Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 21

Flashback

The party was still in full swing downstairs, with laughter and music echoing through Jake’s house. But Mimi had other plans. She found Jake by the kitchen and tugged on his arm.

"Jake, can we talk? Just for a moment, in private," she said, her voice soft but insistent.

Jake hesitated but nodded, following her upstairs to his room. The door clicked shut behind them, and Mimi turned to him, her expression suddenly serious.

Mimi stepped closer, wrapping her arms tightly around Jake in an unexpected hug.

"Jake," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I’ve been holding this in for so long… I love you. I really do. I can’t stand seeing you with someone else."

Jake froze, his arms stiff at his sides. "Mimi, I… no. This can’t happen."

He gently tried to push her away, but she tightened her grip.

"Why not?" she asked, her voice breaking. "I’m here, Jake. I’m the one who understands you, who’s always been by your side."

Jake sighed, taking a step back as he finally broke free from her hold. "Mimi, listen. You’re a friend, and I appreciate that, but I don’t feel that way about you. I can’t because…" He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Because I love Raya. Even though I haven’t told her yet, my heart is already hers."

Mimi’s face darkened, her expression twisting into something cold. "Raya? That plain, boring girl? She doesn’t deserve you, Jake. She’ll just hold you back."

Jake’s eyes narrowed. "Don’t talk about her like that. Raya is everything to me. She’s smart, kind, and amazing in ways you can’t even understand."

But Mimi wasn’t ready to give up. She grabbed Jake’s face and pulled him into a kiss, her hands gripping his neck tightly.

Jake struggled, his hands pushing at her shoulders. "Mimi, stop it!" he said, his voice muffled.

The door suddenly swung open, and there stood Raya. Her eyes widened, her face pale as she took in the scene before her

Jake immediately shoved Mimi away, stepping back as if burned. "Raya, it’s not what it looks like!" he blurted out.

Present

Jake bolted after her, shouting her name. "Raya, wait! Please, let me explain!"

But Raya didn’t stop. She flagged down a cab and got in, slamming the door shut. Jake stood helplessly on the curb, watching the car drive away.

Raya arrived home, her heart heavy and her eyes swollen from crying. She locked herself in her room, curling up on her bed as tears continued to fall.

The door bell rang and some time later Raya's mother opened the door

Before she could ask ,Jake’s voice followed. "Please, Mrs. Sen. Let me talk to her. I need to fix this."

Her mother hesitated but eventually allowed Jake to enter.

Jake straight went to Raya's room

Jake found Raya sitting on her bed, her face buried in her hands.

"Raya," he said gently, kneeling in front of her. "Please, just listen to me."

She shook her head. "Go away, Jake. I don’t want to talk to you."

Jake didn’t move. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. "I’m not leaving until you hear me out. I can’t lose you, Raya."

She struggled briefly but eventually stopped, her sobs muffled against his shoulder.

Jake pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "I swear, I didn’t want that kiss. Mimi confessed to me, but I told her I didn’t feel the same way. She forced it, Raya. The only person I care about, the only person I want, is you."

Raya sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I knew she liked you. I saw it every time she looked at you. And I hated it. I hate her."

Jake cupped her cheeks, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears. "I’m sorry for hurting you, Raya. I should’ve told you sooner. I should’ve pushed her away faster. But please believe me—I would never betray you."

She looked at him, her voice barely a whisper. "Don’t break my heart, Jake. That’s why I didn’t want to get into a relationship in the first place. I’m scared."

Jake leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I’ll never hurt you, Raya. I promise. I just want to be with you and make you happy."

In a moment of hesitation, Raya leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "I believe you, Jake."

Jake tilted her chin up and kissed her, slow and tender, pouring all his emotions into the moment. When they pulled apart, he whispered against her lips, "You’re all I’ve ever wanted."

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other close, knowing that despite everything, they were stronger together.