Mimi had always known what she wanted, and right now, that was Jake. She didn’t care if he had feelings for Raya or if the two were close; to her, Jake was worth any effort. Over the past few weeks, she had made herself indispensable in his life—showing up at his house often, helping with small tasks, and becoming a "good friend" in his eyes.
One afternoon, while at Jake’s house, she casually placed her hand on his arm as they talked. "You know, Jake, you’re different from other guys. You’re kind, funny, and so… mature," she said, her voice soft.
Jake smiled politely, slightly uncomfortable. "Thanks, Mimi. That’s nice of you to say."
Mimi leaned in a bit closer. "I mean it. You’re special, Jake. Anyone would be lucky to have you."
Jake shifted in his seat, not knowing how to respond. "Uh, thanks. So, have you finished your assignments yet?" he asked, steering the conversation away.
Mimi chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Always so focused on studies. That’s one of the things I admire about you."
Jake laughed nervously, changing the topic completely. "Do you want something to drink? I’ll get us some water."
Mimi nodded, watching him leave the room. "You’ll see, Jake," she thought to herself. "You’ll realize I’m the one for you."
A week later, Jake’s birthday arrived. He hadn’t even remembered the date until he received a call at 12 in night.
Raya’s voice came through the phone, cheerful and excited. "Happy Birthday, Jake!"
Jake blinked, sitting up in bed. "Wait… what? Oh. Wow, thanks, Raya. I totally forgot it was today."
Raya laughed. "How can you forget your own birthday? Anyway, I had to be the first to wish you."
Jake smiled, warmth filling his chest. "Of course, you did. Thanks, Raya. It means a lot."
Jake’s house was filled with friends and family that night. The living room was decorated with balloons and streamers, and the sound of laughter and music filled the air. Raya arrived early to help with the preparations, and soon, everyone was gathered around as Jake cut the cake.
Mimi walked in a bit later, wearing a sleek, short dress that caught everyone’s attention—especially Jake’s parents, who complimented her on her style.
Mimi sidled up to Jake after the cake-cutting. "Happy Birthday, Jake," she said, handing him a gift. "I hope you like it."
Jake smiled politely. "Thanks, Mimi. You didn’t have to."
As the party went on, Mimi found her moment. She grabbed Jake’s hand, tugging him toward the makeshift dance floor. "Come on, birthday boy, let’s dance!"
Jake hesitated. "I’m not really in the mood for dancing, Mimi."
But Mimi wouldn’t take no for an answer. "It’s your birthday! You have to." She pulled him along, and he reluctantly obliged, moving stiffly to the music.
From the corner of his eye, Jake noticed Raya sitting alone on the couch, her gaze fixed on the floor. She looked distant, her hands fidgeting in her lap.
"Excuse me, Mimi," Jake said abruptly, stepping away.
He walked over to Raya, holding out his hand. "Hey, why are you sitting here all by yourself? Come on, dance with me."
Raya looked up, startled. "I’m fine, Jake. You should go back—"
Jake shook his head, pulling her up gently. "Nope. I want to dance with you."
As they swayed to the music, Raya felt her mood lift. Jake leaned closer, whispering, "Sorry about earlier. I know you didn’t like it."
Raya looked up at him, surprised. "It’s okay. You don’t have to explain."
Jake smiled. "Still, I’d rather spend my birthday with you."
Later in the evening, as everyone mingled and chatted, Raya realized she hadn’t seen Jake for a while. She wandered through the house, checking the kitchen and garden before heading upstairs.
When she opened the door to Jake’s room, her breath caught in her throat.
There he was, with Mimi pressed against him, their lips locked in a kiss. Jake’s hands rested on her waist, and Mimi’s arms were draped around his neck. The intimacy of the moment stunned Raya.
She felt her chest tighten as she stood frozen in the doorway. Mimi noticed her first, pulling back slightly with a smug look. Jake’s expression shifted from confusion to shock when he saw Raya.
The room fell silent, the sound of the party downstairs fading into the background. Raya’s hands trembled as she took a step back, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.
"Raya, wait—" Jake started, but she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there with Mimi.
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...
