Faking Broke, Falling Hard || HeeJake

Part 11

Jake blinked, taking a step back. "You... you're rich. Like... really rich. Trillionaire rich."

I nodded. "Yeah. I wanted you to like me for me, not my money. But now... I can't hide it. I wanted you to see that, but also... that I care. That I see you, and I know how hard things are."

His mouth opened, then closed. He didn't know what to say.

"Take this," I said, gently pushing the cash toward him. "Not because I want to buy your friendship... but because I don't want to see you struggle when I can help."

Jake looked at the money, then back at me, and I saw a flicker of something — disbelief, relief, hesitation.

Finally, he said softly, almost to himself:

"You... really are different than I thought."

I gave a small smile, a little nervous, but honest.

"Yes. And now you know the truth."

For the first time, the barrier between us felt thinner.

For the first time, it didn't feel like I had to hide everything.

And as Jake looked at me, processing the reality, I realized: this could change everything... for both of us.

I turned to Jake's parents, who were still juggling grocery bags and glancing at me with cautious curiosity.

"I... I want to do something for you too," I said, reaching into my jacket. I pulled out two thick envelopes and handed them over.

Jake's mom blinked, her hands trembling slightly as she accepted it. "Heeseung... we... we can't—"

"Please," I interrupted gently. "Consider it a little help. Nothing fancy, just... a way to ease the load a bit. I know how hard you work, and I can see how much you carry every day. You don't have to accept it, but I insist."

His dad looked at me, disbelief and gratitude warring on his face. "Are... are you serious?"

I nodded, keeping my voice calm. "Completely. No strings attached. Just... take it. For groceries, bills, whatever you need. You're doing enough already."

Jake's eyes widened as he watched, a mix of shock and something softer — appreciation, relief, awe.

His mom finally spoke, voice shaking. "We... thank you. We really do. This... it means so much."

"I know," I said softly. "And I just... I want to help where I can. That's all."

I stepped back, letting them process the envelopes, watching as Jake stood silently beside them, still looking at me like he was trying to make sense of everything.

And in that quiet moment, I felt the weight of my secret lift just a little.

Because for the first time, my wealth wasn't a shield or a burden — it was something that could make a real difference for someone I cared about.

Jake's hand found mine, a small squeeze. No words. Just... understanding.

Jake's hand lingered in mine for a second before he gently pulled away. His expression was serious now, eyes searching mine.

"Can we talk in private?" he asked softly, his voice low enough that his parents wouldn't overhear.

I nodded, heart thudding unexpectedly fast. "Of course."

We stepped a few paces away, far enough that his parents wouldn't notice, and Jake turned to face me fully. His eyes were intense, a mixture of confusion, curiosity, and something else I couldn't quite place.