Revenge〘ΗεeJακeΗοοη〙

19 (Drama)

"So, how's school going?" Heeseung asked, carefully plating two bruschetta sandwiches. He slid one in front of Jake and took a seat across from him.

"It's been alright. Classes are easy enough, and no one bothers me much," Jake replied, settling into his chair. He picked at his sandwich for a moment before adding, "Except for Sunghoon..."

Heeseung’s ears perked up, catching the name. "Sunghoon? Does he have anything to do with that FS² group?"

Jake shook his head, a slight grimace crossing his face. "Nah, nothing like that. He's just someone I have to tutor. The teacher assigned him to me, not like I had a choice."

Heeseung’s brows furrowed. "Wait, you're tutoring him? Are you sure he's not giving you trouble? If he's pushing you around, I can—"

"No, no. It's not like that," Jake cut him off, leaning back in his chair. "He’s not forcing me or anything. The teacher insisted, so I can’t really back out."

Heeseung’s eyes narrowed in concern. "But... if you don’t want to do it, I can talk to the school. You shouldn't have to tutor someone who makes you uncomfortable. I can even have a word with him if he’s bothering you. Just say the word and I—"

"Hey, hey," Jake interrupted with a soft laugh, leaning forward to nudge Heeseung’s foot under the table. "It’s fine. I can handle it. Why are you getting so worked up over this?"

Heeseung's expression softened, but he hesitated. "Because I lo—" He stopped short, realizing what he almost said.

Jake blinked, tilting his head. "Hm? What was that?"

Heeseung quickly cleared his throat, averting his gaze. "I mean, because... you don’t deserve to be stressed over stuff like this. You’ve got enough on your plate. Anyway, let’s not focus on him. Your food’s getting cold. Eat up before you're late."

Jake gave him a curious look but shrugged it off, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Fine, but you’re acting kinda weird, y’know. You’re usually the one telling me not to stress about little things."

Heeseung chuckled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. He picked up his own sandwich, trying to brush off the moment. "Yeah, I know. Guess I'm just protective or something."

Jake chewed quietly for a moment before speaking again. "You don't have to be so protective. It’s not like I can't take care of myself. I’ve been dealing with worse than Sunghoon."

Heeseung stilled, his grip tightening on his sandwich. His eyes darkened slightly as he thought about everything Jake had gone through. "I know. It’s just… I hate seeing you deal with stuff alone. If anything happens, promise you’ll tell me, okay?"

Jake gave him a soft smile, the sincerity in Heeseung’s voice touching him. "I promise. But I can handle a high schooler like Sunghoon, no problem."

Heeseung sighed, leaning back in his chair, though his expression remained tense. "Yeah, I get it. But still... if he crosses any lines, I want to know."

Jake laughed lightly, taking another bite of his food. "Thanks, though. It’s nice knowing you care this much."

Heeseung's expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He rested his chin on his hand, watching Jake eat. "Of course I care, dummy."

Jake felt a flush rise to his cheeks and tried to change the subject, mumbling through his food. "Anyway, this bruschetta is really good. You should cook more often."

Heeseung chuckled, the tension easing. "If you say so. Maybe next time, I’ll make something fancier."

"Don't push your luck," Jake teased with a smirk, knowing Heeseung’s cooking skills were still a work in progress.