Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🍃 Chapter 35🍃

Sunghoon's POV:

As I slowly stirred from my sleep, the world around me came into focus, still hazy but comforting. The blankets wrapped around me were warm, a stark contrast to the cold reality outside. I blinked a few times, taking in the dim light filtering through the cracks in the old building.

I looked around, my heart sinking slightly when I realized I was alone. My friends were nowhere to be seen. But then I heard a familiar sound-the soft clinking of metal against metal. Curiosity piqued, I pushed myself up and scanned the room until I spotted Jake in the small makeshift kitchen area, busily preparing food.

Watching him, a wave of warmth washed over me. He was focused, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration as he stirred a pot over a small flame. The way he moved, the care he took in making sure everything was just right-it struck me how much he truly cared, not just for me but for all of us. He was always the one checking in, making sure everyone was okay, putting the group's needs above his own.

I smiled to myself, feeling a flutter of affection as I admired him from a distance. Jake had this incredible ability to make even the direst situations feel a little more bearable. He was strong, compassionate, and always seemed to find a way to keep us grounded.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, Jake turned and caught my gaze. His expression brightened, a smile breaking across his face. "Hey, you're awake!" he said, his voice warm and welcoming. He walked over to me, the concern evident in his eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," I replied, managing a small smile despite the lingering discomfort. "Just a little tired, I guess."

Jake knelt beside me, his eyes searching mine as if he could read the unspoken worries hidden beneath the surface. "You gave us a scare. I was worried you wouldn't wake up."

"Really?" I asked, genuinely touched. "You were worried about me?"

"Of course," he said, shrugging slightly as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You're important to us, to me."

A warmth spread through my chest at his words. "Where are the others?" I asked, wanting to shift the focus away from myself.

"They went to help some people," he explained, glancing back toward the doorway. "There were a few families nearby who needed supplies. I decided to stay behind and make sure you were okay."

I couldn't help but feel grateful, not just for his care but for the way he always put everyone else first. "You're really sweet, you know that?" I said, unable to hide my admiration.

Jake looked a bit embarrassed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just want to help. We're all in this together, right?"

"Right," I replied, feeling a swell of affection for him. "But you need to take care of yourself, too. You can't carry the weight of the world alone."

He smiled softly at that, his eyes shining with something deeper. "I'll try, but I can't help it. I just want to make sure everyone is okay."

As he returned to the food, I watched him, my heart full. Jake was the kind of person who would give everything to help others, and I felt lucky to have him by my side. In this chaotic world, it was moments like these-quiet, simple, and filled with unspoken understanding-that reminded me of the strength of our bond.

"Let me help you," I said suddenly, feeling a surge of energy. I pushed myself up, determined not to be a burden.

Jake glanced at me, a mixture of surprise and delight on his face. "You sure? You just woke up."

"I can manage," I insisted, stepping closer to help with whatever I could. "You shouldn't have to do everything yourself."

With a chuckle, he handed me a wooden spoon. "Alright then, chef. Just don't burn anything."

As we worked side by side, a sense of normalcy enveloped us, a brief respite from the chaos outside. I felt a sense of purpose returning, not just for myself but for the group. We were going to get through this together, and as long as I had Jake by my side, I knew we'd find a way.