@jkry_jud: ------ POV: Jake never asked Heeseung to love him. At least, that was what he kept telling himself. They were just friends. Friends who stayed up until three in the morning talking about everything and nothing. Friends who held hands under the table when nobody was looking. Friends who fell asleep beside each other after movie nights. Friends who kissed sometimes. But whenever Jake tried to ask what they were, Heeseung always laughed softly. “Why do we have to label it?” And Jake would smile. “Yeah. You're right.” Because admitting that he wanted more felt scarier than pretending he didn't. —— Months passed. Jake slowly learned that being “casual” meant Heeseung could disappear whenever he wanted. He could leave Jake on read for days, then return with a simple missed you. He could cancel plans because someone else invited him somewhere. He could talk about other people he liked while Jake sat beside him, pretending it didn't hurt. And whenever Jake finally gathered enough courage to say something— “You know we're not dating, right?” Those words always stopped him. So Jake swallowed everything. Every "I love you." Every "I want you to stay." Every night he cried quietly after Heeseung left. —— Until one evening, Jake finally couldn't do it anymore. They were sitting on the rooftop of their favorite building, watching the city lights flicker below. “Heeseung?” “Hm?” “Do you ever think about us?” Heeseung looked at him. “Us?” Jake nodded. “Like... what we are.” There was a long silence. Then Heeseung sighed. “Jake, we've talked about this.” “I know.” “We're just having fun.” Jake's smile trembled. “Right.” “You knew what this was from the beginning.” “I know.” “So why are you making it complicated?” Jake looked down at his hands. Because I fell in love with you. Because every little thing meant something to him. Because Heeseung's arms around him weren't casual. His voice wasn't casual. The way Jake waited for his messages every night wasn't casual. But apparently, none of it meant the same thing to Heeseung. Jake nodded slowly. “I'm sorry.” Heeseung smiled and reached for his hand. “Don't be.” Jake let him hold it. One last time. —— A week later, Jake stopped answering. At first, Heeseung thought Jake was simply busy. Then a day passed. Then three. Then a week. Heeseung went to Jake's apartment. Jake opened the door. He looked tired, but strangely peaceful. “I heard you're ignoring me.” Jake gave a small laugh. “No. I'm just... letting go.” Heeseung frowned. “Of what?” Jake stared at him for a long moment. “Of us.” Heeseung's expression changed. “Jake-" “I don't hate you.” “Then what's this?” “I love you.” Heeseung went silent. Jake smile softly. “And that's exactly why I have to leave.” Heeseung stepped closer. “You could've told me.” “I did.” Jake's eyes filled with tears. “Every single time I stayed. Every time I waited. Every time I forgave you. I was telling you.” Heeseung couldn't answer. Jake wiped his tears away. “I just wish you had loved me back.” Then he closed the door. Heeseung stood there for a long time. For the first time, there was no message waiting for him. No one asking if he'd eaten. No one saving him a seat. No one waiting for him. —— And months later, Heeseung still sometimes opened their old chat. He'd type: I miss you. Then delete it. Because Jake had finally taught him something. Some people don't leave because they stopped loving you. Sometimes, they leave because loving you hurts too much. And the saddest part? Heeseung finally realized he loved Jake— only after Jake had learned how to live without him.

️N.

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Tuesday 01 September 2026 14:58:14 GMT