𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 22: Distance

Jake's expression softened as he took in her frazzled state, running a hand through his own disheveled hair.

Jake: Hot chocolate?

He offered, raising an eyebrow.

Mina nodded.

Mina: Yes, please.

Mina sank into the couch, releasing a sigh. Meanwhile Jake busied himself in the kitchen, clinking mugs together and warming milk. He glanced over his shoulder at her every so often, as though reassuring himself that she was really there.

When he came back with two steaming mugs, he handed one to her and settled beside her, just close enough that their knees brushed. Mina took a sip, letting the warmth seep into her. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, letting the stillness linger.

Jake: So... you just ran away?

He asked finally, a hint of worry in his voice.

Mina: Yeah. Couldn't stay there anymore.

She murmured, swirling her mug.

Mina: It was all just... too much. Ni-ki avoiding me, pushing me away. New mother wanting me to move in with her, I just didn't know what to do.

Jake nodded, his eyes soft with understanding.

Jake: I get it. But it's like every week you're running away, Mina this isn't good. I'm worried, like really worried.

For a moment, there was silence, then Mina looked at him, really looked at him.

Mina: That's why I'm always here, you're always available to help me out, that's why I come here. And what about you? How's everything with... you know. Your situation?

Jake's face tensed.

Jake: You mean the marriage?

Mina nodded, her gaze unwavering.

Mina: Yeah.

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.

Jake: It's stupid, really. The second I'm done with school, they want me to marry her. It's all set, even though I don't even like her. I barely know her.

Mina's jaw clenched.

Mina: But why?!

Jake shook his head, frustration etched into his features.

Jake: It's all tradition, family expectations. I don't want any of it.

Mina: Well.

Mina said with determination, setting her mug on the table.

Mina: You won't have to marry her. I promise you that. I'm just trying to figure out how.

Jake looked at her, a soft, grateful smile creeping onto his face.

Jake: How can you be so sure?

Mina: I've said this before but it's because I won't let it happen. You deserve to be happy, Jake. With someone you actually... you know, love.

He blinked, his gaze lingering on her face.

Jake: Thank you, Mina. Really. No one's ever suggested to go to such an extent to help me out.

She shrugged, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Mina: That's what friends are for, right?

Jake: Friends, just friends.

He whispered to himself.

The room fell silent again, but this time it was filled with a gentle warmth, a shared understanding. Finally, Jake broke the silence.