𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄? // 𝐉𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍

𝟎𝟏𝟔

As they walked toward the café, the rain continued to fall, the sound of droplets creating a soothing rhythm that blended with the chatter of their friends. Jake's heart was still racing, his hand entwined with Sunghoon's as they navigated the slick pavement. Despite the warmth of Sunghoon's grip, uncertainty lingered in Jake's mind.

Heeseung, sensing the charged atmosphere, took a step back to walk beside Ni-ki and Sunoo, giving Jake and Sunghoon some space.

Jake appreciated the support from his friends, but the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him. He glanced at Sunghoon, who was looking straight ahead, determination etched across his face. "You okay?" Jake asked quietly, wanting to ensure Sunghoon was truly ready to face this challenge.

"I'm good," Sunghoon replied, though the slight tremor in his voice gave Jake pause. "I just want to make this work, Jake. I know I hurt you, but I can't lose you again. I won't let that happen."

The sincerity in Sunghoon's words made Jake's heart swell, but fear also crept in. He didn't want to be hurt again; the thought of diving back into the intensity of their relationship was terrifying. "I'm scared, Sunghoon," Jake admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if we end up right back where we started?"

"Then we'll fight to stay where we are," Sunghoon replied, his grip tightening around Jake's hand. "I'm not going to give up on us again."

Jake nodded, taking a deep breath as they reached the café entrance. The warm glow from inside was inviting, a stark contrast to the dreary weather outside. As they entered, the smell of coffee and baked goods enveloped them, and Jake felt a sense of comfort wash over him.

They found a large table at the back, the warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. As they settled in, Jake noticed the way Sunghoon's eyes flickered between their friends, gauging their reactions. Heeseung, ever the peacekeeper, kept the conversation light, regaling them with tales of his own misadventures in the rain earlier that week.

"Let me tell you, getting caught in a downpour with no umbrella is not the highlight of my semester," Heeseung laughed, eliciting chuckles from everyone.

Jake appreciated Heeseung's efforts to deflect attention away from the tension between him and Sunghoon, but he could feel the weight of their unspoken words lingering in the air. After a few moments of banter, Jake decided to take a leap.

"Guys," Jake said, drawing everyone's attention. "Sunghoon and I... we talked. We're trying to figure things out."

The table fell silent, all eyes on them. Ni-ki's expression brightened with a smile. "That's great! I'm glad to hear it."

Sunoo leaned forward, his gaze warm. "Just take it slow, okay? You two have a lot to work through, but you can do it."

Sunghoon nodded, his expression determined. "Yeah, we'll take our time. I just... I really want to make this work."

"Good," Heeseung said, a grin breaking across his face. "Just remember, communication is key. Don't hesitate to talk about how you're feeling, even when it's tough."

Jake felt a swell of gratitude for his friends, the support wrapping around him like a blanket. But even as they shared laughter and stories, the uncertainty still loomed in the back of his mind.

As they enjoyed their drinks, Sunghoon leaned closer to Jake, his voice low. "Can we talk more later? Just the two of us?"

Jake's heart raced at the invitation, but he nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."

After a while, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but Jake couldn't shake the weight of Sunghoon's gaze. There was an intensity there, a burning desire to reconnect that made Jake's heart flutter and ache at the same time.

As the afternoon wore on, the rain began to taper off, leaving behind a fresh, earthy scent that lingered in the air. The café began to empty out, and their group decided to head out for a walk, the last remnants of sunlight breaking through the clouds.

As they strolled along the damp pavement, Jake found himself falling into step beside Sunghoon, their hands brushing against each other. The air felt charged, and Jake could feel the unspoken tension lingering between them.

"Jake," Sunghoon said softly, pulling him slightly aside from the group. "Can we step away for a moment?"

Jake nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and anticipation as they walked a few paces away, just out of earshot. The world around them faded as they stood beneath a nearby tree, the branches providing a semblance of shelter from any lingering raindrops.

"About earlier..." Sunghoon began, his voice steady but vulnerable. "I know things are complicated, but I really want to make this work. I know I hurt you, and I wish I could take it all back, but I can't."

Jake took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I want to believe you, Sunghoon. I really do. But I don't want to keep getting hurt."

"I understand," Sunghoon replied, his eyes searching Jake's. "But I promise I'll do better this time. Just give me a chance to show you how serious I am."

The sincerity in Sunghoon's voice washed over Jake, and for the first time in a while, he felt a flicker of hope. "I want to try, but it's hard to let go of the past," Jake admitted, feeling raw and exposed.

Sunghoon stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Then let's make new memories. Together. I'll prove to you that I can change."

Jake could feel the heat radiating from Sunghoon, the intensity of his words resonating deep within him. "I want that," Jake whispered, heart racing as he took in Sunghoon's earnest expression.

In that moment, the world around them faded further, leaving just the two of them standing beneath the tree. Sunghoon leaned in closer, his breath warm against Jake's skin. "Just trust me," he murmured, his voice almost pleading.

Before Jake could process what was happening, Sunghoon closed the distance, capturing Jake's lips with his own in a kiss that was both tentative and filled with longing. The kiss was electrifying, a rush of emotions crashing over Jake like the rain that had soaked them moments before.

He responded instinctively, deepening the kiss as he melted into the moment, the warmth of Sunghoon's body igniting a fire within him. All the fears and doubts faded away as he lost himself in the kiss, feeling the tension that had held them apart begin to dissolve.

As they pulled away, both breathless, Jake looked into Sunghoon's eyes, seeing the vulnerability and determination there. "What now?" Jake asked softly, his voice trembling slightly.

"Now we take it one step at a time," Sunghoon replied, a smile breaking through the seriousness. "No rush, just us figuring it out together."

Jake nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Okay. I can do that."

They rejoined their friends, a newfound sense of determination between them. With every step forward, Jake felt a little lighter, the burden of uncertainty slowly lifting as he embraced the journey ahead. Though challenges lay ahead, he realized he wasn't alone anymore. Together with Sunghoon, he was ready to navigate whatever came next, rain or shine.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝 ᥫ᭡