raspberries and mocha | heejake ✔

43

Jake paced back and forth in his small apartment, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. It had been a few days since he'd last seen Heeseung, and each passing moment felt like an eternity. His heart raced as he rehearsed what he would say, mentally going over the words of apology he had crafted over the past week. He could feel a flicker of hope igniting within him—maybe this time, things would be different.

"Okay, Jake. You've got this," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists in determination. He grabbed his jacket, adrenaline coursing through his veins, and headed out the door.

As he made his way to the restaurant, his mind buzzed with possibilities. Would Heeseung be surprised to see him? Would he even want to talk? Jake couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind, but he pushed it away. He had to try. He couldn't let fear hold him back any longer.

However, as he turned the corner, ready to step into the restaurant, his heart sank. There, standing just outside, was Heeseung. But he wasn't alone.

Jake's breath caught in his throat as he noticed the woman beside him—someone he had seen before. She looked familiar, her laughter ringing out like a sweet melody, and it twisted something sharp in his gut. They stood close, too close for Jake's liking, and Heeseung's smile was radiant, lighting up his entire face.

Jake instinctively stepped back, the confidence he had just gathered fading like smoke in the wind. He watched, hidden behind a nearby tree, as the two of them shared a moment that felt painfully intimate. They were talking animatedly, the warmth of their interaction evident in the way Heeseung leaned in slightly, clearly comfortable in her presence.

What the hell was happening? One moment, Heeseung was all in for Jake, and now he was here, acting as if nothing had happened between them. Did Jake really think he could just walk back into Heeseung's life after everything that had transpired? The bitter realization hit him hard. Maybe Heeseung had moved on.

Without thinking, Jake slipped further behind the tree, not ready to confront the wave of jealousy crashing over him. He felt like an outsider, stalking his own feelings, watching Heeseung slip away from him right before his eyes. The longer he stayed there, the more he felt like a fool.

"Why am I even here?" he whispered to himself, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to leave. His heart felt heavy, tethered to the sight of Heeseung laughing so freely with this woman. A sick part of him wanted to understand—who was she, and what did she mean to Heeseung?

From his hidden vantage point, he saw Heeseung nodding enthusiastically, the way his eyes sparkled made it clear he was enjoying himself. Jake clenched his fists, wrestling with his emotions. The jealousy surged, but it wasn't just anger; it was something deeper. He felt lost, as if he had missed his chance and was now desperately trying to catch up to a train that had already left the station.

He could barely hear what they were saying, but it didn't matter. Just watching them, Jake felt a deep pang of regret settle in his chest. Why hadn't he fought harder? Why hadn't he tried to understand Heeseung better instead of letting his own insecurities dictate his actions?

Jake pulled his phone from his pocket, contemplating texting someone, anyone, just to distract himself. But his eyes remained glued to Heeseung, feeling drawn to him even as a wave of despair washed over him. This was so stupid. He was stalking Heeseung and some random woman instead of facing his problems head-on.

As the couple began to walk away, Jake felt a surge of determination rise within him. He couldn't let this be the end. He wouldn't allow it.

With newfound resolve, Jake straightened up, finally shaking off the paralysis that had gripped him. He stepped out from behind the tree, heart pounding as he followed them from a distance. He didn't know what he would say or do, but he knew he had to confront this feeling head-on. He needed to find out for himself what this all meant for him and for Heeseung.