Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🌸 Chapter 22 🌸

As the sun began to rise, I stirred awake, taking a moment to survey the scene around me. Everyone was asleep, their faces relaxed in the dim light, but I noticed Jay was missing. A knot of worry tightened in my stomach.

I got up quietly and made my way toward the river. There, I found Jay sitting at the water's edge, his gaze fixed on the gentle current. I approached and sat beside him.

"Thank you," he said softly, glancing at me.

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "For what?"

"I know I didn't like you at first, but... you're not bad. Not at all," he replied, a small smile forming on his lips.

"That's... nothing. We need to stay together in this, no matter what. We need to protect each other," I said, trying to brush off the warmth rising in my cheeks.

He nodded, his expression turning serious as he took a moment before speaking again. "By the way, Sunghoon, you like Jake, right?"

My heart raced, caught off guard by his question. "W-what?" I stammered.

"Don't lie. I can see it in your eyes," he said, looking straight at me.

I sighed, feeling the truth weigh heavily on my chest. "Yeah, I love Jake so much... So what's your point?" My voice softened.

Jay shifted slightly, gazing out at the river. "We're in the middle of a war, Sunghoon. I don't want anything to happen to us, but... even when I try to stay brave for everyone, I'm not. I'm not sure about anything, so don't waste time."

"Time is coming for us, but sometimes we need to be the time," he added, his eyes reflecting the flowing water.

I contemplated his words, the weight of them sinking in. Before I could respond, Jay stood up. "I'm going to look for Jungwon. Just keep what I said in mind," he said, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking away.

Left alone, I stared at the river, lost in thought. Jay's words echoed in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was right. Time was fleeting, especially in our current situation.

But the thought of Jake filled my heart with warmth. Our relationship had grown so strong in such a short time, forged in the chaos around us. I needed to protect him, not just from the war outside but from the fear that loomed over us all.

Taking a deep breath, I resolved to find Jake and talk to him. I wouldn't let fear dictate our lives. We had each other, and that was worth fighting for.