the way I loved you! - heejake

the warmth I can't name !

The next day carried a quiet freshness, as if the air itself knew something new was about to begin. Jake moved around his dorm, preparing his breakfast-simple, just like him. The toast and coffee warmed him, grounding him in the ordinary before stepping into something unknown.

After a quick shower, he carefully packed his things: a small lunchbox, his water bottle, pen, notebook, laptop. Each item felt heavier than usual, as though they carried a piece of the future he was walking into.

This wasn't campus anymore, no classes waiting, no exams hanging over his head. Graduation was just around the corner, but until then, this project would be his world. Run under one of the biggest companies supporting young dreamers, the start-up program wasn't just an opportunity-it was a stage where he had to prove himself.

Finally, with his bag slung over his shoulder, Jake paused for a moment, breathing in deeply. "Day one," he whispered with a faint smile, as though reminding himself it was real. Then he stepped out into the morning light, ready to face whatever the day decided to unfold.

On the other side of the city, Heeseung was already standing at the grand glass entrance of the building. His hands were tucked into the pocket of his hoodie, but it did little to hide the nervous rhythm in his chest. This was it-the place where his dream project, the one he had carried since his college days, would finally take shape. The weight of the competition sat heavy on him, but so did his determination. He had to win this. For himself. For the promise he once made silently.

Before his thoughts could spiral too far, familiar voices pulled him back.
"Brooo!" Sunghoon called out, his usual brightness echoing through the space. Beside him, Woojin was wide-eyed, scanning every corner.
"This place is huge, right?!" Woojin said with awe, his excitement bubbling over.
"Yeahhh, it's insane," Sunghoon agreed, grinning as if the whole thing was already theirs.

The three of them exchanged laughs and small chatter until footsteps approached-steady, familiar. Jake, with his usual soft smile, walked up to them.
"Hi, guys," he greeted warmly.

"Jakeyyy!" Sunghoon couldn't contain himself. He practically launched forward, wrapping Jake in a sudden hug. "We missed you so much, man!"
Jake chuckled at Sunghoon's affection, patting his back gently. "Missed you too, Hoon. Still dramatic as ever, huh?"

Woojin, the only new face, stepped forward politely. Jake gave him a small nod and a smile. "I'm Jake," he introduced.
"Woojin. Nice to meet you, hyung," Woojin said, shaking his hand with respect.

Finally, Jake's eyes shifted toward Heeseung. A simple smile. A small greeting. Nothing more. Yet it was enough to stir something sharp and unspoken inside Heeseung's chest. He didn't show it, just nodded, but the twist had already begun.

Because in that single moment-watching Jake smile after Sunghoon hugged him-Heeseung realized his heart was no longer as steady as he thought.

As they all settled into the second row of the wide auditorium, an air of curiosity filled their group. The stage lights glowed softly, and the giant screen in front displayed the company's logo. Heeseung found himself sitting right beside Jake-so close that he could hear the faint rustle whenever Jake shifted in his seat.

The presentation began, and the whole room grew quiet. A representative from the company spoke with practiced confidence, their voice echoing through the hall.
"This is a two-week program designed to push young innovators to their limits. Each team will prepare and refine their app idea under real startup conditions. At the end of these two weeks, you'll present your work-and the winner will be announced."

The screen changed slides, showing snippets of previous winners, smiling with trophies in their hands. Whispers of excitement passed through the audience, but Jake and Heeseung remained silent, their eyes fixed on the presentation.