𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 31: Truth

Mina stepped into the school hallway, her eyes scanning the bustling crowd. She told herself she wasn't looking for Jake, not deliberately, at least. But deep down, she knew she was lying to herself. She wanted to see if he was okay, even though she had no right to care. Not after everything.

And then there he was.

Jake stood near his locker, his hands shoved into his pockets, staring off into space. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in the way he stood that seemed off. Maybe he was tired. Maybe he was just done with everything. Mina felt her heart ache at the thought, but before she could think too hard about it, Jake shook his head and turned away, as though shaking off his own thoughts.

He didn't notice her at first, but then their eyes met.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Mina felt her breath catch, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest. But Jake's reaction was ice cold. He quickly looked away, his jaw tightening as though the sight of her pained him.

That was when Eun-Kyung stumbled into him, almost as if on cue.

Mina's eyes narrowed. It was too perfectly timed, too deliberate to be anything but staged. And sure enough, Jake instinctively caught her, his arms steadying her before she could fall.

Jake: Are you alright?

Jake asked, concern lacing his voice.

Eun-Kyung nodded, her arms still clinging to his shoulders.

Eun-Kyung: Thank you, Jake..

she said sweetly, tilting her head up to look at him with wide, grateful eyes.

Mina felt a surge of jealousy so strong it made her stomach churn. She clenched her fists at her sides, glaring daggers at Eun-Kyung. What the hell is she doing? Mina thought bitterly. And why does Jake look like he's actually worried about her?

Before she could dwell on it further, a pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind. She startled, but then relaxed when she realized it was Aerum, Heeseung, and Jungwon, all grinning at her.

Aerum: Missed you over the weekend.

Aerum said, squeezing her tightly.

Heeseung: Yeah, the house was way too quiet without you.

Heeseung added, ruffling her hair.

Aerum: Ni-ki's barely been home. He's always at Eun-Kyung's house now. Aunt Chaeyoung is worried sick about him.

Aerum said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Mina frowned, guilt bubbling up inside her.

Mina: I feel bad for Aunt Chaeyoung... she must be so scared for him.

Heeseung: She is, But enough about him. We're here to focus on you.

Heeseung confirmed.

Jungwon smiled brightly, grabbing Mina's wrist.

Jungwon: Speaking of focusing on you, I have something to show you. Come on.

Before Mina could protest, Jungwon pulled her toward a bench in the courtyard, leaving Heeseung and Aerum behind. They sat down, and Mina tilted her head curiously.

Mina: What is it?.

she asked.

Jungwon's expression grew serious, something she rarely saw.

Jungwon: It's about Jake and Ni-Ki. I found something out.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, hands slammed onto both their shoulders, making them jump.