Dear "J" | Sim Jake

Chapter 25

The warmth of Doha’s home lingered even after Jake left the room. I stood there, dryer still in hand, my heart racing like it had just run a marathon. Eugene, oblivious to the tension that had just unfolded, flopped onto the bed beside me, stretching with a dramatic yawn.

"Man, I feel refreshed," she said, ruffling her damp hair. "Doha’s family is always so welcoming. It’s like visiting a second home."

I nodded absentmindedly, setting the hair dryer down. My mind was still stuck on Jake’s words—“Will you confess?” His voice echoed in my head, tangled with the memory of his gaze, sharp yet soft, like he was asking more than just a question.

"Earth to Jiwon?" Eugene waved her hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my daze. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah, just tired," I mumbled, forcing a smile. She didn’t press further, thankfully, and we headed back to the living room, where the boys were lounging.

Doha’s mother had set up a simple yet hearty lunch—steaming bowls of rice, grilled fish, and an assortment of side dishes that smelled like comfort. We gathered around the low table, the atmosphere filled with casual chatter and laughter.

Jay was recounting some ridiculous story about their last trip to the arcade, complete with exaggerated hand gestures. Eugene was laughing so hard she nearly choked on her rice. Doha’s sister joined in, her bright energy infectious.

But I was hyper-aware of Jake’s presence beside me. He was unusually quiet, poking at his food with his chopsticks. Our eyes met briefly, and he quickly looked away, his jaw tightening slightly.

After lunch, Doha suggested we go to the rooftop. “The view’s great, especially around this time,” he said, already heading up the stairs.

The rooftop was simple—just a few potted plants and a bench—but the view was breathtaking. The ocean stretched out endlessly, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped lower. A cool breeze carried the faint scent of saltwater.

We all spread out, some leaning against the railing, others sitting on the floor. Eugene and Doha were deep in conversation about some childhood memory, their laughter blending with the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

I found myself standing alone near the edge, staring at the horizon. The wind tugged at my hair, and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to calm the storm inside me.

“Hey,” Jake’s voice came softly from beside me.

I opened my eyes, turning slightly to see him standing there, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the ocean. The silence between us felt heavier than before, filled with unspoken words.

“About earlier…” he started, then paused, searching for the right words. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”

I shook my head. “You didn’t.”

Another pause. The wind filled the space between us.

“Did you mean what you said?” he asked quietly, his eyes finally meeting mine.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. “Which part?”