pov: “you think you’re better than me?” jake asked, smirking as he distracted you from your study. “stop being so full of yourself, jake.” you didn’t even bother looking up from your notes. unfortunately, jake wasn’t planning to leave. “that’s not an answer.” “because it’s a stupid question.” “so you admit i’m better?” you immediately looked up. “don’t make me throw this book at you.” “violence isn’t the answer.” “it is for you.” jake laughed, which only annoyed you more. honestly, this was exactly why studying in the library became impossible whenever he was around. he kept talking and you kept arguing. somehow neither of you ever stopped. which was ironic. because before becoming academic rivals—you were something else. something much worse—exes. the kind that never actually stopped caring. the kind that ended over something stupid. one argument, one misunderstanding, too much pride and suddenly years of being together disappeared. or at least, that was what both of you pretended. “you’re staring.” you immediately looked away. “i wasn’t.” “you were.” you groaned. meanwhile, jake looked entirely too pleased with himself. then the librarian appeared again. for the third time. “quiet.” both of you immediately nodded. “sorry.” the librarian walked away. silence followed. for approximately five seconds. then. “you started it.” you immediately turned toward jake. “no, you did.” “i literally sat down.” “you smirked.” “what?” “you smirked.” “you can’t get mad at a smirk.” “i can when it’s your smirk.” jake looked offended. dramatically offended. which somehow started another argument. unfortunately the librarian returned again. this time she simply pointed toward the exit. both of you froze. “oh.” “oh.” five minutes later, the two of you were outside still arguing. “you got us kicked out.” “you got us kicked out.” “you literally wouldn’t stop talking.” “you literally answered every time.” you opened your mouth, then closed it. because unfortunately—he had a point. which made you even more annoyed. days passed. then finally, the results arrived. the results everyone had been waiting for. the ranking. the one students had been stressing about for weeks. the entire room buzzed with excitement. meanwhile, you felt like throwing up. your hands were cold and your heart wouldn’t stop beating. you hated this. then names started being announced. third place. second place. and suddenly—you heard yours. first place. for a moment, you genuinely thought you heard wrong. “what?” people started clapping. your classmates cheered someone even patted your shoulder. but all you could do was stare. because honestly, you weren’t expecting that not at all. slowly, you looked across the room toward jake. and there he was, smiling. not annoyed, not disappointed, and not jealous. just—proud. genuinely proud. the kind of smile that immediately confused you. because somehow, it felt real. after the announcement ended, people surrounded you immediately. congratulating you. by the time you finally escaped, the hallway was almost empty. except for one person. jake. he was leaning against the wall waiting. you immediately sighed. “what?” “what?” “you look like you’re about to say something.” “i am.” you folded your arms. “then say it.” jake smiled. the smile you used to like. the smile you still liked unfortunately. “i’m proud of you.” you immediately looked away because somehow that felt harder to hear than any insult. “you don’t have to pretend.” jake frowned. “what?” “you don’t have to pretend.” “i’m not pretending.” “sure.” “i’m serious.” you laughed. except it sounded more defensive than amused. “why would you be proud?” jake stared at you. for a long moment. then eventually, his smile disappeared and suddenly he looked serious. the kind that made it impossible to joke around. “because it’s you.” your heart immediately betrayed you again. “you worked for it.” silence. “you deserve it.” more silence. “and honestly?” he shrugged. “i always knew you’d get there.” (comsec++) #enhypen #enhypenpov #jake #jakeenhypen #fyp - @jayaein_