𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄? // 𝐉𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍

𝟎𝟎𝟖

As the memory of that golden autumn afternoon faded, Jake felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with fresh heartache. The contrast between the joy they had shared and the pain he felt now was almost unbearable. It was hard to believe that the easy laughter and playful teasing had transformed into a world of hurt and confusion.

The day dragged on in a haze. Jake went through his classes on autopilot, the teachers' voices blending into a dull hum in the back of his mind. Every time he tried to focus, his thoughts drifted back to Sunghoon-his smile, his laughter, the way they'd effortlessly clicked from the very beginning. It was impossible to escape the memories, each one sharp and bittersweet, pulling him deeper into a well of sadness.

After class, Jake found himself wandering to the campus coffee shop, the one he and Sunghoon had frequented. He needed caffeine, but more than that, he craved a moment of normalcy in a world that felt anything but. As he stepped inside, the familiar scent of roasted beans and pastries enveloped him, briefly distracting him from his spiraling thoughts.

But as he moved to the counter, his heart sank at the sight of Sunghoon and the other guy seated in the corner, their heads bent close together, lost in conversation. Sunghoon's laughter rang out, bright and unrestrained, and Jake felt a sharp twist in his gut. The sight was a stark reminder of what he had lost and what Sunghoon seemed to have found so easily.

Jake's feet felt glued to the floor, torn between the urge to run and the instinct to confront the reality before him. He quickly ordered a coffee, trying to keep his eyes trained on the menu, but every few moments, he couldn't help but glance over at Sunghoon. It felt like a cruel joke, the universe laughing at his expense as Sunghoon leaned back, eyes sparkling with unfiltered joy, completely oblivious to Jake's turmoil.

"Jake!" a voice broke through his spiral, and he turned to see Ni-ki walking in, a wide smile on his face. "There you are! I've been looking for you!"

"Hey," Jake replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Ni-ki's enthusiasm was infectious, but it felt like a weight pressing down on him, reminding him of the joy he was missing.

"Are you ready for the game tomorrow?" Ni-ki asked, his excitement bubbling over. "Sunoo and I have been planning some epic cheer to get the crowd hyped!"

"Yeah, sure," Jake said, his voice lacking its usual energy. He couldn't muster the same enthusiasm Ni-ki exuded. "Sounds great."

Ni-ki's gaze shifted to the corner where Sunghoon was seated, and his smile faltered slightly. "Oh... I didn't realize Sunghoon would be here," he said, a hint of concern creeping into his tone. "You okay?"

Jake forced himself to nod, but the truth was that he was anything but okay. "I'm fine," he lied, feeling the weight of Ni-ki's scrutiny. "Just a bit tired, that's all."

"Right," Ni-ki replied, clearly unconvinced but willing to drop the subject. "Let's get some coffee. I need fuel for our cheer practice later."

As they moved to the counter to grab their drinks, Jake tried to focus on Ni-ki's chatter, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Sunghoon. Why was it so easy for him to move on? Why did he have to look so happy with someone else? Jake's heart twisted at the thought, and he fought to suppress the anger bubbling up inside him.

"Did you see that new café opening downtown?" Ni-ki asked, pulling Jake from his thoughts. "I think it's supposed to be amazing! Sunoo and I want to check it out this weekend. You should come with us!"

"Maybe," Jake mumbled, his heart not in it. The idea of being around Sunoo and Ni-ki while trying to process his own heartbreak felt overwhelming.

"Jake," Ni-ki said gently, glancing over his shoulder toward Sunghoon. "I know this is hard for you. But you need to talk to him. You can't just keep avoiding it."