#sim jaeyun series | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

liuhsng · 27 days ago

Text

✩ˎˊ˗ between the shelves ( sjy ! ) — part 1

✩ˎˊ˗ part of the untouchable series | enhypen masterlist

⤷ pairing — jake x fem!reader ⤷ part 1 | part 2 ⤷ word count — 18.7k ⤷ taglist for the series — open ! ⤷ warnings — a/b/o au, foul language, fem!reader, strangers to lovers trope, kinda oblivious!jake, jake is in love-love, tooth-rotting fluff, mentions of the other parts from this series, not proofread

✩ˎˊ˗ summary: as the only son of a prestigious family and the student council secretary, sim jaeyun—or as his friends like to call him: jake has always been at the top. admired, respected, and burdened by responsibility. he’s used to handling everything himself, ensuring perfection in all that he does. and then there was you, someone he had always seen but never had the chance to approach, until fate handed him the opportunity. hiding from relentless admirers, he found himself in the library, where, to his surprise, you weren’t just another passing face. jake has always adored the idea of having a mate, but he never rushed fate, until you. before he knows it, meetings no longer hold his full attention, tasks he once insisted on doing himself are left to others, all so he can be near you.

A thick, leather-bound book rested in Jake’s hands, the pages filled with intricate Old English that he absorbed with minimal effort. The world outside didn’t exist in this moment. No expectations, no responsibilities, just the quiet hum of silence.

As a pureblooded Alpha born into wealth and status, moments like this were rare, but within the walls of the student council room, he could finally breathe.

His desk bore the title Council Secretary, and his scent of pine and oranges lingered in the air. His instincts, so accustomed to composure, were calm.

Until they weren’t.

The sharp bang of wooden doors slamming open shattered the silence, followed immediately by a heavy thud and the unmistakable sound of someone crashing onto the marble floor. A low growl echoed through the room, spilling through the air like a warning, but it was nothing Jake hadn’t heard before.

He shut his book with an irritated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can't even enjoy my mornings because of you mutts.”

Lifting his gaze, he saw Ni-ki sprawled out on the floor, groaning in pain, while Jay towered over him, phone in hand, grinning so wide his sharp canines glinted under the lights.

“That was pathetic,” Jay snickered, snapping another picture of Ni-ki’s crumpled state. “Hold still, I need a better angle.”

“Go to hell,” Ni-ki grumbled, pushing himself up on his elbows, glaring up at Jay like he was debating whether to lunge at him or play dead.

Jake sighed, setting his book down with patience before looking at them both with a deadpan stare. “If you two are done turning the council room into a wrestling ring, get out.”

Jay only grinned wider, slipping his phone into his pocket. “Relax your ass, Sim, we’re just having a little fun.”

Jake arched a brow. “And I was having a little peace. But as always, you two can’t seem to exist without disturbing the entire building.”

Ni-ki groaned again, rolling onto his back with a dramatic sigh. “For the record, I was thrown into the room.”

Jay shrugged. “You were in my way.”

Jake ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. Annoyed but amused, he couldn’t fight the small smile. This was routine, his peace ruined before the day even began. With a sigh, he leaned back. “Where are the others?”

Jay offered a hand to Ni-ki, easily pulling the younger Alpha up with no effort. As he did, he casually answered Jake’s question. “Heeseung, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Jungwon are with their mates doing God knows what, and yeah, we're here, I guess.” He shot a look at Ni-ki, who was brushing himself off, looking more disgruntled than hurt.

Ni-ki, still in the middle of recovering his pride, added, “Jungwon was asking what you'd like for breakfast too.”

Jake leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the polished wood of his desk. He took a second to think, then hummed. “Any sandwich and tea will do.”

Jay raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk playing at his lips. “So Australian of you.”

Jake rolled his eyes, the smile still there. He couldn’t help it, his friends knew how to get under his skin but also how to make him laugh when he least expected it. “Fuck off,” he said with a laugh.

Jay and Ni-ki grinned before heading to their usual spots, each claiming their own desk within the spacious council room. They sprawled themselves out on the comfortable office chairs, limbs loose and postures unguarded, a contrast to the cold, poised way they carried themselves outside these walls.

Here, there was no need for their masks of control, no need to uphold the weight of their bloodlines with every carefully measured movement.

Jay leaned back, arms behind his head, his smirk fading into something more relaxed. Ni-ki, on the other hand, kicked his feet up on the desk in front of him. There was no need for perfection here, no calculating gazes from the elders who measured their worth in status and tradition.

Jake watched them settle, his fingers still tapping absentmindedly against his desk. It was an unspoken truth between them—this was a place where they weren’t heirs weighed down by the legacies of their families.

Jay let out a long sigh, staring at the ceiling. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” His voice was lazy, but there was curiosity beneath it.

Jake smirked, finally picking up his book again. “Not my problem until the first meeting starts. So, until then, entertain yourselves.” He flipped a page lazily before adding with a chuckle, “Besides, Jungwon’s the one holding it today.”

Jay let out a low whistle. “Poor guy.”

Ni-ki snorted. “He volunteered.”

“Still,” Jay stretched his arms over his head, “it’s cruel of you to let the kid handle all those reports first thing in the morning.”

Jake barely spared him a glance, amusement flickering in his eyes. “He’s the council president. He can handle it.”

Ni-ki hummed in agreement, already reclining further into his chair. “Fair point.”

Their silence was short-lived.

“Babe, I swear it wasn’t me!”

The frantic plea was followed by the sound of hurried footsteps before the doors were slammed open, again.

Sunoo stumbled into the room, half-dragged by Sunghoon’s sister, who had his wrist in an iron grip. Her eyes burned with fury, a stark contrast to Sunoo’s desperate expression as he tried and failed to reason with her.

Behind them, three familiar Omegas rushed in, all trying to calm her down, but their efforts were useless. She wasn’t letting go anytime soon.

The rest of the council members, scattered around the room, barely reacted, other than to smirk at the scene unfolding before them.

Jay leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well, this is new. Usually, Sunoo's the one doing the chasing.”

Ni-ki snickered. “What did he even do?”

Sunoo shot them both a panicked look. “I didn't do anything!”

Sunghoon’s sister tightened her grip, making the pink-haired Alpha yelp. “Liar.”

Jake exhaled sharply through his nose, snapping his book shut with a dull thud before pinching the bridge of his nose. “Every damn morning with you people.”

Heeseung, Sunghoon, and Jungwon strolled in, Jungwon balancing a tray of drinks while Heeseung and Sunghoon carried bags of food. Sunghoon placed his down on the table with a lazy smirk. “Yeah, because clearly, I’m the one who forgot her coffee order. Really, Kim?”

Heeseung snorted as he set his own bag down. “Man, you really dug your own grave this time.”

Ni-ki snickered. “Or, y’know, not let your mate plot your downfall first thing in the morning.”

Jake shook his head, leaning back in his chair, already done with the day despite it barely starting. “Someone just make sure they don’t destroy the place before the first meeting.”

Jungwon, the only one actually preparing for said meeting, sighed. “Not my job.”

This was gonna be a long day.

Jake sat at his desk, his chin propped up on one hand as he lazily flipped through his book. His classroom wasn’t exactly his first choice for a hangout spot, but with an hour to kill before class started, the others had somehow decided it was the perfect place to loiter.

Heeseung and Jay were sprawled on the desks near the window, bickering over something trivial. Sunghoon sat with his arms crossed, seemingly unbothered, while Ni-ki stole Jungwon’s notebook, flipping through it with fake curiosity. Sunoo was slumped in a chair, spinning a pen between his fingers, looking as if he was ready to nap at any second.

The rest of the students in the room? Staring.

Seven pureblooded Alphas gathered in one place was enough to make anyone second-guess their presence. To most, they weren’t just intimidating—they were untouchable. A different breed entirely. Powerful, respected, envied. Gods among the mortals.

Jay stretched, letting out a loud yawn. “Y’know, for a guy who complains about us ruining his peace, you sure don’t kick us out.”

Jake didn’t even glance up from his book. “Because you’d just follow me somewhere else.”

Sunghoon snorted. “He’s got a point.”

Ni-ki, still flipping through Jungwon’s notes, suddenly looked up. “So, what’s the plan? We just sit here and let people gawk at us for the next hour?”

Sunoo groaned, tilting his head back. “Sounds exhausting.”

Jake sighed, shutting his book with a quiet thud. He knew better than to expect a moment of true peace when his friends were involved.

Jungwon tapped his fingers against the desk, glancing at the clock before looking around at the others. “We could go out and eat an early lunch or something.”

Jay, still balanced on the back legs of his chair, stretched his arms over his head. “Tempting, but do I look like I wanna move?”

Heeseung smirked. “Or… we could buy a new car.”

For a second, the room was silent. Then, with zero hesitation, the rest of them hummed in agreement.

“We should,” Sunghoon said, nodding as if it were the most logical idea.

“Yeah,” Ni-ki added, “we definitely should.”

Jake leaned back, unimpressed. “You guys can barely get out of those chairs.”

Sunoo, still twirling his pen between his fingers, shot Jake a lazy grin. “Exactly. We have the money, the connections, the resources… but no energy.”

Jay sighed dramatically, rubbing a hand over his face. “Such is the burden of being rich.”

Jungwon rolled his eyes. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Heeseung ignored him, leaning forward with a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Okay, but if we were actually buying one, what are we thinking? Another sports car? Something imported?”

“I’m feeling a custom build,” Sunghoon mused, pretending to consider the idea.

Jay grinned. “We could each get one.”

“We could,” Ni-ki agreed, nodding sagely.

They all sat there for a second, deep in thought. Not a single one of them moved.

Jake smirked, arms crossed over his chest. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

Jungwon shook his head, muttering under his breath before sitting up straighter. “Okay, so lunch?”

Sunoo waved a lazy hand. “Too much effort.”

Jay sighed, finally letting his chair drop back onto all four legs. “Then what? We just sit here and rot?”

“Pretty much,” Sunghoon deadpanned.

Jake, who had been half-listening while flipping through the last few pages of his book, finally closed it with a soft thud. He stretched his arms over his head, rolling out his shoulders. “Well, unlike you guys, I actually have something to do. Gotta return this.”

Jay raised a brow. “You need someone to come with you?”

Jake scoffed, shaking his head. “I’m not like Ni-ki. I can survive a walk to the library alone.”

Ni-ki, who had been aimlessly tapping his fingers against the desk, snapped his head up. “Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jake just shot him a grin before swiftly making his exit, his laughter echoing down the hallway as the youngest grumbled under his breath.

Jay snickered, nudging Ni-ki with his foot. “You gonna take that?”

Ni-ki huffed, slumping further into his chair. “I’m letting him have his moment. He’s gonna trip on air soon enough, and when he does, I’ll be there.”

Sunghoon smirked. “I’ll pay to see that.”

Luminous shades of gold bled through the library windows, casting soft halos of light over towering shelves lined with countless books. Dust particles floated lazily in the air, illuminated by the gentle glow, as the faint scent of aged paper and ink settled like a quiet hum in the silence.

Jake’s slow steps echoed against the polished floor, the only sound aside from the occasional page turning or scratch of a pen. Most students were in class, leaving the library nearly empty, just the way he liked it.

With one hand shoved deep into his pocket and the other gripping a newly found book by some historical author he had always meant to read, he allowed himself to get lost in the moment.

His gaze trailed along the rows of shelves, taking in the endless spines of stories and knowledge, before drifting toward the farthest section of the library, where the soft rustling of pages caught his attention.

There was someone else here. You.

Your figure stood among the books, reaching up to return a few to their rightful place. The way your fingers traced the spines, the natural ease in your movements—it was almost mesmerizing. Like you belonged to this place, like the library itself was an extension of you.

His grip on his book tightened. Where had he seen you before?

His gaze lingered on the soft flush of your cheeks, the way your lips, plump and untouched by any trace of worry, parted ever so slightly as you focused on the books in your hands. Everything about you was delicate, and it made something inside him stir.

Jake swallowed, shaking his head as if to clear the sudden haze clouding his thoughts.

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft thud of a book slipping from your hands.

The moment it hit the ground never came; because he was already moving, instincts sharper than his own awareness. His fingers wrapped around the spine just in time, catching it with ease. The world around him blurred, fading into irrelevance as he looked up, only to find you reaching for it at the same time.

Your fingers brushed against his: warm, soft, fleeting. But it was enough. Enough for something to stir deep within him, a current running sharp and fast through his veins. His grip on the book tightened slightly before he forced himself to loosen it, finally handing it back to you.

“Thank you,” you murmured, voice gentle, but it rang through his ears like a bell.

Jake swallowed. Up close, you were even more unreal than he had thought. The golden light framed you like you belonged to another world entirely.

And then, there was your scent.

Honey and seawater. Sweet, but fresh. Familiar yet foreign. It was intoxicating, wrapping around his senses and settling into his lungs like something meant to be there.

His own scent spiked before he could stop it—warm, rich, deep, like oranges and pine, crisp air after rain. Not overpowering, but enough. Enough to see your breath hitch, your lashes flutter as you blinked up at him.

Jake silently thanked the universe at that moment for making him a pureblooded Alpha. Because if he weren’t—if he didn’t have the control, the discipline, the sheer force of will ingrained into his very being, he might’ve done something reckless.

He might’ve stepped closer. Might’ve let himself breathe you in for a second longer. Might’ve said something that would betray the way his entire body was suddenly on high alert, every nerve tuned in to you.

But instead, he did what he did best. He played it off, a lazy smirk curving at the corner of his lips as if this moment hadn’t just turned his world on its axis.

“No problem,” he finally said, voice smooth, calculated.

He made sure his tone was effortless, made sure his expression stayed composed, like his heart wasn’t hammering against his ribs, like his senses weren’t still tangled up in the traces of your scent lingering in the air.

He let his gaze flicker over you one last time before he forced himself to look away, shifting his weight slightly, fingers drumming against the cover of his book as if his entire body wasn’t still hyper-aware of your presence.

You gave him a small nod, your lips curling into a polite smile before turning back to the shelves. And that should’ve been the end of it. That should’ve been his cue to walk away, to let this moment dissolve into nothing more than a short interaction.

But Jake didn’t move.

Instead, he stood there, gripping his book a little too tightly, watching as you reached for another volume on the top shelf, your fingers brushing against the spine with ease. He watched as a stray beam of light caught in your hair, making it glow, as if the sun itself had taken a liking to you. He watched the way your lashes fluttered when you scanned the titles, the way your lips parted slightly in concentration.

And for the first time in a long time, Jake found himself at a complete loss.

He had met hundreds—thousands—of people. He had seen beauty in all forms, had been in the presence of those who were revered, admired, worshipped even. Yet somehow, none of them had ever managed to unravel him like this. None of them had ever made the air feel heavier, had ever made him question if he had truly seen them before, or if they had only existed in the parts of his mind he hadn’t dared explore.

Why did it feel like he should know you?

“You come here often?” The words left his mouth before he could think better of them, and for a second, he almost cringed at himself. He wasn’t that guy. He could do better than that.

You turned to him, one brow raised in mild amusement. “To the library?”

Jake chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, okay, that sounded dumb.”

“A little,” you teased, your lips curving into the softest smile. “But to answer your question, I do. I help here when I have free time.”

Something about that made too much sense. You belonged in a place like this, where everything was calm, where the scent of books and ink lingered in the air, where the golden light spilling through the windows made you look almost ethereal.

“Huh,” Jake mused, nodding.

Your brow furrowed slightly. “Why? You don’t come to the library often?”

“Only when I need to,” he admitted with a smirk. “Or when I’m trying to get away from certain people.”

“Ah,” you nodded knowingly. “So, I’m guessing today is one of those days?”

Jake let out a breathy chuckle. “Something like that.” He tilted his head slightly, curiosity getting the better of him. “What about you? You actually like being here?”

Your gaze softened, trailing over the rows of books surrounding you. “Yeah. It’s quiet. Peaceful.” You glanced back at him, a playful glint in your eyes. “And usually free of distractions.”

Jake placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense. “Ouch. Are you saying I’m a distraction?”

You bit back a laugh. “I didn’t say that.”

“Didn’t have to,” he shot back, his smirk widening.

For a moment, silence settled between you both—not the awkward kind, but something softer, something comfortable. Jake found himself memorizing the way the light reflected in your eyes, the way your fingers brushed against the book in your hands absentmindedly.

Then you tilted your head. “What book is that?”

Jake glanced down at the book he had been gripping this entire time. “Something I just finished.”

“Was it good?”

He studied you for a moment before a teasing glint flickered in his gaze. “Maybe you should borrow it and find out.”

You smirked, crossing your arms. “What if I hate it?”

Jake grinned, tilting his head, eyes glinting with mischief. “Then I’d seriously question your taste in books, and possibly in people.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes, but you couldn’t help the amused chuckle that escaped. “Wow, so judgmental.”

He shrugged, unbothered. “I have standards.”

You laughed softly, reaching for the book. Your fingers brushed his—warm, electric. Jake’s scent spiked before he could stop it, oranges and pine, rich and inviting.

You didn’t say anything, but you hesitated, your fingers lingering against his for just a fraction longer than necessary. That momentary pause tells him you noticed.

Jake cleared his throat, flexing his fingers slightly before shoving one hand into his pocket. He watched as you flipped open the book, eyes scanning the first few lines. The sunlight filtering through the library windows caught in your hair, giving you an almost ethereal glow. You looked so focused, so at ease, and yet…

There’s something about you that tugs at something buried deep inside him.

“You’re sure we haven’t met before?” he asks, voice quieter this time, like he’s speaking more to himself than to you.

You glance up, brows furrowing slightly. “You seem familiar.” Your voice is careful, as if testing the words. “And not just because you’re the student council secretary.”

Jake watches you closely as you tilt your head, lost in thought.

“I feel like I’ve seen you before,” you continue. “At dinners, at events.” A small sigh escapes you. “But I never really cared to remember the faces or names at those things.”

Something in Jake’s chest tightens.

You weren’t like the others, then. The ones who flaunted their family names, who cared too much about appearances, about impressing the right people. You were rich, sure, but you didn’t let it define you.

And somehow, that made you even more intriguing. A slow smirk tugs at the corner of Jake’s lips. “Ouch.”

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. “Don’t take it personally. I just never cared about those social circles.”

Jake hums in amusement. “And yet, here we are.”

You arch a brow. “And yet, here we are.”

Jake’s gaze flickers to the book cart beside you, filled with stacks waiting to be returned to their proper places. He tilts his head, considering, then gestures toward it.

“Mind if I help?”

You blink, caught off guard. “You?”

He raises an eyebrow. “What? Think I’m incapable of putting books on a shelf?”

You huff out a small laugh. “I just figured you’d have a class to get to. Or a meeting.”

Jake leans casually against the cart, hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered. “My classes don’t even start for at least forty minutes or so.” His lips curl into that signature, lazy grin. “Plenty of time to lend a hand.”

You narrow your eyes playfully. “And why exactly would the student council secretary want to waste his free time stacking books?”

His grin widens. “Maybe I just like the company.”

You roll your eyes, turning to grab a book from the cart, but before you can, Jake leans in slightly, dropping his voice just enough to make you pause.

“Or,” he teases, “are you saying you don’t want a big, strong Alpha helping you?”

You let out a giggle, shaking your head. “Oh, please.”

Jake smirks. “That wasn’t a no.”

You shake your head again, amused, and hand him a book. “Fine, Secretary Sim. Let’s see if you actually know your way around a library.”

He takes it from you with an exaggerated air of confidence. “Prepare to be impressed.”

And just like that, minutes pass, time slipping through your fingers like sand as you and Jake move through the towering shelves, placing books where they belong. What started as a simple task quickly turns into something else entirely, something lighter.

You are nothing but a giggling fit as the pureblooded Alpha standing just a few inches from you recounts stories from his childhood. For someone who always seemed so put-together, so composed, seeing this side of him; one filled with sighs and boyish grins as he talks about his past—it was unexpectedly charming.

“So let me get this straight,” you say, biting back another laugh as you slide a book onto the shelf. “You cried because your tutor forced you to read Alice in Wonderland?”

Jake groans dramatically, running a hand down his face. “I was like… six, okay? And I didn’t just cry—I threw the book.”

You gasp, covering your mouth in mock horror. “The abuse!”

He snorts, shaking his head. “It was self-defense. I thought it was gonna be some fun story about a girl going on an adventure, but it made no sense.”

You stifle a laugh as he leans against the shelf beside you, watching your expression with a knowing smirk. “You think it’s funny?”

You nod, grinning. “It is funny. What kind of kid throws a tantrum over Alice in Wonderland?”

“The kind who got locked in a study room for hours and told he wasn’t leaving until he finished the chapter,” he says, deadpan.

At that, you burst into quiet laughter, shaking your head. “So what changed? You seem pretty into books now.”

Jake exhales, rolling a book between his hands. “Honestly? After that, I refused to read anything for a while. But my mom, she wasn’t having it. She started giving me books that actually interested me. Stories about history, people, real things. And eventually… I don’t know. I got used to it. Liked it, even.”

His voice softens slightly, a hint of sincerity slipping through his usual teasing tone. It makes you pause, watching him a little more closely.

“Guess I should thank my stubborn tutor,” he adds with a lopsided smile. “Even if Alice in Wonderland still haunts me to this day.”

You shake your head, grinning. “Noted. No Wonderland-themed gifts for you.”

Jake chuckles, his gaze lingering on you for just a second too long. Then, with a playful nudge of your shoulder, he steps back, grabbing another book from the cart.

He glances down at the watch strapped to his wrist, and his chest tightens when he sees the time—only ten minutes left before his next class. He exhales through his nose, shoulders dropping slightly.

Why did it feel so heavy to leave? It wasn’t like he wasn’t coming back. It wasn’t like this was the last time he’d see you. But something about walking away now, after all the laughter, after the ease that settled between you both, made his steps feel weighted.

He sets the book down on the cart, rubbing the back of his neck before finally looking at you. “Guess I should get going,” he mutters, not moving just yet.

You tilt your head, a soft, knowing smile gracing your lips. “Duty calls, huh?”

Jake chuckles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah. Something like that.”

There’s a second of silence, and he shifts on his feet, reluctant. He knows he should go, his class isn’t going to wait for him—but there's something holding him in place, like an invisible thread still tying him to this moment, to you.

His fingers tap against the side of his thigh, his weight shifting slightly. Then, before he can think twice about it, he blurts out, “You know… I never got your name.”

It’s a poor excuse to stay a little longer, but it’s the truth. He’s heard people mention you before, seen you in passing at events or around school—always just another face in a sea of familiarity. But here, now, under the warm glow of the library, he realizes that knowing of you isn’t the same as knowing you.

And he wants to.

Your eyebrows lift slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift. Then, as if humoring him, you tilt your head, an amused glint in your eyes.

“You mean to tell me you, Sim Jaeyun—Jake, student council secretary—know the names of half the student body but not mine?” you tease lightly, arms crossing over your chest.

Jake scoffs, crossing his own arms in response, mirroring your stance. “Hey, in my defense, most people introduce themselves to me first,” he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You, on the other hand, just threw books at me and insulted my childhood trauma.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Fine, fine.” You unfold your arms, watching him for a moment before finally saying, “(Y/N). (Y/N) (L/N).”

And that’s it. That’s all it takes.

He just knows he looks stupid right now. Like some love-struck idiot with a boyish grin plastered across his face. But he can’t help it.

Your name fits. It rolls through his mind so easily, as if he’s always known it.

“(Y/N),” he repeats, testing how it feels on his tongue. Yeah. He likes it.

Before he can embarrass himself any further, he takes a step back, pointing lazily at the book still on top of the cart. “Don’t forget to let me know if you hate it,” he teases, a smirk playing at his lips.

You roll your eyes but wave him off with an amused shake of your head.

The brunette Alpha stood at the front of the room, hands in his pockets, the glow of the projector casting sharp shadows across his face.

Another council meeting was in full swing, and the proposal was displayed on the screen behind him—an extensive, well-structured plan covering student initiatives for the next few months. His voice was steady as he spoke.

“As you can see, the proposed projects align with last year’s data on student participation rates. The revisions focus on accessibility, budget efficiency, and—”

A voice interrupted.

“How are you sure this is actually in line with what the student body wants?”

Jake’s sentence cut off. His head tilted slightly, eyes flickering toward the source of the comment—a Beta seated a few rows back, arms crossed, expression laced with casual arrogance.

Silence settled over the room.

Jake didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he exhaled through his nose, his fingers curling slightly before flexing out again.

Then, he let out a quiet scoff. The kind that wasn’t amused. The kind that sent tension through the air.

The Beta shifted in his seat, but Jake only raised a brow, taking his time before speaking.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice calm. Too calm. “Did I just spend the last ten minutes breaking down survey data, feedback percentages, and budget adjustments for you to sit there and ask that?”

The Beta blinked.

Jake took a step forward, slowly, hands still in his pockets. “Tell me, do you think I’m just making things up? You think I’m sitting in my room, pulling numbers out of my ass for fun?” His voice was smooth, but the sharpness beneath it was unmistakable.

The room was deathly quiet now.

The Beta’s smirk wavered, but he pushed back. “I just think we should consider if—”

Jake cut him off. “No, see, I actually consider things. That’s why I have reports—real student responses—right here.” He tapped the remote, switching the slide. Pages of survey results filled the screen. “Meanwhile, you’re just speculating.”

Silence.

Jake’s gaze was cold. The Beta looked away.

“Thought so,” Jake muttered, clicking to the next slide as if nothing had happened. “Now, moving on.”

The tension still hung thick in the air, but somewhere near the front, Heeseung and Sunghoon exchanged a look—one of amusement, a smirk tugging at the corners of their lips.

Heeseung let out a quiet chuckle under his breath, barely audible over the sound of the projector clicking to the next slide. Sunghoon bit the inside of his cheek to keep from outright grinning.

“Damn,” Heeseung muttered low enough for only those nearby to hear.

Sunghoon, resting his chin lazily against his palm, whispered back, “Should’ve kept his mouth shut.”

The Beta had noticeably shrunk in his seat, his earlier arrogance dissolving under Jake’s scrutiny. His grip tightened around his pen, eyes fixed anywhere but on the secretary at the front of the room.

From the side, Sunoo barely spared him a glance before mumbling, “Serves him right.”

Jake, meanwhile, acted as though nothing had happened, his expression schooled back into indifference. He clicked through another slide, eyes skimming over the proposal details.

Ni-ki and Jay, seated near the back, exchanged glances before grinning. Without a word, Ni-ki held up a fist, and Jay bumped his against it—the silent gesture between them going unnoticed by most.

Well, almost unnoticed.

Jungwon, ever the responsible president, was supposed to be the professional one—the peacemaker. He was meant to keep the meetings under control, not laugh in moments like this. But, really, this was what happened when people tried to provoke them.

Despite knowing better, Jungwon let out a quiet snicker, only to quickly disguise it with a cough, covering his mouth as if clearing his throat. The movement was poorly timed, though, and Sunoo shot him an unimpressed look while Heeseung outright smirked.

Jake, standing at the front, didn’t acknowledge any of it, his attention seemingly fixed on the presentation—but the sharp flicker of amusement in his eyes betrayed him.

“As I was saying before we decided to entertain baseless accusations,” Jake continued smoothly, clicking through another slide, “the budget allocations for each committee have been balanced accordingly. If anyone has actual concerns that don’t involve unnecessary questioning of my ability to read statistics, now would be the time to raise them.”

Silence.

Jungwon pressed his fist against his mouth, eyes crinkling as he fought the urge to laugh again.

Jake exhaled sharply through his nose, rolling his shoulders back before giving a curt nod.

“That’s all for today,” he hummed, voice smooth yet edged with the remnants of his earlier irritation. He didn’t bother with any closing remarks or pleasantries, simply gathering his things with efficiency. His movements were controlled—yet the way he shut his notebook with just a little too much force gave him away.

The second the meeting ended, he was gone. No lingering, no small talk, just a brisk exit, bag slung over his shoulder.

His steps were quick, the grand library doors already in sight, the one place no one would dare follow him.

But just as he turned the corner, voices caught his attention.

“Oh! Jake’s free now, should we go talk to him?”

“He always leaves so quickly after meetings… maybe today’s our chance?”

Jake cursed under his breath.

A group of Omegas stood a few feet away, clearly debating the best way to approach him. He didn’t have the patience for this. Not today. He wasn’t in the right mindset to deal with hopeful smiles or small talk.

More importantly, he didn’t trust himself not to accidentally snap. The last thing he needed was to ruin someone’s day just because he was still irritated from some idiotic remark earlier.

And, god forbid, if someone tried to confess their feelings today, he might actually combust.

He quickened his pace, reaching the library doors just before anyone could call his name. Slipping inside, he shut them behind him with a soft thud, muting the distant voices that nearly caught him.

The Alpha took a breath.

The library was cool, quiet—the perfect escape. His sharp eyes scanned the room, quickly bypassing the open tables and the front desk. He didn’t want to risk being found. Instead, he made a beeline for the very back, where towering bookshelves created a maze of hidden seats.

There, near the last row, he found what he was looking for—a section with oversized shelves, their positioning just awkward enough to create a hidden space. It wasn’t a proper seating area, more like a forbidden section of the library, where students occasionally hid when they wanted to avoid the world.

Perfect.

Jake slipped into the small space, sinking onto the cushioned seat against the back wall. The moment he was out of sight, he let his head rest against the wood, eyes briefly shutting.

Finally. No interruptions. No stupid questions. No unwanted attention. Just silence.

Jake had been there for a while now, longer than he intended, but time always moved differently in the library. The quiet had done little to fully rid him of his earlier frustration, but at least it kept him from doing something he’d regret.

A book rested in his hands, something he had picked up absentmindedly from the shelf near his hiding spot. He wasn’t even sure what it was about, but flipping through the pages had given him something to do.

His fingers hovered over the corner of the page, ready to turn it, when he heard it—soft footsteps approaching, barely audible against the carpeted floors.

Jake tensed.

He wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. If it was one of his friends coming to tease him, or worse, someone trying to get his attention for another pointless conversation, he was going to—

But then the scent of honey and seawater hit him.

It was soft, familiar, cutting through his frustration like a breath of fresh air. Unlike the overwhelming scents he had escaped, this one simply existed, wrapping around him until his grip on the book loosened.

Then, your voice followed. “Are you okay?”

Jake froze.

Your voice was gentle, laced with concern. Not prying, but still searching. And suddenly, whatever sharp retort he had been about to throw out died in his throat.

His annoyance didn’t seem so important anymore.

Jake swallowed, his lips parting slightly, but no words came out at first. It wasn’t like him to be at a loss for words—not in meetings, not in arguments, not even when he was annoyed. But something about you being here, standing so close, made all the tension he had been carrying shift into something else.

Slowly, he lowered the book, tilting his head just enough to meet your gaze. Your expression was soft, brows slightly drawn together, not with curiosity, but with something gentler. You weren’t here to pry or gossip. You just… cared. And suddenly, his frustration felt almost childish.

“I…” he stopped himself, exhaling sharply through his nose.

He wanted to say he was fine, that it was nothing, that it was just another stupid meeting with people who didn’t know how to keep their mouths shut.

But the words didn’t come out.

Instead, Jake leaned back against the loveseat, gaze flickering to the pages of his book as if searching for an answer.

You didn’t press him. You didn’t demand an explanation or scold him for running off like his friends probably would have. You just stood there, waiting.

And for some reason, that made him want to answer.

“I just needed some space,” he muttered eventually, his voice quieter than usual, lacking its usual sharpness. He rubbed the back of his neck, finally meeting your eyes again. “Didn’t feel like dealing with anyone.”

You hummed, stepping closer. The scent of you made the last of his annoyance settle into something easier to manage.

“I figured,” you said softly. “You looked upset earlier.”

Jake’s brows lifted slightly, surprised that you had noticed. His friends might’ve caught on, but most people weren’t perceptive enough to see through his carefully crafted walls. Yet, you had.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Some beta tried challenging me mid-meeting,” he muttered, irritation creeping in before he caught himself. Shaking his head, he added, “Doesn’t matter anymore.”

Silence settled between you, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Jake found himself watching you instead—how you shifted slightly on your feet, how your fingers curled at your sides as if debating whether or not to reach out. The thought made something in his chest tighten unexpectedly.

Then, after a moment, you spoke again.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Jake let out a quiet laugh, not mocking, but almost… grateful. He shook his head, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips. “Nah,” he said, closing the book in his hands. “But… I don’t mind staying here for a while.”

His voice was quieter now, almost hesitant, but the way your face softened told him you understood.

You hesitated before shifting your weight slightly. “Can I sit?”

Jake blinked, surprised by the question, then nodded, maybe a little too eagerly. Clearing his throat, he schooled his expression back to neutral and gestured to the spot beside him. “Yeah, of course.”

You settled down next to him, the space between you small but not suffocating. Close enough that he could feel your warmth, but not close enough to be overwhelming.

Jake exhaled slowly, feeling the last remnants of his frustration loosen in his chest. The meeting, the irritation, the unwanted attention from his admirers, it all seemed a little less important now.

For a while, neither of you spoke. The only sounds were the distant rustling of pages and the occasional creak of a chair as someone moved in the main area of the library. But here, hidden away behind the tall shelves, it felt like a world apart.

His fingers idly traced the book’s cover, though he wasn’t really reading. Instead, he was hyper-aware of your knee barely brushing his, your scent lingering; unexpectedly soothing.

“You always come here when you need space?” you asked after a moment, your voice soft, curious but not prying.

Jake tilted his head slightly, considering. “Not always,” he admitted. “But it’s quiet. And no one really thinks to look for me back here.” He huffed a quiet laugh. “Except you, apparently.”

You smiled, nudging his arm lightly. “I had a feeling.”

The pureblooded Alpha found himself smiling back—a real one this time. Not forced, not out of politeness, but something small and genuine.

Jake eased back against the wall, shoulders finally relaxing. His fingers tapped absently on the book’s spine, but he wasn’t reading, not when your presence felt more real than the words on the page.

“You know, you always seem to know where to find me,” he mused, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye.

You shrugged, tilting your head slightly. “Maybe I just know you better than most, even if I just met you.”

The words settled between you both—not heavy, not awkward, just honest. Jake felt something unfamiliar stir in his chest, something warm.

He studied you for a second longer before shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “Scary thought.”

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Oh, please. You’re not that complicated.”

Jake hummed, amused, but didn’t argue. Instead, he let the silence stretch again, though this time, it felt different—more comfortable. The frustration from earlier had nearly faded entirely, replaced by something far less sharp.

After a moment, you reached over, tapping your fingers lightly against the edge of his book. “So, what are you reading?”

Jake glanced down, suddenly remembering he was even holding something. He flipped the book in his hands absentmindedly before handing it over to you. “Something I grabbed off the shelf. Wasn’t really paying attention.”

You took it, skimming the cover. “Mmh, seems interesting.”

Jake scoffed lightly. “You didn’t even read anything yet.”

You grinned. “I have good intuition.”

Jake shook his head, but the amusement lingered in his eyes. He watched as you scanned the cover, the way your brows furrowed slightly in concentration. He didn’t know why, but the sight of you so focused on something so simple made his chest tighten.

He looked away, clearing his throat. “You can borrow it if you want.”

You glanced up at him, lips twitching in the beginnings of a smile. “You sure? I thought you came here to read.”

Jake exhaled a short laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, well…” He trailed off, gaze flickering to yours before looking away just as quickly. “I think I found something better to focus on.”

The words left his mouth before he could really think about them, and Jake nearly winced at himself. But then you laughed, soft and light—and the tension in his shoulders eased.

You nudged him again, a touch more lingering this time. “Flatterer.”

Jake smirked. “Just saying.”

You tapped your fingers against the book’s spine, tilting your head slightly as you considered something. Then, with an easy smile, you turned to Jake.

“Wanna read it together?”

Jake blinked, caught off guard. “Together?”

You nodded, flipping the book open and patting the space between you both. “Yeah. You said you weren’t really paying attention when you picked it, right? So why not give it a proper chance?”

Jake hesitated for a second, then exhaled through his nose, a soft chuckle slipping past his lips. “You really don’t take no for an answer, do you?”

You grinned. “Not when I know it’s a good idea.”

Shaking his head, Jake shifted slightly, leaning in just enough so he could read over your shoulder as you settled into the first few pages. The closeness wasn’t something he was used to—at least, not like this. It wasn’t suffocating. Instead, it felt warm, your scent wrapping around him in a way that slowly untangled the tension from his limbs.

For a few minutes, the only sound between you both was the quiet rustle of pages turning. Then—

“Oh my god,” you murmured, biting back a laugh.

Jake glanced at you, brow furrowed. “What?”

You pointed at a line of dialogue, barely able to hold in your giggle. “My love for you burns like the eternal sun, scorching and unyielding in its devotion.”

You turned to him, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Scorching and unyielding?”

Jake groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “I knew I picked up something weird.”

You nudged him playfully. “No, no, this is great. Keep reading.”

Jake huffed but followed along as you continued. Another dramatic line came up, something about hearts entwining like ivy around stone, and you couldn’t stop yourself from giggling again.

“You’re laughing,” Jake accused, though his tone was more fond than annoyed.

You nodded, grinning. “Because this is so overly dramatic. Do people actually talk like this?”

Jake smirked, flipping the page. “Maybe in, like, the 1800s.”

You snorted, shaking your head. “I don’t know, Jake. I think you should take notes. Maybe next time you wanna woo an Omega, try saying, ‘My devotion to you is like the tides, endless and drawn to the moon’s call.’”

Jake nearly choked. “Absolutely not.”

Your laughter echoed softly through the library’s quiet corners, warm and easy. Jake grinned despite himself, the bitterness in his scent from earlier fading entirely, replaced by something softer, warm oranges and fresh pine, subtle but there.

You inhaled lightly, the change making your chest flutter just a bit. Without thinking, you smiled.

Jake noticed.

His gaze flickered to you, curiosity glinting in his eyes. “What?”

You shook your head, still smiling. “Nothing.”

Jake wasn’t convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he let the moment settle, let the warmth of your laughter and the ridiculous book between you both fill the space.

“Alright,” he sighed dramatically, flipping another page. “Let’s see just how much worse this gets.”

For a while, you read in silence, the occasional rustle of a page the only sound. The library's soft glow wrapped your hidden corner in warmth, making it feel even more secluded, like the rest of the world had melted away, leaving just the two of you.

Jake found himself enjoying the book despite its overly dramatic writing, maybe because you were reading it too. Your amused huffs and quiet comments made it more entertaining than it should have been. But after a while, he noticed something.

You had grown quiet.

Too quiet.

Jake subtly glanced at you from the corner of his eye, lips twitching when he realized what was happening. Your blinks were getting slower, your posture more relaxed, and the way your fingers had stopped fidgeting with the edge of the page told him—without a doubt—you were dozing off.

He let out a breathless chuckle, barely a sound, shaking his head. You really do have a way of catching me off guard, huh?

For a moment, he debated waking you, but something about the peaceful look on your face stopped him. Instead, Jake hesitated for only a second before moving carefully.

With the gentleness only a pureblooded Alpha raised on traditional etiquette could have, he shifted ever so slightly, angling his shoulder toward you. Then, just as lightly, he guided your head to rest against him.

You stirred for the briefest moment, instinctively snuggling a little closer to his side.

Jake immediately froze. His whole body tensed.

His heart skipped a beat.

It was ridiculous, but the warmth of you against him, the way your scent wrapped around him so effortlessly, made his thoughts stumble.

He swallowed, exhaling slowly through his nose, trying to will away the sudden tightness in his chest. This is fine. It’s nothing.

You were just tired. And he was just being considerate. That’s what an Alpha was supposed to do, right? Protect, provide comfort, ensure safety.

So why did it feel like something far more intimate?

He swallowed, forcing himself to focus on the book still open in his lap. The words blurred slightly as his mind reeled, but he kept reading anyway, if only to distract himself from the fact that you were resting against him, trusting him enough to do so.

Outside, the library remained as quiet as ever. The world carried on.

But for Jake, sitting there in the dim light, your soft breathing evening out against his side, something shifted.

And he wasn’t sure he could ever shift it back.

Your breath was steady, your warmth pressed lightly against him, and for a moment, Jake thought you had fully drifted off.

But then, just as he was about to return his attention to the book, you stirred slightly, shifting against his side.

Your voice, quiet and laced with sleep, barely broke the hush of the library.

"Wake me up in fifteen minutes?"

You mumbled the words, your voice slurring just the tiniest bit.

Jake stilled.

He looked down at you, watching as your eyelashes fluttered against your cheek, your breathing slow and deep. The way you said it—so trusting, so unguarded—made something warm unfurl in his chest.

He exhaled softly, barely above a whisper, but there was no mistaking the tenderness in his voice when he responded.

"Sure, omega. Sure."

It was the softest he had ever spoken. The gentlest he had ever let himself be.

Jake didn’t know if you heard it, if your drowsy mind even registered the way his voice had dipped into something almost tame.

But he didn’t care.

Because as you let out a content sigh, sinking just a little bit further into his side, he knew one thing for certain—

Fifteen minutes wouldn't be enough.

The library stayed still, the only sound a distant rustle of pages. Late afternoon light streamed through tall windows, casting a warm glow over your hidden corner.

Jake, who had only meant to let you rest for fifteen minutes, had somehow drifted off himself.

His breathing was even, his frame relaxed, and without realizing it, he had shifted closer. His head had dipped, resting atop yours, while your body had curled just slightly into his side.

The scent of oranges and pine surrounded you, warmer now, softened by sleep, no longer laced with the bitterness from earlier.

For the first time that day, everything felt at peace.

Until your eyelids fluttered open.

You blinked slowly, your body still heavy with sleep. The warmth against you registered first, followed by the weight on your head. It took your drowsy mind a moment to process that Jake had fallen asleep, too—that you had both somehow ended up nestled against each other.

Your cheeks warmed instantly.

Careful not to wake him, you shifted, his uniform brushing against your skin. Slowly, you reached into your skirt pocket, fingers curling around your phone. You turned the screen on—

And immediately panicked.

You had overslept.

By an hour.

Your breath hitched, and you nearly jolted upright, but Jake stirred at the movement, a quiet sigh leaving his lips.

You froze.

His head shifted slightly against yours before settling once more, his arm now loosely resting against your side, as if unconsciously keeping you in place.

Your heart was practically in your throat.

You should wake him up. You needed to wake him up.

You hesitated, phone still clutched in your hand as you weighed your options.

Jake was still fast asleep, his breathing slow and steady, completely at ease for the first time all day.

Something about that made you pause.

Carefully, despite the awkward angle, you tilted your head up just slightly—just enough to get a proper look at him.

And for a moment, you forgot how to breathe.

Up close, he looked softer, more serene than the composed, ever-efficient student council secretary he always presented himself as. His brows, usually furrowed in focus, were relaxed. His long lashes rested gently against his skin, and his lips, often pressed into a firm line, were now slightly parted.

Even his scent of warm oranges and fresh pine seemed calmer now, no longer edged with irritation or exhaustion.

You swallowed, feeling your heart skip a beat.

Jake had always been handsome, but there was something about seeing him like this, unguarded, peaceful—that made your stomach twist in a way you didn’t quite know how to handle.

The logical part of you knew you had to wake him up. It was already late, and staying like this any longer would only make things worse.

But a part of you, the part that wasn’t ready to let go of this warmth just yet, hesitated.

He just looked so… at peace.

Yet you let out a soft sigh before gently nudging his shoulder. “Jake,” you murmured, voice hushed in the quiet of the library.

He stirred slightly, a low hum escaping him as his lashes fluttered, struggling against the remnants of sleep. His brows furrowed, and he shifted, blinking a few times as if trying to register where he was.

Then, his body tensed.

The realization of just how close you were hit him all at once—your warmth pressed against his side, your head resting against his shoulder, his own head tilted atop yours. His breath hitched as he sat up slightly, eyes widening.

“S—Sorry,” he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t—I mean, I didn’t mean to—”

You waved a hand, amused. “It’s fine. You looked like you needed that rest.”

Jake blinked, processing your words before exhaling, ruffling his already tousled hair. “Shit… What time is it?”

“Almost six,” you replied, stretching slightly.

His eyes widened slightly as he ran a hand through his hair again, the weight of lost time settling in. “Shit. Did I keep you in here? Don’t you have anything to do?”

You shook your head. “No, there’s a different student covering the night shift," you explained. “Library closes at eight anyway.”

Jake hummed in acknowledgment, but then you sighed, leaning back slightly.

“Great,” you muttered sarcastically.

Jake frowned. “What?”

You huffed. “I have no one to pick me up.”

Jake blinked at you for a moment before tilting his head, expression unreadable. “Huh?”

He didn’t say anything at first, just studying you, but there was something about the way his gaze lingered.

The Alpha tilted his head slightly, brows furrowing in confusion. “Wait, why don’t you just drive?”

You blinked at him before letting out a small laugh, shaking your head. “My car isn't here.”

Jake still looked puzzled. “Don’t you have a driver?”

You sighed, leaning back against the loveseat. “It’s my designated driver’s day off,” you explained. “So, I had to hitch a ride with a friend this morning.”

Jake hummed, nodding slowly, but when you casually mentioned her name, his eyes flickered with surprise.

“Oh,” he said, blinking. “You’re friends with Heeseung’s mate?”

You nodded with a small smile, amused by the way his expression changed, like he was processing that information and filing it away for later. “Yeah,” you replied. “We’ve been close for a while.”

Jake let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head slightly. “Huh. Small world.”

“You sound surprised,” you teased, raising a brow at him.

He shrugged, a ghost of a smirk playing at his lips. “I mean, kind of? I just didn’t expect it, that’s all.”

“Why?” you asked, tilting your head.

Jake scratched the back of his neck. “I don’t know," he admitted. “It’s just—Heeseung’s mate is usually around him or the others. I’ve never really seen her with you.”

You grinned. “That’s because we hang out outside of school.”

Jake let out an amused huff. “Figures.” He leaned back against the bookshelf, arms crossed. “So, you really have no way of getting home?”

You sighed dramatically, resting your head against the back of the loveseat. “Nope. Stuck here until I figure something out.”

Jake clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “That’s great,” he muttered, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“Right?” you replied, just as sarcastically. “Super great. Love this for me.”

Jake shifted in his seat, hesitating for a moment. You watched as his fingers tapped idly against his arm, his lips pressing into a thin line like he was debating something in his head.

Then, finally, he sighed through his nose and ran a hand through his hair. “I could drive you,” he said, but there was an unusual softness to his voice, like he was testing the waters.

You blinked up at him, caught slightly off guard. “You?”

“Yeah,” he said, but he looked like he was second-guessing himself. “I mean—only if you’re okay with that. If you’d rather call someone else or wait, that’s fine, too.” He shrugged, aiming for nonchalance, but the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes gave him away. “I just figured… it’d be better than being stuck here.”

You hesitated, not because you didn’t want to accept, but because he looked unsure, like he wanted to help but didn’t want to overstep.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you shook your head. “No, I mean—if you’re offering, I won’t say no.”

Jake exhaled, something in his posture easing at your words. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you confirmed. “That would actually be really helpful.”

His lips quirked up slightly, and he nodded. “Alright. Let’s get out of here, then.”

Jake stood up from the leather loveseat, stretching his arms slightly before turning to you with a playful glint in his eyes. With an exaggerated gesture, he extended his hand toward you, palm up, and dipped his head slightly.

“After you, (Y/N)—the ever-so-pretty Omega,” he teased, his voice dripping with mock formality.

You laughed, rolling your eyes but still taking his hand as you played along. “Why, thank you, my kind Alpha," you replied, matching his tone with an amused smirk.

As your fingers briefly brushed against his, Jake let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re something else,” he muttered, but there was no bite to his words—only a quiet fondness he wasn’t sure he was ready to acknowledge yet.

As you both stepped outside the hidden reading nook, the warm glow of the setting sun filtered through the library windows. The golden light painted long shadows across the floor, making the whole place feel even more serene.

Just as you reached the front doors, you suddenly stopped and turned to Jake. “Wait here for a second,” you told him, motioning for him to stay put.

Jake furrowed his brows. “Where are you going?”

You pointed toward the reception desk. “I need to grab my bag. I’ll be quick.”

He nodded, leaning casually against the doorframe as he watched you jog over. You made your way to the desk, where the student taking over the night shift was already setting up for her hours ahead. She glanced up as you approached, blinking in surprise before a teasing grin spread across her face.

“So… you and Jake, huh?” she mused, raising a knowing brow as she handed you your bag.

You blinked before letting out a laugh, waving a hand dismissively. “Oh, please,” you scoffed. “It’s not like that.”

She hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh. Sure. You do know he’s waiting for you by the door like a damn gentleman, right? That’s Alpha behavior if I’ve ever seen it.”

You rolled your eyes, slinging your bag over your shoulder. “He’s just giving me a ride home. That’s all.”

She smirked, resting her chin on her palm. “Mhm. And I’m just a regular student who doesn’t notice things.”

Shaking your head, you turned away, laughing under your breath. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” you called over your shoulder.

“Tell Jake I said hi,” she teased back, making you shake your head again with a smile as you returned to the entrance.

Jake glanced at you as you rejoined him. “Took you long enough,” he said, though there was no actual bite to his tone.

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Patience, Jake.”

He scoffed, but then reached out, tugging your bag off your shoulder before you could react. “Here, let me.”

You blinked at him. “Jake, I can carry my own bag.”

“I know,” he said easily, slinging it over his own shoulder like it weighed nothing. “But I want to.”

He pushed open the library doors with a smirk. “Let’s get going.”

You only grinned, stepping outside beside him, the air crisp as the last remnants of daylight clung to the sky.

The car ride home was comfortable, the kind of quiet that wasn’t awkward, just easy. The city lights flickered past as the sky deepened into shades of navy, the last traces of sunset fading beyond the horizon.

You sat snugly in the passenger seat, curled slightly toward Jake as he drove with practiced ease, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually near the gear shift.

“So, mate,” you said, attempting your best Australian accent, dragging the word out obnoxiously. “Where we headin’, aye?”

Jake nearly choked on his laughter. “Oh my god, what was that?”

“My perfect Aussie impression,” you grinned.

He shot you a look, lips twitching. “That was a crime against my entire country.”

“Oi,” you protested, making your voice deeper. “That’s offensive, innit?”

Jake shook his head, amused. “Now you just sound British.”

You burst into laughter, the sound filling the car. Jake just grinned, shaking his head as he made a turn.

“Take a left up here,” you directed, still giggling.

He followed without question, and as the road stretched out before you, the surroundings became quieter, lined with trees and distant estate homes. Soon, large iron gates loomed ahead.

Jake whistled lowly. “Fancy.”

You snorted, shooting him a look before gesturing around the car’s sleek interior. “Oh, please. Stop acting like you’re not used to the same lifestyle.”

Jake smirked, drumming his fingers against the wheel. “Okay, fair point,” he admitted. “But you have to admit, this is some next-level rich.”

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Says the guy driving a literal sports car.”

Jake chuckled, tapping the wheel. “Touché.”

The soft purr of the engine filled the space as the car eased forward, headlights illuminating the long road ahead. Soon, the massive gates loomed before you, standing tall and pristine under the dimming sky.

Jake took it in, lips quirking. “Still fancy.”

You hummed, reaching for the intercom, but at the last second, an idea sparked. You smirked and leaned back. “You do it.”

Jake raised a brow. “Me?”

You nodded, barely holding back a grin. “Just say… special delivery.”

He gave you a look, but the amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. With a small shake of his head, he rolled down the window and pressed the call button. A second later, a static click sounded.

“Special delivery,” Jake said smoothly, voice rich with amusement.

There was a brief pause—then, with a soft beep, the gates creaked open.

You burst out laughing, leaning back in your seat. Jake just shook his head as he pulled forward, a chuckle slipping past his lips.

“I don’t know what’s worse,” he mused. “That it actually worked or that you set me up for it.”

“You just have that kind of voice,” you teased, still grinning.

Jake smirked, flicking his gaze toward you. “Oh yeah? You like my voice that much?”

You groaned, reaching over to shove his arm. “Drive, Sim.”

As the gates opened fully, Jake eased the car forward, and the moment you passed through, the estate unfolded before him like something straight out of a movie.

The long driveway was paved with smooth cobblestone, flanked by lush, towering trees that cast intricate shadows beneath the soft glow of vintage-style street lamps.

Vibrant flower beds lined the path, a carefully curated mix of imported and native flora blooming in perfect harmony. The air smelled fresh, carried by the evening breeze.

Jake let out a low whistle as he took in the sight, his fingers drumming against the wheel. “Alright, I take it back. This is next-level rich.”

You smirked, watching his expression shift as you approached the heart of the estate. “Mhmm.”

The trees eventually gave way to a pristine white mansion that stood tall against the twilight sky. The grand structure was illuminated by soft golden lights, casting a warm glow against the cool evening.

Right in the middle of the circular driveway, a massive, intricately designed fountain stood proudly, water cascading from its tiers in a soothing rhythm.

Jake’s gaze flicked to the various luxury and imported sports cars parked carelessly around the front, some you recognized as your family’s, others belonging to guests or relatives who were likely visiting.

At that, Jake let out a scoff, shaking his head with an amused smile. “Okay, now this just reminds me of our house.”

You hummed, tilting your head slightly as you glanced at him. “Told you.”

He snorted. “Our parents really went all out, didn’t they?”

“They always do.” You sighed, leaning back into your seat. “Big houses, big cars, big expectations.”

Jake glanced at you briefly before turning back to the road, guiding the car toward the entrance. “Yeah,” he murmured, voice softer. “Big everything.”

There was a moment of silence, the quiet hum of the car filling the space.

Then, in true Jake fashion, he smirked. “But, to be fair, at least we’re not the ones worrying about car maintenance.”

You let out a laugh, shaking your head. “Small mercies, Sim. Small mercies.”

Before you could even reach for the door handle, Jake suddenly clicked his tongue. “Nope.”

You blinked at him just as he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out in one swift motion. His door shut with a quiet thud, and within seconds, he was already rounding the front of the car, effortlessly smooth as always.

The moment he pulled open the passenger door for you, he grinned. “Go on, princess. Fancy estates require fancy treatment.”

You huffed a laugh, shaking your head in amusement as you took his offered hand and stepped out onto the driveway. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”

“And yet, you keep me around,” he quipped, the corners of his eyes crinkling with that familiar, boyish smile.

Before you could fire back a response, the large wooden doors of the mansion suddenly swung open. The warm glow of the foyer lights spilled onto the marble steps, casting long shadows across the pristine entryway.

Standing in the doorway was your mother, poised yet undeniably elegant, dressed in a silk blouse and tailored pants. The usual sharpness in her gaze was softened, just slightly—with both worry and amusement as her eyes flickered between you and Jake, who was still casually holding your hand.

Her lips quirked up the slightest bit. “Well,” she mused, arms crossing. “It seems you’ve had quite the evening.”

Jake, ever the charmer, straightened up, offering a polite yet playful smile. “Good evening, Mrs. (L/N),” he greeted smoothly, his posture changing into something more formal yet undeniably confident.

You, on the other hand, simply sighed and shot him a look before turning to your mother. “Mom, please don’t start.”

Your mother let out a light laugh, though her eyes still held traces of concern. “I wasn’t going to.” Then, her gaze flickered to Jake’s sleek black sports car parked in the driveway. “I suppose I should be grateful you didn’t arrive in something flashier, Mr. Sim.”

Jake blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Wait, how do you know me?”

Your mother let out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, Jake, dear. I’ve known you since you were in diapers.”

You and Jake exchanged equally confused glances before looking back at her.

Your mother smirked knowingly. “Your parents and I have been friends for years. We see each other at events all the time. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.”

Jake scoffed in disbelief, rubbing the back of his neck. “Huh. Well, that’s news to me.” Then, he turned to you, raising a brow. “Did you know about this?”

You simply shrugged. “Nope.”

Jake let out an amused chuckle, shaking his head. “Figures.”

Your mother, still thoroughly entertained, placed a hand on her hip. “Well, now that we’ve established that, how about you join us for dinner? I’m sure you’ve had a long day.”

Jake straightened slightly, shifting into that polite, well-mannered version of himself that only surfaced in formal settings. “I appreciate the offer, ma’am,” he said smoothly, voice respectful but firm. “But my parents are expecting me back home soon.”

Your mother hummed, nodding in understanding. “That’s a shame. Maybe next time, then.”

“Definitely,” Jake agreed with a small grin before turning back to you. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

You nodded, offering him a small smile. “Yeah. Drive safe, Jake.”

He gave you a two-finger salute before slipping back into his sleek black sports car. The engine purred to life, the sound low and smooth, as he backed out of the pristine driveway.

You didn’t move, not even when the taillights faded into the distance. You waited until his car was completely out of sight before finally turning toward the open doorway.

The moment you stepped inside, your mother wasted no time.

“So,” she drawled, shutting the door behind you with a smirk that spelled nothing but trouble. “Jake Sim, huh?”

You sighed. “Mom.”

“What?” she asked, feigning innocence as she followed you further into the house. “He’s handsome. And he clearly dotes on you.”

“Mom.”

“Oh, and the way he opened the door for you? Adorable.”

You sighed dramatically, running a hand through your hair as you kicked off your shoes by the entrance. “Mom, I just met him—literally today.”

Your mother raised a perfectly manicured brow, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned against the grand staircase railing. The warm chandelier light made the gold accents of her jewelry glint as she smirked at you. “Well, he certainly doesn’t act like it,” she quipped. “That boy was looking at you like an Alpha who’s been courting you for years.”

Your jaw dropped. “Mom! That is not—”

She cut you off with a knowing laugh, waving a dismissive hand. “Oh, sweetheart, please. The way he opened your door? The way he stood just a little too close while you were talking?” She shook her head with mock disbelief. “And you’re telling me you just met?”

You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. “I swear, you’re worse than Dad.”

Your mom gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “Excuse me?” Then, with a knowing smile, she added, “Speaking of your father, I’m pretty sure he’d approve of Jake.”

You stared at her, utterly exasperated. “Oh my god.”

She grinned. “What? He’s well-mannered, respectful, and from a good family. Plus, he drives a nice car. You know how your father feels about cars.”

You groaned louder, turning on your heel. “I’m going to bed before you start planning our wedding.”

“Oh, don’t tempt me!” she called out, amusement laced in her voice. Then, just as you reached your door, she added, “You'd make a cute pair, don’t you think?”

You slammed your door shut as her laughter echoed down the hall.

Lunch had just begun, and the halls buzzed with the usual midday energy, students spilling out of classrooms, voices overlapping, shoes scuffing against the polished floors. Jake walked alongside his usual group, all casually making their way toward the cafeteria.

“Man, I am starving,” Jay groaned, stretching his arms. “What’s for lunch today?”

“Something fancy, probably,” Sunghoon replied with a shrug. “They said it’s steak.”

Ni-ki perked up at that. “Oh, hell yeah.”

“I hope it’s actually good steak,” Sunoo chimed in, adjusting his bag strap. “Not the rubbery kind they sometimes serve.”

The group chuckled, but Jake wasn’t paying much attention. His hands were tucked into his pockets, his gaze subtly scanning the hallway. It wasn’t obvious, he wasn’t desperate or anything, but he noticed the lack of a certain presence.

You weren’t there. It was weird. He hadn’t even known you for that long, yet your absence was noticeable.

His phone remained silent in his pocket, no texts or missed calls from you.

“Hey, we’re going,” Jungwon called over his shoulder as the group neared the cafeteria entrance.

Jake hesitated. “Actually,” he said, slowing his steps, “I need to finish up some paperwork. I’ll eat later.”

That got their attention.

Sunoo immediately narrowed his eyes. “You always say that.”

“Yeah, bro, what’s new?” Heeseung added, shaking his head.

Jay sighed, already tired. “Dude, just go. We all know you won’t eat properly if you’re buried in council work.”

“Exactly,” Sunghoon agreed. “We’d rather deal with you now than later when you’re sleep-deprived and grumpy.”

Jake waved them off lazily. “Yeah, yeah,” he shot them a grin before turning in the opposite direction. But instead of heading toward the council office, he found himself walking toward the library.

The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere was different, it was quieter, calmer, with the faint scent of books in the air. His sharp eyes scanned the room, expecting to find you tucked away in your usual corner.

But you weren’t there.

He frowned slightly.

Instead, his gaze landed on the student librarian at the front desk, the same one who had seen you leaving with him last night. She noticed him instantly, and before he could even say a word, a slow, knowing grin stretched across her face.

Jake narrowed his eyes. He already didn’t like that look. “Where is she?” he asked, his tone neutral but firm.

The grin only widened. “Oh? Looking for someone, Sim?”

Jake exhaled sharply, unimpressed. “Her classroom. What floor?”

The student hummed, resting her chin on her palm. “And why would I tell you that?”

Jake leveled her with a flat stare. “Because I’m asking nicely.”

She clicked her tongue, dragging out the moment just to mess with him.

“Third floor,” she finally relented, her grin turning smug. “Room 3-A.”

Jake didn’t waste another second. Without another word, he turned on his heel, already making his way out.

But even as he left, he could still hear her barely suppressed laughter behind him.

Jake wasn’t the type to go looking for people. If anything, people usually came looking for him, whether it was for council matters, social obligations, or just random confessions.

But today, instead of heading to lunch with the boys, he found himself climbing the stairs to the third floor, hands tucked into his pockets.

The student librarian had given him your classroom number with an all-too-knowing grin, and now, standing outside the door to Room 3-A, he was met with a scene that made him pause.

You were surrounded.

Not just by one or two people, but by half the classroom. Some perched on desks, others standing, leaning in with animated grins as they listened intently to whatever you were saying.

Laughter echoed through the space, loud and infectious. It wasn’t just that you were well-liked, it was that you owned the room without even trying.

The crowd, the attention, the way people gravitated toward you—it wasn’t new. And yet, as his eyes settled on you, a thought crept into his mind.

Did you even notice him standing there?

But then, as if you could sense him, your gaze snapped toward the doorway.

And suddenly, the noise faded into the background.

Despite being completely engrossed in conversation, despite the people practically surrounding you, your focus changed entirely. Your lips, still curled mid-laugh, softened into something more curious.

Jake hadn’t even taken a full step inside before you were already pushing yourself up from your seat, murmuring brief apologies to your friends as you effortlessly slipped through the crowd.

You reached him within seconds, tilting your head with a knowing smile. “Didn’t see you in the library.”

Jake’s lips twitched. “Yeah, well. That’s ‘cause you weren’t there.”

A teasing glint flashed in your eyes. “So you were looking for me.”

He scoffed lightly, shaking his head. “Something like that.”

Behind you, a whistle cut through the air. “Damn,” one of your classmates muttered. “Didn’t think Sim was into you.”

Jake didn’t acknowledge the comment, but he didn’t need to. You rolled your eyes before half-turning to shoot them an unimpressed look. “Oh, shut up.”

When you turned back, Jake was still watching you.

His gaze flickered over your face, assessing, before he finally tilted his head slightly. “You free?”

You blinked. “For?”

“Lunch.”

A beat of silence. Then—

“You’re inviting me to lunch?” you asked, amusement evident in your tone.

Jake smirked, rocking back on his heels. “I know. Big honor.”

You scoffed, playfully smacking his arm. “You’re such an idiot.”

“Maybe.” He nodded toward the door. “C’mon.”

You exhaled through your nose, shaking your head slightly before casting a glance over your shoulder—because, of course, your classmates were still very much watching. Some wore wide grins, others exchanged glances, and a few were whispering among themselves.

“Guess I’ll be back later,” you announced, sending them a wink before turning back to Jake.

And just like that, he was leading you out the door, the sound of hushed murmurs and not-so-subtle giggles trailing behind you.

The cafeteria was alive with the hum of conversation, the clatter of trays, and the occasional burst of laughter from groups of students huddled around their tables. The sheer size of the place should have made it feel open, but with the lunchtime rush in full swing, it felt like everyone was packed in shoulder to shoulder.

Jake barely hesitated before placing his hand on the small of your back again, guiding you through the crowd with effortless ease. It was instinctual, like he had to make sure you weren’t swallowed up in the mass of students.

The heat of his touch seeped through the thin fabric of your uniform, grounding and steady, but most of all, familiar.

You didn’t move away.

You didn’t want to.

If anything, your body naturally gravitated closer to him, and that realization alone sent a rush of warmth to your cheeks.

Jake, of course, was completely unbothered. He wasn’t even looking at you, his gaze flickered across the cafeteria, scanning the area, before muttering, “You’d think with a cafeteria this big, it wouldn’t feel so cramped.”

His voice was casual, like he wasn’t currently touching you like it was second nature.

You swallowed, trying to will away the warmth creeping up your neck. “What, don’t tell me you’re scared of a little crowd, Sim?”

Jake scoffed, glancing at you with a smirk. “Scared? No. Annoyed? Absolutely.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Such a prince, huh? What’s next? Gonna demand a private table?”

“Don’t tempt me.”

You gave him a look, lips twitching. “Wow. I thought you were the chill one in your group.”

Jake placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense. “I am chill.”

You raised a brow. “You’re literally guiding me through a cafeteria like we’re dodging landmines.”

He shot you a lazy grin. “That’s not me being not chill. That’s me making sure you don’t trip over some random first year’s backpack.”

You snorted. “Sure, Sim. Whatever you say.”

The line moved forward, and Jake’s hand, still warm and very much there, pressed just slightly, nudging you along with him.

The air between you two was light, playful, but underlined with something else, something neither of you was fully acknowledging yet.

Jake didn’t remove his hand, and you… well, you let him.

The line continued moving, and when you finally reached the food counter, he casually leaned in a little closer. “What are you getting?” The way his voice dipped slightly, like he was asking something personal, made your stomach flip.

You blinked, shaking yourself out of it. “Uh. Probably just whatever they have today.”

Jake raised a brow, amused. “That’s not very specific.”

You shrugged. “I’m not picky.”

He gave you a knowing look. “Right. I’ll believe that when I see it.”

You turned to him, narrowing your eyes. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Jake only smirked, looking far too smug for your liking. “Nothing, nothing.”

“No, say it.” You crossed your arms, facing him fully now.

He exhaled a laugh, tilting his head slightly. “I just feel like you have your little food preferences. Probably avoid certain textures. Maybe you don’t like overly salty stuff?”

You blinked. “…Okay, but how do you know that?”

Jake’s smirk widened. “So I am right?”

You clicked your tongue, rolling your eyes, but there was no real annoyance in it. If anything, the fact that he’d picked up on something so small about you after barely a day of knowing you was a little too endearing.

Jake, on the other hand, looked very pleased with himself.

The two of you finally reached the counter, and just as you were about to grab a tray, Jake casually plucked one up first—then handed it to you.

His fingers barely brushed against yours, but it was enough to send a jolt of awareness through your entire arm.

Your breath hitched.

Jake, however, was unfazed. “See? Not picky, but definitely predictable.”

You scoffed, snatching the tray from his hands. “I hate you.”

Jake just grinned. “Nah, you don’t.”

And damn it, he was right.

The two of you moved through the rest of the line with that same easy back-and-forth, Jake making little comments about your food choices while you shot back with equally teasing remarks. By the time you had your trays and turned toward the seating area, you realized something—

Most of the tables were already packed.

Clusters of students filled every available space, some standing and chatting with friends, others laughing loudly, their voices echoing through the massive cafeteria.

Jake scanned the room briefly, his sharp eyes flicking over the crowd before they landed on a relatively empty table tucked into a corner near one of the large windows. He didn’t hesitate—just placed his free hand on the small of your back again and guided you toward it without a word.

Your breath caught for a split second, but you didn’t pull away.

It was so effortless, the way he touched you—like he’d done it a million times before, like it was just natural for him to steer you through a crowded space. The warmth of his palm against your lower back was firm but not forceful, steadying yet entirely casual.

And the worst part?

You liked it.

Maybe a little too much.

You felt your face heating up again, but before you could dwell on it, Jake spoke.

“Looks like the guys disappeared on me,” he mused as you both reached the table, setting his tray down before pulling out a chair for you.

The gesture was so smooth, so instinctive, that it took you a second to react.

You blinked at him. “…Are you always this much of a gentleman?”

Jake let out a soft chuckle, his lips curling into a smirk as he leaned slightly over the chair. “Only for people who don’t make me carry both our trays.”

You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips as you sat down. “I could’ve carried my own, you know.”

Jake simply shrugged, taking his seat across from you. “Sure. But where’s the fun in that?”

You huffed a laugh, shaking your head before picking up your utensils. “Anyway, maybe your friends just assumed you’d be too busy drowning in council work to eat. You are kind of a workaholic.”

Jake raised an eyebrow as he unwrapped his utensils. “Oh? And you know this how?”

You gave him a pointed look. “You just told me earlier that you literally ditched them earlier by saying you had to ‘finish up papers.’”

Jake exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “Technically, I didn’t lie. I do have papers to go through later.”

You snorted. “Right. And you just so happened to show up at my classroom instead.”

Jake’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he took a casual bite of his food. “Just a coincidence.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Mhm. Sure.”

He grinned. “What, can’t a guy take a break and conveniently end up where you are?”

Your fork paused midair.

The teasing lilt in his voice was undeniable, but there was something else there, something almost too deliberate in the way he said it. Like he wanted you to catch it. Like he was testing the waters.

And the worst part? It was working.

You quickly stuffed a bite of food into your mouth to distract from the way your stomach flipped at his words.

Jake just chuckled, clearly entertained by your reaction.

The two of you ate in comfortable silence for a moment, the chatter of the cafeteria buzzing around you. The corner you’d picked was quieter, a little more secluded, with sunlight streaming through the large windows beside you. It was… oddly peaceful.

Then, out of nowhere, Jake spoke again.

“I meant what I said, by the way.”

You glanced up, chewing slowly. “…About what?”

His eyes held yours. “That I don’t mind this.”

You swallowed. “This?”

Jake rested his elbow on the table, propping his chin up with his hand. “Eating with you.”

Your heartbeat stuttered.

It was such a simple statement, but the way he said it, the way he looked at you when he did—yeah, you were in trouble.

You quickly looked down at your plate, pretending to focus on your food.

Instead of commenting, he just smiled to himself, shaking his head slightly before picking up his fork again.

But the knowing glint in his eyes told you otherwise.

And damn it, you had a feeling he knew exactly what he was doing to you.

The afternoon sun stretched golden across the field, casting a warm glow over the wide expanse of green. A light breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the crisp scent of grass and the faintest traces of sweat as Jake and Sunghoon tossed the football back and forth.

It was their free period, a rare chance to unwind and let their inner Alphas stretch a little without the weight of expectations pressing down on them.

Jake rolled his shoulders, catching the ball with ease before spinning it in his hands. “Think you can handle a real pass this time?”

Sunghoon scoffed, adjusting his stance. “Think you can throw one?”

Jake smirked, cocking his arm back and sending the ball soaring through the air—

But the second it left his hands, so did every ounce of his focus.

Your scent.

It drifted through the open halls beside the field, laced with something warm that settled into his chest like second nature. Jake’s head turned on instinct, drawn toward the source before he could even process why.

And there you were.

Walking side by side with Jungwon’s mate, your laughter trailing through the breeze.

Jake barely registered the thud of the football landing in Sunghoon’s grip. His attention was fixed entirely on you, the way you were so effortlessly blending into his world without even trying.

He felt something shift inside him, soft, warm, and dangerously easy to get used to.

Because it wasn’t just that it was you, though that alone was enough to mess with his pulse. It was the fact that you were comfortable, that you were talking and laughing with Jungwon’s mate, someone who had already been claimed, someone who was already part of the pack in a way that felt permanent.

And for some reason, seeing you like this, seeing you so naturally fall into step with people who had already been solidified in his life, it made something deep inside him settle.

Like a puzzle piece clicking into place. Like you belonged here.

Sunghoon’s voice barely cut through his daze. “Finally, a decent throw.”

Jake blinked, shaking himself out of it, but the warmth in his chest didn’t fade.

His hand twitched at his side, itching to reach for something, to act on something—but he didn’t even know what. His Alpha stirred, entirely content just from the sight of you.

He swallowed thickly. Then, suddenly, he was moving.

“I gotta—” Jake’s voice came out rushed, unsteady, as he took a step back. “Bathroom.”

Sunghoon didn’t even glance at him, too busy tossing the ball in the air. “Sure, whatever.”

Jake was already halfway across the field, already walking toward you.

The moment Jake started walking, he knew there was no stopping himself.

It wasn’t a conscious decision, his body just moved, drawn toward you like an invisible force had wrapped itself around his chest and tugged.

You hadn’t even noticed him yet, too caught up in whatever conversation you were having. Your expression was relaxed, your smile easy. The sight made something in Jake unravel, it was stupid, really, how soft he felt over something so simple.

But then, as if you could feel him coming, you glanced up.

Your eyes met his, and Jake swore he felt his heart stumble. Recognition flashed across your face, quickly followed by a small, surprised smile. “Jake?”

Jungwon’s mate turned as well, blinking in confusion. “Oh, hey! What are you doing here?”

Jake barely acknowledged her, his attention locked solely on you. “Free period,” he said, voice smooth but just a little quieter than usual. “I was training with Sunghoon.”

Your gaze flickered past him toward the field, where Sunghoon was still casually tossing the football in the air, completely unbothered.

“And now?” you asked, tilting your head.

Jake huffed a small breath, as if he hadn’t just abandoned practice the second he caught your scent. “Now I’m here.”

You raised an eyebrow. “For?”

Jake hesitated for half a second, then shrugged, a lopsided smirk tugging at his lips. “For you.”

Your breath hitched just slightly, but Jake caught it. And so did his inner Alpha, the presence inside him practically preening at the reaction.

Jungwon’s mate, completely noticing the tension settling between you two, let out a knowing hum. “Well, that’s my cue to leave.” She shot you a teasing look before waving. “See you later!”

You barely managed a nod before they slipped away, leaving you and Jake standing there, just looking at each other.

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

Then, slowly, Jake took another step closer, close enough that your scent wrapped around him fully. Close enough that he could see the faint pink dusting your cheeks, the way your fingers twitched slightly at your sides.

“Where are you headed?” he asked, his voice smooth, casual. Like he wasn’t completely invading your plans right now.

You tried to answer. Really, you did. But your brain was malfunctioning.

Because—goddamn.

Jake wasn’t in his usual navy blazer, and the absence of it shouldn’t have been this distracting, but it was. His white button-up was slightly rumpled, the top few buttons left undone, exposing just a hint of skin. His tie was loosened around his neck, his sleeves lazily rolled up to his elbows, and worst of all—his scent was stronger than ever.

The crisp bite of pine mixed with the warmth of oranges, fresh and intoxicating, like stepping into the woods after a summer rain. It wrapped around you, pulled you in, made your head feel lighter..

You swallowed, forcing your eyes forward before you got caught staring. “Uh—” Get it together, damn it. “Library.”

Jake hummed, slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked beside you. “Studying?”

“Something like that,” you muttered, still trying to focus on walking and not the way his arm brushed yours every now and then.

Jake glanced at you out of the corner of his eye, that ever-present smirk tugging at his lips. “You okay?”

No. Absolutely not.

But you weren’t about to admit that.

“Yeah,” you said, clearing your throat. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Jake tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. “No reason. You just seem… distracted.”

You almost scowled. He knew. Of course he knew. His Alpha was probably reveling in it, preening at the fact that his scent was affecting you this much.

“Must be the heat,” you lied, pressing your lips together.

Jake exhaled a quiet laugh, low and knowing. “Yeah,” he murmured, voice dipping just enough to make your pulse jump.

The Alpha barely gave you a second to react before he was reaching for the books in your arms, smoothly plucking them from your grasp like they weren’t heavy at all.

“Jake—” You blinked, startled.

“You look like you’re about to drop these,” he said simply, adjusting the books against his hip with one arm. The other hand went to your shoulder, sliding the strap of your very, very girly bag off like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Your mouth opened, then closed. “Jake, that’s—”

He swung the bag onto his shoulder without even flinching.

It was pastel. It had bows. A tiny stuffed bear keychain dangled from the zipper, and the fabric smelled very obviously like you.

Jake didn’t even blink.

You, on the other hand, were short-circuiting. “What,” you finally choked out.

Jake peered down at you, unfazed. “What?”

You pointed, staring at the bag hanging on his shoulder. “That.”

He shrugged, completely unbothered. “What about it?”

“Jake, you’re holding my bag.”

Another shrug. “And?”

You stared at him. “It has bows.”

Jake smirked. “Cute.”

Your brain stopped functioning. “It’s pink.”

“Your point?”

You inhaled sharply, your hands flying up in exasperation. “You don’t care?”

Jake raised a brow. “Why would I?”

You huffed, actually huffed as you let your arms fall to your sides. “Because—because you’re literally walking around like that, unbothered, like you don’t have my pink, bow-covered, stuffed-animal-having bag slung over your shoulder—”

Jake leaned down a little, smirking. “Would it bother you if I cared?”

You gaped at him, caught completely off guard.

You hated how easily he did that, how easily he could flip the entire conversation on its head and make you feel ridiculous for even bringing it up.

“No,” you muttered, pressing your lips together. “It wouldn’t.”

Jake chuckled. “Then it’s not a problem, is it?”

And just like that, he straightened up, walking like he wasn’t carrying an entire armful of your things, including your very feminine, very obvious bag.

You? You were still recovering.

And somehow, you just knew, from the way Jake’s scent curled around you in smug amusement, from the way his lips kept twitching at your stunned silence—yeah, he was enjoying every second of this.

Jake didn’t even spare a glance back toward the field. Whatever Sunghoon was thinking, probably something along the lines of: where the hell did he go?

He should have gone back. He should have at least tossed Sunghoon a quick text to say he got caught up. But the moment he saw you, saw the way you were laughing with Jungwon’s mate, saw the way the sunlight hit your face just right, any thought of returning to training vanished.

Sunghoon would figure it out. Eventually.

The next day, the moment the final bell rang, the hallway buzzed with noise, students shuffling to their lockers, conversations overlapping, and plans forming for the rest of the afternoon.

Jake stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders as he walked alongside Heeseung. “Man, I need something sweet,” Heeseung muttered, eyes glued to his phone. “Let’s stop by the café real quick before we head back.”

Jake hummed in agreement, barely listening. His hands were shoved in his pockets, steps lazy and unhurried, until he saw you.

You stood by your locker, fingers moving as you fixed your books and reorganized your things. Strands of hair fell over your face as you reached up to adjust the top shelf, completely unaware of the way Jake’s attention had locked onto you like a magnet.

Like his feet had a mind of their own, walking past you wasn’t an option. He lifted a hand, waving Heeseung off without a word.

Heeseung, still distracted by whatever was on his phone, just nodded absentmindedly. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

Jake took that as his cue and started walking.

He changed course, slipping away so smoothly it was like he had never been walking beside Heeseung in the first place. Within seconds, he was ten feet away from where they had been.

Heeseung didn’t even notice.

Jake stopped right beside you, leaning casually against the lockers. “Need some help?”

You glanced up, slightly startled. “Jake? What happened to—weren’t you with Heeseung?”

Jake smirked. “Was I?”

You blinked. “…Yes?”

Jake just shrugged, reaching out and taking the book you were about to shove into your bag. Without hesitation, he slung your very girly, very bow-covered bag over his shoulder like it was nothing. The sight of it against his unbuttoned navy blazer, his loosened navy tie, and the lazy confidence in his stance, was almost comical.

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Jake.”

“Hm?”

“You ditched him.”

His grin was shameless. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Jake—”

“Come on,” he cut in smoothly, already turning to walk with you. “Where are you headed?”

You huffed, shutting your locker. “The student council room.”

Jake raised a brow, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features. “Huh. Didn’t know you were suddenly on council duty.”

You shot him a look. “I’m not. Our class treasurer forgot to submit a report on the budget, so I’m doing it.”

His expression changed, something playful settling in his gaze. “And you didn’t ask me for help?”

You rolled your eyes, hugging the folder to your chest. “Jake, you’re the secretary, not the treasurer. Big difference.”

“Still part of it,” he argued, effortlessly matching your pace as you navigated through the crowded hall. “I could’ve at least made sure you weren’t running around like this.”

You scoffed, but before you could respond, you felt the warmth of his hand press lightly against the small of your back. It was a barely-there touch, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Your breath hitched.

Jake, of course, didn’t seem fazed at all. If anything, he was acting like this was normal. Like the heat of his palm wasn’t sending a strange sort of static along your spine.

“What?” he mused, tilting his head slightly when he noticed you stiffen. “Crowded hall. Don’t want you getting lost.”

You swallowed hard, pressing your lips together as you forced yourself to keep walking.

Meanwhile, a few feet behind, Heeseung who had been completely occupied with his phone, glanced up, only to find that Jake had completely disappeared.

His brows furrowed as he scanned the hallway, but all he could see was a familiar fluff of brown hair moving through the crowd.

Heeseung sighed through his nose, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

The student council room was unusually silent.

No soft hum of pages flipping, no quiet muttering as Jake worked through his usual mountain of files, no fresh scent of coffee filling the air like it always did in the morning.

Just… quietness.

Jay walked in first, balancing his drink in one hand, fingers lazily tapping against his phone with the other. "He’s already here, right?" He barely glanced up, expecting the usual scene: Jake at his desk, half-buried in council paperwork, looking vaguely annoyed that they weren’t being as productive as him.

Ni-ki didn’t even bother looking around. "Duh. Jake’s always here first."

Except, Jake wasn’t there.

Jay froze mid-step, blinking at the empty desk. “Wait.” He frowned. “Where the hell is he?”

Ni-ki finally looked up from his phone, expecting Jay to be overreacting, only for his eyes to land on something even weirder, a stack of neatly arranged documents, sitting untouched on Jake’s desk.

It was done.

All of it. Every single piece of work Jake should've been doing this morning had already been signed, stapled, and sorted.

Jay exhaled through his nose, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Okay. So, either he pulled an all-nighter and got his work done ahead of time…” He trailed off before exchanging a look with Ni-ki.

“…Or he figured out how to clone himself,” Ni-ki deadpanned, poking the paperwork like it might vanish into thin air. “Either way, this is freaky.”

Jay barely acknowledged the joke, still staring at the empty seat. “No, but seriously. Where is he?”

Meanwhile, a few blocks away; Jake didn’t even bother looking up as the café door chimed, signaling more students coming in. He barely acknowledged the low murmurs around them, the not-so-subtle glances.

His focus was elsewhere. More specifically, on you.

You were curled slightly forward, fiddling with your drink, your hand resting on his blazer, which was draped across your lap.

He had thrown the blazer over you without a second thought—didn’t even say anything, just casually shrugged it off and placed it there.

Not that you noticed. You were too busy fuming about your morning.

“I mean, seriously,” you huffed, stirring your drink aggressively. “What kind of professor makes a deadline 7 AM sharp? That should be illegal. There should be laws.”

Jake hummed, lazily adjusting the girly pink bag that was currently on his lap. “So you did it last-minute.”

You shot the pureblooded Alpha a look. “No, because if I finished it early, I wouldn’t be this pissed off about it.”

Jake smirked. “Right. So you did do it last-minute.”

You groaned, pressing your forehead against the table dramatically. “Okay, fine, maybe I did finish it at, like, 3 AM, but that’s beside the point.”

Jake took a slow sip of his drink, watching you. “No, I think that’s exactly the point.” His voice was smoother now, teasing. “You could’ve just asked for my help, you know.”

Your head snapped up. “Oh, please. Like I’d let Mr. Secretary do my work for me.”

Jake huffed out a small laugh. “Yeah, but you let me carry your bag.”

You didn’t even blink. “And?”

Jake blinked back.

Because, yeah, he’d been expecting at least some kind of reaction. A scoff, an eye-roll, maybe even a muttered whatever, Sim. But instead, you looked at him like this was just normal. Like him carrying your pink, ribbon-covered, unmistakably girly bag was something he’d done a hundred times before.

Which, now that he thought about it, he kinda had.

Your omega practically preened at the thought.

It felt natural. Comforting.

Like it belonged there, like he belonged there.

And if Jake noticed the way your lips pressed together like you were fighting back a smile? No, he didn’t. Not at all.

Mornings in the council room were always the same. Papers shuffled, chairs scraped against the floor, low murmurs filled the air as the student council members moved through their routine and Jake’s coffee—always lingered in the air, a signal that their secretary had already buried himself in work before anyone else arrived.

Except today, the room smelled normal.

No coffee, no Jake.

Jungwon, seated at his own desk near the window, skimmed through a proposal, his brows furrowed in concentration. Sunoo, half-awake and nursing his iced americano like his life depended on it, peeked up at the clock.

Ni-ki, on the other hand, had been watching the entrance for the past five minutes.

“Where’s golden boy?” he finally muttered, leaning back in his chair, spinning his pen between his fingers.

Jay, sitting at his own table across from Jungwon, barely spared him a glance. “No clue. Probably overslept.”

Heeseung, who had his feet propped up on his desk, scoffed. “Jake? Oversleep? Yeah, right.”

Sunghoon, who had been absentmindedly flipping through his phone, glanced up, unimpressed. “Maybe he finally decided to quit and live a stress-free life. About time.”

The words had barely left his mouth when the door swung open.

Jake strolled in, hands tucked into his pockets, his usual crisp blazer nowhere to be found. The loosened navy tie around his neck hung effortlessly, and his hair was slightly tousled like he’d been outside for too long.

The Alpha wasn't rushed, not groggy, just calm.

And that was already weird: Jake never looked this relaxed in the morning.

Jay barely lifted his head, but his eyes narrowed.

Heeseung blinked, sitting up slightly. Jungwon paused mid-page turn. Sunoo finally looked up from his drink.

Jake, however, didn’t spare them a single glance.

He just walked straight to his desk, set his bag down, and smiled.

Not his usual morning scowl, not the slightly annoyed expression they were used to, and that alone was enough to make the entire room go quiet.

And then—

“You reek of an omega.” Sunghoon’s voice cut through the silence, lazy but pointed.

Jake didn’t even look up, he didn’t tense, he didn’t acknowledge it. He just shrugged. “New perfume.”

Jay immediately put his pen down.

Sunoo, blinking, looked at Jungwon, then at Jake again. Ni-ki, having just taken a sip of his drink, nearly choked.

“Perfume?” Jungwon repeated, skeptical.

“Yeah,” Jake hummed, still not looking at them. “Wanted to try something different.”

And honestly, it would’ve been believable.

Jake wore cologne. That much was true. But not this. Not this soft. It wasn’t sharp like his usual clean, expensive scent.

It was warmer. Like honey and seawater, subtle but distinct, the kind of scent that only clung to someone when they’d been too close to an omega for too long.

And in a room filled with pureblooded alphas, it wasn’t something that went unnoticed.

But instead of calling him out, Sunghoon just exhaled through his nose, letting it slide. If some omega had thrown themselves at Jake this morning, it wasn’t exactly surprising.

“Damn,” Ni-ki muttered, shaking his head in amusement. “Didn’t know you had a confession today.”

Jake, finally glancing up, raised a brow. “Huh?”

Sunoo smirked. “The omega. They were all over you, weren’t they?”

Jake just rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what you guys are talking about.”

But Jay just stared. Because while the others were making their own assumptions, he noticed things.

Like the way Jake’s shoulders were too loose, the way his usually sharp morning glare had been replaced by something almost smug. The way his fingers lingered just a second longer when he reached for his pen.

Jake was weirdly comfortable, and Jay had a feeling it wasn’t because of some random omega.

It was someone specific. It wouldn't take a genius to acknowledge the fact that his scent was all over a specific omega just as much as theirs was all over him.

That same day, the council room was missing something.

Or rather—someone.

Jungwon tapped a pen against his desk, lips pressing into a thin line as his gaze swept across the room. The usual members were in their usual places, some sorting through reports, others murmuring among themselves. But one chair, in particular, remained empty.

Jake’s.

Jungwon turned to the juniors under the secretary committee, his tone expectant. “Did he say anything about missing the meeting?”

The second-years exchanged nervous glances before one of them hesitantly spoke up. “No, President. He didn’t mention anything.”

That made Jungwon pause.

Jake was many things, laid-back, exasperatingly smug, and a flight risk when it came to avoiding unnecessary small talk. But he was also reliable. He never skipped a meeting without at least a heads-up.

Sunoo, lounging lazily in his chair, finally looked up from his phone. “Are we sure he’s not dead?”

Heeseung, ignoring him, strode over to Jake’s desk. His eyes immediately landed on the thick folder placed neatly at the center, its edges aligned with military precision.

He opened it.

Inside were pages upon pages of documents, all labeled, revised, and signed. Every committee task Jake was responsible for? Already handled.

Heeseung huffed a small laugh, shaking his head. “Figures.”

Sunoo leaned over, peeking at the contents. “So he did everything beforehand, left proof, and then just—what? Vanished?”

Silence.

Then he clapped his hands together. “Well, if everything’s here, we might as well start.”

No one objected, except Jay.

Jay, who hadn’t even looked at the documents because he didn’t need to.

Something about this was off.

It was late.

The university parking lot was nearly empty, save for a few scattered cars and the occasional security guard making his rounds. The group were all making their way toward their rides, conversations overlapping in low murmurs.

The day had been long, the last meeting dragging on longer than expected, and now they were finally free.

"Ugh, I swear, if one more junior asks me to proofread their paperwork—" Sunoo grumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Maybe if you didn’t baby them so much, they wouldn’t keep asking," Sunghoon teased, smirking.

Sunoo shot him a glare. "Maybe if you actually showed up to the meetings on time, you’d—"

Jay wasn’t listening.

His attention had been caught by something else.

A few steps ahead of the group, his pace slowed, then stopped entirely as his gaze landed on one of the benches just near the lot.

At first, he didn’t understand what he was looking at.

Jake was there. That in itself wasn’t strange. But Jake wasn’t alone, you were there, too.

And that was what made Jay’s breath catch in his throat; Jake wasn’t just sitting with you.

He was practically curled into you, head nestled snugly against the curve of your neck, his face pressed to your scent gland like it was the most natural thing in the world. His arm draped lazily over the back of the bench, one hand resting near your thigh; casual, comfortable, too familiar.

And you? You were just reading.

Flipping through the pages of your book like this was nothing new. Like Jake burying himself against your scent, molding himself into you, wasn’t something worth reacting to.

Jay’s feet refused to move.

It took Heeseung nearly walking into him for the others to notice his sudden stillness.

“Dude, why’d you stop—” Heeseung started, but then his voice faltered when he followed Jay’s gaze.

One by one, the rest of the group turned.

And one by one, their expressions shifted.

“Oh.” Jungwon’s voice was quiet, but filled with realization.

“No way.” Ni-ki blinked.

Sunghoon let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms. “Well. That explains a lot.”

Sunoo pressed his lips together, visibly holding back a laugh as he nudged his mate. “I mean, are we even surprised?”

They weren’t.

Not really.

But seeing it—seeing Jake so effortlessly tangled up with you, as if he’d been doing this for years, was something else entirely.

And Jake? Jake was completely oblivious to the fact that they were watching.

If anything, he only seemed to relax further, exhaling deeply against your skin before shifting slightly, adjusting his position so he could press even closer. His nose brushed against your neck, fingers twitching slightly as if resisting the urge to grip your waist.

The sight of it made something click.

Jay had noticed it before, the way Jake had been disappearing more often, the way he had been skipping out on long hours at the council office, the way he had been coming back with a scent that was unmistakably omega, unmistakably settled on his skin.

But now, standing here, watching Jake press into you, breathe you in, claim you without even realizing he was doing it—it made too much sense.

Jay exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “Well. That’s new.”

Finally, Jake moved.

Not because he noticed them, no, he was still completely wrapped up in you. It was because you moved.

Without even looking up from your book, you lifted a hand and ran your fingers gently through Jake’s hair, the motion absentminded and natural, like this was routine.

Jake hummed at the touch, actually hummed, his arm tightening slightly around the back of the bench.

The entire group watched in silent disbelief.

Sunghoon blinked. "I feel like we shouldn't be seeing this."

Jungwon huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, but here we are."

Ni-ki raised a brow. "So, are we just gonna stand here and stare, or—?"

Jake had been careful.

Or at least, he thought he had.

But apparently, not careful enough.

Because the second he smelled it—them, it was already too late.

Jake’s body tensed, his nose twitched, and his fingers flexed against the back of the bench. The comfortable warmth of your scent was suddenly invaded, drowned out by something else.

Jake inhaled once again, and immediately regretted it.

⤷ read part 2 here !

taglist: @hoonbrry @hime98 @chae-darling @moonchus @peatchiedii @creamkwan @nyfwyeonjun @whoe-dis @woonie-muffin @caelumsjy @90sni-ki @leiomorea @junjungsunwoo @in-somnias-world @notcamii @yizhoutv @lovesickth @elairah @graythecoffeebean @skyearby @ikeumina @blckorchidd @littlebambi-isdee @immelissaaa @jakesfurry @dreamy-carat @cristy-101 @m1kkso @h4niyahcar @firstclassjaylee

917 notes · View notes

jakesimfromstatefarm · 5 days ago

Text

──── YOURS . ↳ one shot // also part of the no doubt series !

✎ᝰ .ᐟ aka everything you're wearing is his, but yet, he's the adorable one

── sim jaeyun x f!reader ౨ৎ wc. 914 ⌗ fluff fluff fluff, crack, banter

↳ IMPORTANT NOTE .ᐟ ── this is part of my no doubt series ─ a sequel series of short drabbles that take place after the events of my fic no doubt, and show jake & reader's relationship throughout their first year together (& how jake wins her trust & love back hehe) ── THIS CAN BE READ AS A ONE-SHOT, however, there will be some easter eggs if you've read no doubt before!

↳ addie's ✉ .ᐟ ── the first part of the no doubt series! keeping it short, sweet, & SIMPle for the first one (emphasis on the simp bc jake really is one for y/n) im so so so obsessed with this jake pls

It’s raining.

Not the dramatic, down-pouring, confess-your-love-in-the-rain-moment type of rain.

But just a soft drizzle—enough to send people scurrying home and definitely still enough to wet your clothes and damage your belongings…(you’re learning this the hard way).

The sleeves of your hoodie (read: Jake’s hoodie because, technically, he let you borrow it once so, naturally, he never got it back) are damp at the ends, your phone is hanging on for its dear life at three percent, and your last bus home?

Just left.

So, yeah.

You’re kind of screwed.

You tuck your hands into your sleeves, pull your hood up, and pray you bought laptop insurance that will cover the costly repairs of a water-damaged computer, and begin to accept your wet fate when—

Screech.

A car pulls up right in front of you.

Not just any car.

Familiar.

Black.

And very, very, dramatic.

The window rolls down.

“You forgot an umbrella?”

Jake is looking at you with an exasperated look that says you just personally insulted him.

“I literally told you it was going to rain today. You’re going to get sick, and somehow, it’s gonna be my fault.”

His hair is a little messy—like he rushed here (he did).

He’s still in his sweats—like he didn’t even change before getting in the car (he didn’t).

Your stomach flips at the sight.

“How did you—”

“You texted me that you were at the café,” he says, like it’s obvious. “And I know you only ever go to this café, so I checked their hours. They close at six. It’s 6:27, and you never texted me that you got home.”

You blink.

Your heart flutters dangerously.

You open your mouth. Then close it. Then open again.

“You were…keeping track?”

Jake scoffs, “Of course I was keeping track. Who else is gonna make sure you don’t, I don’t know, get kidnapped or something?”

You snort, making your way around to the other side of the car, “Dramatic, much?”

Jake ignores you, reaching over the console to push open the passenger door, “Get in before I lose my mind.”

You bite back your growing smile as you slide into the seat, immediately engulfed by the warm heater blasting and the smell of his cologne lingering in the air. The second your door closes, Jake is already reaching over into the backseat, muttering endlessly to himself about the very, very real possibility of adult kidnap and how you never know if—

A towel lands onto your lap.

You freeze, blinking at the soft material, then back up at Jake..

“...Did you just…have this ready?”

Jake blinks back at you as if caught guilty. His ears are pink.

You think he’s the cutest being in this entire world.

“Just dry off, please,” he mutters.

You giggle softly, patting down your hair with the towel, “What, no hot chocolate to warm me up while you’re at it?”

Jake exhales, and tilts his head back dramatically against his seat, his eyes landing on you.

“Y/N, if you dry up properly for me, I will literally drive you to any store right now and buy you every single hot chocolate flavor you want.”

You pause. A slow smile grows.

“Even the expensive imported kind from Germany that you think is too sweet and too thick?”

“Y/N.”

You start laughing, the sound breathless and literally music to his ears, still toweling off, when—

A new weight suddenly settles over your shoulders.

You glance down.

Jake’s jacket.

It’s warm.

And it smells like him..

Jake turns back towards the steering wheel and shifts the car’s gears, aggressively pretending like he didn’t just casually ruin you with such a simple move.

Your heart is pounding.

You glance down at the fabric, then up at Jake.

His hands are gripping the wheel a little too tight. His leg is bouncing slightly. His jaw is clenched and his eyes are focused on the road ahead of him. Too focused.

Like he’s nervous.

A small smile teases at your lips. Your fingers toy at the edges of his jacket.

“You’re adorable, you know that?” you murmur.

Jake lets out a quiet laugh, avoiding your gaze, “You say that as if you’re not literally sitting there wearing everything that’s mine, and I’m the adorable one?”

You huff, rolling your eyes as you shift in your seat, facing him fully, “You also know you don’t have to keep doing all this, right? The little gestures? Proving yourself to me?”

At that, he finally turns to look at you as the car rolls to a stop at a red light.

His eyes are warm. Soft—twinkling with something unspoken, yet impossible to deny.

"Y/N," he mumbles, his free hand reaching over, wrapping gently around yours. His thumb brushes over your skin, softly, slowly, deliberate. "I'm not trying to prove anything. I just care about you. That's it. That's all."

Your breath catches slightly.

And then—he gives you that small, lopsided smile. The one you've seen a million times before, except now, it feels different.

Like it's always been meant for you in a way it never has before.

“But," he adds, voice steady. “If I do have to prove it to you every single day, I will."

Your fingers tighten around his.

God, you’re so doomed.

Jake’s expression softens even more before he turns back to the road, adding casually, “Even if it means saving you from catching a deadly cold or getting kidnapped in broad daylight.”

You let out a snort, rolling your eyes.

“I hate you.”

He grins.

“No, you don’t.”

Then, without thinking, you lean over and press a soft kiss to his shoulder, your words mumbled into the material of his sweatshirt.

“Thank you, Jakey.”

Jake grins even wider, like he just won the lottery.

And honestly?

He definitely did.

no doubt m. list || next >>

tag list! (open ! // bolded couldn't be added!) @bluxjun @ki2rins @why-did-i-just-do-this @favoritten @lovialymisc @xylatox @vivimura @leehsngs @puma-riki @lezzleeferguson-120 @enhaprettystars @laurradoesloveu @sievenderz @somuchdard @kristynaah @hinryh @ltfirecracker @lov4hoon @fangirl125reader @0429jw @dreamy-carat @yuons @thestarinstarbucks @miszes @llearlert @ppeachyttae @hoomin10 @teddybeartaetae @tanisha2060 @therealmrsbahng @beomgyu-bears @ikeulove @jiyeons-closet

427 notes · View notes

sincerelyrki · 1 year ago

Text

MINI SKIRT

SYNOPSIS ⮕ You know Jake Sim and you love Prada, it was already a perfect combination. You just happened to always be in the same place as him, at the same time. And that place just happened to be the Prada store. It’s not your fault that your Prada collection expands as your interactions grow. Especially not considering that Jake couldn’t stop himself from fawning over you (and your mini skirts).

PAIRING ⮕ idol!jake x fem!reader

GENRE + WARNINGS + TROPES ⮕ smau. idol x fan [kinda]. forbidden love. fake relationship. love triangle [brief]. warnings will be added on each chapter.

STATUS ⮕ STARTED! march 15

TAGLIST ⮕ OPEN! send an ask or comment to be added

FEAT ⮕ minseo [woo!ah]. minju [illit]. haemin [8turn]. taesan [boynextdoor]. sunwoo [ the boyz].

A/N ⮕ okay so i’m actually releasing this one before any upcoming ones + this has been in the drafts since january 😍

PROFILES

| bunnies

| prada lovers (by force)

| homies

| fan accs

CHAPTERS

| one : no homo but i’d smash

| two : prenup <3

| three : forgot you homie hopped 😭

| four : em sowwy

| five : don’t speak beabadoobee to me

| six : jake sim? the hot australian?

| seven : #wehatesunwoo

| eight : sorry greg

| nine : (jake)

| ten : prada withdrawls

| eleven : oh fuck

| twelve : bunya

| thirteen : jakey jakey eggs and bacey

| fourteen : MAN FUCK SONG KANG!

| fifteen : bunch of make belief

| sixteen : don’t yuck my yum

| seventeen : and a pea car was cheaper?

| eighteen : my little werewolf🥺

| nineteen : FUCKING PEA GIRL?

| twenty : #streamsforever

| twenty one : MROWWWWWW😻🐱🐈‍⬛

| twenty two : 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴

| twenty three : telling me to die isn’t very sigma

tba

3K notes · View notes

tzyunaes · 3 months ago

Text

boyfriend stories ꪆ୧

엔하이픈제이크 ֶָ 𝑓em — r · g fluff est. relationship && ... ARCHiVE

note .. ive been a little busy lately to write, so sorry for no updates TT

networks ‎ ‎𓈒 @sgz-net

897 notes · View notes

neos127 · 1 year ago

Text

hot things jake does

pairing. boyfriend!jake x fem!reader (use of pet name ‘pretty girl’) genre. hcs, fluff, established relationship notes. kinda messy bc i’m just dumping my thoughts

i. biting his lip ALL THE DAMN TIME

more specifically when he’s checking you out. it sends your mind into a frenzy and you always have to tell him ‘stop looking at me like that!’ he doesn’t care, finding it cute how flustered you get from a simple action. ‘like what?’ he teases, biting his lip again. you can’t help but groan, feeling your face heat up again.

ii. playing with the rings on his fingers

jake’s hands are very attractive so watching him mindlessly twist his rings around his long fingers makes you (figuratively) drool. whenever you can, you’re holding onto his hands or kissing them. he gets all giggly when you do that, finding it cute how you have such a fascination with his hands.

iii. raking his hand through his hair

you aren’t exactly sure why you find this so attractive, but it’s jake and anything he does is enticing. he’s just so damn pretty and you can’t help but stare at him whenever he does this. you often like to run your own hands through his hair, the sound of him sighing in satisfaction makes your stomach flip.

iv. keeping a hand on your back in crowded places

jake is always glued to your side and he becomes very protective when the two of you are in a crowded space. sometimes he holds onto your hand, or grabs onto your clothing. usually he keeps a hand on your lower back, basically guiding you through the crowd. the action is very simple, but it makes you smile. even when you’ve both made it out of the crowd, jake doesn’t move his hand, rubbing small circles on your back with his thumb.

v. eye contact

once jake gets out of the shy boyfriend phase, he loves to tease you. before, prolonged eye contact with you was nerve wrecking. but now, he looks to see the reaction that you have under his unwavering gaze. your face starts to heat up and you can never look at him for more than two seconds. jake will move his face closer to yours, forcing eye contact with you with a small smirk on his face. ‘why are you looking away from me, pretty girl?’

vi. wears glasses

every time jake puts on those clear glasses, an angel is born. you can’t help but squeal when you see pictures of him wearing the glasses so seeing him in person— you need a minute to take a breather. he has to know he’s hot in them, he just has to. the way jake smirks at you when he catches you staring too long, he definitely picks up on the kind of effect he has on you. ‘watchu lookin at, pretty?’ he asks, looking at you with a slight tilt to his head. you don’t say anything, reaching over kiss him. it ended up getting so intense that jake moved to take off the glasses, but you slapped his hand away. ‘keep them on, please.’

#should i make this a series🙈#enha scenarios #enha jake #enha imagines #enhypen x reader #enha fluff #enha x reader #enha #enhypen x you #enhypen x female reader #enhypen imagines #jake sim imagines #jake sim scenarios #jake sim x reader #jake x reader #sim jaeyun imagines #sim jaeyun x reader

2K notes · View notes

hrdenha · 1 year ago

Text

— things they'll never know | s.jy

SYNOPSIS: a visitor at night doesn't sound so bad, isn't it? Not when it's your step brother who you spend your time fantasizing to.

PAIRINGS: stepbrother!sim jaeyun x virgin!reader

WARNINGS: MDNI! CONTROL WHAT YOU CONSUME. age gap, jake would be five years older than y/n who's now in college. loss of virginity. soft yandere jake although you really dont know what goes inside his head. strong fantasies by jake. yn being innocent but not so innocent. after shower escapades. silent touches here and there. endearment. IDK ANYMORE JUST READ. not edited, but hope y'all enjoy!

His home was silent when he got home from work. What can he expected when he's living alone? But sometimes he can imagine that you're here with him instead of your parents house. You're basically the reason why he bought a house much larger for a person living alone. He can imagine you reading a few books in the garden's patio, or play with layla in the living room, or maybe— fucking you in the kitchen as you tried your best to wash the dishes. Having your favorite skirt pushed up on your body as he fuck you with one leg up, your breast bouncing in every thrust he made.

And the best thing he wanted to do, fucking you in a room full on your pictures. Doing everything he can think of to have your pleasure out of you while being surrounded by the pictures he silently took whenever he had the time. Some pictures being your family's, you and jake together with your father and his mother... all smiles. As if the both of you didn't touch each other inappropriately. What would your father thinks if he knew every little thing that jake did and will do to his daughter?

Jake wasn't a saint. He knew he needed you, in more ways than he admitted to you. But, it's fine. You'll come around eventually. Maybe one day, you're the one who's trying to desperately cling on him begging for something jake will gladly give. He just have to wait.

After refreshing himself with a glass of cold water, he finally ascend the stairs towards his room. His senses immediately welcomed by the sweet scent of vanilla lingering in the air. The soft sound of water rushing was heard at the second door on the hallway, just beside his room. He stopped, the scent envelop his mind like a siren's curse hypnotizing it's prey to walk further into their trap. He didn't even heard the sound of water came into halt.

The impression of being alone was now thrown in the trash as jake walked in front of the door to knock. His hands doesn't even had the chance to make contact with the wooden door when it swung open revealing your small frame in front of him. The sweet redolence of vanilla scent became prominent each second passed that the door was opened.

Jake's breath was taken away from his lungs. You were standing in front of him, wearing nothing but a small white towel hugging your curves preventing everyone... most especially him to see everything. Your skin glisten from the water droplets that were kissing your soft skin; your wet hair was elegantly slicked back down on your back. He can perfectly picture your fingers slowly combing your hair as you take your bath.

"Jakey!" Jake internally flinched when he heard your cheerful voice. He look straight into your eyes as though he wanted to read your mind. 'fuck it!' He cursed before taking you by surprise, kissing you as if there was no tomorrow and to his surprise, you respond. He thought you'll scream at him, even slap him but no you fucking open your lips for him.

You groaned on his lips, hands snaking into jake's neck while he push your weight agasint the now closed bathroom door. He pushes his knee closer to you, practically letting you grind your core onto it by yourself.

"Look at that, flower. Do you want jakey touching you?" You nodded but jake decided it wasn't enough. "Use your words" He growled taking in your flushed face. "Mmm- I do want you touching me, jakey" You replied breathlessly on his neck. Jake's hand tug at the flimsy white towel causing it to drop and completely flash your bare body in his eyes. Jake cursed taking in the sight in front of him. He felt a surge of hot blood flowing through his veins and then to the very tip of his dick. Not now. Have patience, jake. Fuck.

He let himself touch you. His hands travelling down your soft skin, even flicking your nipples with his tongue.

"Can you ride my face, flower? I promise jakey will make you feel good."

It's been a week since that stunt the two of you pulled. After making you cum with his mouth, nothing more than that happened again in your disappointment, but that didn't stopped Jake in making advances. Giving subtle and not so subtle touches here and there. Grabbing your boobs just fine and saying it was all an accident. Or, that he wants to give you a massage and that came with a super close massage on your inner thighs giving accidental touched on your clothed pussy.

But then, you were still all smiles to him, as if nothing happened. So good in just receiving what he gives. Even closing your eyes whenever a certain touch got more desperate than the earlier ones but then again, you were receiving it innocently. As if being touched like this by your step brother is just a normal thing. As if your pussy didn't shake from the pleasure he just gave you the first day you moved in.

It was the start of summer vacation and instead of going with your parents, you decided to not go and stay in the country with him. With an excuse of wanting to have a brother-sister bonding and giving them their own 'time' together. That's a nice thing to say, right? No suspicions.

As the day progress, so is Jake's touches. Today is no different. Both of you in the theater room, watching a movie that both of you knew was long unnoticed for. The room was large enough for 20 people but despite the wide selection of comfy sofa, you decided that sitting on Jake's lap was the comfiest.

Nothing happened after you did, except from the 'accidental' grinding of your hips as you try to find a 'comfy position', both of you keep on watching together after that with occasional munch and drink from the food you ready.

Things escalated when you decided to step up your game, grabbing Jake's timid hands and putting it on your tummy making sure he was touching you directly on your skin. That's the reason why you wear a loose crop top shirt and a matching skirt with a cotton shorts that's thin enough to be called undies.

It seems like the man understand your purpose. He silently though shamelessly touched where you needed him to. He didn't react when he realized you're not wearing anythhng underneath, trying to keep his cool. Trying not to push you down and fuck you like an animal with no regards if you'll get hurt or not. That's what you should get for trying to push your luck but instead, the thing he pushed is your top. Pushing the material just enough on top of your breast for an easy access. The only thing he didn't do is touch you down there. Just a few inner thigh strokes wouldn't make the cut and you knew that he knew that, you're not the one whose feeling inadequately and deprived, the tent in his pants screams the same. And it feels like he was doing this on purpose whether he's teasing you or himself.

"I'm sleepy now, jakey..." You mumbled turning around to him before kissing the corner of his lips— you don't have a problem kissing him directly on the lips? — then pulling down your top which stopped his hands. "Goodnight" That's the last thing you said before walking to your room, the wetness in between your legs reminds you evidently of your step brother.

It was late at night, dreams are starting to work their way onto you albeit slowly, "Hey, flower..." The bed dipped and you heard a sound of shuffling from behind. "You asleep?"

You hummed, hoping it will be enough to answer his question. No, you're not. How can you, when you spend the last hours fantasizing about your stepbrother. Your finger weren't even enough to make you calm down. You still wanted more.

"Can't fall asleep"

"Can I help you fall asleep? Hmm, flower?" Jake whispered nuzzling by your neck as you lay on your back.

"Yes please", When the confirmation came out, jake couldn't help but groan. How can you be such a good, good, good girl just for him?

"Okay, just relax... let— jakey do his thing" That's the last thing you heard before a pair of hands travelled across your body, touching and kneading with lust and need. So tender and gentle with matching butterfly kisses over your clothes.

Jake pushed your top upwards, revealing your breast that never fails to make him hard. It's not small and not so big, just enough... just perfect fit whenever he let his hands cupped it. Now his mind is wandering to how it would bounce as you ride him. He can't keep himself from touching it after the fact that you silently give him a go signal to have his way on them earlier. And, just like earlier, it immediately respond by how fast it hardened.

His hands then continues that stopped at your waist, massaging it before making you open your legs, having it settle on either side of his body. Jake pushed closely, kissing your inner thighs with affection. Feeling his hot breath near your core made goosebumps rise on your skin. It took him some time before finally deciding to pull the material to the side that covers your nakedness.

"Shit—" He lowly cussed. Your eyes opened at that, peaking over him wordlessly asking what happened. "No panties, flower?"

"It's comfy..."

He snickers, eyes sparkling as he look down on you, "No, we both know that's not true flower." Not when you're this wet. "I bet you're waiting me to do this... hm?" You felt a finger tracing your slit, gently... softly, painfully as if a wind just traced your wetness just to tease you. "Just like earlier at the theater room?

"No teasing... jakey, please"

"Sorry, flower. Can't help myself. Is this all for me? Because of me?" And again, the tip of his finger ghosted over your line. You desperately chased it, unconsciously raising your hips just to let his warmth touch you.

Jake hummed, finally letting your wetness coat his fingers. Firmly rubbing your slit with the pad of his middle finger, making sure that every thrust would send pleasure on your clit. Wetness never stopped, the same time whimpers came out of your mouth.

And so, he let the same finger thrust inside. Slowly, having his finger feel the hotness from your walls before adding another digit. You moaned in response when he stared pumping it, can't keep himself from smiling just from the feeling of your walls. "...just my fingers, baby, and your pussy won't let it leave."

Jake let himself watch as you give yourself away for the pleasure. Look at you, writhing in pure bliss. What can your parents say when they know that the only time they can hear your voice raise was the time you where moaning in pleasure as your brother fingers you? Bet you can even be louder when it's his dick that do the work.

Your arms snake around his neck pulling him closer to enclose him with a kiss that jake gladly took, fighting for dominance that he's clearly winning. The same thing he wanted to do, dominate you.

Moans become louder as well as your breaths became heavier. Jake picked up his pace, finger you as he played your breast with his mouth. Can't have them go unnoticed, he love the way your boobs move as he fingers you. Your walls started tightening, and so is jake's cock twitch inside his boxers. With his fingers still thrusting, jake finally felt your orgasm.

He immediately dived down your pussy, licking your juices wholeheartedly as you whimper from how good he was making you feel.

"I want more, jakey...please"

Jake lick your pussy one last time before looking at you. Trying to fight the smirk that keeps making its way on his lips when he heard despiration in your voice, then faking the sadness in his face is just an easy thing to do.

"But I can't flower. I can't possibly do that to you. We know the rules right?" Jake keeps pushing your buttons, he should be. It's about time you choose, right? But, maybe he can have his way just this night. "I don't even know if you really wanted this. You're the one who told me that rule."

"But— I do. I want to. Let's forget that rule. I... I don't know what I'm saying that time" You replied breathlessly. And, jake felt he just win the lottery. He really had you where he needed. Letting you realize on your own that you want him as much as he wants you. Making you want the same thing you think should be forbidden from the start of this god forsaken relationship

"You really want me to help you, flower? Is that the reason why you eagerly wanted to spend your vacation in my house? You even rejected the idea of switzerland with our parents just so you can be here."

You tried to nod but stopped, he wouldn't like that. "Yes, I do. please." Trying to make your voice clear, but failed miserably just from the orgasm you had a few minutes ago.

"but how can I do that to you? you haven't even seen my cock yet. What if it scares you?" Jake continues to ask. His voice can make people believe that he's really concerned but the small patch of precum staining his boxer says otherwise.

"Let me see it. I promise I can take it." He hummed kissing your forehead before pulling you to sit up as he let himself do the same on the bed. "Then, take it out flower. Come on, here..." Jake guide your hand on top of his clothed tent, before using his to support his body weight as he watched you intently.

You give it an experimental squeeze, and jake can't help but groaned. "It's— hard..." You then pulled the material down, you didn't even need to pull his cock out when it willingly revealed itself to you. "...and big"

The man giggled from your reaction. "That's all you, baby. That's because of you." He whispered tracing your cheeks as you keep your eyes on his dick in awe.

"I did this?" Jake nodded, "That's why you should take responsibility. Now, how about giving it attention? Let's say a few licks? A kiss? Maybe, a thing or two from what you always do to that lollipop I gave you last time. Your call, flower. Just don't bite it okay? You don't want jakey to bleed to death, don't you?"

You laughed lowly, you certainly don't want to hurt jake. That's the last thing you want to do, the first thing being the want to pleasure him like the way he does to you.

You gave it a few pump. Jake was thick, with an average length. The tip is pink, balls are in same color, and gosh, he has the most beautiful and clean looking cock. Not that you seen others, jake wouldn't let you do that, of course. But then again, you decided that you don't want to do that. Not when you knew that Jake's is enough. It was standing proud in front of you, waiting just like it's owner who's watching you intently.

Your tongue then make in contact with his tip, giving it a few lick, earning confidence before you finally take the first few parts inside your mouth. "ah shit, flower... fuck! that mouth..." And from the looks of it, you're doing a good job. Your tongue swirled with his length as you tried to get accustomed on bobbing your head.

"Hmm... just like that. Tighten your throat for me flower. Yes— yes! fuck. You suck like a fucking whore."

You finally got your own pace, sucking him just the way he like as his tip clashed on your throat learning to take advantage of it as you tighten the cavern, earning more praises from jake. His words together with his hand on top of your head pushing you gently but firmly on his dick feels like he's testing your limits and it's working, it even sends waves of pleasure down your pussy. You can feel it embarrassingly clenching to nothing which didn't go unnoticed to the man.

"Gonna cum, flower... gonna fill up that filthy mouth with my cum. Then I'll kiss you, letting myself taste my own cum from your lips before spitting it again on your mouth so you can swallow it. You like that hm?" He is so dirty but you like it just from the way you moaned while his cock is practically seeking pleasure on your mouth. His dick twitch on your throat the same time jake's hand pushed your head further down causing you to gagged from his tip. Thought he'll get angry but guess that just added to his pleasure.

You let him keep you in that positon for a few seconds, only pulling out when you felt his hands finally stopped pushing you down. Jake cums a lot, majority of it swim straight away down your throat knowing your last circumstance while some of it still manage to fill your mouth with some escaping down your neck and into his lap.

"Sorry, flower. Keep myself waiting for you for two weeks now" Jake whispered taking your hand before pulling you closer to him as you tried to swallow his cum, which you gagged embarrassingly but still manage to do so. The man laughed settling the two of you in a more comfy position, with his back now on the headboard and you straddling his lap.

"Don't have to force yourself to swallow it..." He said pinching your chin in affection before tracing the line of cum on your neck up to the side of your mouth before enveloping you in a messy kiss that you gladly respond with. Jake groaned when he tasted himself on your mouth, his hands started travelling on your body not leaving a spot untouched. He then break the kiss before swiftly pulling your top off of you, attacking your chest as his next target.

You whined in response, arching your back to make your nipples closer to his attention. "Ja-jakey...?" His cock made its presence known when it hardened again, poking on your pussy when you're directly sitting on it. "Feel that flower? Told you it's all because of you" Jake said in a matter of fact tone, licking your neck before sucking a spot on it intended to leave something. "Bet it can slide right inside just from how wet you are, flower." And it's true, the only thing stopping his dick from sliding inside is the presence of your cotton shorts.

"But we can't do that, knowing that your a virgin. You can get hurt if we do that..." Jake's words started to get drowned when you started grinding your hips, creating the friction in between, desperately holding... chasing something.

"No need to do that, up" You immediately stand up on the bed, gripping his shoulder for support as he started pulling the last piece of clothing you had with ease then making you straddle him once more.

You gasped when you did so. It was much more different when feeling him skin to skin, feeling the warmth, coating his dick with your wetness. "You're making me crazy, flower." His hand came on your waist guiding your hips to keep grinding on his cock. Your juices and his precum mixing heavenly tainting your folds. Jake then felt you kneeled, taking his cock on your hand before lining it on your hole.

He knew it wouldn't work but he let you, he can tend to the problem later. For now, let him feel you despite your stubbornness. You slowly sink on him, but it won't work. Is it because his thick? Maybe you're just that scared? Or, because of the itching pain that keeps scratching on your core as you forced yourself down his tip. But, you still want more.

"Jakey, I can't... I don't think this will work"

"Then let me? Would you let me do the work, flower?"

"Yes" With that, Jake pushed you down. Laying you on the bed before hovering on top of you. He took his cock, slapping it on top of your tummy, measuring how far it can go if he'll make you take him full. And it goes down your navel, fuck. That's so hot. You even felt it twitch again, his precum leaving a stain on your belly button. Even gigling as you touch his tip to get some precum and licking it with your tongue, which jake groaned.

He then let the tip scratched up and down on your folds, making sure he'll hit your clit everytime that makes you flinch in pleasure. When he had enough, jake then push your legs revealing your pussy to him in more ways one can imagine.

"Keep this open, okay?" He reminded as he tapped on your legs, "This will hurt for awhile but I know that you can take it." He kissed you again now in comfort, "You ready?"

You nodded your head, as you felt his tip slowly sliding in. When the whole tip was in, jake stopped looking at you reminding you to take a deep breath. And you did, you felt yourself relaxed ready to take another inch but the next thing you knew, jake immediately shoved his cock inside in one swift move.

"Fuck!" He cursed at the same time you screamed. "Ahh! It hurts, jake... shit, Why did you do that?" Tears now staining your eyes, the pain on your core still evident. "I'm sorry, flower. It would still hurt otherwise, why not have it in one go."

"Fuck..." You whispered, trying your best not to move or even breath.

Jake kissed your lips, then giving kisses all over your face "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." He's apologizing but you both knew he never really meant it. Not when,

"Hmm, you don't have any idea how long I waited for this, y/n..." The pain started to subside from the way jake's thumb circled your clit that the matched with his small thursts. The diversion of your attention from the pain to the pleasure that jake is doing is deemed effective. It didn't took long before your voice started to build up to a whimper. You even grinding your body on your own now, "Move, jakey..."

He gladly do so. Jake started pulling out before thrusting right back in. He looked on the way his cock disappear from your pussy, clearly seeing the lines of blood on the edge of his gun and it turns him on even further.

"You're making me crazy, i swear. So, fucking crazy!" Jake's thrusts picked up its pace and so does your moan. The night was calm and silent but there's another story going on inside your room. The four corners of walls echoes the harsh slapping of skins, curses, groans, and moans.

"Jakey... ugh, jake! Yeeah..." Lewd noise continues to dominate and no one will care. No one will disturb the two of you. You can scream and cursed all you want and you'll never worry about a thing.

"Does it feel good, huh? Yeah, flower? Does my cock makes you feel good? Now, I can fuck you like a slut you truly are." The pleasure is intense. He keeps hitting your sweet spots without fail. His weight on top of you, his voice, his smell, his looks all mixed together in every thrust he make to push this pure bliss on you. You wanted him You needed him.

You can't even think straight now, the only thing your brain can think of is his cock rutting inside you and how you want it to keep going.

"Flower's now dumb with my cock? Bet you can't even function now without me fucking your pussy everyday. You like that? You like it if I'll fill you up with my cum? Have you walk outside with my cum running down your legs?" Jake laughed when you moaned in response, the unfocused look on your eyes as well as the way you clutching the sheets and your pillow is enough answer for him.

"Or, should I just make you pregnant? Right, make you carry my babies all night long. I'll fuck you every chance I get. I'll never leave you alone, not even for a second... ugh— will fuck you in the kitchen, fuck you while you wash the dishes or just doing the laundry. I'll even fuck you while we dine, will eat you out instead the dinner you cook before fucking you and cumming inside you again. And when you're pregnant, I'll still keep fucking you. I'll wait as your breast—" He harsly cupped your right boob before squeezing it, "becomes full with milk then I'll gladly drink it as I fuck you again and again until the baby is born. Our parents wouldn't even know that I'm the one who'll impregnated you, flower."

"Jakey... please,"

"You really think I'll let you go after this? I'll make sure you'll keep on coming back. Your my own personal slut, and sluts keep their pussy open for use whenever I like."

"Yes, yes. I'm yours, j-just yours jakey!" Jake pushed your legs further down to open, his calloused hands firmly pinning it on place as he desperately chase your high as well as his. "Fuck, flower... your tight—" It'll leave a bruise, and both of you knew it but doesn't care. Jake loves to leave his mark on you in anyway possible, and this is just one way after a few more ways he can think of, not that you mind.

"Uh, sh— I think I'm..."

Jake's thrust didn't stop even after you cummed, he keeps on rutting his cock inside even making you work for your third climax of the night as he chase that fine inkling of orgasm that keeps hiding away from him. Pleasure was on but he still finding something... more. And, it didn't took long before he finally got it. Groaning with his eyes closed as his thrust goes frantic before feeling his cum mixing with yours in painting your walls. He moaned in contentment as he reached his peak, laughing breathlessly after the stunt.

Jake gives you a kiss, more passionate and sweet. The harsh and desperate movement nowhere to be found as he keep his cock inside you with small thrust, as if he's keeping his cum from escaping your womb.

"You really want me pregnant?" You whispered after chuckling. Can't deny that you don't want anything other than his dick inside you. "I believe, I clearly expressed my opinion about that earlier flower"

You felt him pulled out, the same time you felt a hot line dripping down your hole. Jake on the other hand traced the line of cum before pushing it back on your whole that made you laughed.

"Jakey! You know that we can't..." The man pulled the covers on both of your body. Jake made himself comfy beside you his fingers tracing circles on your upperbody. "Why not? We're not the same blood and our parents can stay whenever they are if you want. Then, no one will stop us."

"You can do that?" You asked, hands busy playing with his hair. Jake simply answered yes. You don't know the things he can do much more the things his money can do. He can do that if you wanted him to. Maybe, you two will just get a call one day about an allegedly 'accident' that your parents are involved into.

Jake can do things. Hell this is much more easier compared to the things he did just to make you completely his. And, the parents will just be a small 'disturbance' for him. For now, he'll just let them have their fun on another country away from you or him. They wouldn't get hurt with the things they wouldn't know, do they?

comments, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated! ❣️

#masterlist!#sim jaeyun #im back with another stepbrother series #cant get enough with jake most esp after watching his vlog #so here you go #one dirty and shamless stepbrother jake #enhypen #enhypen smut #enhypen x reader #lee heeseung #park sunghoon #jake x reader #park jongseong

1K notes · View notes

thatfeelinwhenyou · 3 months ago

Text

SAFE & SOUND — PART 1 PREMIERES @ 15th JAN WED 0000 KST

Navigating one year post-apocalypse, when the dead began to walk and the living proved to be no better, you decide that trust is a luxury you can no longer afford. But after a run-in with a group of seven peculiar survivors, you learn that there are bigger problems than just the undead roaming the streets. You also start to wonder if there’s more to survival than simply staying alive.

word count: 13.6k

featuring: enhypen as themselves

genre: dystopian, post-apocalyptic survival, horror/thriller, slow burn, angst

taglist: open! comment, send ask or submit the form on my profile to be added!

notes from nat: starting the new year with a bang 💥

MASTERLIST

TEASER

Rotten.

The can of tuna you’ve risked your life to retrieve from the mart in the next neighbourhood is rotten. Just like everything else roaming the streets.

The smell hits you first, sharp and metallic, curling through the air like a mocking laugh. It’s only when you peer into the greyish sludge that you know for sure. Gagging, you launch the can across the dimly lit room. The clang as it hits the wall feels louder than it should, echoing against the hollow silence. A greasy smear marks its path before it rolls to a stop.

Your stomach tightens, but not from hunger—not entirely. It’s exhaustion, or frustration, or both, a familiar cocktail of feelings that churns in your gut. You press a hand to your stomach, willing it to stay quiet. The small victories matter now, even if they’re as simple as keeping quiet.

“Figures,” you mutter, wiping your hands on the knees of your tattered jeans. The word feels heavy in the thick silence of the abandoned community building you’ve been calling home—a makeshift fortress that’s only just kept you alive for the past year.

The windows are boarded up with planks you scavenged from nearby wreckage, letting in only the faintest cracks of moonlight, casting fractured shadows on the walls. The small corner where you sleep is enclosed by a barricade of furniture you've managed to tie together with ropes and scraps of cloth you’ve gathered. It’s not perfect, but it’s held so far.

Outside, the telltale groans of the undead float through the night air, mingling with the distant sound of screams and breaking glass. You’ve learned to tune it out, to pretend that the world hasn’t fallen apart.

But every so often, when the noises grow too close or too many, the illusion shatters, leaving behind a pit of fear in your stomach that no amount of fortification can fill.

You lean back, letting your head hit the wall. The cracks in the paint catch against the rough weave of your jacket, the sound gritty and small. Your mind drifts back to that fateful day, the day everything went to shit.

You’d only been living in Seoul for a month, you were barely unpacked, just starting to memorise the labyrinth of subway lines, the shortcuts to your university. University acceptance had felt like the first step towards something bigger, something brighter. You can still see your parents’ faces, lit with pride, when you shared the news. Getting into a university in Seoul—it’s like gaining instant bragging rights for life.

Except now, none of it matters. Those things out there couldn’t care less about your alma mater, whether you’re earning a six-figure salary or pulled from the gutter. To them, you’re just another meal on legs—flesh, blood, and bone all blending into the same, mindless craving.

You’d always thought you’d know what to do in a zombie apocalypse. Every movie and survival guide said the same thing:

Avoid the cities. Get out fast.

So when the news started to break, you didn’t hesitate. You grabbed a bag—essentials only—and set out, determined to make it back to your parents in the province. You didn’t even pause to think about how impossible it might be.

But the city had other plans. You hadn’t even made it ten blocks before the streets were overrun. A tide of chaos, of screams and shoving bodies—alive and not—forced you off course.

The community building was a last-ditch refuge, its doors flung open to anyone desperate enough to run for them. You’d barely made it inside before the barricades went up. It wasn’t the plan, but then again, nothing about survival ever is.

At first, it felt like a haven. There were enough supplies to keep everyone fed—if barely. Dozens of survivors shared the space, most of them too old or too scared to leave. The rations were thin, one meal a day if you were lucky, but it was enough.

You and a handful of the younger survivors took turns venturing out, gathering what you could from nearby shops and houses. It wasn’t much, but it worked.

For a time.

When the convenience store was stripped bare, you moved to the supermarket. When that was picked clean, you ventured further. Each trip took you deeper into danger, the risk growing with every step. Supplies dwindled. The fear grew sharper, harder to ignore.

People started to die—some to the undead, others to hunger, and still others to the kind of cruelty that only surfaces when survival is on the line.

You learned quickly that it wasn’t just the zombies you had to fear. You’ve seen it firsthand: the way desperation changes people.

At first, it was small things—arguments over ration sizes, whispers of distrust. But then the small petty arguments turned into fights, and fights turned into bloodshed.

One by one, people either left to take their chances elsewhere or fell victim to the chaos within. A high school student, he had barely turned eighteen, stabbed a man over a tin of peaches. A woman abandoned her own mother to save herself when the barricade was breached.

Survival strips away more than flesh—it strips away the pretence of civility, leaving only the raw, animalistic instinct to endure at any cost. It’s not just the undead that keep you awake at night—it’s the memory of what people are capable of becoming.

So when the barricade failed during a particularly viscous storm and you’d barely escaped with your life, you dragged what little you could salvage to this corner of the building, patching up the holes as best as possible. Alone, because it was safer that way.

Now, alone in the faint light of your makeshift fortress, the weight of it all presses down on you. The loneliness, the hunger, the constant, gnawing terror—it’s all too much. But you shove it aside, because there’s no room for weakness here.

Weakness gets you killed.

Your stomach growls again, insistent, and you grit your teeth. You’ll have to go out again soon. The thought sends a chill through you, but there’s no other choice. Survival doesn’t wait for fear to subside.

Taking a deep breath, you stand and reach for your weapon—a rusted crowbar that’s seen more use than you’d like to admit. Tomorrow, you’ll go out again, search for food, risk what’s left of your life to keep it from ending.

For now, you sit in the dark and listen. To the groans. To the screams. To the sound of your own ragged breathing. And try not to dream.

293 notes · View notes

hoonieyun · 4 months ago

Text

a lovesick girl's guide to heartbreak

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ an anthology series following the chaos that surrounds the day of love

heeseung ₊ jongseong ₊ jaeyun ₊ sunghoon

status: completed - febuary 3rd-13th 2025

taglist open: reply or send a message to my inbox to be added!

more under the cut

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ ex!heeseung x reader hell is not the same without you... summary: you thought everything was going well 3 months after your breakup with your ex-boyfriend!heeseung until you realized that maybe you miss him more than you hated being with him

febuary 3rd

xoxo

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ best friend's bf!jay x reader breakup with your girlfriend cause i'm bored...summary: being invited to your best friend's birthday was nothing out of the ordinary, until you finally meet her boyfriend and he just seems to be the man of your dreams

febuary 7th

xoxo

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ fwb!jake x reader i start fights cause i wanna makeup...summary: although you specified with jake that you were only looking for a fwb, you just love getting a kick out of pushing his buttons. after all, as much as you like starting fights with him, you like making up after even more.

febuary 10th

xoxo

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗ fuckboy!sunghoon x reader ladies and gentleman, i present to you: the ex... summary: you knew that getting with sunghoon meant playing with fire and after ignoring all of the red flags and stories you heard about him, you decided to play into his trap anyways.

febuary 13th

xoxo

all writing here is fiction & not in any association with characters mentioned.

if you enjoyed reading this please consider reblogging and following <3

289 notes · View notes

illriize · 2 months ago

Text

٠࣪⭑ LOOKING FOR A ROOMMATE? enhypen.

chapter one - this bitch pmo

previous ٠࣪⭑ masterlist ٠࣪⭑ next

→ SYNOPSIS. it’s yn’s first day of university, but she founds out last minute that she didn’t manage to get her dorm room. in a desparate need of a place to stay, her brother offers a solution. his two friends who are also just starting university need a roommate, and they happen to be niki and jungwon.

✮ taglist @pasteltheghost16 @inishij @syupakingcowbaby @aespaqq @littlofang @vixialuvs @cami17 @renchai @wonkixo @firstclassjaylee @ni-kicism @bombombakudanmeow @ilovewonyo @umanjofantasma @rikidaze @luvgiselle @wonsbubble @ch4c0nnenh4 @nyfwyeonjun @sch1z0prenic @celestiai0 @jungwonswife-real @ttulixia @wensurr @17ericas @andromedawillburyyou @bussolares @jvngw0nlvr

177 notes · View notes

enha-doodles · 11 months ago

Text

ENHYPEN REACTION TO YOU FANGIRLING OVER SOME OTHER CELEBRITY | ✧⁺。

Pairing : (all members) x reader

Note : ksksksk writing something for enhypen after sooo long , felt good . The nostalgia is real but then i remember my cringey writing - so grateful I improved . I wanna write a yandere one next so plz send requests guys !!!

Warnings : not proofread , lame humour

LEE HEESEUNG

Heeseung pouts dramatically as he watches you fangirl over the celebrity, feeling a surge of jealousy bubbling up inside him. "What about me?" he whines, his voice taking on an adorable whiny tone, complete with puppy-dog eyes that could melt even the coldest heart. With shiny sparkling eyes, he attempts to rotate your attention back to him, pulling you into a tight hug and peppering your face with playful kisses, all in a bid to reclaim his status as your number one fan.

PARK JONGSENG

Jay can't help but feel a twinge of annoyance as he watches you fangirl over the celebrity, but he's determined to keep it lighthearted. Hugging you tightly, he rolls his eyes with exaggerated flair, muttering under his breath about the celebrity's questionable talent. "He's not even that good," he grumbles, though his playful smirk betrays his true feelings. "But he kinda looks like me, right?" With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he pulls you closer, stealing a quick kiss before diving into his own hilarious imitation of the celebrity's signature moves.

SIM JAYEUN

Jake grins from ear to ear as he watches you fangirl over the celebrity, thrilled to have found a fellow fan in you. "Oh yeah, you have that album? Well, too bad I have the signed one!" he boasts, flashing you a cheeky grin. With an air of playful competition, he launches into a spirited debate about who the bigger fan is, all in good fun. "You may have met him once, but I once waited in line for six hours just to catch a glimpse of him from afar!" he declares proudly, earning a playful eye-roll from you in response.

PARK SUNGHOON

Sunghoon can't resist teasing you mercilessly as he watches you fangirl over the celebrity, reveling in your adorable excitement. "Looks like there's competition for me," he quips with a smug grin, though there's a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. With exaggerated arrogance, he strikes a series of ridiculous poses, parodying the celebrity's trademark moves in a bid to steal back your attention. "Who needs him when you've got me, right?" he says with a playful wink, pulling you into a goofy dance that leaves you both doubled over with laughter.

KIM SUNOO

Sunoo adopts a sassy demeanor as he observes your fangirling, determined not to let the celebrity steal your attention away from him. "Okay, but have you seen how cute I am?" he jokes, his eyes sparkling with mischief. With a playful toss of his hair, he launches into a hilarious impression of the celebrity, complete with exaggerated gestures and an over-the-top accent that leaves you giggling uncontrollably. "I may not have millions of followers, but I've got charm for days!" he declares proudly, flashing you a dazzling smile that melts your heart on the spot.

YANG JUNGWON

Jungwon laughs good-naturedly at your fangirling, though he can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy deep down. "Looks like you've found a new crush," he chuckles, though there's a hint of wistfulness in his tone. With a playful wink, he pulls you into a tight hug, planting a sweet kiss on your cheek saying "but it'll always be me right?" to remind you that he's the only celebrity you need in your life.

NISHIMURA NI-KI

Ni-Ki's jealousy reaches peak levels as he watches you fangirl over the celebrity, his playful demeanor giving way to a hilarious mix of envy and frustration. "Ugh, he's so smug. I hate him," he mutters under his breath, his annoyance palpable. "Why are you even looking at him? Have you seen his hairstyle? That was me back in my school days." (as if bro ever went to school💀💀) With an exaggerated eye-roll, he launches into a comedic rant about the celebrity's questionable fashion choices, determined to prove once and for all that he's the only one worthy of your admiration.

。　　　　✧　　　　⁺　　　。

462 notes · View notes

jjennuine · 1 year ago

Text

⌞MANEATER⌝ - S.JY

IN WHICH..

As the only vampire in LA, you preyed on men who only cared about pretty girls and money, thinking they were easy targets. However, your next victim proved to be more cunning than expected, causing your plans to backfire. Now, you must question why this particular victim was able to outsmart you. Perhaps there was more to him than meets the eye, or maybe it was just a stroke of bad luck. But as you two meet, you wonder if you will ever meet him again.

PAIRINGS & CATEGORIES

Vampire Jake! x Vampire reader, dark? romance, fiction, suggestive, fluff, crack at the end

CAUTION

reader kills men, blood, somewhat suggestive, biting?, fighting, cursing, not proofread

STAR’S DIARY

should i make a part two

TAGLIST

@cholexc @yyawnjun @allforhee @ifuckedheeseung @yerisrev @dimplewonie

HEADPHONES PLAYING..

maneater by nelly furtado

“S-STOP! YOU MONSTER” THE MAN YELLED IN FEAR. You were thirsty for blood. So you went to your favorite place to prey, the club. The dimly lit dance floor and pulsating music only heightened your predatory instincts as you prowled through the crowd, searching for your next victim.

With each passing moment, the primal urge grew stronger, pushing you closer to the edge of control. As you locked eyes with your chosen prey, a rush of excitement coursed through your veins, ready to pounce and satisfy your dark desires.

With a captivating gaze, you entice him to approach you, using your seductive eyes to draw him in. Your gestures beckon him closer, inviting him to step into your world of desire and temptation.

As you led him into a secluded alleyway, a mischievous smirk played on your lips. The anticipation of what was to come made your heart race with excitement.

In the dimly lit space, you closed the distance between the two of you, your eyes locked on his. With each step closer, you could practically taste the thrill of the moment. As you licked your lips seductively, a surge of desire washed over you.

By grabbing the man's tie and pretending to lean in for a kiss, you quickly throw him to the ground with a tight grip on his neck. As he struggles beneath you, you feel the urge to sink your teeth into his exposed skin.

he man's fear is palpable as he tries to break free from your hold. Your mind races with conflicting emotions, torn between the exhilaration of power and the guilt of causing harm. In that moment, you are a predator, consumed by a primal urge.

After finally sinking your teeth into his neck, you watch as blood drips down, causing the man to lose consciousness. Despite quenching your thirst, you still feel a lingering sense of hunger. With a sense of satisfaction, you make the decision to return to the club in search of another victim.

The thrill of the hunt and the taste of fresh blood fuels your desire to feed once more. As you enter the club again, your senses sharpen as you scan the room for your next prey, eager to satisfy your insatiable thirst for more.

And then you saw the perfect target. Blond fluffy hair, handsome face, and big plump lips.

He was a sight to behold, near perfect in every way. His crisp white shirt was immaculately ironed, with just a few buttons left open, revealing just enough of his chest to be enticing. His charming smirk was the epitome of confidence, and his majestic face seemed to radiate a sense of power and authority.

All in all, he was a vision of perfection that captivated the attention of all those around him.

You find yourself staring at him, your eyes tracing the contours of his face, the curve of his jaw, the slope of his nose. You can't help but feel a flutter in your chest as you admire him, a feeling akin to a mix of awe and excitement.

As you lick your lips, your mind wanders to all the things you would do to him if given the chance, and you can't help but feel a slight flush spread across your cheeks.

As you finally snap out of your thoughts, you remember your goal and approach Him with your seductive beauty and your siren-like eyes.

You felt a bit bad for taking away such a beauty but your thirst was impeccable.

As you finally got his attention, you wanted to pounce on him right there. He looked so pure and innocent. Looking oblivious of what you were gonna do to him.

And as you flirt with him some more, you lure him into another empty alleyway, ready to quench your thirst.

IN JAKE’S EYES

Jake hasn’t drunk in days.

He was thirsty and desperate for blood, so he went to the club, his favorite place to prey.

It seemed like he had no interest in anyone until he laid eyes on you. It was as if all of his attention was suddenly focused on you and everything else faded into the background.

Perhaps it was the way you carried yourself, or your seductive beauty, but something about you caught his eye and held his interest. From that moment on, he was completely captivated by you.

Your presence was captivating and flawless. Your skin was radiant, reflecting the light in a way that made you look almost ethereal.

As the music blared, your body moved in perfect harmony with the rhythm, a sight that left him in awe. And when you looked at him, your gaze was intense and dark, making his heart skip a beat.

As he caught a glimpse of you approaching him, a sense of need and desire washed over him. He knew that you were done for. With every step you took closer to him, he could feel his heart racing in excitemen, he knew he was gonna be brutal with you.

As you leaned in whispering into his ear, inviting him to follow you, he was captivated by your boldness. The way you don’t know what's gonna happen to you was making his body rush in excitement.

BACK TO YOUR EYES

As you and the handsome male finally arrive at the empty and quiet alleyway, the attractive male starts to step closer to you, pinning you to the wall, making you slightly nervous.

“ I didn’t get your name by the way.. “

As he chuckles you feel your heart skip a beat.

“ It's Jake, what’s yours pretty? “

His thick and sexy Australian accent made you more thirsty than ever. Pulling him closer, your bodies press together, your faces closer than ever.

“ it’s y/n.. “ looking up at him.

“ pretty name like you. “ you chuckling.

“ y, know, you’re gonna regret talking to me. “

“ why is that? “ Jake raised his eyebrows in competitiveness and curiosity.

And before Jake could get an answer, you pounced on him and used all of your strength to hold him down.

But what surprised you was Jake flipping you over, Jake on top of you grinning.

You find yourself in the midst of a heated fight with Jake, as both of you try to assert your dominance. Suddenly, you notice something strange happening to Jake. His expression changes, and you notice that his eyes have started to turn a deep shade of red.

As he grins at you, you see that his fangs have become more pronounced, adding to the intensity of the situation. This sudden transformation fills you with shock and disbelief, what the fuck?

“ ready to give up, fellow vampy? “

“ how the hell are you here?! “

“ I’m asking you the same thing. “

As you and Jake finally give up, you realize the awkward position both of you are in.

Jake was under you, holding your neck while he was violated with lipstick marks from your attempted bites. And you were on top of him, holding his neck while your hair was messy.

“ you think the guy was killed by a vampire? “

“ don’t be stupid marge! vampire’s aren’t real! “

as both of you hear policemen, you quickly get up from Jake, and grab your bag.

“ gotta bounce, Jake “ you chuckle before winking at him.

“ w-wait! You- “ Jake getting up.

“ good luck! “ before you transform into a bat, flying away from the scene.

You couldn't help but feel amused at what happened. And you can't deny the fact that he was cute and exactly your type.

As you continue to fly towards your apartment, you can't help but wonder if you and Jake will ever meet again.

526 notes · View notes

liuhsng · 13 days ago

Text

✩ˎˊ˗ between the shelves ( sjy ! ) — part 2

✩ˎˊ˗ part of the untouchable series | enhypen masterlist

⤷ pairing — jake x fem!reader ⤷ part 1 | part 2 ⤷ word count — 18.7k ⤷ taglist for the series — open ! ⤷ warnings — a/b/o au, foul language, fem!reader, strangers to lovers trope-ish, jake is in love-love, jake is literally just so down bad for you oml, kinda self-depraving thoughts, tooth-rotting fluff, mentions of the other parts from this series, not proofread ⤷ a/n — this is so sweet and fluffy i legit cried writing this + here's the second part bc tumblr told me that i was too much of a yapper LMAO

✩ˎˊ˗ summary: jake had spent his whole life believing patience was his greatest virtue. it was what made him the perfect friend, the perfect son, the perfect alpha. and then he met you. and suddenly, patience felt like a cruel joke. because who would’ve thought that the big, bad, pureblooded alpha named sim jaeyun—the one who always kept his head up, would find himself wrapped around your finger? jake had always known he would have a mate someday. he had just never imagined that once he found you, he wouldn’t be able to stay away.

Jake had been careful.

Or at least, he thought he had.

But apparently, not careful enough.

Because the second he smelled it—them, it was already too late.

Jake’s body tensed, his nose twitched, and his fingers flexed against the back of the bench. The comfortable warmth of your scent was suddenly invaded, drowned out by something else.

Jake inhaled once again, and immediately regretted it.

The sharp mix of scents crashed into him all at once; strong and entirely too familiar. His grip on the bench tightened as his mind registered what this meant, who this meant.

He didn’t need to raise his head up. He already knew.

A few feet away, a cluster of figures stood at the entrance of the parking lot, their presence thick in the air. Pureblooded alphas and omegas: his friends. His pack.

Jake exhaled slowly through his nose, forcing his shoulders to relax, but it was no use. The warmth of your scent had been his safe haven for weeks, and now it was being suffocated under the weight of theirs.

He could feel the way you stilled beside him, your fingers subtly tightening around the edge of your book. You felt it too.

The realization settled in your chest like a stone.

You could feel their eyes now. The weight of their stares pressing in, a mix of emotions swirling between them: amusement, curiosity, suspicion.

Jungwon and his mate, Heeseung and his mate, Sunghoon and his mate, Sunoo and his mate. Jay and Ni-ki. All of them.

You swallowed, glancing at Jake, only to find his gaze locked straight ahead, jaw clenched. “Jake?” you whispered.

He didn’t respond.

But he did look at you. His golden-brown eyes met yours, flickering with something unreadable, it was heavy, waiting.

That silence stretched too long, and your heart started to pound. Instinct took over before you could stop yourself. “Alpha?” you murmured, softer this time, almost hesitant.

That snapped him out of it.

His shoulders eased just a fraction, his fingers flexing against the wood of the bench before he sighed. His head tilted ever so slightly, lips brushing against the shell of your ear as he murmured, “Do you wanna meet them?”

Your breath hitched.

He was waiting. Waiting for your response.

It was as if nothing else existed in that moment but the space between you and him. Not the weight of the stares boring into your back, not the amusement in Sunghoon’s smirk, not the knowing gleam in Jay’s eyes. Just Jake. Just his question.

And when you gave the smallest nod, Jake didn’t hesitate.

With ease, he reached for your things, moving as if he had done it a thousand times before. His hands brushed against yours as he fixed your books, slipping them into your bag before slinging it over his shoulder. Then, in one smooth motion, he reached for his own.

Two bags. One on each shoulder.

The sight of it sent something warm and electric through your veins. It was such a simple thing, such an Alpha thing, but your inner omega reacted instantly, curling with satisfaction, swooning.

And the worst part?

Despite the situation, despite the fact that all of your friends had just caught Jake ditching them for you—you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

Jake took slow steps forward, as if still assessing the situation. His grip on your bag tightened for a moment before loosening, his gaze flickering between you and the group still watching from a few feet away.

And then—he caught it, the slightest shift in your scent.

It was subtle, barely noticeable to anyone else, but to him? It was everything.

The hesitance. The nerves. The way your omega fluttered beneath the surface, not just from the weight of their stares but from him.

And just like that, Jake didn’t hesitate.

His free hand dropped from your bag strap, fingers brushing against yours for only a second before he took your hand fully, intertwining them without a second thought.

Your breath hitched. Your head snapped up to look at him, but he wasn’t fazed at all.

Jake gave your hand a single, reassuring squeeze. Then, in a voice just above a whisper—low and teasing, meant only for you; he murmured, “How fucking unbearable are they about to be?”

Your lips parted, a small, nervous laugh tumbled past your lips. “Very unbearable.”

The silence that followed was almost deafening.

You could feel it, the weight of their stares, the unspoken words pressing into your back.

Jake, in true Jake fashion, pretended not to notice. Or maybe he just didn’t care.

His grip on your hand didn’t loosen, his fingers still intertwined with yours like he had no plans of letting go anytime soon. His strides were slow, deliberate, like he had all the time in the world. But you weren’t fooled.

He was stalling.

And then—

“Sim Jaeyun, you absolute menace.”

Jay’s voice rang through the air, and the exasperation in it was so familiar, so expected, that you almost laughed.

Almost.

Jake finally stopped walking, letting out a slow, drawn-out sigh before finally, finally turning to face the group. Still holding your hand.

And as expected—they were all staring.

All of them.

Sunghoon had his arms crossed, unimpressed but unsurprised, Jungwon looked beyond entertained, Sunoo was clutching Heeseung’s arm in excitement, and Ni-ki? Ni-ki had his phone out.

“Not a word.” Jake pointed a warning finger at them, but it only made Sunoo’s grin widen.

“Aww, but Jakey—”

“Not. A. Word.”

You felt the second Ni-ki snapped a picture.

Jake groaned, running a hand down his face. “I hate all of you.”

Jay scoffed. “Clearly not as much as you love disappearing on us.”

“Correction.” Sunghoon lifted a finger. “Disappearing on us for the love of his life.”

Jake gave him a flat look. “Wow, thanks for that. Really needed the clarification.”

“Oh, don’t mind us,” Jungwon added, voice dripping with amusement. “We’re just catching up with our dear council secretary. You know, since he’s been avoiding his actual responsibilities.”

“Responsibilities?” Jake echoed, feigning confusion. He squeezed your hand lightly before flashing his signature, lazy grin. “I don’t know, I think I’ve been pretty responsible.”

Jungwon blinked. Then, he laughed.

It was slow, knowing, and full of amusement.

Because it was true.

Because even when he was ditching them, Jake had still been keeping everything in order. Still answering emails, still approving proposals, still handling every little thing he needed to.

He just… hadn’t been doing it in person.

“Do you know what I had to suffer through today, Sim?” Sunghoon cut him his thoughts, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “Coach absolutely wrecked me on the field. Do you know why?” He paused for effect. “Because my dear best friend, my beloved council secretary, my alpha packmate—left me to die.”

Jake sighed. “Sunghoon—”

“Left. Me. To. Die.”

“You weren’t even there on time.”

“That’s not the point!” Sunghoon threw his hands up. “I had to run extra laps alone! Do you know how humiliating it is to be the only one doing laps while everyone else is just standing there watching?”

Jungwon nodded sagely. “That does sound tragic.”

“Oh, utterly devastating.” Sunoo pressed a hand to his chest. “Poor Sunghoon. Abandoned. Betrayed.”

Sunghoon clicked his tongue. “Exactly. And for what? For you to come running to your omega?”

That did it. You finally laughed, the sound slipping out before you could stop it.

Jake blinked. Then smirked. “Sounds like a pretty good reason to me.”

Sunghoon’s mouth fell open. “Are you serious?”

Ni-ki burst out laughing. “Dude, he didn’t even hesitate.”

Jungwon chuckled. “Man knows his priorities.”

Jay exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

Jake only smirked, shrugging. “I do my best.”

Then, before anyone else could add more, he cleared his throat, straightening up.

“Alright,” he said, voice cutting through the noise. “Since you guys are so invested in my love life—”

“Secret love life.” Heeseung corrected.

Jake ignored him.

“—I might as well make this official,” he finished, then turned to you, his gaze softening. “(Y/N), meet my incredibly nosy, insufferable friends.”

Sunoo gasped. “Did you just call us insufferable?”

Jake smirked. “You deserved that one.”

Before anyone else could chime in, Heeseung’s mate stepped forward, looking straight at you with a knowing smile.

“Oh, we know her,” she said, and then—“More than you do.”

Jake blinked, brows furrowing. “What?”

Before you could even begin to explain, Jungwon’s mate tilted her head, grinning.

“This little missy’s been hiding a lot from us these past few weeks,” she teased, crossing her arms. “I’m honestly impressed we didn’t figure it out sooner.”

Jake turned to you, eyes narrowing. “You’ve been hiding from them?”

Your face warmed, but you squared your shoulders, pursing your lips. “…Maybe.”

“Oh, my God.” Sunoo'smate looked delighted. “So this was a two-way sneaking-around situation? Adorable.”

And then—before you could react, Sunghoon’s mate and Sunoo's mate were suddenly at your side, practically bouncing with excitement.

“Finally! A new friend!” Sunghoon’s mate beamed.

“Oh, this is gonna be so fun!” Sunoo's mate added, already looping her arm through yours. “We have so much to talk about.”

Jake frowned, pulling you back toward him. “Okay, can we all calm down?”

Jungwon's mate smirked. “What’s wrong, Sim? Afraid we’ll steal your girl?”

Jake glared. “We’re not even official yet.”

Silence.

And then—

Laughter.

Full, unrestrained, absolutely merciless laughter.

“Oh, honey.” Heeseung’s mate patted your arm, smiling fondly. “You’re already one of us.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Jungwon waved Jake off. “Technicalities, technicalities. It’s basically official.”

Jake shook his head. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Heeseung shrugged. “And you’re in love.”

Jake froze.

And then—he scoffed.

But he didn’t deny it.

The low purr of the engine filled the space between you, steady and smooth as Jake effortlessly navigated the road. The once playful energy that surrounded you both earlier had shifted into something quieter, softer.

The streetlights flickered past in a golden blur, casting fleeting glows over his face. Sharp jaw, slightly tousled hair, the relaxed curve of his mouth.

And his hand; still warm against yours. Still holding on.

Not like before, when it had been a casual, almost unconscious gesture.

No, this was different, this was intentional.

Jake was driving with one hand, his other still intertwined with yours, resting against the center console like it belonged there. And maybe… maybe it did.

“You good?” His voice broke the comfortable silence, gentle but teasing. “You’ve been staring at me for a while now, sweetheart.”

Your eyes widened slightly. “I have not.”

Jake hummed, clearly amused. “No? Then what were you looking at?”

You huffed, shifting in your seat. “I was just… thinking.”

“About?”

You hesitated. Not because you didn’t want to say it, but because you weren’t sure how to.

Jake, however, wasn’t one for patience. With a slight squeeze of your hand, he coaxed, “Come on, pretty girl. Let me in.”

You exhaled, fingers tightening around his. “Just… your friends.”

Jake clicked his tongue. “Ah. Yeah. Them.”

You laughed softly. “You make it sound like they’re the problem.”

“Well, they are,” he said, grinning. “Did you see the way Sunghoon was looking at me? I swear he was two seconds away from kicking my ass.”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s because you ditched him on the field, Jake.”

“For a very valid reason,” he defended, tapping his thumb against your skin absentmindedly. “I mean, come on, what’s more important? A stupid practice game or my favorite omega?”

Your breath hitched. Just a little.

But he noticed, and that cocky little smirk of his deepened.

“Jake,” you warned.

“What?” He feigned innocence. “I’m just saying. If you were me, wouldn’t you choose the same?”

You gave him a look, but your silence spoke volumes.

Jake chuckled. “That’s what I thought.”

Another beat of silence. Another flicker of golden light over his skin.

Then—

“You know, they really like you,” Jake murmured, a bit more serious now. “Even if they’re insufferable.”

Your chest tightened at the sincerity in his voice, “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He glanced at you briefly, his gaze softer than you’d ever seen it. “So, I hope they didn’t overwhelm you too much. I know they can be a lot.”

You smiled. “It was… a lot. But not in a bad way.”

Jake’s fingers flexed slightly around yours, like he liked that answer.

“Good.”

The car slowed as he pulled up in front of your place, but neither of you made a move to get out just yet.

The street was quiet. The world felt small.

And Jake? He looked too damn good in the dim light, one hand on the wheel, the other still tangled with yours.

Jake’s foot eased off the gas the moment you passed through the large iron gates. The car rolled forward at a slower, almost leisurely pace as the long, luxurious road stretched out before you, lined with towering trees and carefully maintained flora. The headlights cast soft glows along the stone pathway, painting the scenery in warm, golden hues.

He was stalling, you could tell.

The way his fingers tapped lightly against the steering wheel, the way his other hand, still holding yours, tightened just the slightest bit.

Sim Jaeyun was never the nervous type. He was always so sure of himself, so effortlessly confident. But right now? With the way he exhaled softly, the way his jaw tensed and relaxed in quick succession, you knew.

Something was coming.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while,” Jake murmured, eyes flickering briefly to you before settling back on the road.

You tilted your head, watching him carefully. “Thinking about what?”

He let out a quiet chuckle. “You.”

Your breath hitched, and he noticed—of course, he did.

Jake glanced at you again, this time longer, like he wanted to see your reaction. Then, with a soft squeeze of your hand, he continued.

“I didn’t think it’d happen like this.” He exhaled, shaking his head lightly. “I didn’t think we would happen like this. But then I started spending more time with you. Started prioritizing you over things I never thought I’d neglect.” He clicked his tongue. “And the thing is, sweetheart? I didn’t even care.”

His grip on the wheel tightened, his thumb brushing absently over your knuckles.

“I didn’t care that I was missing out on game nights, that I wasn’t showing up to practice as much, that I was skipping out on meetings.” His voice softened. “Because I was with you. And that always felt more important.”

Your heart pounded so loudly in your chest, you were surprised he didn’t comment on it.

Jake kept talking, his voice quieter now, like he was letting you in on a secret.

“And I tried,” he admitted, shaking his head with a small, breathy laugh. “God, I tried to be subtle about it. But the guys caught on. Hell, everyone caught on before I even did.”

Your stomach flipped. “Jake…”

He turned his head fully now, his dark eyes locking onto yours. And the intensity in them? It froze you in place.

“I want you, (Y/N).”

Your breath caught.

“I want to court you. Properly. Not just as Jake, your annoying escape from reality, not just as your friend.” He turned his palm up, allowing you to tangle your fingers with his if you wanted to. “I want to court you as your Alpha. As your mate, if you’ll let me.”

Silence.

The kind that hung heavy, filled with something more.

The car rolled to a stop at the grand entrance of your home, the world around you completely still, yet your mind spun.

Because Sim Jaeyun, the big bad council secretary, the golden boy who had it all—was offering himself to you.

Entirely.

Completely.

You stared at him, your lips parting slightly, and Jake—he waited.

No teasing remark, no smug smirk, no impatience.

Just… waiting, waiting for you, waiting for your answer.

Jake’s grip on the wheel tightened, his other hand still wrapped around yours. He hadn’t let go once. Not in the library. Not in front of his friends. Not even now.

And yet, there was hesitation in his touch.

“I meant what I said,” he finally broke the silence, voice lower now, more careful. “I want to do this right.”

You swallowed, fingers twitching slightly against his. He noticed.

“I want to court you,” he repeated, slower this time, like each word was deliberate, like they carried more weight than he knew how to handle. His thumb brushed over the back of your hand. “Not because I think I should. Not because of some expectation. But because it’s you.”

The car rolled to a stop at the base of your driveway, the soft hum of the engine lingering between you. His gaze never wavered.

“You don’t have to give me an answer now,” he added, quieter. “I just… I needed you to know. I needed to say it.”

The way he said it, like it was inevitable. Like it didn’t matter how long it took, because he had already made his choice.

He had chosen you.

And he was just waiting for you to choose him back.

Your breath hitched.

Jake exhaled a small laugh, shaking his head as he glanced down at your joined hands. “God, I thought I’d be good at this,” he admitted. “I thought I’d know exactly what to say, exactly how to make this sound… less terrifying.”

Your heart squeezed.

Sim Jaeyun, the ever-composed, ever-effortless Alpha—was terrified.

Because for the first time, he was giving someone the chance to say no.

And yet, he was still here. Still holding on.

Still waiting.

And maybe it was the sincerity in his voice. Maybe it was the way his fingers curled just slightly around yours, like he was memorizing the shape of them. Maybe it was the fact that deep down, you already knew your answer.

You squeezed his hand back.

Jake inhaled sharply, his entire body going still.

You didn’t let him wait any longer.

“Yes.”

His breath left him in a quiet rush, like he hadn’t realized he’d been holding it. “Yes?”

You nodded, biting down the smile threatening to break through. “Yes, Jake.”

And just like that—just like that—Jake Sim, the Alpha who had spent his life in perfect control, the student council secretary who had built his world around responsibilities and expectations, broke.

Not in the way that meant ruin, but in the way that meant relief.

Because for the first time, he wasn’t standing at the top alone.

He had you, and he wasn’t letting go, but even then, he still couldn’t believe it.

Jake let out something between a breath and a laugh, but it was unsteady, like he was struggling to ground himself. He shook his head, giving your hand a small tug before turning fully in his seat to face you.

“Wait—wait, say it again.” His voice was rushed, almost urgent, like he needed to hear it one more time just to be sure. “You actually—” He broke off, exhaling sharply before letting out a breathless laugh. “You actually said yes?”

Your chest ached in the best way possible.

“I did say yes,” you repeated, slow and teasing, and his grip on your hand only tightened.

Jake exhaled another stunned laugh, tilting his head back against the seat before running a hand through his hair. His fingers curled slightly, like he didn’t know whether to laugh or bury his face in his hands.

“Holy shit,” he muttered under his breath. “Holy shit.”

And you would’ve laughed, would’ve teased him for how utterly shaken he sounded, but then he was leaning in, forehead resting lightly against yours, his breath fanning over your lips.

“I don’t think you get it,” he murmured, voice softer now, a little more vulnerable. “I was prepared to wait. I was ready to wait as long as it took.” His fingers curled around your wrist, grounding himself in the warmth of your skin. “But then you just—” He broke off, exhaling a sharp breath, “—you just said yes like it was the easiest thing in the world.”

Your heart swelled.

“It was the easiest thing in the world,” you whispered.

Jake let out a small, disbelieving laugh, shaking his head again.

And then, he pulled you in.

Not for a kiss.

Not yet.

But just close enough that you could hear his heartbeat pounding against his ribs, just close enough that you knew, he was yours now.

Then—

The sound of the big white wooden doors opening snapped the both of you back to reality.

Jake didn’t hurry, didn’t jolt or stiffen or scramble like he’d been caught red-handed.

No, he just let out a soft chuckle, low and fond, before he begrudgingly, slowly—let go of your hand. The warmth of his palm lingered against your skin, even as he pulled away to step out of the car.

You barely had time to process the rush of cool air in his absence before he was rounding the front of his sleek black sports car, movements unhurried, like he had all the time in the world.

Your door opened with a soft click, and there he was, standing before you, effortlessly illuminated by the warm glow of the driveway lights.

His eyes met yours as he extended a hand, palm up, waiting.

You slipped your fingers into his grasp without hesitation.

Jake gave the slightest squeeze before helping you out of the car.

And then, wordlessly, he ducked down, reaching inside for your bag, as if it were second nature, like it was obvious that he’d be the one carrying it. The sight of him, tall and broad, in his neatly pressed uniform, standing against the quiet of the night with your belongings in his hands; something about it felt so… domestic.

Before you could say anything, he grabbed something else, his discarded school blazer, which had been tossed carelessly onto the passenger seat earlier.

Jake straightened, holding both items with ease before turning back to you.

Then—he held his blazer out, shaking it slightly, like an unspoken invitation.

You hesitated, glancing up at him.

Jake cocked an eyebrow. “Take it.”

You bit the inside of your cheek but complied, reaching out to grasp the familiar fabric, feeling the weight of him lingering in it.

The scent—his scent—was everywhere.

And then, in an almost perfect, synchronized motion, your hands reached up to your own blazer, still snugly draped over your shoulders. You slipped it off, folding it neatly before handing it over to him.

Jake blinked once. Then twice.

His lips twitched.

“Can’t let me go without a properly scented item too, yeah?” he mused, voice laced with something teasing but sincere.

You rolled your eyes, but the heat rising to your cheeks betrayed you.

Jake didn’t slip your blazer on, just held it, fingers curling around the soft fabric. Meanwhile, he moved forward slightly, lifting his own blazer before draping it carefully over your shoulders, adjusting the collar just right.

The moment was soft, warm.

And then—

“Ahem.”

A small, quiet cough cut through the thick silence.

Jake froze.

Your heart plummeted.

Slowly—so, so slowly—your heads turned toward the front porch.

There stood your mother.

Still dressed in her business attire from work, a hand perched on her hip, her gaze cool but undeniably amused as she took in the sight before her. The sight of you, bundled in Jake’s blazer, standing just a little too close to him under the soft glow of the peeking moonlight.

Jake straightened. Not stiffly, but… refined. Almost like he was preparing to introduce himself to a superior officer.

Your mom tilted her head, the corners of her lips twitching.

With a quiet, knowing sigh, she muttered, “Young love.”

Your stomach dropped.

Jake exhaled sharply through his nose, half a laugh, half disbelief.

Meanwhile, you, mortified beyond belief—groaned, hiding your face behind your hands.

Jake barely had time to school his expression before your mother took a slow step forward, heels clicking softly against the marble porch floor.

The corners of her lips curled just slightly, not quite a smirk, not quite a smile, just enough to let you know she was enjoying every second of this.

Meanwhile, you were dying.

Young love? Young love? Oh, you were never going to hear the end of this.

Jake, for his part, seemed to recover faster than you. He straightened—not stiffly, but with that effortless poise he always carried himself with. He still held onto your blazer, fingers curled around the soft fabric, like he had no plans of letting go anytime soon.

Your mom’s gaze flickered to the exchanged blazers, the way his sat snugly over your shoulders, the way yours was still resting in his grip.

A knowing glint passed through her eyes.

Then, without hesitation, she turned to Jake and said, “You’re staying for dinner.”

Not a question. Not even a suggestion. A statement.

Jake blinked.

You blinked.

Your jaw nearly dropped.

Your mother simply shrugged, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear as if she hadn’t just casually invited Jake into your home for dinner.

Jake’s lips parted slightly, caught between amusement and surprise, but he recovered quickly. He shifted his hold on your blazer, glanced at you briefly before nodding, effortlessly slipping into that charming, golden boy demeanor of his.

“I’d be honored,” he said smoothly, giving your mother a slight bow of his head.

You groaned under your breath, pressing your fingers against your temples. This was not happening.

Your mother, entirely unbothered, turned her attention back to you.

“(Y/N), dear,” she said airily, clasping her hands together. “Please inform me ahead of time when you're bringing Jaeyun over, yes?”

Jake coughed.

You choked.

Your mom merely smiled.

Jake, to his credit, kept it together. Mostly. He tilted his head, eyes twinkling with barely contained laughter as he leaned slightly in your direction.

“Well?” he mused, voice rich with amusement. “You heard your mom.”

You glared at him.

He grinned.

The warm glow of chandeliers illuminated the grand foyer as you and Jake stepped inside, the scent of freshly prepared dishes wafting through the air.

The moment the doors shut behind you, the sight that greeted Jake was the chefs bustling in the open-concept kitchen, a handful of staff moving seamlessly, plates clinking, and the rich aroma of slow-cooked meats filling the space.

Jake let out a low whistle, eyes flickering over the scene before turning to you. “So… what’s for dinner?”

You snorted. “I don’t know. You’ll find out with the rest of us.”

“Great,” he said, amused. “Love a little mystery in my life.”

Your mom, already slipping into host mode, gave Jake a polite smile before excusing herself toward the kitchen, probably to oversee the final preparations.

Which left the two of you alone.

“Come on,” you said, motioning for him to follow you toward the living room. “Let’s get comfortable before they make us sit through some formal dinner.”

Jake chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets as he trailed behind you. “So, do I sit wherever, or is there some unspoken family hierarchy I need to know about?”

You threw him a look over your shoulder. “You’re fine, golden boy. Just don’t sit in my dad’s chair, unless you have a death wish.”

Jake raised his hands in mock surrender, lips quirking up. “Noted. Avoid the dad throne.”

The two of you settled onto the plush couch, the air shifting into something more relaxed, comfortable. You curled your legs under you, and Jake, ever the gentleman, didn’t immediately invade your space—though the scented blazer still draped over your shoulders said enough about the way he wanted to.

The soft murmur of the staff in the kitchen filled the background.

And then—

A deep, serious voice cut through the space.

Your dad.

Both of you stilled, tuning in as the unmistakable authority in his tone rang clear.

“—If the shipment doesn’t arrive by Friday, I expect a full report by the end of the day. No excuses.”

Jake leaned in slightly, brows lifting, intrigued.

Another pause. Your father’s voice lowered slightly, but still firm. “No. I want the contract finalized before the month ends. I don’t care what needs to be done, just make it happen.”

It was funny, he had spent years in rooms full of powerful business partners, men who made decisions that shifted markets and controlled entire industries. He had shaken hands with some of the most influential Alphas in the country. He had sat through negotiations worth millions, unflinching.

But this?

Facing your dad?

He was nervous.

God, he was so screwed.

Because this wasn’t just some businessman, this was your father; your very much pureblooded of an Alpha father.

And Jake was about to do something infinitely more terrifying than striking a deal.

He was asking for his daughter and risking it all didn’t even begin to cover it.

His hand flexed at his side as the sound of your father’s deep voice grew closer, footsteps heavy against the marble floors. The call had ended, the sharp clack of his phone being placed down echoing through the vast space.

Jake straightened.

Your dad stepped into the room.

The man was tall, broad-shouldered, with the kind of presence that could silence a room without saying a word. He barely looked at Jake at first, his gaze landing on you instead. And just like that, the hardened businessman softened.

“Did you just get home?” he asked, voice much gentler than it had been on the call.

You nodded. “Jake drove me.”

That was when your dad finally turned to him.

Jake didn’t miss a beat, he stood up immediately, straight-backed, and bowed slightly before extending a hand.

“Good evening, sir,” he said, perfectly composed, though his fingers curled just a little tighter. “Sim Jaeyun, please, just call me Jake. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Your dad’s eyes flickered to his outstretched hand.

Then, slowly, he clasped it.

The handshake was firm, and Jake wasn’t stupid enough to think that was unintentional.

“Jake.” Your father’s voice was slow, calculated. “I remember you.”

Jake nodded, maintaining steady eye contact. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing you before at a few events.”

“Mm.” Your dad hummed, unimpressed. “And now you’re here. In my home.”

Jake felt the weight of the words. He refused to let it shake him.

“Yes, sir,” he said evenly. “Thank you for having me.”

Your dad’s gaze flickered. Assessing. Calculating.

“Do you like cars, Jake?”

Jake nearly let out a relieved laugh, but he knew better. Instead, he grinned. “I love cars, sir.”

Your dad’s expression didn’t change. But there was a glint of approval in his eyes.

“Good.” He released Jake’s hand, then gestured toward the dining room. “Let’s talk over dinner.”

Jake caught your gaze for a brief second before following your father, only to catch the amused, shit-eating grin on your lips.

He huffed a quiet laugh.

You knew he’d survive.

Jake had barely taken a step before your dad’s voice rang through the space, cutting through the distant clatter of the kitchen.

“That black sports car outside.”

Jake halted mid-stride, his fingers tightening slightly at his sides.

Your dad turned to him, arms crossed, gaze sharp. “That yours?”

It was a simple question, but the weight behind it made something coil in Jake’s stomach.

“Yes, sir,” Jake answered, nodding with practiced ease. His voice was steady, his posture relaxed, but you saw the way his jaw tensed for just a fraction of a second.

Your father hummed.

Jake nearly swayed on his feet.

It wasn’t disapproval, but it wasn’t outright approval either. It was the kind of sound that could mean anything, and Jake knew better than to assume the best too soon.

Your dad’s eyes flicked towards the door, as if mentally reviewing the car in question. Finally, he turned back to Jake, tilting his head slightly. “What model?”

Jake almost let out a breath of relief. “McLaren Artura,” he answered, voice calm but undeniably proud.

Your dad’s brows lifted ever so slightly. “Hybrid, right?” he asked, his tone shifting from scrutinizing to genuinely interested.

Jake internally grinned. He knew that tone.

“Yes, sir.” His shoulders eased just a fraction as he continued, “Twin-turbo V6, powerful but efficient.”

Your father actually nodded, his lips twitching in what could almost be called approval.

“It’s an incredible drive,” Jake admitted, unable to hide the slight excitement in his voice. “Would you like to take a look after dinner?”

Your dad barely hesitated. “I’d like that.”

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted.

The tension in Jake’s shoulders disappeared completely. He let out a slow exhale, stealing a glance at you, only to find you already watching him with barely contained amusement.

Your lips twitched.

Jake shot you a told you so look, the corner of his mouth curving slightly.

You just grinned.

Because, of course all it took was a damn car to break the ice.

Your dad barely gave you a second to recover from his unexpected interest in Jake’s car before he turned to you with a teasing glint in his eye.

“Come on, (Y/N), don’t keep your suitor waiting.”

Jake barely had a second to process your dad’s words before you froze beside him.

Your eyes widened in absolute shock, head snapping toward him so fast you nearly gave yourself whiplash. Your dad? The same man who had spent years maintaining his unreadable, intimidating aura? He just casually called Jake your suitor?

Jake, meanwhile, stiffened beside you. Not in fear, no, at this point, he had already thrown himself headfirst into the battlefield that was your family; but in pure disbelief.

Your dad let out a low chuckle, effortlessly amused at both your reactions. Then, before either of you could fully recover, he gave Jake a firm clap on the back. Not light, not cautious, just enough force to make Jake jolt slightly in surprise.

"Relax, son,” your dad mused, eyes glinting with something almost mischievous. "I was the same way with her mom."

Your jaw dropped.

Jake, who had just barely started to regain his composure, choked on air.

Your dad? The same man who had kept his business empire running with an iron grip? The same man who rarely let emotions slip past his carefully built walls? Once upon a time, he had been just as whipped as Jake was now?

Jake straightened slightly, as if realizing that. His lips parted just a little, and then, ever so subtly, a smirk tugged at his mouth. It was barely there, almost unnoticeable. But you saw it.

Jake was relieved, like some kind of weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Like this small confirmation from your dad was the reassurance he hadn’t even realized he needed.

Your dad smirked at the sight, already making his way toward the dining hall. “Come on, let’s eat.”

Jake exhaled, finally relaxing. He turned to you, catching your gaze with a look that was half amused, half triumphant. You just huffed, biting back a smile as you both followed your dad into the dining area.

The dining hall was massive but warm. Despite the high ceilings and the long mahogany table stretching across the center, the soft glow of the chandelier cast a golden hue over the space, making it feel less like a cold, formal setting and more like home. The faint scent of herbs and spices wafted from the kitchen, promising a well-prepared meal.

Jake slowed down as you both reached the table. Before taking his seat, he momentarily set down your bag and his blazer—your blazer, on the side of the couch near the dining hall entrance, making sure they were placed neatly.

Jake hadn’t even taken his seat yet. Instead, he moved wordlessly, hands brushing against the back of the chair as he pulled it out for you. There was no hesitation, just quiet, effortless care.

You hesitated for only a second before sitting down, watching as he made sure you were comfortable before pushing the chair in gently. The moment was brief, simple, yet something about it made warmth bloom in your chest.

Just around the corner, where the kitchen met the dining hall, your parents lingered for a second longer. A glance was exchange, one of knowing, of quiet approval.

Then, they stepped in.

Your mom took her usual seat first, and your dad followed soon after, settling at the head of the table. He didn’t say much at first, simply reaching for his glass of water.

Your dad set down his glass, regarding him with a thoughtful look before asking, “How’s your father doing?”

Jake swallowed his bite of food before answering. “He’s doing well, sir. Still as hands-on as ever when it comes to the business.”

Your dad nodded. “And how’s it been? The family business?”

Jake’s lips twitched slightly, something fond in his expression. “Really good, actually. We’ve opened more branches recently, both for the restaurants and the malls. My father’s been focusing on expansion in other regions, and I’ve been following him more closely to learn how to manage everything. It’s been challenging but rewarding.”

Your dad hummed in approval. “Planning to take over one day?”

“Yes, sir,” Jake said without hesitation. “I’ve always wanted to. I’ve been training for it properly a few years back, but I started learning the basics way before that. My father believes that the best way to understand the business is by experiencing every level of it firsthand.”

Your mom smiled, clearly impressed, while your dad nodded in agreement.

You sat quietly, not wanting to intrude, though your attention had shifted slightly, toward the mashed potatoes sitting just a few plates away from Jake. You weren’t even thinking about it, really, just absently staring, considering whether or not you wanted to reach for them.

Jake, ever observant, noticed.

Without breaking his flow in conversation, he reached for the dish, smoothly setting it down in front of you before finally glancing your way.

“Do you want anything else?” His voice was low, meant just for you. “String beans, carrots, shrimp?”

You blinked, a little caught off guard, but shook your head. “No, I’m good. Thank you.”

Jake gave a small nod, as if satisfied with your answer, before effortlessly shifting back to your dad, seamlessly continuing their conversation.

It was such a simple moment, but something about it—his attentiveness, the way he so naturally took care of you made warmth curl in your chest.

Your parents exchanged another look.

Yeah. Jake had definitely won them over.

The kitchen smelled like vanilla and melted butter, the warmth of the oven humming softly in the background. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden patterns on the marble counter where you stood, a wooden spoon in hand as you mixed the cookie dough in a glass bowl.

Jake was seated on one of the stools at the kitchen island, elbows resting lazily on the counter as he watched you. His sleeves were pushed up to his elbows, revealing his forearms as he idly drummed his fingers against the cool surface. He’d been stealing bits of cookie dough whenever you weren’t looking, but you let it slide.

“So, explain to me again,” Jake said, breaking the quiet. “Why are walnuts a crime in cookies?”

You huffed, pausing to shoot him a look. “Because some of us actually enjoy soft, chewy cookies.”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “You have zero appreciation for texture.”

“I appreciate textures that make sense,” you corrected.

Jake chuckled, leaning forward to swipe a bit of cookie dough from the bowl. He popped it into his mouth before you could swat him away.

“Well, more for me, then.”

You rolled your eyes but smiled anyway, sending the Alpha a teasingly glare.

“By the way, my parents want to meet you.”

You froze for half a second, just long enough for Jake to notice. The spoon in your hand stopped mid-stir, and when you turned to look at him, your voice was steady, but your fingers gripped the edge of the bowl a little tighter.

“Really?”

Jake immediately caught the nervousness laced in that single word. His lips curled up slightly, half amusement, half affection—before he pushed himself off the stool.

“Mhmm,” He hummed as he made his way around the counter, closing the space between you. You weren’t facing him yet, still staring at the dough like it held all the answers to your life, so he gently rubbed his hands up and down your arms

“Hey,” he murmured, voice softer now. “It's just my parents, not a police interrogation.”

He let out a small chuckle, hoping to ease the tension, but you only sighed, grip loosening on the spoon but not quite relaxing.

“What if they don’t like me?” you muttered, finally turning to face him. Your brows furrowed, uncertainty flickering behind your eyes. “What if I say something wrong? Or they think I’m not… I don’t know, enough for you?”

Jake clicked his tongue, tilting his head slightly. “First of all, impossible.”

You rolled your eyes. “Jake—”

“Second of all,” he cut in, grinning now, “if my parents don’t like you, I’m disowning them.”

That made you pause. “Jake.”

“Okay, okay,” he laughed, hands squeezing your arms reassuringly. “But seriously, that’s not gonna happen. My mom already thinks you’re great, and my dad is all about first impressions. Just be yourself.” He shrugged. “Worst case scenario, you bribe them with cookies.”

You let out a breathy laugh despite yourself, finally feeling some of the tension melt away. “You think that’ll work?”

Jake smirked. “Babe, you had me wrapped around your finger after one batch.”

You sighed, your hands instinctively finding his as they rested on your arms.

Jake gave your arms another reassuring squeeze before dipping his head slightly, voice laced with certainty. “Besides, our parents work in close circles. I just know they’ll love you.”

He nudged his nose against your temple playfully before adding, “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, omega.”

Your breath hitched slightly at the way he said it—soft, teasing, but still carrying that familiar weight of possession, of affection.

You scoffed, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. “That obvious, huh?”

Jake grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Painfully.”

You groaned, leaning back against him dramatically, and he chuckled, easily holding you up. “I hate you.”

“Mm, no you don’t,” he murmured, resting his chin on your shoulder. “You love me, and you’re gonna charm the hell out of my parents, just like you did with yours truly.”

You nudged him lightly with your elbow, and he let out a mock oof before grinning against your skin.

“Anyway,” he continued, dropping another kiss to the side of your head. “On the bright side, you’ll finally get to meet Layla.”

That made you perk up slightly. “Your dog?”

“My baby,” Jake corrected, pulling back just enough to look at you. “And trust me, once she sees you, I’m pretty sure she’s gonna forget I exist.”

You laughed, the last remnants of your nerves fading. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Oh, you will,” he smirked. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when she ditches me for you.”

You fumbled with your necklace, fingers grazing over the small pendant as if it would somehow calm the nerves bubbling in your stomach. You exhaled slowly, trying to steady yourself, but it wasn’t working.

A beige coat wrapped snugly around your frame, paired with a brown sweater underneath and a black skirt—something Jake specifically asked you to wear.

Jake had texted you the night before, the alpha sending a flurry of ‘I miss you messages’ before casually asking you to wear something beige tomorrow. When you asked why, he said that he wanted to match with you—like this was just some casual thing and not the biggest meeting of your life.

You pushed open your bedroom door, stepping out and making your way down the spiral staircase. Each step felt heavier than the last, and the motion did nothing to help the uneasy feeling settling in your chest. You weren’t even in the car yet, and it already felt like you had a rock in your stomach.

Jake’s parents wanted to meet you. That was all this was.

So why did it feel like you were walking into a battlefield?

As you stepped into the hall leading to the living room, your eyes immediately landed on the neatly wrapped box of cookies you had prepared that morning.

A small gift for his parents, something to bring, something to keep your hands busy, something to make a good first impression. You reached out to grab it, only to freeze when you noticed someone else sitting on the couch.

Your mom.

She was staring at you with glossy eyes, and before you could even react, she was already on her feet, pulling you into a quick but tight embrace.

You stood there, blinking, arms awkwardly hovering in the air as she held onto you like she was about to send you off to college in another country.

“…Mom?”

She pulled back just enough to cup your face in her hands, letting out a soft, wistful laugh.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she murmured, her thumbs brushing over your cheeks. “You look so beautiful.”

You barely had time to register the compliment before she let out a dramatic sigh.

“My baby’s meeting her mate’s parents. Time flies so fast.”

You deadpanned. There it is.

“Mom—”

She pinched your cheek before you could finish, making you let out a small noise of protest.

“Breathe, darling,” she said, smiling. “They’re going to love you.”

Before you could argue, your dad’s voice interrupted.

Standing in the doorway, he crossed his arms and leaned against the frame, watching the scene with an amused smile.

“She hasn’t even left yet and you’re already emotional?”

Your mom shot him a glare but didn’t let go of you just yet.

“Let me have my moment.”

Your dad only chuckled, shaking his head. You sighed. This was already off to a great start.

Before any of you could say anything else, the faint sound of an engine pulling into the driveway reached your ears. You swallowed hard, heart skipping a beat.

Jake was here.

The deep, purring hum of his sleek black McLaren filled the air, the polished exterior gleaming under the soft morning light. Your dad, as expected, cast an approving nod toward the car the moment it came into view, he never failed to acknowledge Jake’s car, much to your amusement.

The door swung open smoothly, and Jake stepped out with confidence, adjusting the cuffs of his coat before shutting the door behind him. His eyes flickered toward the front door, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile the second he spotted you through the glass.

Your dad didn’t even hesitate to step forward, meeting Jake halfway with an outstretched fist. Without missing a beat, Jake bumped it with his own, the casual gesture signifying just how close they had grown in the span of a few weeks.

You blinked. If someone had told you months ago that your father and Sim Jaeyun would be on fist-bumping terms, you wouldn’t have believed it.

You took a deep breath, fingers tightening around the box in your hands before stepping forward. Your mom walked beside you, her hand brushing against your back in silent reassurance as you both made your way to the entryway. Jake met you halfway, his smile growing the moment he laid eyes on you.

Before you could say anything, your mom pulled him into a warm hug. Jake, never one to hesitate, wrapped his arms around her with ease, his touch gentle but firm.

“Take care of my baby, okay?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jake pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, nodding once with unwavering certainty. “Always.”

Something in your chest softened. He said it so naturally, like it wasn’t even a question. Like it was a promise he never had to think twice about.

And just like that, he turned to you, wordlessly reaching for the box of cookies in your hands. You blinked in surprise as he effortlessly took it from your grasp, holding it securely in one hand before his other hand found yours. His fingers slid between yours with ease as he gave them a small squeeze.

You cast one last glance at your parents, who stood side by side in the doorway, their smiles filled with something between amusement and quiet pride. Jake mirrored the gesture, flashing them his signature grin before gently tugging you forward.

Like always, he opened the passenger door for you, a silent but familiar gesture that never failed to make your heart do the smallest flip. You slid into the seat, watching as he carefully set the box of cookies in your lap before shutting the door with a soft click.

A moment later, he was in the driver’s seat, adjusting his sleeves before starting the engine. The low, smooth purr of the sportscar filled the space between you.

Jake glanced at you as he shifted into gear, his smirk playful yet reassuring. “You ready, pretty?”

You exhaled, finally allowing yourself to settle into the seat. “As I’ll ever be.”

Tall buildings stretched high into the sky, their glass windows reflecting the afternoon sun. The sidewalks bustled with people, neon signs flickered against storefronts, and the distant sounds of car horns and laughter filled the air.

Inside the car, however, it was quieter, just the soft hum of the engine and the faint sound of music playing from the speakers. Jake’s hand rested effortlessly on the wheel, his other draped over your thigh, fingers tracing absentminded patterns on the fabric of your skirt as he drove through the familiar streets.

A beat of silence passed before he glanced at you. “You okay?”

You turned to look at him, his side profile glowing under the soft golden light. “Yeah.”

Jake hummed, unconvinced. His fingers drummed lightly against your thigh before giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You nervous?”

You sighed, shifting slightly in your seat. “A little.”

Jake chuckled, his thumb brushing circles against your skin. “I can tell. You’ve been messing with your necklace since we left.”

Your hand immediately dropped to your lap. “I do not.”

“(Y/N).” Jake smirked as he turned onto a wider street, city lights reflecting off the sleek black exterior of his car. “You’ve been doing it since you walked out the door.”

You huffed, crossing your arms. “Okay, maybe I am. A little.”

Jake squeezed your thigh again. “Again, it’s just my parents, pretty. Not a job interview.”

You gave him a look. “Easy for you to say. You already passed my parents’ test.”

“And you’ll pass mine, too.” Jake’s lips curled up. “Besides, our parents work in the same circles. You think they haven’t already talked about us behind our backs?”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” You exhaled, turning your gaze to the city outside. The skyline blurred past, “What if they think I’m not… business-minded enough for their only son?”

Jake let out an amused scoff. “You’re kidding, right?”

You blinked at him.

Jake shook his head, lips quirking slightly. “You were practically born into the industry. You know how to navigate this world better than anyone. If anything, I think my parents are more worried I’m not good enough for you.”

You faltered at that, brows furrowing slightly.

Suddenly, the car rolled to a smooth stop at a red light, the soft hum of the engine filling the momentary silence between you. Jake shifted in his seat slightly, and before you could process what he was doing, he leaned over, closing the distance between you.

You barely had time to react before he buried his face in the crook of your neck, his scent enveloping you as his wrist brushed against your skin. The familiar, comforting warmth of him sent a shiver down your spine, his touch soft as he rubbed his wrist along your scent glands, letting his pheromones settle into you.

Your breath hitched, hands tightening slightly in your lap.

He inhaled deeply, voice low as he murmured, “Just so you can ease up a little.”

The tension in your shoulders loosened almost immediately, the comfort of his scent working faster than your own attempts to calm yourself down. A soft, grateful smile tugged at your lips, though he couldn’t see it with his face still pressed against you. Instead, you raised a hand, fingers slipping into his hair as you gently ran them through the soft strands.

Jake hummed at the touch, his grip on your thigh tightening for a brief second before he finally pulled back, eyes lazily flickering up to meet yours. His smirk was subtle, teasing, but his gaze held something warm.

“You’re really overthinking this, huh?”

You hesitated. “Maybe a little.”

Jake chuckled, shifting his hand to intertwine his fingers with yours. “You'll be fine, omega.”

The ride continued in easy comfort, the city’s vibrant energy gradually fading as the streets grew quieter, more exclusive. You watched as the towering buildings gave way to sprawling estates, each one grander than the last, their high gates and manicured gardens a clear mark of old money.

And then, as Jake turned onto a long, private driveway, you saw it—their estate.

The first thing that caught your eye was the sheer size of the garden. Lush, endless greenery stretched across the front of the property, perfectly trimmed hedges lining the stone pathway leading up to the house.

Various trees, their branches swaying gently in the afternoon breeze, stood tall and proud, while vibrant flower beds added soft bursts of color to the landscape. A few workers were scattered around, tending to the greens—trimming bushes, watering flowerbeds, adjusting small decorative lanterns placed strategically around the garden.

You raised a brow, leaning forward slightly. “Damn. Your mom is just like mine with the plants.”

Jake let out a short laugh, slowing down as he drove past another set of hedges. “You could say that.”

Your gaze followed the stretch of land, taking in the well-maintained beauty of it all. It was similar to your own estate, but while your family leaned toward a sleek, modern aesthetic, the Sim estate carried a sense of old-world charm.

The house itself was a perfect blend of traditional and elegant—a massive structure of smooth marble mixed with rich oak wood. Tall, arched windows lined the facade, allowing glimpses of grand chandeliers and luxurious interiors inside. The pillars supporting the grand entrance had intricate carvings, and the towering front doors were framed by a classic stone archway.

Jake pulled up to the front, the car rolling to a smooth stop just before the entrance. A staff member, dressed in a crisp uniform, was already making his way down the front steps, likely to open the door for you. But before he could reach the car, Jake wordlessly beat him to it.

He stepped out smoothly, shutting the driver’s side door before rounding the front of the car to your side. You barely had time to reach for the door handle before he was already there, opening it with ease.

“Come on, pretty,” he murmured, offering his hand.

Your fingers slipped into his without hesitation, the warmth of his touch grounding you as he helped you out. The cool breeze brushed against your skin, and as you straightened up, your eyes flickered toward the house once more.

It felt real now. You were here. You were about to meet his parents.

Jake gave your hand a gentle squeeze, bringing you back to the moment. When you glanced at him, he was already reaching for the box of cookies, his other hand still holding yours firmly.

Your chest tightened at the simple yet reassuring gesture.

Before you and Jake could take another step, a blur of golden fur came rushing out from one of the garden houses. The rapid thud of paws against the stone pathway echoed in the air, followed by an excited bark.

Jake barely had time to react before the golden retriever launched herself straight at him, her tail wagging furiously as she jumped up, paws nearly reaching his chest. He laughed, shifting the box of cookies to one hand while keeping his grip on yours.

“Layla,” he greeted, his voice dropping into something softer, more affectionate. He crouched slightly, giving the dog a quick scratch behind her ears before she finally noticed you.

Her big brown eyes flickered to you, curiosity taking over as she took a hesitant step forward. Layla sniffed the air, her nose twitching before she brought it close to your free hand.

You watched her for a second before letting out a laugh, bending your knees just a little to meet her halfway. “Hey there, girl,” you cooed, running your fingers through her soft golden fur.

Layla’s tail wagged faster, her entire body practically vibrating with excitement. She gave a happy little huff before pressing herself into your touch, clearly approving of you already.

Jake grinned, watching the interaction with amused satisfaction. “I think she likes you,” he remarked.

You chuckled, scratching behind Layla’s ear. “Good. I was kinda worried she’d be the hardest one to win over.”

Jake let out an exaggerated scoff. “Excuse me?”

You glanced up at him, smirking. “What? Layla’s the real judge here.”

Layla let out a happy bark in response, her tongue lolling out as if she agreed.

Jake shook his head, but the fond smile never left his face. “Let’s go. My parents probably already waiting by the door.”

With that, he wordlessly shifted the cookie box under one arm and took your hand again with his free one, tugging you gently toward the entrance while Layla trotted happily beside you.

As you approached the front steps, the grand double doors were already beginning to open.

Jake gave your hand a reassuring squeeze. “Ready?”

You exhaled slowly, glancing at him. “Do I have a choice?”

His lips quirked up, amusement twinkling in his eyes. “Nope.”

The moment you reached the steps, one of the staff members outside, dressed sharply in a clean, tailored uniform—bowed his head slightly toward Jake before reaching for the grand double doors. With a practiced ease, he pulled them open, revealing the warm glow of the estate’s interior.

As the doors parted, Jake gave your hand a light squeeze, wordlessly guiding you forward. You barely had time to take in the intricate details of the grand entryway, the high ceilings, the cascading chandelier that shimmered like stars, the polished floors reflecting the golden light, before he was leading you deeper inside.

Your heart pounded as you stepped through the threshold. The faint scent of wood and something subtly floral filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of soft classical music playing from somewhere in the house.

Layla padded ahead happily, her tail still wagging as she trotted down the hallway, clearly knowing exactly where to go.

Jake, ever the effortless alpha, walked with quiet confidence. The smooth stride of his steps, the way he carried himself so naturally here, only made you more aware of the difference between your nerves and his ease.

As you passed by, another staff member stepped aside, bowing their head slightly toward Jake in silent acknowledgment before continuing with their tasks. You swallowed, this wasn’t just some casual introduction—Jake was bringing you into his home, into his world.

He must have sensed your nerves creeping back in because, without looking, he gently ran his thumb over the back of your hand in slow, comforting strokes.

“Breathe, baby, breathe,” he murmured, just low enough for only you to hear.

You exhaled, steadying yourself as you let your gaze drift to the hallway ahead. The dark oak floors stretched long, leading to an open archway where the living room came into view.

Soft, golden light filtered in through the tall windows, illuminating the plush sofas and polished coffee table. The fireplace flickered quietly in the corner, casting a warm glow over the space. The air held the faintest trace of fresh flowers, and from where you stood, you could make out a vase sitting elegantly on a side table, delicate white lilies arranged with the utmost care.

And then you saw them.

Two figures seated on the couch, their conversation pausing as they turned their attention toward the approaching footsteps.

Jake’s parents.

Your grip on his hand instinctively tightened.

Jake glanced at you, and though he said nothing, the soft, reassuring squeeze he gave you spoke volumes.

The moment your eyes met Jake’s parents, you felt it. The nerves clawing up your throat, the way your heart pounded so loud you were convinced they could hear it too.

You were pretty sure you could smell your own scent turning bitter, your anxiety seeping into the air like an unshakable weight pressing down on your chest.

Jake’s mother sat with a perfectly poised elegance, her gaze sweeping over you in a way that made you hyper-aware of every inch of yourself. Was she scrutinizing you? Did she already think you weren’t good enough for her only son?

His father, on the other hand, blinked once. Then twice. Expression unreadable, completely composed, his lips pressed into a neutral line as he studied you in a way that sent a fresh wave of unease through you.

Oh, god. What if they didn’t like you?

And then, just as you braced yourself for whatever came next, Jake’s mother suddenly stood up. The shift was so quick you barely had time to react before she was already making her way toward you, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

Your breath hitched, the tension in your shoulders locking into place.

But then—

“(Y/n), darling! It’s so nice to finally meet you in person!”

Before you could fully process it, she was pulling you into a warm hug, her arms wrapping around you with a familiarity that caught you completely off guard.

You froze for half a second, caught between your lingering nerves and the unexpected warmth of the embrace. But then you felt it, the genuine affection in her touch, the way she held you like you already belonged here.

Your chest loosened just slightly.

Jake’s scent curled around you comfortingly as he let out an amused huff beside you. “Told you there was nothing to worry about.”

You barely registered his words, still stunned as you slowly lifted your arms to hug her back.

Jake’s mother beamed at your response, pulling away just enough to hold your hands in hers. They were soft and warm, her grip gentle as if she was already treating you like family.

“Oh, sweetheart, how was the ride? Was Jake driving too fast again? You should tell me if he does, I’ll scold him,” she fussed, her expression filled with nothing but warmth.

You blinked, stunned for a moment before shaking your head. “Oh—no, he was fine! I mean, he drove well, not—uh—”

Jake snickered beside you, clearly enjoying this.

His mother waved a dismissive hand, completely ignoring him as she kept her focus on you. “And are you hungry? I had the kitchen prepare a few dishes already, but if there’s anything else you’d like, just let me know. And, oh dear, did he even let you rest before bringing you in? The drive can be tiring—”

You barely had time to process all of her questions before a deep, amused chuckle interrupted.

“Let her breathe, love,” Jake’s father said as he finally stood up, making his way toward you. Unlike his wife’s warmth, his presence was more composed, his steps slow and steady. But the moment he reached you, he extended his hand.

You hesitated for half a second before shaking it, and then—

“Welcome to the family.”

You had to physically hold back your tears.

The words hit you like a wave, crashing over your already overwhelmed emotions. It felt real. Like you were truly being welcomed into something bigger than yourself.

Jake’s hand, still resting against the small of your back, pressed just a little firmer.

His mother, who hadn’t missed the way your eyes slightly glossed over, let out a soft coo. “Oh, sweetheart, we’re just so happy you’re here.”

You swallowed thickly, nodding as you mustered a small, grateful smile. “Thank you… really.”

Jake’s mom’s gaze then flickered downward, and the second she spotted the neatly wrapped box in her son’s hands, her eyes lit up. “Oh! Jaeyun mentioned you bake.”

Jake groaned playfully. “Mom, don’t embarrass me.”

“Oh, hush, I’m just saying,” she scolded before calling over one of the maids. “Set these aside to be served during lunch.”

You watched, still in slight disbelief, as the maid took the box with careful hands and carried it toward the kitchen.

Jake’s father clapped a firm hand on his son’s shoulder, shaking his head fondly. “You really found a good one, son.”

Jake grinned, nudging you slightly. “Told you they’d love you.”

Before you could even fully process the warmth of their welcome, Jake’s mother looped her arm around yours, gently stealing you away from the entrance.

“Oh, come, darling. Some of the dishes are still being prepared, and I don’t want you standing around hungry.”

Jake and his father trailed closely behind, Jake’s hand instinctively finding the small of your back as his mother led you through the hall and toward the garden.

“I had the staff prepare some cold brew tea for refreshments,” she continued, her voice light and eager. “I hope you don’t mind, Jake mentioned you enjoy lighter drinks rather than coffee?”

Your eyes flickered toward him, and he only smirked in response.

“You told her that?” you mused, a small smile tugging at your lips.

“I tell her everything,” Jake said smoothly.

His mother laughed. “He really does. You should hear how much he talks about you over the phone.”

You felt your cheeks warm at that, but before you could dwell on it, you stepped into the garden, your gaze immediately taking in the picturesque setup.

A beautifully arranged table sat in the middle of the lush greenery, set with delicate porcelain cups, a glass pitcher filled with golden-hued tea, and an assortment of small treats. The garden itself was breathtaking as vibrant flowers lined the stone pathways, and the soft sound of a water fountain trickled in the distance.

You turned to Jake’s mother, eyes wide. “This is beautiful.”

“Oh, I’m so glad you think so! I wanted everything to be perfect for you.” She gestured toward one of the chairs. “Come, sit, sit.”

You settled down, and the second you did, she was already fussing over you, pouring you a glass of tea before placing a small plate of pastries in front of you.

“Now, tell me, dear, how have you been? I hope Jake hasn’t been keeping you too busy.”

You chuckled. “Not at all. If anything, I think I’m the one keeping him busy.”

Jake scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “That’s debatable.”

His mother beamed, clearly delighted by your dynamic. “I love that! It’s good that you keep him on his toes.” She then sighed dreamily, placing her chin in her palm as she looked at you. “You really are lovely. When Jake told me he was finally bringing his mate home, I might have gotten a little too excited.”

Your heart stuttered.

His mate.

Jake stiffened slightly beside you, likely catching your reaction, but his mother simply continued, “I know you two haven’t made anything official yet, and I completely understand the pressure that comes with it. It’s a big decision, and I don’t want you to feel like we’re forcing anything.”

You swallowed, glancing at Jake, who was already looking at you with quiet reassurance.

“I really appreciate that,” you said sincerely. “It means a lot.”

His mother reached out, patting your hand gently. “Sweetheart, we already adore you. You don’t have to prove anything to us.”

Then, with a warm smile, she added, “Oh, and please, call me Mom.”

Your breath hitched slightly at that, your heart squeezing in your chest. You hadn’t expected her to say it so soon, so effortlessly—but the way she looked at you, like she had already welcomed you as part of the family, made your throat tighten.

Jake nudged your knee under the table, as if silently telling you to take it in, to believe it.

You swallowed past the sudden lump in your throat and managed a small, touched smile. “Okay… Mom.”

Her face lit up instantly, and before you knew it, she was reaching over to pull you into another gentle hug. Jake’s father chuckled at the sight, shaking his head fondly as he took a sip of his tea.

And just like that, the nervous knot in your stomach completely unraveled.

The dining room was just as elegant as the rest of the house,high ceilings, warm lighting, and a long oak table set with an array of dishes that made your stomach rumble just looking at them.

You were seated next to Jake, and across from you sat his parents, who, to your surprise, had chosen seats closer to the middle rather than the grand ends of the table.

“We like to hear each other talk,” his mother had explained with a wink, pouring you a glass of freshly squeezed juice.

Jake’s father chuckled as he adjusted his napkin. “And by that, she means she likes to talk, and I listen.”

Jake groaned beside you, leaning in to whisper, “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

You held back a laugh, already feeling at ease.

The meal started off light, just casual conversation and the occasional compliments toward the food. But it wasn’t long before the attention turned to Jake, and his mother, much to your delight, wasted no time embarrassing him.

“Oh, (Y/n), has Jaeyun ever told you about the time he used to sleep with his stuffed puppy?” she asked with a knowing smile, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Jake, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly choked. “Mom—”

“Oh my god,” you gasped, turning to him with wide eyes. “You had a stuffed puppy?”

His mother nodded eagerly. “Oh yes, he wouldn’t go anywhere without it. He even used to call it ‘Puppy’—such a creative name, right?”

Jake groaned, dropping his head into his hand. “Mom, please.”

His father smirked, finally joining in. “He threw a fit once when we accidentally left it at a hotel during a family vacation. We had to call the staff and ask them to ship it back to us.”

Your jaw dropped as you tried to hold in your laughter. “No way.”

“Mhmm,” his mother confirmed, absolutely delighted. “He wouldn’t sleep properly for three nights until we got it back.”

You turned to Jake, who was sinking further into his seat. “You poor thing,” you teased. “I can’t believe I’m just now hearing about this.”

Jake sighed, taking your hand under the table and squeezing it as if to silently plead for mercy. “You know, I thought today was supposed to be about you meeting my parents, not me getting humiliated.”

His mother waved him off. “Oh, hush, Jaeyun. I need to make sure (Y/n) knows all the important things about you.”

His father hummed in agreement. “Like the time he dressed up as a prince and made Layla his ‘royal steed’ for a whole week.”

Jake groaned. “I was five.”

“And yet,” you giggled, “that’s still adorable.”

Jake sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “I don’t know why I thought bringing you here was a good idea.”

You leaned into him, smirking. “Because you love me?”

His ears turned pink, but he played it cool, bringing your hand to his lips and pressing a quick kiss to it. “Something like that.”

His mother cooed, clasping her hands together. “Oh, you two are just precious.”

His father smirked. “At least now he has something else to obsess over besides that stuffed puppy.”

Jake groaned again, and you just laughed, squeezing his hand under the table.

The laughter finally settled as the meal continued, but the warmth in the air remained. You were beginning to feel more at home, like you truly belonged here.

“So, (Y/n), you and Jaeyun go to the same academy—we already know that,” his father started, setting his utensils down neatly. “But have you given any thought to what you want to do after graduation?”

You hesitated for a second before giving a small, sheepish smile. “Not entirely. I have a few things I’m interested in, but I know for sure that I’ll be taking over the family business.”

His mother’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh? That’s wonderful! Your family has quite an empire, don’t they?”

You nodded, swallowing a bite of food. “Yes, we have a few ventures, but our biggest ones are the island resorts and event rentals. Most of our islands are privately owned, but we lease them out for major events like weddings, corporate retreats, sometimes even small festivals.”

Jake’s father let out an impressed hum. “That’s an incredible business. It must take a sharp mind to manage all of that.”

You chuckled softly. “Well, I hope mine is sharp enough when the time comes.”

Jake squeezed your hand under the table. “You’ll be great,” he said confidently, as if it wasn’t even a question.

His mother clapped her hands together. “Oh, speaking of your family, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting your mother at a charity gala last year.”

That caught you off guard. “You did?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! We sat at the same table during dinner, and she was just delightful, so charming and intelligent. We talked about all sorts of things, and honestly, I’ve been meaning to reach out to her again. We should arrange something soon.”

You smiled, amused at how eager she sounded. “I’m sure she’d love that.”

“Wonderful,” she beamed. Then, after a beat, she tilted her head. “And what about hobbies, dear? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”

“Oh, she bakes,” Jake answered before you could, earning a nudge from you.

His mother’s smile widened. “Oh, I already know that! These cookies are divine.” She motioned to the plate on the side, where the kitchen staff had already set them out. “Anything else?”

You thought for a moment. “I also do some graphic design when I have the time. Mostly for fun, but it’s something I’ve been doing for a while now.”

His father nodded approvingly. “A creative mind as well as a business-oriented one. That’s an excellent balance.”

Jake’s mother suddenly gasped. “Oh! I just had an idea. (Y/N), dear, if you ever want to, I’d love your help in designing invitations for some of our events! I host a few charity functions throughout the year, and I just know you’d create something elegant and fresh.”

Your eyes widened slightly. “Oh, I—I'd love to, actually.”

“Perfect!” she said, looking thoroughly pleased with herself.

Jake leaned in, whispering, “See? Told you they’d love you.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, but the truth was, he was right. They did love you. And for the first time since arriving, you weren’t just trying to make a good impression, you were simply enjoying their company.

After lunch, you found yourself seated comfortably on the plush sofa in the living room, a massive photo album spread across your lap. Jake’s mom was right beside you, flipping through the pages eagerly, while his dad sat back with his drink, occasionally chiming in with his own commentary.

Jake, on the other hand, was slumped on the armrest beside you, groaning into his palm.

“Oh, look at this one!” His mom pointed excitedly, tapping the glossy page. It was a picture of Jake, probably around four or five years old—wearing the most ridiculous set of oversized sunglasses while attempting to hold an ice cream cone twice the size of his tiny hands. His chubby cheeks were dusted with crumbs, and he had the most determined expression as he tried to keep the ice cream from dripping onto his shirt.

You giggled, covering your mouth. “Oh my god, he was adorable.”

Jake peeked over his fingers, his ears already tinged pink. “Please, no.”

His dad chuckled. “That was at a summer festival. He insisted on getting the biggest ice cream available, and when it started melting all over him, he threw the saddest tantrum I’ve ever seen.”

Jake groaned louder, dragging his hand down his face. “Dad, stop.”

You, however, were having the time of your life. “Wait, wait, what happened next?”

His mom laughed. “Oh, we had to strip him down to just his little shorts right then and there. He was crying about losing the ice cream, so we had to buy him another one, only for him to drop it again.”

Jake sat up suddenly. “Okay! That’s enough. We’re done.”

But his mom had already turned another page. “Oh! This one’s my favorite.”

It was a picture of a younger Jake, maybe ten years old, curled up in a pile of pillows with Layla, his golden retriever, draped across him like a blanket. His hair was a little messy, his face buried in her fur, and his small hands clutched the dog close like she was the most precious thing in the world.

Your heart melted. “That’s so sweet.”

His dad smirked. “He refused to sleep in his bed for weeks after we got Layla. He swore she’d be lonely without him.”

Jake, officially unable to handle more, grabbed the album and shut it dramatically. “That’s it. Nope. We’re done with memory lane.” He stood up and, in one smooth motion, pulled you up with him. “We’re going upstairs.”

You laughed as he practically whisked you away, but before you could fully escape, his mom called out, “I do want grandpups running around someday, Jaeyun, but not too soon!”

Jake choked, nearly missing a step on the staircase.

Your laughter doubled as you clung to his arm. “Oh, I love your mom.”

“She’s insane,” he muttered, ears burning.

As you and Jake made your way up the grand staircase, your hand still wrapped in his, you couldn’t help but notice the wall of framed pictures lining the hallway just above you.

It was a mural of memories; photographs of Jake through different stages of his life, from baby pictures to school achievements, and even candid moments with his family. Some frames held images of his cousins, aunts, and uncles, the warmth of their smiles radiating through the glass.

But what caught your eye the most was the largest frame near the top of the stairs. It was a beautifully preserved photo of his parents when they were young—probably still in high school. His father had his arm around his mother, both of them laughing, completely lost in each other’s presence. There was something so genuine about the picture, something that made your chest ache in a way you couldn’t quite explain.

Right beside it, however, was an empty frame.

You frowned slightly, pausing your steps. “What’s this one for?” You gestured towards the blank space, curiosity lacing your voice.

Jake, who had been leading you up the stairs, followed your gaze before exhaling softly. “That’s for me,” he admitted.

You blinked. “For you?”

He nodded, lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “My parents put this up when I was little. They knew they were meant to be—fated mates, if you want to call it that. So they kept this one empty, saying it’s for when I meet mine.”

Your heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words settling over you.

Before you could respond, Jake turned to you, his golden eyes searching yours with something unreadable yet undeniably deep. Then, without a word, he tugged you closer by the waist, his warmth seeping through the layers of your coat.

He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to your forehead.

Then, in a voice so soft you barely caught it, he murmured, “I already found mine.”

Your breath hitched.

The pureblooded Alpha pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, his expression unreadable for a split second before it melted into something unmistakably tender. “I don’t need some grand revelation or the universe to tell me. I just… know.”

Your chest tightened, a warmth blooming deep within you.

Jake let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as if amused by himself. “Guess my parents were right to put that frame up, huh?”

You felt your lips part, but no words came out, too caught up in the weight of what he had just said.

As if sensing your inability to respond, he gave your waist a final squeeze and tilted his head toward the hallway. “Come on. Let’s get to my room before my mom finds another way to embarrass me.”

Jake pushed open the door to his room, stepping aside to let you in first. It was big—just as big as yours, but undeniably boyish in its essence. Darker tones complemented the sleek furniture, a mix of modern luxury and personal touches that made it distinctly his.

To the side, another door led to a small office space, likely where he handled council work or studied in peace. His bed was massive, positioned near a set of tall windows that undoubtedly led to a balcony. A walk-in closet sat slightly ajar, revealing neatly arranged clothes, and another door, presumably leading to the bathroom, was slightly open.

But what really caught your attention was the study area near the far wall. Above the desk, a series of framed photographs hung neatly. Some were of his family, others of his friends, and then—

You took a step closer, heart nearly stopping in your chest.

One of them was of you.

It wasn’t just any photo. It was… breathtaking. Almost surreal.

You, asleep at one of the library tables.

It looked professional, almost like a painting. The way your hair draped over your arms, the golden light catching on just the right places. Your lashes looked impossibly long, lips naturally pink, your entire expression soft and peaceful in slumber.

You turned to Jake, wide-eyed. “Where did you get this?”

Jake scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “I took it.”

Your brows furrowed. “You took this?”

“Well,” he chuckled, rubbing his jaw, “I commissioned it.”

Your stomach flipped. “Commissioned?”

He shrugged, stepping beside you to admire the piece as if seeing it for the first time himself. “You just looked… so at peace. I didn’t want to forget it. So I had an artist recreate it.”

Your lips parted, but no words came out.

Jake turned to you then, eyes gentle but serious. “I don’t think I ever told you, but that’s when I really started to notice you.”

Your throat tightened.

“I mean, I knew who you were, obviously. But that day? You were just there, completely unguarded, no pressure, no expectations. Just… you.” He exhaled a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “And I couldn’t look away.”

A warmth spread across your chest, blooming up your neck and into your cheeks. You swallowed thickly, fingers twitching at your sides.

Jake grinned at your reaction, nudging you playfully. “Don’t get all shy on me now, omega.”

You rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your lips was impossible to hide.

Jake tugged you forward, guiding you toward his bed with a gentle pull. You followed, watching as he sat down at the edge, his head tilting up to look at you. You were standing between his legs now, and before you could say anything, his arms wrapped around your thighs, pulling you impossibly closer.

Your breath hitched. His touch was warm, steady, and grounding.

His hands smoothed over the fabric of your skirt, resting on your hips as he tilted his head against your stomach, inhaling deeply.

“You have no idea how crazy you make me feel,” he murmured, voice low but soft, like it wasn’t meant for anyone else but you.

Your fingers found their way into his hair, threading through the soft strands as you smiled down at him. “Oh? That bad, huh?”

Jake chuckled, squeezing your waist. “You have no idea.”

He leaned back slightly, shrugging off his coat before pulling away just enough to pat your arms. You blinked at him, confused for a second, before realizing what he wanted.

You complied, letting him slip your coat off your shoulders, his touch lingering as he neatly set it aside.

But before you could process the tenderness of the moment, Jake suddenly tugged at your hand, pulling you forward until you toppled onto the bed—right on top of him.

A surprised giggle escaped your lips as you landed against his chest, his arms looping around you effortlessly.

Jake grinned, eyes filled with something unbearably fond. “That’s better.”

You shook your head, resting your hands against his chest, still giggling. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he murmured, squeezing you gently. “But you like it.”

Jake shifted beneath you, his arms tightening for a brief moment before he suddenly flipped the both of you onto your sides. A surprised yelp left your lips, but he only chuckled, adjusting so that you were facing each other, bodies comfortably close.

His hand found your waist, thumb tracing slow circles as you stared at him, taking in the soft expression on his face.

"That went well," you murmured, still processing just how warm and welcoming his parents had been. "Your mom is amazing. Your dad too. I didn’t expect them to be so…”

“Loving?” Jake finished for you, lips curling.

You nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I was nervous out of my mind, but they made me feel like—like I belong.”

Jake exhaled a quiet laugh, cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing just below your eye. “That’s because you do, omega.”

Your heart swelled.

“I’m just so happy,” you admitted, pressing your cheek further into his touch.

Jake’s eyes softened, and then he shifted, pulling you up slightly so you were leaning against his chest, while he settled back against the headboard. His arms remained wrapped around you, steady, secure.

“I’m just as happy as you,” he murmured. “You really have no idea.”

You smiled, looking up at him. “I think I have some idea.”

Jake chuckled, but then his expression grew distant, thoughtful. His fingers traced slow lines down your spine before he finally spoke again, voice quieter.

“I never really expected to fall in love,” he admitted, gaze fixed somewhere past you. “I thought—maybe someday, when I was older, when I had time for it. But finding you—” he paused, swallowing thickly before continuing. “It’s like everything I thought I wanted before doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I was willing to drop my position on the council,” Jake confessed, voice barely above a whisper. “I still would, if it meant spending more time with you.”

Jake exhaled shakily, his arms tightening around you like he was scared you’d slip away if he didn’t hold on tight enough. His head dipped, nose brushing against your temple as he breathed you in, like you were his lifeline.

“I was so focused on the idea of it,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “On knowing that someone was out there for me—that someday I’d find them. But you…” He let out a shaky laugh, pressing his lips together. “You were right in front of me all along.”

You stared at him, heart skipping.

Your breath caught in your throat.

Your chest ached at his words, the quiet realization that had been eating at him for God knows how long.

Jake swallowed hard, his grip on you never faltering. “And I was too stupid to see it.”

You opened your mouth to say something—anything, but Jake was already shaking his head, his hands coming up to cradle your face, thumbs brushing away the dampness collecting beneath your eyes.

“No, let me say this,” he pleaded, his own eyes glassy. “(Y/n), I love you.”

Your breath hitched.

“I love you,” he repeated, firmer this time, like he needed you to understand just how deeply he meant it. “And I don’t care if it’s too soon or if I’m not supposed to feel this way yet—I do.” His voice cracked, raw, vulnerable. “I love you so much it scares me.”

Tears slipped past your lashes, your vision blurring as you stared at him, at the boy who had somehow, in the midst of everything, become your home.

Jake’s hands trembled against your cheeks as he continued, his own emotions threatening to spill over.

“I would’ve given it all up for you,” he whispered. “Everything I’ve worked for, every expectation set on me—I would’ve thrown it all away if it meant I could be with you. But you…” He let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. “You didn’t even ask me to. You just wanted me, for who I was, not for what I could give up.”

A sob caught in your throat, and Jake was already pulling you in, pressing your foreheads together as he closed his eyes, his breathing uneven.

“I don’t deserve you,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

You let out a soft cry, shaking your head as your hands found his face, cupping his cheeks.

“Don’t say that,” you choked out.

Jake let out a shaky laugh, his thumbs brushing against your skin. “But it’s true.”

You pulled back just enough to look at him, your hands sliding into his hair, fingers threading through the soft strands.

“Jaeyun,” you murmured.

His breath stilled.

“I love you too.”

Jake’s eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn’t expected you to say it back. Like he had prepared himself for anything but this.

And then, within seconds, he was kissing you.

Jake kissed you like he had been holding it in for years, like the weight of every suppressed emotion had finally come crashing down all at once. His hands cradled your face with the utmost care, fingers trembling as they traced the curve of your jaw, the line of your cheek, as if memorizing every inch of you.

A quiet, broken sound left his throat as he angled his head, pulling you impossibly closer, like he wanted to drown in you. His lips were warm, desperate yet gentle, moving against yours with a devotion so raw it made your chest ache.

And God, you kissed him back just as fervently.

Your hands moved to his hair, fingers threading through the soft strands, tugging ever so slightly. Jake groaned against your lips, his arms wrapping around you fully, pulling you flush against him, as if he needed to feel every part of you pressed against him to truly believe this moment wasn’t just a dream.

When you finally pulled away, breathless, your foreheads remained pressed together, noses brushing as you both tried to catch your breath.

Jake let out a shaky laugh, one that was thick with emotion, his thumb brushing tenderly against your cheek. His eyes were still damp, glistening under the soft light filtering through his bedroom.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” he murmured, voice hushed, like he was afraid speaking too loudly would break the moment.

You smiled, just as breathless. “For what?”

“For you to love me back,” he admitted, voice cracking slightly. “I—I wanted it so badly, but I never let myself believe I’d actually have it.”

Your heart clenched at the quiet vulnerability in his words, at the sheer disbelief still lingering in his eyes.

You cupped his face again, your thumbs tracing soothing circles against his skin. “I love you,” you whispered, because you needed him to believe it, to understand that this wasn’t a dream. That you were here, with him, for him.

Jake closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, before exhaling just as shakily. “Say it again.”

You smiled, pressing a feather-light kiss to the corner of his lips.

“I love you, Jaeyun.”

A sound escaped him—somewhere between a laugh and a sob, before he crushed you against him again, holding you like he never wanted to let go.

And you knew, in that moment, that he never would.

The Sim estate was alive.

Warm lights flickered from the chandeliers, and laughter rang from every corner of the room. The party was in full swing, with staff and chefs moving efficiently in the background, setting up the final touches on the decorations.

Your friends were scattered throughout the house, making themselves comfortable as if they lived there—Jungwon and his mate chatting near the dessert table, Heeseung and his mate inspecting the decorations, Sunghoon and his mate laughing over something near the fireplace, while Sunoo and his mate lounged nearby.

And you?

You were losing your mind on the loveseat.

Seated directly across from Jake’s and your parents, you were tense, fingers twisting the hem of your white dress, which by now had lost its crisp perfection from how much you’d been picking at it. Layla sat beside you, her large brown eyes flicking between you and your phone, sensing the waves of stress rolling off you in thick waves.

Sunoo’s mate plopped down next to you, barely settling in before your voice rang out.

“What do you mean the cake isn’t there yet?! It was supposed to arrive thirty minutes ago—where is it now?”

The entire room paused.

It was so rare for you to raise your voice that even the staff subtly slowed their movements. Ni-ki, who had been mid-sip of his drink, turned his head so fast it was a miracle he didn’t spill it. Jungwon’s mate blinked, exchanging looks with Sunghoon’s mate, while Heeseung’s mate raised a brow.

Sunoo, who had been lazily scrolling through his phone nearby, leaned over and whispered to Jungwon’s mate. “I think this is the most stressed I’ve ever seen her.”

Jungwon’s mate hummed in agreement. “Jake has no idea how much effort she’s putting into this.”

Across from you, Jake’s and your parents continued their conversation, though it was clear that Jake’s mother was watching you with amusement.

“It would be lovely to have both our families vacation together soon,” Jake’s father was saying, voice casual yet certain. “Somewhere quiet, maybe. A private resort.”

Your mother hummed in agreement. “That does sound nice. We’ve been meaning to take a break.”

Jake’s mother nodded excitedly. “Oh, absolutely! I was thinking something like—”

You barely caught the rest because your phone buzzed again.

This time, it was a message from Jay.

Jay [6:42 PM]: Yo, we’re on the way home. He’s driving. We were at the F1 event. Got him distracted, don’t worry.

Jay [6:43 PM]: Be there in like 15 minutes.

Fifteen. Minutes.

Your grip on your phone tightened. The cake still wasn’t here.

Just as panic was about to set in again, your phone vibrated with another message.

Staff [6:44 PM]: Cake is here, Miss.

Your head snapped up. The front doors opened, and two staff members walked in—one carefully holding an enormous white cake box.

The sheer relief that flooded through you had you sagging back into the loveseat, a breathy “Finally.” escaping your lips.

Sunoo’s mate patted your back, and Layla let out a soft woof, sensing the tension in your body ease.

As the staff carried the box toward you, your eyes widened at the massive size of it. It was beautifully crafted, the logo of the upscale bakery gleaming in gold on the top, and while it looked heavy, the way they handled it told you it wasn’t too much for you to carry.

You quickly stood up—so fast that Layla let out a surprised yelp, and rushed over to them.

Carefully, you placed your hands on the sides of the box, testing the weight before taking it into your arms. It was large, but the weight was manageable, and you cradled it as if it was a fragile piece of art—which, honestly, it was.

Jake’s mother, watching your intense concentration, let out a fond laugh.

“Everything alright now, sweetheart?” she called out, voice warm.

You turned, exhaling deeply before finally smiling. “Yes, everything’s good now.”

Jake’s dad chuckled. “You put so much effort into this. He’s a lucky boy.”

You glanced down at the cake, warmth blooming in your chest.

Jake had no idea what was waiting for him.

And honestly? It was going to be perfect.

The moment you carefully lifted the cake out of the box with your mother and Jake’s mother helping you steady it, you heard the familiar hum of a car pulling up outside.

Your stomach flipped, your heartbeat quickening as the entire room stilled for half a second before suddenly—

Chaos.

Everyone rushed to get into place. The staff quickly stepped back, making way for the group as they hurriedly gathered in the living room. Sunghoon, moving with sharp reflexes, snatched a lighter off the nearby console table and flicked it on.

“Keep it steady,” he murmured as he leaned over, the warm glow of the flame flickering against his face before he lit the candle sitting atop the cake. The moment the soft golden light illuminated the surface, he gave you a small, satisfied nod before stepping back.

Jake and Jay’s voices were getting closer.

“I should be spending time with (Y/n) and my family, man.” His voice was muffled at first, but as he and Jay neared the end of the hallway, it became clearer, the weight of guilt unmistakable. “I feel like a complete douche for leaving her today. I mean, I get that you wanted to take me somewhere cool, but I feel like an idiot for just—disappearing like that.”

Jay, walking beside him, nodded his head towards the living room entrance, not saying a word.

Jake kept going.

“I swear, she’s probably stressed out. She’s been planning everything so carefully, and here I am, leaving her to handle it all while I went off with you to some F1 event. God, I’m such a—”

The doors opened.

The staff stepped aside.

And the moment Jake rounded the corner, he was greeted by everyone.

His entire family.

His closest friends.

And you, standing right in the center, holding a perfectly crafted birthday cake, the candlelight glowing softly against your face.

A soft gasp left his lips as his entire body froze. His eyes swept over the room, from his parents standing by the couch, his friends scattered around with varying expressions of grins and amusement, the staff standing by with knowing smiles.

Then, his gaze landed on you.

His expression melted.

Pure shock and awe crossed his face, his lips parting slightly as he took you in—the way you were holding the cake so carefully, the way your dress had wrinkles from how much you had been fussing over everything, the way the warm glow of the candle made you look even more radiant than he thought was possible.

Jay, watching Jake turn into a complete goner, simply smirked, patting him on the shoulder.

“Surprise, birthday boy.”

Jake didn’t move. He barely blinked.

And then, as if the reality of the moment finally hit him, his eyes softened.

Jake barely had time to process what was happening before his body moved on instinct, surging forward, arms reaching for you, heart pounding in his chest.

But just as he was about to pull you into his arms, you swiftly lifted the cake up, holding it just out of reach.

Laughter erupted from everyone around you.

Jake froze mid-step, blinking at you in disbelief before a fond, exasperated smile stretched across his lips. His hands, once desperate to embrace you, found their place on your waist instead, thumbs absentmindedly tracing soft circles against the fabric of your dress.

“Make a wish first, birthday boy.”

A groan slipped past his lips, head tilting back dramatically as he let out a playful sigh. For a second, he just stood there, shaking his head at you, but the warmth in his gaze stayed.

He exhaled deeply, his grip on you tightening slightly before he leaned forward, eyes fluttering shut.

And in that moment, with the sound of laughter filling the air, the warmth of your presence in front of him, and the love of his family and friends surrounding him, he only had one wish in mind.

‘I get to spend the rest of my life with you.’

Jake opened his eyes, gaze locking onto yours one last time before he blew out the candle.

Before he could even react, Sunghoon smoothly stepped forward, grabbing the cake out of your hands with ease, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to do so.

Jake barely had time to process it because the second your hands were free, he finally pulled you in

His arms wrapped around you in an instant, lifting you slightly off the floor as he spun you around once, twice, before pressing you firmly against his chest. His heartbeat pounded against yours, fast and steady, so completely full.

A breathless chuckle left his lips as he set you back down, but he didn’t let go.

Instead, his forehead dropped to yours, eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment as he took you in, the warmth of your touch, the scent of honey and seawater lingering on your skin, the way your hands clung onto the fabric of his suit like you never wanted to let go either.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he murmured, voice soft, almost vulnerable. “Jay was being pushy and—”

“You mean Jay, the person who was part of this entire thing?” you interrupted, amusement dancing in your tone.

Jake froze.

Slowly, he pulled back, brows furrowing as his head turned toward Jay, who stood across the room, smug as ever.

Jake’s jaw dropped.

His eyes darted from Jay, back to you, back to Jay.

And then, without missing a beat, he lifted his hand behind his back and flipped him off.

Laughter exploded in the room, the sound ringing loud and free, wrapping around the space like a comforting embrace.

Jay only grinned, completely unbothered, and threw an arm over Jungwon’s shoulder, nodding to himself proudly.

Jake sighed, dramatic as ever, before shaking his head and turning his attention back to you. The moment his gaze met yours, his entire expression softened, eyes melting into something so utterly full of love, so devastatingly tender.

“You really planned all this?”

Your smile mirrored his, just as warm, just as full. “Of course.”

Jake exhaled deeply, and then, before you could react, he was pulling you into another hug—tighter, closer, more real than before.

The night had settled deep into the sky, stars stretching far and endless above, but neither you nor Jake had the time to appreciate it.

The estate was still alive with chatter, laughter spilling through the grand halls as family members, distant relatives, and business associates roamed about, indulging in conversation, drinks, and whatever lingering slices of cake were left from earlier.

Jake had barely had a second to himself.

And neither had you.

Everywhere you turned, someone was pulling the two of you into conversation—family, distant relatives, business associates, people you had never even met before, all eager to talk, to ask, to pry.

“So, you two,” a well-dressed woman mused, swirling her wine in thought. “Not official yet?”

Your lips parted slightly, but before you could even get a word out, she continued.

“I mean, come on.” She smiled, knowingly. “The way Jake looks at you? You’d think he’s already planning the wedding.”

Jake tensed beside you. Not out of discomfort, but because she wasn’t exactly wrong.

He was sure about you.

So sure that the thought of settling down wasn’t a question of if but when.

You could feel the way his fingers twitched at his side, like he was holding himself back from pulling you closer.

“We’re still in school,” you said smoothly, keeping your voice light. “That’s the focus for now.”

“Ah, but surely you’ve thought about it,” an older gentleman chimed in, a glass of bourbon in hand. “Jake, one of the most sought-after pureblooded Alphas, practically taken? It’s a bit of a heartbreak for some, isn’t it?”

Jake let out a small chuckle, but his jaw tightened slightly.

“It just feels… right,” he said, his voice softer this time. “Like she was meant to be here all along.”

Your heart stirred, warmth creeping up your neck.

But before you could dwell on it, another question was thrown your way; how you two met, how this story of fate had begun.

The conversation dragged on. And on.

Even though Jake was right there beside you, you could barely talk to him. Barely even breathe.

Then, he saw it.

A way out.

The moment there was even a sliver of silence, his fingers slipped down, locking around your wrist.

You barely had time to react before he tugged you forward, weaving through the crowd with a quiet urgency. His steps were quick, determined, like he had been waiting all night for this chance.

“Jake—”

He didn’t stop. Didn’t answer. Just kept going.

It wasn’t until the estate doors shut behind you, until the cool night air settled against your skin, the muffled noise of the party fading behind the garden walls—that you realized where he was taking you.

A gazebo.

Tucked away in a more private corner of the property, surrounded by hedges and soft-lit lanterns, hidden from the rest of the world.

Jake didn’t stop until you were standing beneath the wooden beams, the soft hum of the night pressing in around you.

And then, finally, he exhaled.

His grip loosened, fingers sliding from your wrist to lace between your own, the warmth of his touch grounding you.

“Finally,” he muttered, pressing his forehead against your shoulder. He breathed in deeply, his chest rising and falling against yours, as if he had been holding his breath all night and only now could let it go.

A quiet chuckle left your lips, your fingers threading through his hair. Smoothing down the strands, grounding him, bringing him back to you.

But the moment your touch grazed his scalp, he moved.

Jake’s hands slid to your waist, his grip firm as he pulled you impossibly closer. And before you could even question it, he dipped his head, pressing his nose against your neck.

Then, he scented you.

His wrist brushed over your skin, tracing from your shoulder to the base of your throat before sliding down your arm. The scent glands on his wrist left a trail, claiming, replacing, erasing.

It was instinctual.

It was possessive.

And it was so very Jake.

A low growl rumbled in his chest, vibrating against your skin as his fingers gripped your waist tighter.

“There were too many people,” he murmured, voice rougher than before. His lips ghosted over your collarbone, his breath hot against your skin. “Too many different scents on you.”

He exhaled sharply, nuzzling against your shoulder again.

“I don’t like it.”

You shivered, heart hammering against your ribs.

Jake had always been protective, but this was different.

This wasn’t just about making sure you were safe or pulling you away from overwhelming conversations.

This was his instincts clawing at him, demanding that he remind everyone exactly who you belonged to.

You sighed, tilting your head slightly to give him more access, letting your hands slide up his back.

“All yours, Jake,” you whispered, voice light, teasing.

Jake stilled for a second. Then, he groaned.

His arms wrapped fully around you, caging you in, his body warm, solid, home.

“Don’t say that,” he grumbled, lips pressing against your temple.

You laughed softly, fingers playing with the strands of his hair.

“But it’s true.” Jake sighed, melting into you.

Jake’s arms tightened around you. His breaths were heavier now, measured, controlled—but you could feel the tension in every inch of his body, like a storm barely contained beneath his skin.

He wasn't okay. And for the first time tonight, he wasn't trying to hide it.

His voice was lower when he spoke, strained, edged with frustration.

“Why do they keep questioning me?” His hold on your waist tightened slightly, his fingers pressing against the fabric of your dress. “As if I’m not sure. As if I’m just—” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Like I don’t know exactly what I want.”

You said nothing, letting him talk, letting him pour out everything he had kept bottled up all night.

“I’ve had to deal with this for years,” Jake continued, his voice laced with bitterness now. “Being the son of an Alpha. The pressure. The expectations. The constant need to prove that I’m worthy of it. And you know what?” He let out a sharp, humorless chuckle. “Fine. Let them push, let them question me about the business, about the future, about all of it. But not about you.”

His grip on you only grew firmer, as if trying to ground himself in the fact that you were here, that you weren’t going anywhere.

“I hate that they think I’d hesitate,” he muttered, his lips brushing against your collarbone as he spoke. “That I’d ever be unsure. Because I’m not. I never have been.”

His frustration simmered in the way he touched you, in the way he buried himself in your scent, in you.

“I hate how they talk about you like you’re some kind of decision I have to make.” His head dipped lower, his lips ghosting over your skin as he whispered, “You’re not a decision. You’re it. You’re my choice, my only choice.”

Your heart clenched at his words, at the sheer weight of them.

You moved then, your hands sliding up to cup his face, gently tilting his head up so that he could look at you. His eyes burned with something raw, something desperate.

“Jake,” you murmured softly.

His grip on your waist faltered for a second.

“What if we just—” He paused, his voice dropping even lower, rough with frustration, with longing. “I wish we could just be official already.”

You blinked at him.

And then, without thinking, without even questioning it, you said it.

“Okay.”

Jake’s brows furrowed. “What?”

You inhaled, watching the way his eyes searched yours.

“I said okay.” A small smile played at your lips as you brushed a strand of hair from his face. “I accept. You, us. Call it what you want—my mate, my Alpha, my boyfriend. But I’m yours, Jake. And you’re mine.”

Jake stilled. Completely.

For a moment, it was like the entire world had gone silent.

And then, he crumbled.

His lips parted slightly, a sharp exhale escaping as his eyes glistened, the first tear slipping down his cheek before he could stop it.

“You—” His voice cracked, and he let out a small, breathless laugh, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

You wiped away the tear with your thumb, your touch featherlight.

His arms were around you in an instant, pulling you so tightly against him that you felt the way his heart pounded wildly against his ribs.

“Say it again,” he murmured into your skin, his voice trembling. “Please, say it again.”

You smiled softly, leaning down, pressing your forehead against his.

“I’m yours, Jake.”

And this time, his breath hitched.

Jake let out a shaky laugh before burying his face into the crook of your neck, his body trembling slightly as he held you. His hands clutched at the fabric of your dress, as if he still couldn’t believe it, as if he needed to make sure this was real.

And when he pulled back, resting his forehead against yours, his next words were barely above a whisper, but they settled into your chest like they belonged there.

“I’m never letting you go.”

And with the way he was holding you, like you were the only thing that had ever truly mattered, you knew he never would.

⤷ read part 1 here !

321 notes · View notes