𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 16: Thank you

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16: Thank you.
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Jake's voice trembled through the phone, heavy with desperation. "I know it's really wrong for me to call at this hour, but... I just need someone."

Mina's chest tightened at his words. "I'm here, Jake," she said softly. "I'm all ears. What's going on?"

"I don't know what to do anymore," he said, his voice cracking. "I've tried everything, but nothing works."

Mina's mind raced. What had he tried? What was he talking about? An uneasy fear crept over her, the kind that came from not knowing how bad the situation really was. "Do you want me to come over?" she asked, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Jake didn't hesitate. "Please."

"Alright," Mina said, already making up her mind. "I'm on my way."

She ended the call and slipped back into her room. Ni-ki was lying on her bed, scrolling through his phone, but he looked up as she started gathering her things.

"Ni-ki, I'll be back soon," Mina said, trying to sound casual. She grabbed her bag and sprayed a light mist of her favorite perfume.

"Where are you going at this time of night?" Ni-ki asked, sitting up, his eyes narrowing.

"Oh, um... I'm going to Eunsoo's. She's upset and needs me right now," Mina lied, her voice faltering slightly.

Ni-ki's gaze locked onto hers, sharp and probing. "You better not be lying to me," he said, his tone low and serious.

Mina felt her breath hitch. The room was thick with tension as his stare bore into her. "I-I'm not lying," she said, breaking eye contact and fumbling with her bag. "I'll be back soon."

Without waiting for his response, Mina climbed out of her window, disappearing into the night.

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The clock read 12:45 AM as Mina hurried toward Jake's house. Great, she thought bitterly, only a few more hours until school and I haven't even slept. She shoved the thought aside as Jake's house came into view.

She knocked softly. KNOCK KNOCK.

The door opened almost immediately, revealing Jake. His face was pale, his brows furrowed, and his jaw tight. His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"Jake," Mina whispered, stepping closer. "What happened?"

"Come in, quick," he said, his voice hushed. "And please be quiet. My parents are asleep."

Mina nodded and followed him inside, tiptoeing carefully to avoid making a sound. As they reached his room, she noticed the chaos. His PC lay shattered on the floor, clothes were strewn everywhere, and the energy of the space was suffocating.

"What happened here?" Mina asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jake sniffled, rubbing at his eyes. "Mina... you can't tell anyone about this, okay?"

"I won't," she promised, sitting down on the bed beside him. "Now tell me. What's going on?"

Jake exhaled shakily, his hands trembling. "I've tried everything to stop this from happening, but nothing worked. I'm... I'm screwed."

Mina's heart broke at the sight of him unraveling. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck, one hand stroking his hair while the other rubbed his back in soothing circles. "It's okay," she said softly. "Take your time. I'm here."