled and distressed.

"Jake? What are you doing here? It's so late..." Jungwon's voice was filled with concern, his brow furrowing as he quickly ushered Jake inside.

"I... I didn't know where else to go," Jake stammered, his voice shaky, as he stepped into the warmth of Jungwon's home. He wrapped his arms around himself, shivering slightly for effect. "Something... something terrible happened, and I didn't know who else to turn to."

Jungwon's worry deepened as he led Jake to the living room, motioning for him to sit down on the couch. "What happened, Jake? Are you okay?"

Jake let out a shaky breath, sitting down with his head in his hands. He hesitated, as if trying to find the right words, then looked up at Jungwon with wide, pleading eyes. "I... I think I'm in serious trouble, Jungwon. I need your help. Please."

Jungwon sat beside him, his hand resting on Jake's shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Of course, Jake. Whatever you need, I'm here for you. Just tell me what's going on."

Jake swallowed hard, his eyes darting around the room before finally meeting Jungwon's gaze. "There's this guy... Heeseung. He... he's been following me, and tonight, something happened... I think I might be in danger." His voice trembled as he spoke, each word carefully chosen to elicit the most sympathy.

Jungwon's expression turned serious, a protective instinct kicking in. "LEE fucking Heeseung? Following you? Did he do something to you? Should we call the police?"

"No!" Jake quickly interjected, his voice a little too sharp before he softened it again. "I mean... no, I don't think that's a good idea. I don't want to make things worse. I just... I need a place to stay, somewhere safe, just for tonight. Can I stay here?"

Jungwon didn't hesitate, nodding firmly. "Of course, Jake. You're welcome to stay as long as you need. We'll figure this out together, okay? You're not alone."

Jake gave a small, grateful smile, though the darkness in his eyes flickered briefly, hidden beneath the surface. "Thank you, Jungwon. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jungwon squeezed Jake's shoulder reassuringly, completely unaware of the storm brewing within the person he was trying to protect. As Jake leaned back against the couch, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. He had planted the seeds, and now, all he had to do was wait. The game was far from over, and Jake was determined to come out on top—no matter the cost.

The next day, the atmosphere in the studio was tense. Jungwon and Riki were practicing a scene for the upcoming film, but things weren't going smoothly. Jake sat off to the side, watching intently as the two actors tried to get through their lines. The room was filled with the quiet hum of equipment and the occasional frustrated sigh from the crew.