Later Jake left, Raya stayed on her bed for a while, her mind racing with a mix of emotions. Jake's embrace and words replayed in her head, making her heart feel lighter. After some time, she freshened up and joined her mother in the kitchen.
Her mother glanced at her with curiosity.
"Is everything okay, Raya? You seemed upset earlier," her mother asked softly.
Raya hesitated before replying, “Just a little misunderstanding with friends. It’s sorted now.”
Her mother smiled, satisfied with her answer. “Good. Friends are important, but you should focus on keeping your peace.” Raya nodded and smiled back, knowing her mother would never understand the complexities of her relationship with Jake.
Meanwhile, Jake returned home, only to find Mimi still lingering in his living room. She looked up at him with hopeful eyes, but Jake’s expression was firm.
“Mimi, we need to talk,” he started. She stood up, a mix of confusion and expectation on her face.
“Look, I’m sorry, but I can’t give you what you’re looking for,” Jake said gently but firmly. “You’re a good person, but I don’t feel the same way. I don’t want to lead you on or give you false hope.”
Mimi’s face fell, but she nodded, understanding his words despite her disappointment. “Okay… I get it. I’m sorry for causing trouble between you and Raya.”
Jake gave her a polite nod. “Thank you. I hope we can move past this and just be civil.” Mimi left soon after, leaving Jake relieved to have finally ended the tension.
The next evening,
Jake told Raya to dress up and wait for him.. they are going on a date..
Jake arrived at Raya’s house, honking softly to signal his arrival. Raya came out in a simple yet elegant dress, her smile lighting up the evening. Jake couldn’t help but stare, feeling like the luckiest guy alive.
“You look… perfect,” he said, opening the car door for her.
“Thank you,” she replied shyly, stepping in.
The restaurant they went to was cozy, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. They ordered their meals, and as they ate, their conversation flowed effortlessly.
“I still can’t believe you forgot your own birthday,” Raya teased, making Jake laugh.
“I guess I was too busy thinking about someone else,” he said, his tone playful yet sincere.
As the evening went on, Jake grew visibly nervous. Raya noticed but decided not to comment, waiting to see what he was up to. When they finished their meal, Jake stood and walked around the table, holding a single red rose in his hand.
“Raya,” he began, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart, “I know we’re young, and I know life is unpredictable. But what I do know is that I want to be with you. You’re the one I want by my side through everything.”
He extended the rose toward her. “Will you be my girlfriend?”
Raya felt her breath catch. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood and embraced him tightly.
“Yes, Jake,” she whispered. “I want to be with you too.”
Jake smiled, his heart soaring. He leaned in, and their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss. In that moment, everything else faded away—the exams, the misunderstandings, and even the world around them. It was just the two of them, lost in each other.
Jake smiled softly at her response, his hands resting gently on her waist. The intensity in the air began to fade, replaced by a tender warmth. He leaned forward, pressing a final kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there as though sealing the moment.
“Let’s sit,” Jake said, guiding her toward the couch in the restaurant’s private corner.
As they settled in, Raya leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. The rhythm of their breathing slowed, grounding them after the whirlwind of emotions. Jake held her close, his fingers brushing through her hair absentmindedly.
“You’re quiet,” he teased, tilting his head to look at her.
“I’m just… processing everything,” Raya admitted, her voice soft. “It feels unreal, Jake. I never thought I’d let myself feel this way.”
Jake smiled, his gaze full of understanding. “Neither did I, but here we are. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Raya sat up slightly, meeting his gaze. “You promise this won’t change anything between us? I mean… our friendship?”
Jake reached for her hand, interlocking their fingers. “It’ll only make it stronger. You’re not just my friend, Raya. You’re my person. And I’m going to prove that to you every day.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and she smiled despite herself. “You’re really good at saying things that make me flattered ,you know that?”
“Good,” Jake grinned. “I plan to keep doing that.”
They sat there for a while longer, talking about everything and nothing, their conversation filled with laughter and soft glances. Jake occasionally stole a kiss, each one more playful than the last, making Raya blush furiously.
When the evening began to wind down, Jake offered his hand to help her up. “Let’s get you home before your mom starts worrying about what I’m up to,” he joked, earning an eye-roll from Raya.
As they walked to his car, the city lights twinkling around them, Raya couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm. Whatever uncertainties she had before seemed to fade away, replaced by a growing confidence in Jake and their bond.
Once they reached her house, Jake walked her to the door. “Tonight was perfect,” he said, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.
“It was,” Raya agreed, her eyes locking with his.
Jake hesitated for a moment, then leaned down to kiss her one last time, a sweet and lingering goodbye. “Goodnight, Raya. Sweet dreams.”
“Goodnight, Jake,” she whispered, watching as he turned to leave, her heart full yet steady.
As she stepped into her house, her mom called from the kitchen. “How was your evening, dear?”
“It was… amazing,” Raya replied, a small smile playing on her lips.
“Good. I hope you had fun,” her mom said, her voice filled with warmth.
Raya headed to her room, closing the door behind her. She walked to her desk, her fingers brushing over the corner of a framed photo of her and Jake from years ago. “I guess things are really changing,” she murmured to herself.
With a content sigh, she climbed into bed, letting the memories of the evening replay in her mind. This was just the beginning of something new, and for the first time in a while, Raya felt ready to embrace it.
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...
