#mooties

The second you stepped off the plane, the salty Los Angeles filled your lungs. The air was thick and nostalgic in a way that almost felt like a warm hug. The sun was a deep orange, reflecting off the palm trees. You really missed the palm trees.

The first text waiting for you when your plane landed wasn't from your parents. It was from Jake Sim.

Jake: Heyy u landed?

You subconsciously smiled. Jake has always been your closest friend from high school. He's the friend who knows all your secrets, the friend who tells you the truth you didn't want to hear, and the friend who drops everything when you need him. Somewhere along the way, Jake stopped feeling like a friend and started feeling like home. Not that you had ever thought of him romantically. But as weeks of not seeing him stretched into months, you couldn't help but miss him. A lot.

Your thumbs moved in circles before you started typing.

You: yeah finallyy

He added a heart to your message. That made you feel something you couldn't quite place your finger on.

As soon as you got home, you slumped into your cool leather sofa and sighed. The familiar scent of your home filled your nose.

Suddenly, a vibration in your pocket. It was your phone. You hadn’t even finished placing your suitcase down.

LA SUMMER MEETUPS☀️

Maki: guys Dani: what Kazuha: heyy Jake: Wsp Jungwon: why is this chat active every day at the same time Maki: guys Ni-Ki: ?? Maki: we need to hang out soon

The last time you saw your friends was last summer, after High School graduation and you longed to see them again.

You typed slowly.

You: yeah just got back to LA. summer break started!

Instantly–

Dani: YOU’RE BACK??? Maki: YOO FINALLY Dani: Y/N WELCOME BACK MY BBY

Message after message…

Kazuha: AHHH Y/N SO GLAD YOU’RE BACK 🤍

Jungwon: WELCOME BACK Ni-Ki: lfggg welcome back y/n!! Jake: Welcome back!!

Somehow, a time and place was decided. Of course it was. Because it was always like that with them.

Jake: Can’t wait to finally see u todayy missed u so much

Your thumbs did that thing where you traced imaginary circles in the air again. For some reason, you couldn't help but find the abrupt message… cute?

You: awee i missed you too jake

He added a heart to  your message again. Your stomach flipped ever so slightly.

The beach, even at night, was crowded. Groups were scattered across the sand and the mellow beats of music blended with the distant sound of waves. A bonfire had already been built closer to the shoreline, flames swiftly moving as if it was biting the air.

Emptied glass bottles, red cups and savory snacks were spread across the beach. 

You wore a simple outfit, an oversized top with an open back that fell loose at the shoulders. You wore your favorite pair of brandy shorts underneath, and drenched yourself with your favorite jasmine scented perfume. You didn't quite remember the name of it, as your cousin gifted it to you for Christmas. 

“You’re literally not even listening, Jake,” Maki said, pointing across the fire like it was a serious accusation. “Bro you're just sitting there and zoning out just like you did in AP Calc back then.”

Jake didn’t even look up properly, just leaned back slightly in the sand. “Maki. Dude, just get to the point.” He smiled and tilted his head back to lock eyes with you.

You immediately smiled back. Jake looked different tonight in a way you couldn’t place. Maybe it was his glossy hair that looked longer since the last time you saw him. He was wearing a grey hoodie, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, paired with his oversized jeans that pooled generously over his sneakers.

But deep down, you knew it was the same Jake Sim.

Dani laughed, sitting on the sand with her knees pulled in, passing a glass drink between random people like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Here,” she said, nudging it toward a random person without looking up. “Don’t finish it, I swear I just got that.”

Ni-Ki was on his phone. Everyone bashed him for acting like a loser.

“Bro, put it away,” Maki called. “You’re at a beach bonfire.”

Jake shook his head. “For real, Nishimura.” 

Ni-Ki didn’t even look up. “ Jake, you really cannot be talking. You’ve been glancing down at your phone every second.

It was true. Every so often, you'd notice Jake sucked into his screen texting someone. It is almost as if he can’t resist it, as if it is some addictive drug. Even now, he’s staring into his screen with great intent. Your eyebrows furrowed. You didn’t think much of it, because when he wasn’t on the phone, his gaze was focused on you, studying your body language. Every time you got excited, you jumped out of your seat. He noticed everything related to that night. Especially the sweet scent of your jasmine perfume.

Ni-Ki scowls back playfully and exclaims “I’m actually having an important conversation.”

Dani squinted at him. “With who?”

“My girlfriend,” he said flatly. “She lives overseas.”

A beat.

“Fucking liar.” Maki teases.

Everyone erupts with laughter. You joined in. It was hard to believe. Ni-Ki was always the determined 4.0 GPA student, and refrained from talking to girls. Despite this lighthearted moment, you weren’t aware of what was going to unfold next.

Ni-Ki finally looked up. “Shut up man. I’m being for real” He said smiling.

The evening had cooled the air. The group decided it was time to extinguish the flames and head home. You hugged Dani and Kazuha and said your goodbyes to Ni-Ki, Maki and Jungwon. You and Jake were now walking alongside each other, in close proximity, to get to your cars. 

“You were oddly quiet today.” He said.

You scoffed. “Try traveling from New York to LA. That shit is not for the weak.” 

He laughed before glancing back at his phone, and something changed in his face. A softness you recognized because you'd seen it before, back in senior year, back when he thought he was being subtle. He tapped on a message. It read the name Wonyo.

You froze. "Hold on… Wonyoung?" you asked. You didn't mean to say it out loud.

Jang Wonyoung. The one Jake met in Texas, on campus. On the surface, Wonyoung was charming and knew exactly what to say to pull Jake back in when he was feeling low. However, this charm was entirely superficial. She was a snake. She was the kind of person who craved attention but didn't offer real loyalty. Jake would get on FaceTime with you and rant about her dumb “mistakes,” like cheating on him with his soccer teammate, forgetting about their 1 year anniversary, and the way she got mad when he talked to other girls. Weeks later, she would send Jake an "I miss you” text pleading for a second chance. He always invited her back into his life.

One day, Wonyoung found out that Jake was texting you and became livid. The “I’m going to burn your stuff” kind. The truth is, Jake was in a daze of deep emotional attachment. He was stuck. And here he was, 6 months later chatting it up with her.

His thumb froze over the screen. "What?"

You pointed at his phone. “I thought we went over this…” 

Jake stopped walking. The parking lot lights hummed overhead, casting everything in pale orange. "Y/N, it's not—"

"You’re back with her, huh?" You could see it in the way he held the phone. His jaw tightened. "When did that happen?"

"Last week." He said it quietly. "I was going to tell you."

"When?"

He didn't answer.

You laughed, but it came out dry. "You called me almost every day. Every single day since I left, Jake. And you couldn't mention… this?" You gestured at the phone. "Was it a secret? Were you hiding it?"

"I'm not hiding anything." But he was. You could hear it, the way his voice went cracked a little and how his eyes didn’t meet yours. "It just happened. It wasn't planned."

"Like last time?"

A beat. You saw it, the flinch, the way his shoulders pulled inward. Last time he'd dated Wonyoung, she'd cheated on him with his teammate. He called you up at two AM crying afterward and you scolded him for not breaking up with her earlier.

"She's different now," he said.

You scoffed at the comment, as your face got hot. Yeah right. "Jake, are you kidding me? People don't change that fast.” 

"And you would know?" He raised his voice, his eyebrows tightened.

Your eyes flickered across his face.

He immediately looked sorry. He did the thing where his eyelids pulled back slightly, making his eyes look wider. "Y/N, I didn't mean to yell–"

"You did." You unlocked your car, hands shaking a little. You were beyond agitated."You know what? Forget it Jake.”

"Don't be like this, Y/N." He reached for your arm, then stopped himself. 

“Why do you keep running back to her when you know someone of you that will treat you infinitely better? Oh, maybe because you’re also an idiot. Maybe you guys are perfect for each other.” You blurted out.

Jake edged closer to you. In the orange light, he looked uncertain and nothing like the person who'd heart every message you sent. Nothing like the guy you met in freshman year of high school through graduation.

You ignored him and got in your car, not looking back. You didn’t even know how to feel. Embarrassed? Betrayed? 

When you got home, you tossed your keys on the kitchen island with the memory of the bonfire replaying in your mind, over and over again. Your gaze followed the stove, where a large pan was placed. Your parents had prepared dinner for you just in case. 

You pulled a plate out of the cabinet and added chicken, spinach along with some rice. You bit into the grilled chicken, which was incredibly tender. Your eyes drifted shut as you chewed slowly. Nothing beats “home” food.  For a silent minute, you forgot about what happened. 

Until your phone buzzed. And kept buzzing until you were irritated.  You finally set your fork down. The metal tapped lightly against the plate.

For a moment you just stared at the phone without touching it. You already knew who it was. Your thumb hovered over the screen. You wanted to avoid him forever.

You flipped the phone over. The screen went dark against the counter with a soft click. You didn’t feel a sense of tranquility, though. You just felt a pit in your stomach. 

You swore that you would never talk to him again. You spent 3 long days sprawled on your bed. Your eyes were swollen from the rush of tears that would stream down your face every so often. Is this what summer is truly about? You were initially looking forward to traveling, carpooling and shopping with your best friends. But everything is a mess now.  You would occasionally glance at your messages and missed phone calls. 30 messages from Dani, 2 calls and 15 messages from Kazuha and 45 missed calls from Jake. You didn’t respond. Instead, you groaned at the sight.

Your initial frustration had subsided. After you spent time ruminating, you realized that you were mad that Jake didn’t tell you about it until a week later and also because you cared about him. He was your best friend after all and you didn't want to see him hurt. And maybe deep down… you had feelings for him and convinced yourself that you could be a better girlfriend. But you suppressed the thought, buried it so deep to the point where your hatred for Jake overpowered the so called "feelings" you had for him.

The doorbell rang. You almost ignored it. Then someone knocked. 

You sat up slowly. You had a gut feeling about who it was.

When you finally opened the door, Dani was standing there first. Her hair appeared to be slightly messy like she hasn’t slept in a million years. She looks relieved. Kazuha stood beside her and her eyes met yours like she had been waiting for this moment. None of them were smiling.

“Hey,” Dani swung her arms around your waist.

You didn’t move out of the doorway, but stiffly hugged her back. 

Kazuha joined in. After pulling away she asked “Can we come in?” 

You hesitated for half a second, then stepped aside.  They walked in slowly, trailing behind you. You sat down on the leather sofa while Dani sat to your right, and Kazuha on your left. They gave you a little space.

Dani looked around before speaking again, “You haven’t been answering anyone.”

“I know.” You grumbled low.

“We were very worried.” Dani responds.

Your arms cross against your chest defensively.

“Please Y/N? Tell us what’s happening.” Dani pleads.

"You look like you're about to cry, Y/N. Talk to us."

You shifted in your seat. And told them everything. From the text messages over the last few months, the hearts he kept adding to your replies, the fluttering in your stomach and to Wonyoung.

"A whole week?!" Dani exploded, pacing around your rug. "He’s been back with her for a week and didn't think to mention it to his absolute best friend? While texting you every single day? Oh, I'm going to kill him."

"It doesn't make sense," Kazuha said softly, sitting next to you and rubbing your shoulder. "Jake completely changes when you're around, Y/N. Everyone sees it. Even that night, he was completely zoned out until you got there. If he's back with Wonyoung, why was he acting like..." She trailed off, not wanting to make it hurt worse.

"Because he's an idiot," Dani replied bluntly, stopping her pacing. "He’s hiding it because he knows he screwed up. He knows she's toxic, and he probably knew how it would look to you."

"It just made me feel stupid," you whispered, staring at your sneakers. "I thought... I don't know what I thought. I just missed him."

“We think you should hash it out with him, Y/N.” Kazuha says softly.

Dani nods in response. You sigh and agree. “I just need a little bit of time.” You express. Their arms wrap around you again.

10 pm. The aftermath of your shower smelled like your vanilla–scented body wash and a hint of jasmine, you signature scent. You noticed the fogged bathroom mirror as you stepped out of the shower.

For the first time, your shoulders didn’t ache.

Everything has been exhausting enough on its own, but work had drained all the energy you had left.

You wiped a small circle into the mirror with the back of your hand and brushed your damp hair away from your face. You then carefully patted your hydrating moisturizer into your skin before changing into an oversized sweatshirt with your lightweight Brandy shorts.  Your phone buzzes. Three missed calls and a message.

Jake: Y/N. I’m here.

Jake: I’m sorry 

Jake: Let’s talk 

You were ready to finally confront him. You walked over to the front door, took a deep breath, and turned the lock. You walked down to his car and opened the passenger seat door.

When you entered, the scent of linen and something familiar that you always associated with Jake filled your nose. You searched his eyes. You hated yourself because you noticed his glossy hair, his plush lips and his put together outfit. You looked out into the window.

“Jake why the hell are you here at 10pm? My whole family’s asleep.” You hissed. 

He started the engine. The soft hum of the car filled the silence between you. Neither of you spoke for a moment.

The streetlights illuminated Jake's jawline in flashes of orange and gold. His hands tightened around the steering wheel before relaxing again.

"Jake," you repeated, quieter this time. "Why are you here?"

He tensed. "Because you wouldn't answer me."

"Maybe there was a reason for that."

"I know."

The immediate agreement caught you off guard. You turned toward him.

For three days you'd imagined dozens of arguments. Dozens of excuses. You expected him to defend himself. Instead, he just looked tired. Like drained. Dark circles sat beneath his eyes. His hair was fluffy as if he had been running his hands through it.

"You ignored forty five calls. I counted.” 

The car rolled slowly through the quiet neighborhood before he pulled up to a streetlight.

"I fucked up."

You stared at him.

Jake laughed comically and shook his head. "Actually, that's not true. I fucked up multiple times."

Your arms crossed tighter. "Yeah. You did."

He nodded immediately. "I should've told you."

"Obviously."

"The day it happened."

"Obviously." You resisted to roll your eyes.

"The second she texted me."

You froze.

For a moment all you could hear was the distant sound of crickets outside. Then you finally looked at him. "Why her, Jake?"

His eyes closed briefly.

"She cheated on you."

His gaze dropped.

"She lied to you."

A beat.

"And hell, she treated you like shit." 

Jake ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"I don't know." His voice cracked slightly.

And for the first time since you'd gotten into the car, he sounded like the Jake who called you at two in the morning after everything fell apart. "I thought maybe people could change."

A sharp breath escapes your nose. "Jake."

"I know."

"No, seriously. Jake."

"I know."

You shook your head. A laugh escaped you despite yourself. It wasn't funny. You simply laughed at his stupidity. Somehow this boy could get a perfect transcript, survive high school with several awards, and still make the dumbest decisions imaginable.

Jake stared at the dashboard.

"The part that's bothering you isn't Wonyoung."

You went still.

His eyes finally met yours.

"It's me."

The words make you jolt. You looked away first. He knew you too well. You hated Wonyoung. But that wasn't why you'd spent three days crying.

Jake's voice softened. "You think I didn't tell you because you don't matter to me."

Your throat tightened.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to." He murmured.

He turned fully in his seat, leaning his shoulder against the door so he could face you. 

"Y/N, I was stupid and lonely. I felt so lost in college. I missed you so much it felt like heartache, and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn’t want to ruin the friendship we had. Then Wonyoung texted, and she was just... there. It was easy to slide back into old habits because I was desperate for… something to fill the void."

You swallowed hard, your eyes flickering back to his face. "So you used her as a distraction?"

"I tried to," Jake admitted, a look of profound regret crossing his features. "But it didn't work. The second you stepped off that plane, the second I saw you at the bonfire laughing with everyone, looking at me. I had an epiphany. I wasn't missing a girlfriend, Y/N. I was missing you. I spent that entire night staring at my phone trying to figure out how to tell her it was over."

Your breath caught in your chest. The defensive wall you’d built up over the last three days began to crumble, piece by piece. "You broke it off?"

"The very next morning," Jake said, his eyes shimmered earnestly.. "I told her I couldn't do it anymore. Because the only person I want to call at two in the morning, the only person I want to share my life with... is you. You matter to me more than anybody."

The silence that followed was apparent, but the anger washed away and replaced with high tension.

Jake moved first, slowly enough to give you a chance to stop him. When you didn't, he closed the distance. His fingers softly brushed over your cheek and he moved a strand away from your eyes. His hand was warm to the touch. 

He slides his hand to the back of your neck and pulls you closer. His breath hitched.

“Can I?” 

He didn’t wait for your verbal answer and went based on your body language.

When his lips finally met yours, Jake learned further across the center console between the seats. Your hands slid to his chest instinctively, fists balling up the fabric of his shirt between your fingers. Suddenly his tongue is in your mouth and he’s kissing you like you’re a gift sent from heaven.

He tasted like spearmint with a hint of years of unsaid words. You couldn’t help but whine softly into his mouth when he sucked on your bottom lip. His fingers tangled into your hair, holding you against him like he was terrified you'd disappear back to college if he let go.

When he finally let go, he rested his forehead on yours. You both tried to catch your breath. Your gaze lingered on his lips, which were flushed and puffy. He looked so pretty with the overhead lights.

Your face tingled. “So you ended it with her, right?” You whispered.

He leaned in closer and let out a breathy laugh. “Is grass green?” 

“I hate you so much.” You tried to hide your smile.

“Mmm… I know.” He tilted your chin upwards while brushing your bottom lip with his thumb.

Saturday morning sunlight streamed through the gaps of your curtains. It was the day after Jake pressed his lips onto yours. It felt surreal.

You were halfway into your doomscrolling session when your phone buzzed. 

Jake: Hey. Sleep well, pretty?

A smile crept on your face and your fingers tapped lightly sending him a text back.

Y/N: yeah uu?

Jake: Better than I have in 6 months.

You giggled at your phone like a dumb teenager in love.

Your phone vibrated once again. And again. 

LA SUMMER MEETUPS ☀️ 

Dani: party tofay??

Maki: hello it is literally 10 am

Dani: k thx. i meant tonight.

Ni-Ki: i think i hate this chat

Jungwon: then leave

Ni-Ki: no

Jungwon: ??

Kazuha: HII

Dani: my house 9 pm wear something nice losers

You: alr!

Jake: Ayee

A few hours later and the party was in full swing. The house was loud and crowded but everyone was respecting the unspoken rule to stay out of the basement and the bedrooms upstairs. Dani’s mansion was ginormous. But despite the open space, the house was filled to the brim. Ni-Ki had hooked up his phone to the living room speakers and people were actually dancing. 

It felt good to lose yourself in the crowd tonight. To be with your friends from high school. That was probably the alcohol talking but tonight that didn't matter. 

You stood near the kitchen island. A red solo cup was in your hand. You watched Dani commandeer the aux for the third time. She was already tipsy and her cheeks were flushed as she yelled something at Ni-Ki about his terrible taste in music.

"She's going to fight someone tonight," Jake said, nudging you. He'd changed into a black button-down, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and he smelled like fresh laundry. 

"Betting on Ni-Ki," you said. "He's been giving her that look."

"Which look?"

"The 'I'm seventeen and I know everything' look."

Jake laughed, low and warm. "That's just his face."

"Exactly."

Dani spotted you from across the room and barreled over, grabbing your arm with sticky fingers. "Holy shit you two are being boring."

"We're conversing," you protested.

"You're eye-fucking." She said it loud enough that Jungwon, passing by with a beer, snorted into his drink. "Go upstairs already, Jesus. We all know you will."

"Daniela" you hissed, mortified.

"What? I'm a supportive friend." She threw her hands up, backing away. "Ni-Ki! Change the song! This one is ass."

Ni-ki flipped her off from the couch, but he was grinning.

Jake's hand found your waist, steadying. "She's not wrong."

"About which part?"

His eyes dropped to your mouth. "The eye-fucking."

Your breath caught. "Jake-"

"Come on." He set his drink down on the nearest surface. "Let's get some air."

 You followed him through the crush of bodies, past Ni-Ki and Jungwon were arguing about something stupid. Jake's hand never left the small of your back. Behind you, Maki suddenly shouted something that made someone laugh too loudly, followed by Ni-Ki complaining that he’s not some jester. Jungwon’s voice cut in briefly, like he was trying to take control of this chaos.

The air outside was crisp. Down the block, the glow of a streetlamp illuminated a couple leaning against a couple. The muffled music traveled all the way to the driveway.

 You uncrossed your arms, taking a deep breath for the first time in hours. As you walked with Jake, the gravel crunched sharply beneath your heels. 

"Better?" he asked.

You turned to face him. He was closer than you'd expected, close enough that you could see the flecks of gold in his brown eyes, the slight part of his lips.

You loved your friends. You really did. But tonight, your social battery was depleting and Jake could tell.

“Everything okay?” Jake asked softly.

“Mhm, of course.” 

He chuckles and drops his head down. “You always say that when you’re thinking too much,” 

You turned your head slightly. “I am not thinking too much.”

Then, quieter from him: “You are.”

“You are being annoying,” you said.

Jake nodded once.

For a split second, Jake went silent.

Then, without really changing tone, he added, “Wanna leave?”

You glanced at him. “Oh uhh. Already?”

He shrugged. “We can stay. But you look like you’re done pretending you’re enjoying this.”

That got a real laugh out of you this time. He knew you too well.

“Since when did you become so observant?”

“I’ve always been like this,” he said simply. “You just talk too much usually to notice.”

You causally hit his chest in response. 

Jake's car was farther down, away from Dani's driveway.  He unlocked it without saying anything. You got in first.

The interior felt like a different world; it was much quieter. His leather seats felt cool to the touch and a linen scent filled your nose. You let out a sigh of relief. Jake got in after you and closed the door.

Then the engine started softly and the car pulled out with ease.

The car moved through LA in swift motion. Streetlamps passed overhead, briefly illuminating the interior before falling back into shadow again.

The silence didn’t make either of you uncomfortable, though. Jake kept one hand on the wheel, while wrapping his hands over the gear stick. You leaned back into the seat, letting the quietness surround you.

At some point, he glanced over quickly.

“You good?” he asked.

Smiling, your eyes scanned his face. As you looked closely, you noticed his hair looked messier than usual and his lips were carefully parted as he focused on the road. 

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Your voice came out quieter than expected.

At a red light he gazed at you for what felt like minutes, savoring the moment.

“God, you’re so beautiful Y/N.” 

You felt heat rise to your cheeks. You weren’t used to Jake being this whipped for you. 

The ride felt longer than it was supposed to be. You didn’t mind being in the passenger seat with Jake Sim. You felt safe with him, and that was all that mattered to you. Your energy from the party has certainly depleted, but it lingered slightly. The ride made you realize how much you missed this. Yeah, your friends from college were amazing. But in comparison to your high school connections, the college friends couldn’t compete. 

“You don’t have to go home yet,” he said, voice calm. There was no pressure in the way he said it, no expectation tied to the words. It sounded more like he was simply acknowledging something concealed between you two. “My place is closer.”

You didn’t respond immediately. Your gaze drifted briefly toward the window, watching the city blur past in soft streaks of light. You thought about how long it has been since you have hung out with Jake. In person. Alone. When the silence remained for a moment longer, you only gave a simple nod.

“Okay,” you said quietly.

Jake didn’t make a big reaction out of it. He didn’t need to. There was a smooth shift in the car’s direction as he changed lanes.

The car slowed as he turned into the driveway, until he shifted to park and the engine quieted completely. 

His minimalist house sat ahead. A soft porch light glowed above the entrance, spilling a warm yellow onto the steps and the driveway. The porch light made everything outside feel softer than it actually was, like the night had been gently muted before you even reached the door. Jake walked ahead slightly, but didn’t leave you behind. Every so often, he glanced back at you briefly, not checking in obtrusively, just making sure you were still there.The sound of keys jingling followed a beat later, and the front door clicked open with a quiet finality that felt oddly personal in the stillness.

It smelled like clean fabric and something faintly familiar that you couldn’t quite name but associated with him anyway. 

You stepped inside after him. 

His house was larger than it ever felt in memory. The warm overhead lights reflected softly against marble floors beneath your feet, catching in small scattered glows. The space opened up into a wide living area that felt designed more for breathing than filling. A cloud-like sofa sat centered in the room with a crystal clear smart TV mounted above a fireplace across from it. 

It was empty. It was you and Jake.

Jake set his keys down somewhere near the entrance without looking, like it was muscle memory, then turned slightly as if finally acknowledging the shift from outside to inside.

“You can sit wherever,” he said simply.

You ended up choosing the couch without overthinking it, sinking into it slightly as the softness surprised you more than you expected.

There was a pause before he spoke again.

“Want water?”

“Yeah, Jakey. Thanks.” you said, smiling a little as your eyes closed for a second, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up in a way that felt safe instead of heavy.

Jake stopped mid step.

Then, without turning fully back, he repeated it under his breath.

“Jakey…”

He finally looked over at you this time, amused. “You can’t let go of that nickname, can you?”

You heard him walking toward the kitchen as he said it. 

You trailed behind him without thinking too much about it, drawn by the space itself as much as him. The kitchen opened up into a large island centered in the middle of the room, sleek under the soft lighting. You nodded slightly as you looked around. It was all the same. 

Jake moved through it like he always had. Like nothing about this moment was new.

He opened the fridge without hesitation, standing there for a second like he was already deciding what he was doing before he even got there. 

You stayed near the edge of the kitchen island, leaning against it. Your purse was still on your shoulder, and you realized a little too late that you didn’t know where to put it. The hesitation was small, almost nothing, but it existed long enough for you to feel it.

You slid your bag off your shoulder and placed it on the counter beside you. 

He closed the fridge after a moment and grabbed a bottle of water without looking too closely, like he already knew where everything was without needing to think about it. Then he walked back toward you and set it down on the counter with an easy motion.

“Here.”

You took it, fingers brushing the cool surface, and for a second you just held it without opening it.

Jake leaned slightly against the counter across from you. 

“You can sit, you know,” he said again.

“I know,” you replied, but you still didn’t move immediately.

Jake was still leaning against the counter, his eyes locked onto yours. You took another sip of water just to break that feeling, but it didn't really help.

You glanced at him over the bottle. “You’re doing that thing.”

“Hmm?” 

“The thing where you stare at me weirdly.” 

The truth is since the party, his eyes were planted on your body. You were wearing a dark blue dress that hugged your curves perfectly. The fabric was a heavy satin, that accentuated the curves of your breasts. They looked like they could spill out at any moment. You knew exactly where he had been looking before his eyes flicked back up to yours. 

“I thought I was your favorite person.” He frowned.

You scowled at his response. “That is not what I said.”

Jake pushed off the counter again, this time stepping a little closer to where you were standing near the island.

“You can relax, you know,” he said, quieter now. “You’re acting like I brought you to some randos house.”

That made you look up at him again. His eyes were examining your face and a soft smile appeared on his lips.

“I am relaxed,” you said immediately.

He raised a brow slightly.

You held his gaze for a second longer than necessary before breaking it first.

You guys spent the next two hours debriefing everything. Jumping from the bonfire chaos to college updates like there wasn’t a single pause in between. You talked about everyone. Good stuff and maybe some bad stuff. Then it drifted into college life– past relationships, professors, classes. Somewhere along the way it turned into old memories too the good old “remember when” conversations.

At this point it was at the dead of night.

Jake had turned on the TV without much thought, scrolling through Netflix until he landed on a movie neither of you commented on.

The plush couch added to the warm aesthetic of the house and you have never felt more comfortable in your life. At some point, you shifted your legs under you, leaning slightly into the back of the couch as the movie started playing. The sound filled the room.

Suddenly, you had the urge to softly say, “I missed you.” 

The quiver in your voice was enough for Jake to feel butterflies. He looked over to you and bit his lower lip, while smiling.

Your lips met his in a rush a little clumsy at first from pure adrenaline.

A low, quiet sound escaped his throat, as he shifted his weight. The sudden proximity was dizzying. One of his hands cupped your face. You wrapped your arms tighter around his shoulders, deepening the kiss, anchoring yourself to him.

Jake wasn't hesitating anymore. His tongue swept over your bottom lip. The pacing shifted entirely into his hands. You could feel the frantic, heavy thud of his heartbeat right against your own ribs. He was melting under your touch. Every time you thought he was going to slow down, he’d tighten his grip on your waist and kiss you harder.

When the need for air finally forced you apart, he didn't let you go far.

His forehead rested heavily against yours, both of your chests heaving. His eyes were dark. 

"I need you so bad, Y/N."

SMUT!!

Heat pooled in your stomach as Jake led you through the house, hand strategically placed at the small of your back, guiding you past the stairs. A door clicked shut behind you.

You were in Jake's bedroom. You recognized the soccer posters, the clutter of textbooks, the half-shut macbook, and the familiar scent of linen and his cedarwood that you'd always associated with him. 

He didn't turn on the light. Moonlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting everything in a silver hue. You could see the outline of his shoulders, the way his chest rose and fell, the intensity in his eyes as he looked at you like you were the only thing in the world.

"Jake-"

"Let me," he whispered, and then his mouth was on yours.

This kiss was different from the one in the car. He took his time, tasting you, exploring, his tongue sliding against yours with a confidence that made your knees weak. His hands found your waist, thumbs pressing into the hollows of your hips, and he walked you backward until your shoulder blades met the door.

"Is this okay?" he breathed against your lips.

You arched into him nodding. A low groan rumbled in his chest.

His hands roamed, skimming up your sides, thumbs brushing the underside of your breasts through the satin fabric of your dress. 

You gasped, and he swallowed the sound, kissing you deeper, hungrier. When he finally broke away, both of you were panting.

"Bed," he said, voice husky. "Now."

He didn't wait for you to move. He lifted you effortlessly. His hands were firm under your thighs, and you wrapped your legs around his waist with a surprised gasp. He carried you and laid you down on soft sheets that smelled like him.

You watched, breath catching, as he pulled his button down apart. The moonlight carved shadows across his chest, his abs, the V of his hips disappearing into his jeans. He was beautiful. You'd always known Jake was attractive, but seeing him like this was a different feeling. 

"Like what you see princess?" he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

He captured  your face in his hands and angled you to deepen the kiss, the heat of his mouth scorching. Your hands slipped up his back, nails sinking into his shoulder blades and his hands swept down your body. Your breath caught and his grip tightened against your thighs scraping up beneath your hem to press you flush to him. 

His hard length rocked against you, sending sparks into your eyes. "Fuck," he muttered, "I've wanted this for so long."

"Me too," you whispered, and it was true. All those years of friendship, of telling yourself you didn't feel this way.

His mouth traveled down your neck, teeth grazing your pulse point, sucking marks into your skin.

Jake slipped one of your straps down your shoulder, kissed the bare skin where it used to be. His fingers find the other strap and tug it away too. He yanked your dress down until  you were bare to the waist, and kissed across you. He exhaled sharply, in awe of your full breasts.

“Shit, Y/N this is what you have been hiding from me?” His eyes turned dark. “Tell me what you need, baby.”

“I need you…” You cried out, back arching off the bed.

“Mmm… I know, pretty girl. Use your words.” 

“I need you… inside me, fuck.” You managed to choke up.

Your fingers gripped his hair. He lavished attention on one breast, then the other, tongue and teeth working you into a trembling mess. By the time he moved lower, pressing open-mouthed kisses down your stomach, you were squirming beneath him, desperate for more.

"Jake, please–"

"Patience," he murmured against your hipbone, his fingers hooking into the waistband of your panties. He slipped a finger into your dripping folds and groaned.

“Fuck, Y/N. You’re so wet. All this for me?” 

He didn't rush. He took his time looking at you, his expression something between reverence and hunger. 

Then he spread your thighs and settled between them, pressing a kiss to your inner thigh that made you whimper.

"Mm… So beautiful," he grunted, and then he pushed his digits in.

He pumped slowly at first, curling a singular veiny finger inside of your pussy. Without a warning, he added a second finger, which intensified the pleasure. 

Your head fell back against the pillow, a moan tearing from your throat. “Ahh… f-fuck.” 

That seemed to make him even hornier because he abruptly dove his nose into your swollen clit and started licking the fuck out of your pussy. He was relentless, tongue working you with skill that made you wonder how you'd gone so long without this, without him. Your hips bucked, seeking more friction, and he held you steady, pinning you open as he drove you higher and higher.

"Jake, I'm-" you gasped. 

He kept going. He doubled his efforts, sucking your clit between his lips. His tongue swirled in your pussy, which created noises that were so lewd, so pornographic. As your slick mixed with his saliva, you bit back the moan caught in your throat. As you cried out his name, you shattered. Your back arched as you were riding his face to savor every last minute of satisfaction.

“Jake… mmh fuck.” You whined.

“That’s a good girl.” He remarked after lifting his head up.

He didn't give you time to recover. He kissed his way back up your body, capturing your mouth in a messy, desperate kiss that tasted like you and him and everything you'd been too afraid to want. You felt him hard against your hip, and you reached between you, palming him through his jeans.

He groaned, forehead dropping to yours. "Careful, or this will be over before it starts."

"Then take them off," you challenged, breathless.

He didn't need to be told twice. He shoved his jeans and boxers down, and then he was naked above you. Your mouth went dry when you saw his cock, which was already glistening with pre-cum. He was big. You instinctively wrapped your hand around him, stroking slowly, feeling him twitch and thicken in your grip.

You got down to your knees and carefully started at the base of his cock. One hand holds the back of your neck, and the other guides his hard dick toward you. You swirl your tongue against the head, tasting the salty taste on your tongue.

"Fuck, Y/N," he gritted out, "you're killing me."

"Good."

He laughed, breathless and wrecked.

You wrapped your lips around the tip and sucked gently. His hand left your neck and immediately sunk into your hair. 

He moaned loudly, and just like that you didn’t listen to his orders. You placed your hands on the front of his thighs and leaned forward taking him until he hit the back of your throat. You wrapped your hand around the base and moved it in rhythm with your mouth, moaning and gagging. Tears pricked your eyes and you looked up at him through your lashes. 

His head fell back, stomach muscles flexing deep. His hips drove forward “So fucking good, baby. You are so good.” His thrusts get harder and sloppy, telling you how close he was.

“God, I’m gonna… come.” He choked out. 

His cock pulsed, swelling, and with a guttural moan he came. So hard. Hot spurts flooded your mouth, thick ropes hit your tongue. You milked him dry with tight suction 

“On your back,” he demanded.

He settled between your legs again, guiding himself to your entrance. No teasing. He looked down at you, eyes searching yours, asking without words.

"Yes," you whispered, "please, Jake."

He pushed in slowly, inch by inch, giving you time to adjust to the stretch, the fullness. You could feel every vein against your walls. You gasped, nails digging into his shoulders. 

"More," you begged, and he obliged.

He started thrusting, slow and deep, each one dragged against sensitive spots that made you see stars. You wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him deeper, and he groaned, picking up the pace. 

“Take it” he snarled. The bed creaked beneath you, the sound of your slick mixed with his pre-cum echoing in the room.

"You're perfect," he panted, "so perfect, so good for me, fuck- baby"

You couldn't speak, could only hold on as he drove into you again and again, the pleasure building, coiling tight in your belly. He shifted his angle, hitting a spot that made you cry out, until you were trembling beneath him, on the edge.

"Come for me," he commanded, voice rough. "Let me feel you."

His words tipped you over. You came with a cry, inner muscles clamping down on him, and he groaned, burying his face in your neck, thrusts becoming erratic as he chased his own release.

“Y/N… I’m…” A few more strokes and he was following you over the edge, groaning your name like a prayer. He thrusted one last time and finished inside of you. 

He pulled out with a wet pop and collapsed beside you, tugging you into his arms. Both of you were beaded with sweat and your chests heaving.

"I've loved you for years," Jake whispered into your neck while caressing "I was just too stupid to realize it until now." He said softly.

You smiled against his chest, tracing lazy patterns on his skin. "Took you long enough."

He laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest. His initially darkened eyes transformed into a soft gaze.

“God you’re stunning. I love you Y/N.” 

“I love you too, Jake.” 

You drifted off like that, wrapped in his arms. And you didn’t want it any other way.

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