제이크. 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝘆 ✔

chapter 16: witnessed by the stars

jake pulled up outside harin's house, the engine humming softly as he parked. harin watched him through the window, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. he stepped out of the car, dressed casually but looking effortlessly handsome, as always.

when she walked out, jake's eyes lit up, and he grinned as he took in her outfit.

"you look great," he said, walking over to open the passenger door for her.

"thanks," she smiled, her cheeks warming a bit. "you too."

he gave a small bow, his expression playful. "your chariot awaits."

harin giggled, sliding into the car. once jake was in the driver's seat, he turned to her and said, "don't worry about anything, I've got everything we need in the back. you just need to sit back and relax."

as they hit the road, the windows were rolled down, letting the cool breeze whip through the car.

the road stretched ahead of them, nearly empty except for a few passing cars. harin leaned her arm out the window, enjoying the fresh air, and they cruised along to the sound of enhypen's latest album playing softly in the background.

after a while, harin turned to jake with a smile. "your voice sounds really good in this one."

jake flashed a grin, but before he could respond, harin added, "heeseung's voice is amazing too."

his brow furrowed immediately, a playful pout forming on his lips. "yeah, but mine's better, right?"

harin laughed, shaking her head. "you're so competitive."

"hey, I've got a reputation to protect here," jake said, glancing over at her with a mischievous smile.

they both laughed, the light banter easing them into the journey.

as they continued to drive, every now and then they'd both swoon over the scenic view, pointing out the breathtaking mountains, trees, and clear skies.

after what felt like a short but peaceful ride, they finally reached the top of the mountain.

jake pulled the car to a stop, and they both got out, taking a moment to soak in the stunning view of the valley below. the sun had already dipped lower, casting the world in a golden glow.

"this is beautiful," harin said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"they say when you're a star, you're on top of the world," jake began, his tone a bit more serious than before. then he turned to her with a smile that made her heart skip a beat. "but I've never felt more on top of the world than I do right now."

harin's eyes met his, and for a moment, they just stood there, taking it all in-the view, the quiet, the feeling of being completely alone together.

they set up the mat jake had brought, laying out snacks and drinks.

the rest of the day passed quickly, jake telling stories about his childhood, growing up in brisbane, and all the things he missed about it. harin couldn't stop listening, captivated by the way he spoke and how his face lit up whenever he talked about his past.

"you really are quite the yapper, huh?" harin teased after a while, a soft smile playing on her lips.

jake laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "yeah, I guess I do. sorry if I'm rambling."

"no, I like it," she said, meeting his gaze. "I could listen to you talk all day."

the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, and soon, the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.