Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🌸 Chapter 08 🌸

Just as I was about to leave, Jake turned back, his gaze searching mine. "Can we talk? Come inside," he asked, and my heart raced with a mixture of happiness and curiosity. I nodded and followed him inside.

His home was beautiful, a blend of classic elegance that felt like stepping back in time. The wooden furniture gave the space a warm, inviting feel, and the white curtains billowed gently in the breeze. Everything was so tidy, yet there was an undeniable charm to the place. It felt like a cozy sanctuary.

"Make yourself comfortable; I'll be right back," Jake said, disappearing into another room, think it's kitchen. I took the opportunity to explore a bit. The house was old, filled with character, and I noticed a calendar hanging on the wall. My eyes widened when I saw the year-1867. But it was now 1880.

Jake returned a moment later, balancing a tray filled with two warm coffees and cinnamon rolls. "Here! You must be hungry," he said, sitting down next to me. I accepted the coffee gratefully, the rich aroma filling my senses.

"Thank you! By the way, Jake, why is the calendar year 1867? Now it's 1880," I asked, curiosity bubbling up.

He looked at me, his expression shifting. "It's... actually because of..." His voice trailed off, and I could see the struggle in his eyes.

"Jake, it's okay. You don't have to tell me if you're uncomfortable," I offered gently.

"No, it's not like that. I really want to tell you... it's because of my... younger b-brother," he said, his voice cracking.

"Do you want to share what happened?" he asked.

"Of course, if you're okay with that," I replied. "It all started in 1867. I had a younger brother; he was two years younger than me, but he was ill from the moment he was born. My father never loved him. My mother, I think she tried of him too, but sometimes she got emotional too. I was the only one who really loved him. He was my everything. I took care of him."

As he spoke, I could hear the pain in his voice. "You know, he always loved my fairy tales. That's why I wanted to be a good writer. But now, I don't think I can be. Still, I'm trying, because of my brother. But one day, I never expected-my brother left me alone in this world without anyone."

His voice trembled, and I felt a lump in my throat. "He always loved drawing, and I loved writing. That's why, at the art gallery, when I saw that piece, it reminded me of him. You know, my brother left me in 1867, and that's why I didn't change the calendar. I don't want to let him go."

Tears welled in his eyes, and he began to sob quietly. My heart broke for him. I wasn't usually one for hugs, but I felt an overwhelming urge to comfort him. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly.

"Why, God? Why did you take him from Jake?" I thought, feeling anger and sadness swell within me. Jake was one of the kindest people I'd ever met, and he didn't deserve this. It hurt to see the pain hidden behind his beautiful smile and his stories.

I held him close, wanting to take away even a fraction of him sorrow. In that moment, I realized that I would do everything I could to be there for him, to help him carry the weight of his past. He deserved a chance to find happiness again, to let his stories flourish beyond the shadows of his loss.