raspberries and mocha | heejake

38

Jake hurried down the street toward the restaurant, heart pounding harder with every step. Apologizing wasn't easy—hell, it was the hardest thing he'd ever do—but he had to. He couldn't spend another second without Heeseung in his life. His palms were clammy, and he fidgeted with the strap of his bag, rehearsing the words in his head over and over.

What if he forgives me? What if we go back to how we were? What if I kissed him right there? His mind spun with endless possibilities, each one more hopeful than the last.

But then—he stopped in his tracks. His heart dropped, the air stolen from his lungs as he caught sight of something—or rather, someone.

It was Heeseung.

Jake instinctively ducked behind the corner of a nearby building, peeking around just enough to get a clear view.

Heeseung wasn't alone.

Beside him stood a woman—someone Jake had never seen before. She was tall, elegant, dressed in a casual but put-together way. And Heeseung...he was smiling. No—laughing. Genuine, easy laughter that Jake had only ever heard when they were together.

The woman leaned closer, her hand brushing Heeseung's arm. And Heeseung didn't pull away. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, nodding in agreement with something she said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement.

Jake's chest tightened, jealousy stabbing him like a dagger in the gut. What the fuck is this?

One second he was the gayest bitch alive, just for me—and now this? Jake's mind was racing, his emotions a storm of confusion and hurt.

Were they...dating? Was she an old flame? A secret girlfriend? What was happening?

Every laugh Heeseung shared with her felt like a punch to Jake's stomach. He clenched his jaw, fingers digging into his palm to keep from storming over there and demanding an explanation. How could Heeseung look so happy without me?

His heart was shattering, piece by piece, the cracks spreading with every glance Heeseung gave the woman, every smile that wasn't for him.

Jake's vision blurred, and he stumbled back, pressing his back against the wall as he tried to catch his breath. His pulse pounded in his ears, and his hands shook uncontrollably.

He couldn't bear it.

Without another thought, Jake turned on his heel and sprinted down the street, desperate to get away from the sight that was burning a hole in his heart. The cold air stung his face, but he didn't care.

He just needed to be anywhere but there.

Jake's legs carried him faster than his mind could keep up, the rush of emotions crashing over him like relentless waves. He darted through the streets, past shops and blurred figures, each step feeling heavier than the last. The world around him was a buzzing haze—honking cars, chatter from nearby cafes, footsteps on concrete—but none of it registered. His head was filled with only one thing: Heeseung with someone else.

He turned a corner sharply, nearly slipping on the slick pavement, but he caught himself and kept running. He needed to be away from that scene, away from the betrayal twisting his insides. His heart ached with every step, the searing jealousy leaving him breathless. The wind whipped against his face, cold and sharp, but it wasn't enough to numb the pain festering in his chest.

He didn't know where he was going; all he knew was that he had to get away. Get away from the thoughts screaming in his mind. Get away from the image of Heeseung smiling at that woman, the way Jake had always imagined Heeseung smiling only for him.