eclipsed | sim jaeyun

23.

-

The next day we'd decided to meet at a quieter part of town where no one would recognize us—a little bakery tucked away on the edge of a park. I'd arrived first, grabbing a corner table near the window. 

When Jake walked in, wearing that effortlessly charming smile of his, my heart flipped. 

"Hey," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from me. 

We talked for a while, letting the warm hum of the bakery muffle any nerves. Then, as we walked out, he reached for my hand. 

I froze, looking up at him. 

"Relax," Jake said with a small laugh. "No one's watching." 

Still, it felt like everyone in the world could see. But as his fingers intertwined with mine, the unease melted away. His grip was steady, warm—like he was anchoring me. 

We wandered through the park, the late afternoon sun painting everything in soft golds and greens. At one point, Jake pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we strolled. 

"You're cold," he said, even though I hadn't mentioned it. 

I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder. "You're annoying," I murmured, but the grin on my face betrayed me. 

---

Later that week, we found ourselves at his place.

Jake had insisted on watching some marvel movie he claimed was a "classic," though I'd lost interest twenty minutes in. Instead, I focused on the way his arm was slung lazily around my shoulders, his fingers tracing slow circles against my arm. 

"This is boring," I whispered, tilting my head to look at him. 

Jake smirked. "You just don't appreciate good movies." 

"Maybe," I said, sitting up. "Or maybe I'd rather do something else." 

His eyebrow quirked, his playful grin widening. "Oh? Like what?" 

Before I could answer, he tugged me back down, pulling me into his lap. The sudden movement made me yelp, but I couldn't help the laugh that followed. 

"You're ridiculous," I said, swatting at his chest. 

Jake caught my wrist, his hand lingering there as his expression softened. 

"You're beautiful," he said quietly, his voice sincere in a way that made my cheeks flush. 

For a moment, the teasing air between us faded, replaced by something heavier, more intimate. He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine. 

"Haeri," he murmured. 

"Hmm?" I whispered back, my breath catching as his lips brushed mine. 

The kiss was soft, unhurried—like we had all the time in the world. When he pulled back, his thumb traced along my jaw, his eyes searching mine. 

"You're really bad at watching movies," he teased, breaking the tension with a grin. 

"And you're really bad at being subtle," I shot back, though my voice lacked any real bite. 

He laughed, his arms tightening around me as he pressed another kiss to my lips. 

---

The days that followed were filled with quiet moments with Jake.

Still, there was the looming shadow of Jungwon. 

Jake and I were careful, but the closer we got, the harder it became to hide. 

One afternoon, as I sat in my room texting Jake, Jungwon knocked on the door. 

"Come in!" I called, quickly locking my phone. 

He poked his head in, his expression curious. "What are you up to?" 

"Homework," I lied smoothly, gesturing to the open notebook on my desk. 

Jungwon stepped inside, leaning against the wall. "You've been spending a lot of time out lately. Is everything okay?" 

"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "Just hanging out with Yunjin and the others." 

"Hmm." Jungwon didn't look convinced, but he didn't press. 

As he left, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. 

Jake's text buzzed again. 

jakeyy💞

jakeyy💞
miss me yet?

I smiled, my heart fluttering despite myself. 

hae❤️
you wish
ur annoying🥰

jakeyy💞
ik you love it

And, annoyingly enough, I did.

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i'm so so sorry about the lack of updates guys😭
i've literally been the busiest i've ever been in my life and lost every single sense of motivation in my body possible🥰🥰🥰
but i'm trying!! and i'll try my best to finish up the story quickly
thank yewww