the way I loved you! - heejake

a little too happy!!!

As the morning chaos began, Jungwon and Jake were getting ready for college. The post-camp feeling was still lingering, like the scent of bonfire smoke on an old hoodie. Jake brushed it off, though-there were lectures to attend, routines to return to.

But Heeseung's words from the bus kept echoing in his mind. "We should hang out more."
A hopeful thread tugged in Jake's chest-maybe this was the beginning of a friendship worth cherishing.

As they walked toward their shared lecture class, Jake's eyes scanned the hallway and landed on Heeseung already seated.

He made his way over with a small smile. "Good morning, hyung."

Heeseung looked up, returning the smile. "Morning."

Jake slid into the seat next to him, opening his bag. "So... we share literature class now? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, maybe it's the new revised timetable," Heeseung replied, tapping his pen absentmindedly.

As the professor entered, the classroom settled into its usual rhythm. But Jake-well, my boy didn't miss a single chance to steal glances at the handsome man sitting beside him. He tried to calm his racing heart and refocus. Come on, Jake. You need to concentrate. This class actually matters, he reminded himself, though his efforts were half-hearted at best.

The lecture went on smoothly.

"Finally, it's over," Jake said with a dramatic sigh.

Heeseung chuckled at his pout. "Let's go. The chaotic group's probably already hogging the usual table."

Jake smiled and followed Heeseung out. As they walked side by side through the hallway, they looked... familiar. Comfortable.

Sunoo spotted them first from across the cafeteria. His heart gave a tiny jolt. Watching them together, he let out a soft breath. Maybe... maybe if they end up together, I won't feel as guilty. Heeseung deserved someone who truly saw him-and Jake, well, he clearly did.

Niki, already at the table with a juice box in hand, perked up. "Oh hyung, I already miss camp!"

Jake rolled his eyes. "You? The same guy who packed three hours early and begged for takeout?"

Laughter erupted around the table, the moment light and easy. Jake sat beside Heeseung, their shoulders nearly touching.

And for a second, everything just... felt right.

As they moved with the rhythm of college days, it was nearly the end of the day. Today's basketball practice had been canceled due to some issues. Niki had already gone back to his dorm and was probably fast asleep by now.

Heeseung and Jake walked side by side toward their dorm, sharing stories and cracking jokes along the way.

As they passed by a small ramen shop, Jake's steps slowed.
"Ah, hyung... I actually wanted to try a new recipe here. If you don't mind, you could join me?" he asked, a bit hesitant but hopeful.

Heeseung nodded with a soft smile. "Sure."

They entered the ramen shop.

The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by the comforting aroma of broth and simmering noodles. The shop was dimly lit, with warm lights hanging above each table, giving everything a mellow glow. Only a handful of customers were inside, the quiet hum of conversation and the clink of bowls adding to the cozy ambiance.

Jake picked a small corner table near the window. "This place feels nice, right?" he asked, setting his bag down with a grin.

Heeseung nodded as he slid into the seat across from him. "Yeah. I didn't expect it to be this calm."

They browsed the menu, and Jake ordered his favorite spicy miso ramen, while Heeseung stuck with a milder option.

Their laughter faded into soft, easy conversation-about classes, memories from camp, and random observations from campus life. It was the kind of night Jake would remember for no big reason-just because of how right it felt.

The ramen arrived, steam curling gently into the air.

Jake took a bite and let out a dramatic gasp. "Okay, this might be illegal. It's that good."

Heeseung smiled, amused. "I'll trust your dramatic food reviews from now on."

Jake glanced at him, his heart doing that little flutter thing again-but he swallowed it down with another spoonful.

They ate slowly, not in a rush to leave, the world outside darkening while their little table stayed wrapped in light and quiet comfort.

As they walked back to the dorms, the night breeze brushed against their cheeks, the streetlights casting soft golden glows on the pavement.

"I really enjoyed the ramen dinner," Heeseung said, hands tucked into his jacket pockets, his voice relaxed and easy.

Jake looked at him, heart already doing its usual flip. "Me too... it was nice."

They walked a few more steps in comfortable silence before Heeseung casually added, "Oh, by the way, for the literature project-you said we could choose our own partners, right?"

Jake turned to him, blinking.

"So... how about us doing it together?" Heeseung asked, glancing sideways with that natural, unbothered charm of his.

But Jake? Oh, my boy's brain short-circuited. The sentence registered, but the excitement hit too fast. His feet kept walking, but his mind was floating somewhere in the stratosphere.

"Y-yeah! That'd be great!" he managed, nodding a little too eagerly.

Heeseung chuckled softly at his reaction but didn't comment on it. "Cool. Then tomorrow, we can start working on it?"

Jake nodded again, trying to seem normal. "Totally. Looking forward to it."

But inside? He was a human fireworks display.

Jake practically bounced his way to the dorm, excitement written all over his face.

"You look unusually happy today, Jakeyy. What happened? Is it your new bestie Heeseung hyung?" Jungwon asked, his voice teasing like he already knew everything.

Jake half-launched himself onto Jungwon, grinning ear to ear.

"Wonieeee! We had ramyeon dinner today-and he asked if we could be partners for the new literature project! Starting tomorrow! Oh my god, how am I supposed to shut down my delulu brain when I'm near him?!"

Jungwon chuckled, ruffling Jake's hair. "That's a development, Jakeyy. I'm happy for you. Just... focus on the present, okay? Don't do anything dumb-and I don't want to sound cruel, but... don't get your hopes up too much either. Just enjoy it."

The two of them practically jumped in place like kids on sugar-laughing, teasing, and celebrating Jake's small but heart-thumping victory.