ENHYPEN

𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 | JAKE

ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈

Jake leaned against the practice room wall, sweat trickling down his face. His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts. He pulled it out and saw messages from his friends back home in Australia.

Jake's friend 01: "Hey, mate! Where've you been? Not seeing you in class anymore. We miss you!"

Jake's friend 02: "Jake, when are we going to hang out again? It's been ages!"

He sighed, a pang of guilt twisting in his chest. He had left so abruptly to chase his dream of becoming an idol, leaving behind his life of soccer, orchestra, and physics. He feared they wouldn't understand and think he was abandoning them for something foolish.

Another message appeared from his best friend. Think some words are overdue. Could we do it over? Can we talk it out like friends because I need your shoulder?

Jake's heart clenched. The memories of their time together flooded back—hanging out after school, talking about music and dreams, supporting each other through everything. He had missed them more than he realized.

I know it's random, but how have you been? Do you remember about this band you said you listened to? When we were younger, when we were softer, when we were all about each other. I hope life is treating you better.

He typed a response, his fingers trembling. "Hey, I miss you guys. It's been tough, but I'm thrilled here. How are you all?"

Their replies came quickly. "Jake, we're so happy for you! We always knew you'd do something unique. Keep following your dreams, man."

Jake felt tears sting his eyes. He had been so afraid they'd be angry or disappointed, but they were still supporting him, still cheering him on from halfway around the world.

He read another message. Boy, what's with that? Yo, cut the act. Because I don't get time for laughs. No, I do not want the past. But if you are ever in need, and God has you down on your knees, and you do not know who to be, then go on and come home to me. Because I'm here, if you need me, I'll be here. Right here.

He sent a heartfelt reply. "Thank you. Knowing you guys are behind me means everything. If you ever need me, I'll be here too. Right here."

As he sat down, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. His path was sometimes difficult and lonely, but knowing his friends supported him made it all worth it. He thought back to the lyrics of keshi's song, the reminder that no matter where life took them, they'd always be there for each other.

And how do you like this new guy? I know you always want a new life. I hope you are taking care of yourself like you cared for me in my time. See you got yourself some new friends. No, you don't need to go to Brisbane. You got me thinking back about it.

He sent one last message. "You guys are the best. I'm taking care of myself, just like you taught me. Let's catch up soon."

Jake put his phone down and looked around the practice room, where he was building his dreams. He smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection. He wasn't alone—his friends were with him, in spirit if not in person, which made all the difference.

If you need me, I'll be here. Right here.

And he knew that no matter where this journey took him, he'd always be there for them, too—right here.

ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ᴖ̈

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