It had been five months since Jake arrived in New York. In that time, they had both grown tremendously. Raya was excelling in her medical program, while Jake was thriving in his engineering degree, securing a prestigious internship at a tech company. Despite their demanding schedules, they always found time for each other, whether it was studying together or taking late-night walks to unwind.
One weekend, Jake planned something special.
“Raya, are you free tomorrow evening?” he asked one night as they shared a quiet dinner.
Raya looked up, surprised. “I think so. Why?”
Jake smirked. “You’ll see. Just...dress up a little, okay?”
Curious but trusting, Raya agreed.
Jake took Raya to a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, with twinkling lights stretching as far as the eye could see. Raya couldn’t help but smile.
“This is beautiful, Jake,” she said, her eyes shimmering in the golden glow of the city.
Jake took her hand across the table. “Not as beautiful as you.”
Raya laughed softly, rolling her eyes. “Cheesy much?”
“Maybe,” Jake admitted, “but I mean it.”
After dinner, Jake led her to the edge of the rooftop. A soft breeze swept past them, carrying the scent of the city.
“Raya,” Jake began, his voice uncharacteristically serious.
Raya turned to him, her heart pounding.
“I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember,” Jake said, taking both her hands in his. “You’re not just my best friend, Raya. You’re my everything. I’ve watched you chase your dreams, and I’ve never been more proud of anyone. I want to be by your side forever, through every success, every challenge, and every moment in between.”
Raya’s breath hitched as Jake reached into his pocket and pulled out a rose.
“Will you be my girlfriend again?" ... please,
Tears welled in Raya’s eyes. She looked at Jake, at the sincerity and love in his expression, and she knew there was only one answer.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Yes, Jake, I will.”
he pulled her into a kiss. It was gentle at first, but it deepened as they both poured their emotions into the moment.
"I love you"...
"I love you too "...
When they returned to Raya’s apartment, the air was charged with a mix of excitement, love, and nervousness.
“Jake, I...I can’t believe you planned all that,” Raya said, sitting on the couch looking at him.
Jake sat beside her, his smile soft. “You deserve everything, Raya.”
As the silence stretched between them, Jake reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You’re so beautiful,” he said softly.
Raya’s cheeks flushed, and she looked down. “Jake...”
He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. Raya responded, her hands finding their way to his chest. The kiss deepened, their movements slow and tentative, as if they were discovering each other for the first time.
Jake pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and filled with concern.
Raya nodded, her breathing uneven. “Yeah. I’m just...nervous.”
“Me too,” Jake admitted, smiling. “We don’t have to rush anything.”
But Raya shook her head. “No, I want this...I want you.”
Jake kissed her again, his hands trailing down her arms. Slowly, they moved to the bedroom, their movements guided by a mix of love and nervous anticipation.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Raya woke first, wrapped in Jake’s arms. She watched him sleep for a moment, her heart swelling with emotion.
Jake stirred, his eyes fluttering open. When he saw her, a sleepy smile spread across his face. “Morning, baby" he teased.
Raya laughed softly, hiding her face in his chest. “Good morning.”
Jake tilted her chin up, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Are you okay? Was...everything okay?”
Raya nodded, her cheeks flushing. “It was perfect.”
They spent the morning in quiet bliss, cooking breakfast together and stealing kisses in the kitchen. Despite the new step in their relationship, everything felt natural, as if they were always meant to be together.
Over the next few months, their bond only deepened. They supported each other through every challenge—Raya’s intense exams and Jake’s demanding projects. They celebrated every success together, from Jake’s internship turning into a full-time offer to Raya’s acceptance into a prestigious residency program.
Their love was a constant in the whirlwind of their lives, grounding them and giving them strength.
Jake decided it was time to do something special for Raya. He wanted to remind her how much she meant to him.
“Raya,” he said casually one evening as they shared dinner at home. “How about we go out tomorrow night? Just us.”
Raya looked up, her eyebrows raised. “Out? Like where?”
Jake smirked. “It’s a surprise. Just trust me, okay?”
Though hesitant, Raya nodded. “Fine, but I’m holding you accountable if it turns out lame,” she teased.
Jake laughed. “Deal.”
The next evening, Jake took her to a quiet park by the Hudson River. The city lights sparkled on the water, and the cool breeze carried a sense of calm. He had set up a small picnic with her favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and even a thermos of hot chocolate.
Raya’s eyes widened as she took it all in. “Jake, this is beautiful. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
Jake shrugged, smiling. “You deserve it. I know we’ve both been busy, but I wanted to spend some time with you without any distractions.”
They sat under the stars, talking about everything and nothing, sharing laughs and memories. As the night deepened, Jake turned to her, his expression softening.
“Raya,” he said quietly, “I know things have been hard for you, for us. But being here with you, it feels...right. I just want you to know how much I care about you.”
Raya felt her heart flutter. She reached out, taking his hand in hers. “Jake, I care about you too. I always have. I just...” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “I’m scared sometimes, you know? Of getting too close and then losing it all.”
Jake tightened his grip on her hand. “You’re not going to lose me, Raya. I promise.”
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...
