Jake sat alone in the library after Raya left, a mix of guilt and frustration swirling within him. He couldn’t believe he’d let his jealousy get the best of him, and now he had crossed a line with his best friend. Thoughts of Raya filled his mind—her laughter, her kindness, how naturally he felt around her. Nish’s presence had ignited a spark of jealousy he hadn’t understood at first, but it was clear now: he cared for her deeply, more than he ever realized.
Raya, meanwhile, walked quickly down the school hallway, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. The warmth of Jake’s kiss lingered, leaving her confused and questioning everything. She thought of him as her best friend, the one person who always understood her. But now, everything had changed. She couldn’t tell if the flutter in her chest was excitement or fear of what this could mean for their friendship.
The school bell rang, jolting her out of her thoughts, and she gathered her things, avoiding her friends’ questions as she left for home. Her mind kept returning to Jake, the look in his eyes, and the way he’d kissed her. She wondered if she’d ever be able to face him the same way again.
That evening, Raya was in her room, attempting to study, but her mind kept wandering back to the library. Her phone buzzed, and she saw Jake’s name flash on the screen. She ignored it, unsure of what she would even say to him. But when she ignored his second call, she heard the doorbell ring downstairs. Her heart raced as she realized he’d come to see her in person.
Her parents welcomed Jake in, and she could hear her mom chatting with him, offering him tea. After a few moments, there was a knock on her door, and Jake stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. His face was filled with worry as he walked over, stopping just a few inches away.
“Raya…” he began, his voice full of remorse. He reached out, gently cupping her cheeks, his eyes searching hers. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t mean to hurt you or ruin what we have.”
Raya looked up at him, her own feelings swirling with uncertainty. “Jake, it’s… okay. Let’s just forget about it, okay?” she said, trying to put up a brave front.
He dropped his hands, looking torn. “No, it’s not okay. I can’t just forget it, Raya. I know I might have ruined things, but I need you to know… I’ve been feeling this way for a while. I just didn’t want to admit it.”
She stared at him, her heartbeat quickening. There was a vulnerability in his expression that she’d never seen before, and it touched her deeply. Without really thinking, she hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and kissed him softly. It was gentle at first, her way of telling him she understood.
After a moment, Jake responded, his arms wrapping around her as he pulled her closer, their emotions spilling over in a kiss that felt like a silent confession. He lifted her slightly onto his lap, holding her tightly as they shared this unspoken understanding, breaking the kiss only when they both felt breathless.
He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Raya… I’ve been falling for you for so long. I just couldn’t admit it to myself until now. I don’t want to just be your friend anymore.”
She looked at him, her eyes softening. “Jake… what are you trying to say?"
He nodded, his gaze sincere. “Yes. Raya, will you be my girlfriend?”
YOU ARE READING
Chasing Tomorrow
Fanfiction"Raya, why dream so big? Do you think anyone will really notice you?" Raya glanced at her BTS poster, a quiet determination in her eyes. "It's not about being noticed. It's about proving to myself that I'm capable. They may be stars, but they're als...
