plot twist: us ➵ sim jaeyun

chapter 14

Chapter 14: Mornings and Mischief

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arang stirred awake, the soft rays of sunlight spilling through the curtains and dancing across her face. She blinked a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized she was not alone. Jake lay next to her, his tousled hair spilling across her pillow and his arm draped protectively over her waist.

She felt a rush of warmth at the sight, a smile creeping onto her face despite the morning's disorientation. She nudged him gently, attempting to free herself from his grip without waking him. “Jake,” she whispered, stifling a giggle, “I’m pretty sure I need to breathe.”

Jake mumbled something incoherent, tightening his hold on her as he buried his face deeper into her side. “Five more minutes,” he groaned, voice muffled.

Sarang laughed softly, enjoying the moment. “You’re like a giant, cuddly octopus,” she teased, her fingers playfully poking his side.

“Giant? Really?” Jake finally stirred, blinking up at her with a sleep-fuzzy expression that was equal parts adorable and hilarious. “I prefer ‘mighty’ or ‘imposing.’”

“Mighty? Please, you look like a sleepy kitten,” she teased, shaking her head.

He released her for just a moment, propping himself up on one elbow with an exaggerated pout. “Ava! You wound me! Here I am, trying to be all strong and heroic, and you call me a kitten?”

Sarang grinned, resting her head on her hand. “A very cute kitten, though. The kind that can’t get off the couch.”

“Okay, that’s fair,” he conceded, finally releasing her and flopping back onto the pillow dramatically. “But only if you promise to pet me and give me belly rubs for compensation.”

“Wow, I didn’t know I signed up for a cat-sitting job,” she quipped, rolling her eyes but leaning over to give him a gentle scratch behind the ear.

“See? You’re a natural!” Jake replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But if you’re going to treat me like a pet, I need some serious snacks. Can we get breakfast now? Like, immediately?”

Sarang laughed, throwing the blankets off and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “Alright, you lazy octopus. Let’s find you some breakfast before you turn into a grumpy cat.”

As they got up and dressed, the atmosphere shifted from playful teasing to something more serious. Jake leaned against the wall, watching Sarang as she brushed her hair. “So, about last night…” he started, his tone growing more somber.

Ava met his gaze in the mirror, her heart racing. “Yeah?”

“I’ve been thinking…” Jake hesitated, his usual bravado flickering. “I really like you, Sarang. Much more than just friends. Last night wasn’t just a fluke for me. It meant something.”

Sarang’s breath caught in her throat, and a warm blush crept up her cheeks. “You mean it?”

“Hmm.But if you’re not feeling the same, I totally understand! I just don’t want to ruin our friendship,” he rushed out, his voice tinged with an earnestness that melted her heart.

“Jake, are you kidding me? I feel the same way,” Sarang  confessed, her words tumbling out. “I’ve liked you for ages. Last night was… it was perfect. I just didn’t know if it was real or just—”

“A drunken stupor?” Jake finished for her, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. “Yeah, I think we both knew it wasn’t that. But you know what? I’m glad it happened.”

“Me too,” she said, her smile widening.

Jake took a step closer, his expression shifting to one of serious intent. “So, does this mean we can kiss now, or do we have to wait for the next big romantic revelation?”

“Why wait?” Sarang challenged, suddenly feeling bold. She closed the distance between them, standing on her tiptoes to meet him halfway. Their lips brushed together, tentative at first, before deepening into a sweet kiss.

It was everything she’d dreamed of—soft, warm, and filled with unspoken promises. Jake wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, and she melted against him, feeling giddy and alive.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Jake broke the tension with a dramatic sigh. “Well, that was quite possibly the best breakfast I could have asked for.”

“Breakfast? Is that what we’re calling it?” Sarang laughed, playfully nudging him.

“Totally,” he replied, feigning seriousness. “I mean, who needs pancakes when you have the sweet nectar of Sarang? But I wouldn’t mind a side of waffles.”

*(Sarang means 'love' in korean. Double meaning here.)

“Waffles coming right up, your majesty,” she quipped, rolling her eyes.

As they made their way to the kitchen, Jake turned to her with a mischievous grin. “Just so you know, if this relationship means I have to share my food, we might have some problems.”

She gasped in mock horror. “Sharing food? How could you ask such a thing of me?”

Jake shrugged, grinning. “I thought we were in this together! You know, partners in breakfast crime?”

“Partners in breakfast crime?” she echoed, laughing. “That sounds like the worst superhero duo ever.”

“Hey, don’t underestimate the power of a good breakfast,” Jake said, puffing out his chest dramatically. “Together, we can conquer any brunch buffet!”

Sarang burst into laughter, the warmth of the moment filling the air between them. “Alright, Mighty Breakfast Hero, let’s make some waffles before you start planning your world takeover.”

As they entered the kitchen, the playful banter continued, filling the space with light and laughter. Their confessions hung in the air, wrapping around them like a cozy blanket, as they settled into the warmth of their budding romance.

In the midst of flour and eggs, jokes and laughter, Jake and Sarang  found themselves ready to face whatever came next—together, with a sprinkle of sweetness and a dash of hilarity.