Love Beyond Chains | Enhypen Jake

12

Nabi's POV

I know he's lying to me. Whatever just happened in the escape room was not just a regular fear. It goes deeper than that. 

I know I don't have the right to poke into Jake's business. It's not my place. But I can't help but wonder what really triggered his panic attack. 

What event from his past traumatized him? Did something happen to him as a kid? I want to ask him all of this and more, but I know I should wait until the right time. He'll tell me when he's ready. 

Now, the two of us drive back to the hotel in silence, the cool night breeze comforting us. The city lights flicker by in a blur as I stare out the window, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that has settled in the car. Jake's hands grip the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning pale. 

I steal a glance at him, hoping he might say something, anything, to break the silence that hangs heavy between us. But he doesn't. He just keeps his eyes fixed on the road ahead, like he's afraid that if he looks anywhere else, everything will fall apart.

My thoughts circle back to the escape room. It was supposed to be fun, just a way to unwind after a long day. But then Jake had that panic attack, and everything changed. His reaction was so intense. It was like something snapped inside him, and I didn't know how to help.

I want to be there for him, to help him carry whatever burden he's been shouldering alone. But how can I do that when he won't let me in?

The hotel comes into view, its tall structure towering over the surrounding buildings. Jake pulls into the parking lot, and for a moment, I think he might say something. But instead, he just parks the car and turns off the engine.

We sit there in the silence, the only sound the distant hum of traffic. I can feel the tension in the air, the unspoken words hanging between us like a bridge that neither of us is ready to cross.

"Jake..." I start, my voice barely above a whisper. I'm not even sure what I want to say. I just know that I can't let this silence stretch on forever.

He turns to look at me, his eyes shadowed and unreadable in the darkness. For a moment, I think he might finally open up, but then he just shakes his head slightly.

"Not now, Nabi," he says, his voice rough and tired. "I can't... I just can't right now."

I nod, even though it hurts. I want to reach out and give him a hug, let him know that everything will be alright. That I'll always be waiting whenever he wants to talk. But I don't. I just give him an understanding smile, one that I'm not even sure he can see in the dark. 

The two of us step out of the car, slowly making our way to the hotel entrance. The lobby is quiet, almost eerily so, and the receptionists barely look up as we walk past. 

We step into the elevator, and the silence between us feels even heavier in the small, enclosed space. I glance at Jake again, but he's staring straight ahead, his expression blank.

When the elevator doors slide open on our floor, we both step out, the quiet click of our footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. 

We step into our room together, and I head to the bathroom first, as I usual do. Once I take off my clothes and step into the shower, I run my hands through my hair and allow the warm water to comfort me. It soothes me, heals me, allows my mind to relax. I let go of the tension from this evening and just stay present in the moment. 

It's been about ten minutes when I realize that I should probably get out now. I turn off the water and grab a towel, wrapping it around my body. I step out of the bathroom and head to the closet to get my pajamas. As I make my way there, I steal a glance towards Jake. He's sitting on the couch, staring off at the wall in front of him.