𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 27: Break up??

Mina walked up the front steps to the entrance of her house, her heart still fluttering at her interaction with Jake.

As soon as she opened the door, she was greeted by her aunt Chaeyoung, who was waiting in the hallway with a gentle but concerned expression.

Aunt Chaeyoung: Mina, welcome back. Your mother asked me to talk to you, about your...decision.

Mina: Oh... right, that.

Mina's heart skipped a beat as she realized she'd almost forgotten about the decision her biological mother, Taehee, had asked her to make, whether she'd stay here or go live with her real mother and her brother, Jungkook. She had been so wrapped up in today's events, she had completely forgotten.

Chaeyoung studied her face, understanding the conflict in Mina's eyes.

Aunt Chaeyoung: It's okay if you haven't decided yet. I told Taehee that it's not an easy choice to make. Take your time.

Mina nodded, offering her aunt a small, grateful smile.

Mina: Thanks, Auntie. I... I'll think about it.

Chaeyoung gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before Mina headed upstairs. She was barely in her room when Aerum appeared in her doorway, leaning against the frame with a curious expression.

Aerum: Did you break up with Ni-ki yet?

Aerum asked, folding her arms.

Mina sighed, running a hand through her hair.

Mina: No, but I'm going to. I'll talk to him as soon as he's back.

Aerum raised an eyebrow, giving Mina a skeptical look.

Aerum: You better actually do it, Mina. If you keep putting it off, it's only going to get harder.

Mina: I know, I know... I just, there's so much going on. And it doesn't help that I'm still... I don't know, confused about everything with Jake.

Mina groaned, collapsing onto her bed.

Aerum came over, sitting down beside her.

Aerum: So, you like Jake, and he likes you... but you're waiting for him to make the first move?

Mina nodded.

Mina: It's just... I don't know. Part of me wants him to take the lead, you know? But every time I see him, it feels like I'm about to burst, and I just, I can't bring myself to ask him.

Aerum considered this, then gave her an encouraging smile.

Aerum: If you like him, and he likes you, sometimes you just have to take a chance. And remember, if Ni-ki gets in your head or tries to manipulate you, stand your ground. Don't let him pressure you into something you don't want.

Aerum gave Mina a quick hug before heading to her own room to get changed. Mina lay there for a moment, steeling herself. She knew Aerum was right; she couldn't keep putting it off. She took a deep breath and decided to go downstairs, but as she made her way toward the staircase, she froze.

There, coming in through the main door, was Ni-ki. She watched him, feeling a mix of dread and resolve. This had to happen. She had to stand her ground.

Mina took a deep breath, then called out to him.

Mina: Ni-ki, can we talk?

He looked over at her, glancing around as if to make sure no one else was around, and nodded.

Ni-ki: Actually, I needed to talk to you, too.

He said, his voice low. He motioned toward her room, and she followed him upstairs, her stomach churning with unease.