𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 27: Break up??

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27: Break Up?.
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Mina climbed the front steps of her house, the warmth of her earlier moment with Jake still lingering in her chest. The memory of his playful grin and the way he'd pulled her close made her heart flutter, a sensation that was quickly interrupted by the sight of her aunt Chaeyoung waiting in the hallway.

Chaeyoung's face carried its usual gentleness, but there was a glint of concern in her eyes.

"Welcome back, Mina," Chaeyoung greeted softly. "Your mother asked me to talk to you... about your decision."

Mina's heart sank. She'd almost forgotten about the choice her biological mother, Taehee, had laid before her: to stay with her current family or move in with Taehee and Jungkook. The weight of the decision suddenly pressed down on her, making her stomach twist.

"Oh... right, that," Mina murmured, her voice faltering.

Chaeyoung studied her closely, her gaze understanding. "It's okay if you haven't decided yet," she said gently. "I told Taehee that this isn't something you can figure out overnight. Take your time."

Mina nodded, grateful for her aunt's patience. "Thanks, Auntie. I... I'll think about it."

Chaeyoung offered her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before Mina headed upstairs, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

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As soon as Mina stepped into her room, she barely had time to kick off her shoes before Aerum appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed and an all-too-knowing look on her face.

"So, did you break up with Ni-ki yet?" Aerum asked bluntly, raising an eyebrow.

Mina let out a long sigh, raking her fingers through her hair. "No, but I'm going to," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I'll talk to him as soon as he's back."

Aerum stepped inside, leaning against the bedpost. "You better actually do it this time. If you keep putting it off, it's just going to get worse. And besides..." Aerum narrowed her eyes slightly. "What's this I hear about Jake?"

Mina groaned, flopping onto her bed. "I don't know. There's so much going on already, and now Jake is in my head, too. I'm... confused."

Aerum perched on the edge of the bed beside her, her expression softening. "So, let me get this straight: you like Jake, and he likes you, but you're waiting for him to make the first move?"

Mina nodded, burying her face in her hands. "It's just... I don't know. Part of me wants him to take the lead, but every time I see him, it's like I'm about to explode. I can't bring myself to say anything."

Aerum gave her a knowing smile. "Look, Mina, sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. If you like him and he likes you, what are you waiting for?" She paused, her tone growing more serious. "And when it comes to Ni-ki... don't let him manipulate you. He's good at that. Stand your ground, okay? Don't let him twist things around to make you feel guilty."

Mina sat up, meeting Aerum's steady gaze. "You're right," she said with a nod. "I need to stop avoiding this."

Aerum pulled her into a quick hug. "Good. You've got this." With that, she headed to her room to change, leaving Mina alone to gather her thoughts.

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Mina lingered in her room for a few minutes, replaying Aerum's advice in her mind. Her stomach churned at the thought of confronting Ni-ki, but she knew it was necessary. Taking a deep breath, she decided to head downstairs and prepare herself for what needed to be done.