It had been weeks since Jake and Raya started their new academic journeys, and life was moving faster than they anticipated. Raya had joined a reputed coaching institute to prepare for NEET, while Jake started engineering at a prestigious college. The separation was harder than either of them admitted, and the limited calls and texts only made the distance feel greater.
Jake’s college wasn’t just demanding; it also came with an unwelcome surprise—Mimi. She had conveniently enrolled in the same engineering program.
One afternoon, Mimi walked into the cafeteria where Jake was sitting with his classmates. She smiled, her usual confident air surrounding her.
“Jake! You didn’t tell me you’re in this college,” she said, taking the seat next to him uninvited.
Jake sighed internally. “Hey, Mimi. Didn’t know you were here either.”
“Well, now we can hang out more,” she said with a wink. “Just like old times.”
Jake forced a polite smile but didn’t engage further.
Later that week, Jake finally had time to call Raya.
“Hey, stranger,” Raya teased as she answered.
“Don’t even start,” Jake groaned. “You know how crazy this week has been.”
“Excuses,” Raya said playfully.
Jake chuckled. “Fine. To make up for it, I’m coming over this weekend. Deal?”
“Deal,” Raya replied, smiling.
Jake arrived at Raya’s house on Saturday afternoon. Her parents greeted him warmly and insisted he stay for lunch.
“You’ve grown taller, Jake,” Raya’s mother commented as she served rice.
“Or maybe Raya’s just getting shorter,” Jake teased, earning a glare from her across the table.
Her father chuckled. “Good to see you both still bantering. It’s been a while.”
After lunch, Raya and Jake retreated to her room.
As the sun began to set, they sat on the balcony, talking about everything and nothing. The golden light bathed Raya’s face, making her look even more radiant in Jake’s eyes.
“You’re staring,” she said, breaking his trance.
“Can’t help it,” he replied softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Raya’s cheeks flushed. “Stop it, Jake.”
“Why?” he asked, leaning closer.
She didn’t answer, but her silence spoke volumes.
Jake pulled her into his arms, his lips brushing against hers. The kiss deepened, and for the first time, Raya let herself completely melt into him.
His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed along her jaw and neck. A soft moan escaped her lips, and she instinctively gripped his shoulders.
“Raya,” he whispered, his voice filled with desire.
She was nervous, but the warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes calmed her. Jake gently lifted her up, his hands resting on her hips.
When his hand moved to the hem of her dress, Raya placed her hand over his, stopping him. “Jake…” she whispered, her voice trembling.
He pulled back instantly, cupping her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay,” she interrupted, resting her forehead against his. “I just… I’m not ready for more.”
Jake nodded, kissing her forehead. “I understand. I don’t want to rush you.”
As night fell, Jake prepared to leave. At the door, he pulled Raya into one last hug.
“Thank you for today,” he said, kissing her forehead.
Raya smiled. “Thank you for understanding.”
Jake walked away, leaving Raya with a fluttering heart and a newfound sense of closeness.
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...
