Hate To Date You ➤ Jake

|| Frostbite

It was an annual school tradition—an outdoor event with food stalls, games, and, of course, the highly anticipated couple's ice-skating contest.

I usually just went for the food.

I shrugged. "Haven't thought about it."

"Well, you should." Minji wiggled her eyebrows. "Especially since you'll probably be going with Jake."

I almost choked on my drink. "Excuse me?"

She grinned. "Oh, come on. You know he's going to ask you."

I scoffed. "No, he's not."

Minji just gave me a look. "You literally fake-dated him for a bet. Now you guys are going on real dates. If that doesn't scream 'potential festival date,' I don't know what does."

I opened my mouth to argue, but... nothing came out.

Because, deep down, I knew she was right.

Jake was definitely going to ask me.

And the worst part?

I didn't know if I would say no.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Later that night, I was lying in bed, scrolling through my phone when—

Jake:
What are you doing?

I sighed. He always texted at the most random times.

Me:
Trying to sleep.

Jake:
Liar. You're on your phone.

I frowned.

Me:
Are you spying on
me or something?

Jake:
I just know you.

I didn't respond to that.

Because the truth was—he did know me.

Better than I wanted to admit.

Before I could think too hard about that, another text popped up.

Jake:
Are you going to the
festival next weekend?

I hesitated, my heart skipping a beat.

Me:
Why?

Jake:
Because I want to take you.

I stared at the message.

Something about the way he said it—so simple, so straightforward—made my chest tighten.

Not we should go together. Not do you want to go with me?

Just I want to take you.

Like it wasn't even a question.

I bit my lip.

I should say no.

I should.

But...

Me:
Fine.

His response was immediate.

Jake:
Good.

I turned off my phone and exhaled.

This was dangerous.

Really, really dangerous.

And yet...

I wasn't sure if I wanted to stop it.