⋆。°✩ Part two: Falling⋆。°✩
Synopsis: As the campus sex legend, you’re unofficially appointed as an.. intimacy tutor. Your typical clientele consists of virgins, clumsy nerds, eager frat boys and even the occasional girl. So when Jake Sim— quiet, shy, nerdy— shows up at your door for lessons, you’re not exactly surprised. That is, until, he starts looking at you like you’re worth more than what you can teach. Love isn’t in your curriculum. Jake seems to think he can pencil it in.
CW: MDNI!!! Porn WITH plot! Porn WITH FEELINGS! Fluff, angst, making out, swearing, weed, alcohol, fingering, oral (f & m receiving)p in v protected, p in v unprotected (ZONT ZO IT) extreme dirty talk, cream pie, sub Jake, overstimulation, tit play, pet names, gagging, squirting, cum swallowing, whining/whimpering.
authors note ; first— thank you SO much for all the love on part one! I hope you guys liked the smut in it bc this picks up right there off the bat. But— this one is more emotion based! I have a set theme in mind for each parts ♡ dw they all contain smut heehee
Pairings ; nerd!virgin!Jake x fem!reader
Fucking • Falling • Fracturing • Failing
The sun cuts through your blinds in a sharp, golden line, painting across the pillows. Jake stirs against you with a sleepy groan, his arm tightening around your waist as he buries his face in the crook of your neck. His voice is rough with sleep, muffled against your skin.
“Five more minutes, professor... don't make me get up for class yet.”
He nuzzles deeper into your neck, his morning erection pressing insistently against your thigh. His hand slides from your waist down to your hip, fingers splaying possessively over your skin.
His eyes flutter open, blinking slowly as he registers the morning light and the fact that he's still in your bed. A slow, dazed smile spreads across his face. “Fuck. It wasn't a dream.” He shifts his hips, grinding against you lazily. “Morning, pretty. Sleep okay?”
His thumb strokes slow circles on your hip bone, his gaze tracing the marks he left on your neck and collarbone. He looks utterly content, hair messy and glasses still on the nightstand.
His voice drops to a low, sleep-rough murmur. “Woke up hard thinking about you.” He grins, unapologetic. “You're gonna ruin my GPA, buuuut, fuck it. Worth it.”
He chuckles, the sound low and warm against your skin as he presses a lazy kiss to your shoulder. “Too early for a wake-up call, but perfect timing for a morning lesson, hm?” His hand slides down your hip, fingers brushing the sensitive skin of your inner thigh. “You know what they say about studying before breakfast. Better retention.”
He shifts beside you, rolling onto his back and pulling you with him so you're draped across his chest. His morning hardness nudges against your stomach as he settles his hands on your waist, thumbs stroking idle circles into your skin.
His voice is still rough with sleep, but there's a teasing lilt to it. “'Course, if you're not awake enough for round four, I could always make you some coffee first. But I'm not promising I'll keep my hands to myself while it brews.”
You mumble something about breakfast to deflect and roll away, still half-asleep, your mind catching up with the fact there’s a man in your bed. Men aren’t supposed to be in your bed this early.
A soft, disappointed noise escapes him as you roll away, his hand hovering in the air where your waist just was. He watches you burrow into the pillow, a fond, amused smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright. I get it. Breakfast first.”
He sits up slowly, the sheet pooling around his waist as he stretches, his spine cracking with a series of satisfying pops. He looks around your room for a moment, taking in the scattered clothes and the rumpled sheets, before padding barefoot toward your kitchen. You hear the clatter of cabinets opening, as he apparently helps himself to your mugs and coffee grounds, the hum of the coffee maker starting up.
You take this time to blink the sleep from your eyes, memories of last night coming back less like fragments and more like a bucket of ice water. Sure, it was nice and you definitely needed it but what do you do now? Do you make an excuse and kick him out, or do you let him stay and see where things go? Both options seem messy, which is exactly why you have a rulebook.
A few minutes later, he returns with two mugs, setting one on the nightstand beside you. The rich smell of fresh coffee cuts through the lingering scent of sex in the room.
His voice is soft, gentle as he brushes a strand of hair from your face. “Hey. I made you coffee. Cream and sugar, right?” He pauses, a little sheepish. “I guessed. You strike me as a two-sugar kinda girl. Maybe even three.”
You usually take it black, but you don’t correct him on this. Coffee preference knowledge is for people who stick around. You haven’t decided yet.
He sits on the edge of the bed, his knee brushing your hip, his hand resting warm on your shoulder. “No rush, but drink it while it's hot. And then...” He trails off, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face. “Maybe we can revisit that morning lesson plan.”
You sit up and take the coffee, eyeing him over the rim of the mug, silently, trying to decide whether you’re going to give him the boot or not while he’s apparently already decided for both of you.
Before you can come to a decision, he settles back against the headboard, his own mug cradled between his hands. A lazy, self-satisfied smile plays at his lips. “I'm gonna take that look as a good sign.” He couldn’t be more wrong.
He takes a sip of his own, his hungry eyes never leaving you. “Though if you're giving me that look for a different reason—“ He lets the sentence hang, a raised eyebrow doing all the work. Still, wrong.
He sets his mug down and reaches over, brushing a thumb across your lower lip. “You got a little bit of— no, it's gone. Sorry. Just wanted an excuse to touch you.” He grins, unrepentant. “You can't blame a guy for being greedy first thing in the morning.”
His hand drops to your knee, thumb tracing a slow, lazy circle on the inside of your thigh. The morning light catches in his messy brown hair, turning it golden at the edges. Outside, the campus is starting to come alive— distant voices, a car door, the faint sound of a lawnmower somewhere— but inside, the world narrows to just the two of you and the steam curling up from your mugs.
His voice drops, softer now, almost thoughtful. “So... what's the protocol for after breakfast? Do I get my gold star and a pat on the head? Or do I get to keep you a little longer?”
You narrow your eyes and take another sip from your mug before choosing your words carefully. “You get to wake up in my bed and drink my coffee. Further protocol is yet to be determined.”
He barks a laugh, shaking his head as he lifts his mug in a mock toast. “Determined to remain a mystery, huh? Fair enough. I'm just glad I made the cut off for the part of the morning that gets coffee.” He takes a sip, but his eyes are warm over the rim. “You know I'm not gonna stop trying to earn a repeat invitation, right?”
This much, you are certain of. He’s persistent, you’ll give him that.
His phone buzzes insistently on the nightstand— once, twice, three times. He ignores it for a moment, but it keeps going, and he finally glances at the screen with a grimace.
He mutters a low curse under his breath, thumbing the screen. “Shit. Jungwon's blowing me up. Says I missed a group study sesh and now they're threatening to send a search party.” He locks the phone and sets it face-down with a heavy sigh, but when he looks back at you, there's that familiar, hungry glint behind the tiredness.
“I could tell them I found extra credit elsewhere.” He slides his hand a little higher up your thigh, his tone dropping to a low, teasing drawl. “Or I could stay for that coffee refill, see if we can't come up with a better excuse.”
You raise a brow, apparently coming to a decision without giving it a second thought. “I don’t know who Jungwon is, but tell him to kiss your ass. You’re mine until lunch.” Guess you aren’t ready to let him go just yet.
His eyes light up at your words, a slow, almost giddy grin spreading across his face. He lifts his phone and types out a quick message, then flips it to show you the screen— a reply from Jungwon reading "u lucky bastard."
He tosses the phone aside and turns back to you, sliding closer. “Yours until lunch, huh?” His voice is a low, playful murmur. “That's the best damn deadline I've ever heard. Guess I'll have to make the most of it.”
His hand slides up your thigh, fingers curling into the soft skin there. He leans in, pressing a kiss to the corner of your mouth, then pulls back just enough to meet your eyes, his gaze warm and wicked behind the steam of his coffee mug.
He takes a slow sip, never breaking eye contact. “So what's on the syllabus for the next four hours, professor? You wanna get breakfast first, or should I just get on my knees and show you what I learned about being a good student?”
You set your mug down and pull him back into bed. “Forget breakfast.”
He lets out a low, surprised laugh as you tug him back down, the coffee mug nearly slipping from his grip before he sets it on the nightstand. “Just like that, huh? No negotiation?”
He's grinning as he hovers over you, his hands landing on either side of your head. “I like this side of you, pretty. All decisive and shit.”
His weight settles over you, warm and solid, the scent of coffee mixing with the lingering musk of last night. His cock is already half-hard against your thigh, and he rolls his hips down with a slow, deliberate grind, a low sound escaping his throat.
He dips his head, his lips brushing the shell of your ear, voice a rough, hungry whisper. “God, I want breakfast. But I want you more.”
His hand slides down between you, fingers teasing at the waistband of the underwear you'd thrown back on before bed. “Can I have a taste first? Want to wake you up properly... with my tongue on your pretty little clit until you forget your own fucking name.”
You shiver at his words, your pussy now fully awake and starting to throb at the implications. “Fuck Jake—“
He grins against your skin, a low, wicked sound vibrating through his chest as his fingers hook into the waistband of your underwear. “There she is. There's that pretty little desperation I love. You say my name like that and I'm already hard as a rock.”
He pulls the fabric down your legs slowly, deliberately, watching your face the whole time. “You gonna let me eat you out until you're dripping down my chin? Or do you want me to take my time and make you beg for it first?”
He settles between your thighs, his breath hot against your skin. “Your call, baby. But know I'm already starving.”
You spread your legs wider and grab the back of his head, urging him on. “Less talkin, more eating.”
He chuckles low against your thigh, the sound vibrating through you as he drags his mouth up your inner leg. “So demanding. I love it.”
He presses a wet, open-mouthed kiss to the crease where your thigh meets your hip, his tongue tracing a slow, teasing path. “I'm gonna taste every inch of you until you're squirming and begging for my cock.”
He shifts lower, his breath hot against your core as he nuzzles into you. His hands slide beneath your thighs, pushing them wider, his fingers digging into the soft skin with a possessive grip. He drags his tongue through your slick folds in one long, slow stroke, a low, hungry groan rumbling from his chest.
He pulls back just enough to speak, his lips shiny with your wetness, his voice wrecked. “Fuck, you taste even better in the morning. Like salt and honey.”
He dips back down, his tongue circling your clit with teasing precision. “I could eat you all day, beautiful. Every damn minute of it.”
You arch your back, hips lifting to meet his tongue desperate for more friction. “Don't tease, Jake...”
He hums against your clit, a low, smug sound that vibrates right through you. “Fine. I won't. But I'm gonna make you come on my tongue and then I'm gonna slide up and fuck you until lunch. Deal?”
He presses the flat of his tongue hard against you, laving in broad, wet strokes up to your clit before sucking it gently between his lips, his hands keeping your thighs wide open as he devours you with slow, deliberate hunger.
You whimper, hands tangling in his hair. “Make me come first, then I'll let you take what you want.”
His breath hitches at your promise, a dark, hungry flash crossing his eyes. “That's my girl.“
He dives back down with renewed purpose, his tongue flat and broad against your slit before focusing in tight, relentless circles on your clit. His fingers slide down to press two inside you, curling upward in a come-hither motion, matching the rhythm of his tongue.
His voice is muffled against you, sending vibrations through you. “C'mon, pretty. I can feel you tightening. Give it to me. Let me taste it.”
His pace turns punishing, his own breathing ragged as he works you toward the edge, his fingers thrusting deeper, faster, curling against that spot that made you gush last night.
“Fuck, right there— I'm close—“
He lets out a ragged, desperate noise against you, his fingers curling harder inside you, his mouth sealed to your clit. “That's it— let me feel it. I want every bit of it on my tongue.”
He drives his two fingers deep and crooks them sharply, pressing against that spot with ruthless precision as he sucks your clit into his mouth, his tongue flicking fast and dirty. His own hips grind down against the mattress, needy and desperate, chasing friction he’s denying himself.
He pulls back just long enough, voice shot, breathless, “Come for me, baby. I’ll catch every drop.”
“Fuck— Jake— I'm gonna—“ You barely get out the warning before your orgasm crashes over you, less harsh than last night, more slow and syrupy this morning.
His fingers curl harder, his mouth sealed to your clit, his whole world narrowed to the way your body tenses and pulses against his tongue. He doesn't let up for a second, working you through the first wave of your release, swallowing everything you give him.
Jake's grip on your thighs is iron as he rides out every last tremor, and your body finally goes slack against the sheets. Yet, he’s not stopping.
He stays there, head dipped between your thighs, fingers lazily dragging in and out of your now sopping pussy. “Fucking beautiful.”
He presses a soft kiss to your clit and flicks it with his tongue, sending a jolt through you from the overstimulation. He hums in satisfaction at your reaction, doing it a second time, and a third, before moving his tongue lower to lick at you slow and languidly.
“Jake, pleaaasee” you mewl, thrashing your head against your pillow.
He pulls back just enough to speak, his breath hot against your skin. “Sorry, pretty. Can’t help it. Fuckin’ obsessed with this pussy.” He licks a broad stripe up you once more, and seals it with a lingering kiss over your clit before finally pulling back.
He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, a wicked, satisfied grin on his face, his chin glistening.
His voice is rough, wrecked, but there's a dark, smug edge to it. “Best damn breakfast I've ever had.”
He crawls up your body, his lips dragging over your stomach, your sternum, the curve of your breast, until he's hovering above you, his hips settling between your thighs. “Now remember what you promised— I take what I want.”
His cock is already thick and leaking against your thigh, and he reaches down to guide it to your entrance, pressing just enough to make you feel the pressure before holding still, waiting for your nod.
Catching your breath, you shoot a witty remark at him. “You better make it count, nerd.”
His eyes flash at your challenge, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face as he presses his hips forward just enough to sink the head of his cock inside you. “Make it count? Oh, I plan on making it unforgettable.”
He pulls back, then slams in with one brutal, grinding thrust, burying himself to the hilt with a guttural groan. “That count, pretty?”
He doesn't give you time to answer. He sets a punishing pace immediately— fast and deep, angled to hit that spot dead-on, his fingers digging into your hips hard enough to bruise. The bed creaks in protest, the headboard knocking against the wall as he fucks you with a raw, desperate hunger.
His voice is broken, wild, through ragged pants. “You feel that? Feel how deep I am? I'm gonna fuck you 'til you forget your own name, pretty. 'Til all you know is my cock and my name on your lips.”
He drops his head, mouth latching onto your neck as his hips piston into you, his rhythm turning sloppy and frantic. His hand slides down, thumb pressing hard against your clit, not gentle— deliberate, driving you back toward a new crest before you've even caught your breath.
He drags his mouth up to your ear, his voice a wrecked, filthy rasp. “Come on, y/n. Let me feel you break again. I want it dripping down my thighs before lunch.”
Your hands come up to claw at his back as you moan his name, eyes threatening to roll back in your head before you force them to look at Jake.
A low, guttural sound tears from his chest as your nails dig into him, his rhythm stuttering for just a moment before he slams back into you with renewed force. “Fuck, that's it. Mark me up. Wanna walk around campus with your scratches all over my back like a goddamn trophy.”
He shifts his angle, grinding deep against that spot before pulling almost all the way out and slamming back in, each thrust punctuated by your own broken, desperate sounds. “You feel so fucking good, baby. Like you were made to take my cock. Say my name again— wanna hear it like that when I make you come.”
He drives into you relentlessly, his thumb still pressing hard against your clit, his body slick with sweat as the morning light catches the curve of his shoulders. The bed frame knocks a steady, frantic rhythm against the wall, and his breathing is ragged, almost pained, like he's holding back just enough to drag this out.
He drops his forehead to yours, eyes blown wide and dark, his voice a wrecked, trembling whisper. “I'm close. Fuck, I'm so close. You gonna come with me? Gonna soak me one more time 'fore I fill this pussy up?”
You pull him down into a messy, desperate kiss, hoping it distracts him just a bit longer before you pull back just enough to rasp a demand against his lips. “Don't you dare stop.”
He groans into your mouth, a desperate, broken sound, his hips stuttering as he fucks into you with renewed frenzy. “Never— fuck, never gonna stop—“
He breaks the kiss with a gasp, throwing his head back as his hips pound into you with brutal, punishing precision. His thumb works your clit in tight, frenzied circles, his body slamming against yours as the pressure builds to a breaking point.
And there’s that feeling again, low in your stomach, or maybe it’s your cervix, you really can’t tell. It snaps with no warning to you, or Jake, soaking him just like he had begged as you gasp for air and your legs tremble violently.
A broken, guttural cry tears from his throat as you gush around him, the feeling of you soaking his cock sending him over the edge. He slams in one last time, hips locking against yours as he spills deep into you with a ragged, trembling groan.
“Fuck— y/n—“ His body shudders through the aftershocks, his weight collapsing onto you, his face buried in the sweat-slick curve of your neck.
He stays there for a long moment, breathing in harsh, uneven gasps against your skin. When he finally lifts his head, his eyes are dazed, his hair plastered to his forehead, a lazy, wrecked grin tugging at his lips.
He presses a clumsy, reverent kiss to the corner of your mouth, his voice shot and hoarse. “Lunch can wait.” He nods, a weak laugh escaping him. “I think I need a year to recover from that one.”
You tangle your fingers in his hair, speaking almost absentmindedly. “Yeah, you’re not going anywhere for a while.”
He hums low in his throat, eyes half-lidded as he shifts just enough to look at you properly, his hand still tangled in the sheets near your hip. “Yeah? You saying I'm your new permanent fixture?” His voice is rough, teasing, but there's a soft, cautious edge underneath. “Cause I could get used to that. Real used to it.”
You card through his hair, registering the words you’ve shared as best as you can, now attempting to dance around them. “Mmm, I wouldn’t say permanent, but we’ll see.”
He lets out a soft, breathless laugh, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on your hip. " ‘We'll see,’ huh? That's the best damn maybe I've ever gotten.” He lifts his head, a genuine, unguarded smile softening the usual mischief in his eyes. “I'll take it.”
He lets out a contented hum, his body still heavy and warm against yours, but his fingers keep tracing those idle patterns on your skin, like he can't bear to stop touching you. “You know, I think I could get used to being a ‘maybe.’ “ He yawns, the sound cracking mid-word.
“Though if you're gonna keep me around, I'm gonna need a real breakfast eventually. My stomach's starting to file a formal complaint.”
His phone buzzes again from the nightstand, a quick succession of notifications that have him groaning. He reaches over, squinting at the screen, and a look of mild panic crosses his face.
He sits up slightly, running a hand through his messy hair. “Shit. Jungwon sent a follow-up. Apparently the study group's moved to the coffee shop on campus, and he's threatening to camp outside my door if I don't show.” He glances at you, a hopeful, almost boyish expression on his face. “You think I could bribe him with the fact that I'm currently in bed with campus legend y/n l/n? Or should I just tell him I'm busy being thoroughly educated?”
He's already shifting, reaching for his discarded boxers on the floor, but his movements are unhurried, like he's waiting for you to give him a reason to stay.
This works well in your favor, because now you don’t have to be heartless and kick him out, nor do you have to suffer through the awkward post-coital ‘what now’. “‘S okay. You can go. I’ve got lecture in an hour anyways.”
He pauses mid-reach for his boxers, turning back to look at you with a soft, almost surprised expression. “Lecture, huh? What're you taking? Or are you the one teaching?” He grins, but there's a genuine curiosity underneath it as he pulls the boxers on.
You stretch lazily in bed, curling onto your side to watch Jake. “English Lit. Nothing exciting.”
He pads over to the pile of discarded clothes, searching for his shirt. He finds it crumpled under the edge of your bed, and he shakes it out with a rueful laugh before pulling it over his head.
He sits on the edge of the mattress, fingers lacing his own as he looks back at you, his voice softer now. “Thanks. For... all of it.” He gestures vaguely, a self-conscious smile tugging at his lips. “The lessons. The coffee. The... you know.” He clears his throat. “I'll text you later? If that's cool.”
He nods, a little too quickly, a flicker of something soft and warm passing through his eyes before he masks it with a lopsided grin. “Cool. Cool, cool. Definitely cool.”
He stands, running a hand through his messy hair, and grabs his phone off the nightstand, thumbing out a quick reply to Jungwon.
He pauses at the doorway, looking back at you— still tangled in the sheets, hair wild, marks blooming on your neck. For a moment, his expression softens, almost vulnerable, before he clears his throat and steps through the door.
His voice carries back, casual but with a hint of warmth. “Hey, y/n…?” He pops his head back in, meeting your eyes. “That was never just a lesson to me. Just so you know.”
He's gone before you can respond, the apartment door clicking shut behind him. The quiet settles in— a plush silence that smells like coffee and him. Your phone buzzes on the nightstand. When you glance at it, it's a text from Jake:
Gonna see you again soon, pretty. Count on it.
Followed by a second one:
Also, save me a slot in your syllabus. Consider this my official enrollment.
You don’t respond to the texts, rolling out of bed to start getting ready for your lecture, but your thoughts keep drifting back to him. You replay last night and this morning with him, over and over trying to decipher if there was a single moment when you felt your walls crack or if it was a slow fracture.
Maybe it was just your body, finally relaxing and finding genuine attraction to someone for the first time in forever. Maybe it was the way he went from stumbling over his own words, seeking reassurance in every move he made to this quiet confidence you seemed to unleash in him.
Maybe it was the way he kept looking at you like you were something worth looking at.
That’s the part that’s hardest to think about. No one has ever looked at you with anything other than lust. Your body doesn’t get worshipped— it gets used. It’s a tool you’ve weaponized, turning around and utilizing it into something worthwhile. It’s what you tell yourself, at least.
You get dressed almost mechanically, fixing your hair into a messy bun and sling your bag over your shoulder, as you head towards the living room.
Yuna is perched on a barstool at the island counter, sipping a coffee and presumably typing up some last minute essay before she takes off. You weren’t expecting her to be home still. Fuck.
“Hey babes. Crazy, I just saw the cutest little nerd leave here looking utterly smitten.” She looks at you with a smug knowing expression. “Thought we didn’t do overnight lessons?”
So you’ve been caught red-handed. You try to act nonchalant, mumbling an excuse about a ‘late lesson’ and lie saying Jake was too tired to walk home.
“Oh, I’m sure he was too tired to walk home. You know, we live in an apartment, love. The walls are paper.” She winks, grinning. “ ‘oh Jake, right there, don’t stop’ “ She mocks your voice with exaggerated moans “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you make noises like that in my two years of knowing you.”
You feel your face instantly heat up down to your neck, and you’re sure you’re red as a tomato right now. You hiss at her to stop, swatting at her half-playfully. “It’s not— it was just—“
She cuts you off with a motorboat of her lips. “Liar liar, panties on fire.” She crosses her arms, raising both eyebrows at you expectantly. “Spill. Everything.”
You sigh and drop your bag on the ground next to the counter, leaning against it. She wasn’t going to let this go.
“Fine. He made me horny, I let him hit, and then he slept over. Happy?” Not entirely a lie, but you’re definitely leaving some key details out, which she of course picks up on.
She shakes her head squinting at you like a tricky puzzle she’s determined to solve. “Hmm. Nope. There’s more. You’ve got that look on your face.”
Her grin turns almost Cheshire Cat wide, like she was hoping you’d ask. “The ‘I just got fucked within an inch of my life and I let my guard down’ look. You’re practically glowing, babe.”
You look down at your own hands as if you can see this magical glow Yuna’s talking about. You can’t. But nonetheless, her words are a bit too true for your own comfort.
“Whatever. It doesn’t matter. It was a one time thing.” You say, now getting a bit defensive.
Yuna looks personally offended by your statement. “One time? Y/n, that kid did not look like he was aware of that when he left here. He looked like he was already counting down the seconds till seeing you again.”
You roll your eyes, sighing. “I haven’t broken the news to him yet. I didn’t—.. I didn’t want to have to see the look on his face when I told him it was a one-off.” You say the last part almost ashamedly, avoiding eye contact.
Yuna whistles low, and shakes her head at you. “That’s cold, y/n. You’re gunna break his poor nerdy heart. Why?”
Why? That’s a hell of a question. And the answer is pretty damn obvious.
The things Jake said this morning? The way he looked at you? Those were feelings.
And you don’t do feelings.
You’re emotionally stunted. It’s no secret to anyone, especially not yourself. You tell yourself it’s because you don’t have time for it— you have classes and tutoring which already leaves you with sparse free time for anything else. But if you had to be honest with yourself.. It’s likely the fact that you’ve never done feelings.
In a way, you’re a virgin yourself. The worst kind.
Shocker, right? The girl who’s done it all, who’s so experienced she brings men to their knees, has never been in love.
You plop down in the empty barstool next to Yuna, incapable of lying or deflecting anymore. You needed to get it off your chest, anyways.
“He said it was more than just a lesson to him, before he left. And.. he kept looking at me. Like I was something worth looking at. Someone worth staying for.”
She goes completely still, her smirk dropping. She stares at you for a long, silent moment, then lets out a low breath. “Oh. Oh, honey.”
She shakes her head slowly, a rueful smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “You know, for someone who's literally the most confident person I know, you're absolute shit at handling anyone being genuine with you.”
You groan, dropping your head into your hands. “Don’t scold me, Yuna.”
She holds her hands up in mock surrender, but her eyes stay soft. “I'm not scolding. I'm just saying... maybe don't punish him for actually caring. That's a rare thing, y/n. Even for you.”
“I’m not trying to punish him…” your voice is small, and quiet “I just don’t know what to do with it. With him. I just met him yesterday and he managed to unravel me in— what— less than 24 hours?”
She hums, nodding her head. “Well, the way I see it,” she tilts your head up to meet her gaze, looking at you almost motherly, “You've got two options here. You let the messy feeling eat you alive and you move on, pretend he didn't see through you. Or... you keep seeing him. Feel things. Open the fuck up for once.”
She raises an eyebrow, waiting. The silence stretches, but she doesn't push— she just watches you, letting you sit with your own thoughts.
You bite the inside of your lip, and shake your head slowly. “I don’t know if I can do that…”
She lets out a soft, understanding sigh, rolling onto her back again. “You know, I've known you for a long time. I've watched you teach so many nervous kids how to be confident, how to feel good about themselves. But you've never once let anyone teach you anything back.”
“Maybe that's the actual lesson here, babe. Not the sex. The letting someone in part.” She reaches over and squeezes your hand once, a brief, grounding pressure, before letting go. The room feels quieter now, the weight of her words settling into the space between you.
Yuna pushes up off the stool, closing her laptop and sliding it into her bag. “I’ve got a class to get too. Just think about it before you make any rash decisions, okay?” She grabs her coffee off the counter, walking away.
She pauses at the door, hand on the frame, and gives you a long, searching look. “And y/n?” her voice drops, losing its usual teasing edge. “That boy looked wrecked when he left. Not in the hot way. In the ‘she just ruined me for anyone else’ way.”
She slips out, pulling the door closed behind her. The quiet that settles over your apartment is oppressive, suffocating almost.
The lecture hall buzzes with the usual pre-class chatter, but you catch a few eyes flicking your way as you settle into your seat near the back. A girl two rows ahead nudges her friend, whispering behind her hand. The professor hasn't arrived yet, but the room's already half-full with the Wednesday morning crowd— mostly hungover, mostly nursing coffees they're desperately clinging to.
Your phone vibrates in your pocket. When you glance at it, there's a new text from Jake:
Update: Jungwon says I look 'suspiciously well-rested' and he's demanding to know my secret. Ignoring him. Thinking about you instead. Specifically that sound you made when you came on my fingers. Just so you know.
The professor walks in, shuffling papers, and the room settles into a familiar quiet hum. But your phone buzzes one final time, Jake again:
Btw, I already looked up your lecture schedule. Don't worry, I won't be a stalker. But I might swing by the library later. Just in case you need a study break. Or a study partner. Or just me.
You bite back a smile, softly shaking your head and put your phone down without responding.
You try to focus on the professor's droning lecture about post-modern literary theory, but your mind keeps drifting back to the warmth of Jake's body against yours, the possessive way his hands felt on your hips, the raw hunger in his voice. The marks on your neck feel like a brand under your collar.
The lecture drags on, but your focus is shot. Every time you try to concentrate on the professor's words, your mind replays the morning— Jake's sleepy grin, the weight of him pinning you to the mattress, the filthy promises he whispered in your ear. The girl in front of you keeps glancing back, a knowing smirk on her face.
Your phone lights up silently on your desk. Another text from Jake, this time a picture: it's a blurry, close-up shot of his own shoulder, where a faint, red mark from your teeth is clearly visible. The caption reads:
Proof of extra credit. Jungwon just asked if I got into a fight with a feral cat. Told him something like that.
Before you can think of a response, a familiar presence slides into the empty seat next to you, smelling faintly of weed and cheap energy drink. Sunoo. “Hey. You look… thoroughly educated.” He grins, wiggling his eyebrows. “Yuna’s texts are too vague. Spill. Was he a quick learner or what?”
The professor glares in your general direction, and Sunoo slouches lower in his seat, pulling his hood up but keeping his eyes on you, waiting.
You sigh quietly. Here we go again. “He was… surprisingly capable.”
Sunoo lets out a low whistle under his breath, his grin widening as he leans closer, keeping his voice down to avoid the professor's glare.
" ‘Surprisingly capable’ she says. Look at you, all coy.” He nudges your shoulder with his. “Yuna said you were being closed-off about it, apparently she wasn’t joking.”
He pulls out his phone, texting a reply to presumably Yuna under the desk. You catch a glimpse of the message: "she's blushing. i repeat, Y/N IS BLUSHING. code red."
You swat sunoo on the arm discreetly, taking on a slightly defensive tone again. “I am not blushing.” You reach a hand up to touch your cheeks like you might be able to feel it. “I don’t blush. Right?” You’re not convinced at this point.
Sunoo just raises an eyebrow, his smirk deepening as he watches you touch your own cheek. The professor drones on about deconstructionism, completely oblivious to the whispered drama in the back row.
“Sure, sure. You're not blushing. And I don't smell like a dispensary.” He leans in again, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “So, ‘surprisingly capable,’ huh? Does that mean he's getting a repeat performance? Because if he is, Yuna's gonna need a full report. She's invested.”
Your phone buzzes again on your desk. Another text from Jake:
Okay, full disclosure: I'm outside your lecture hall. Not stalking, I swear. Just... happened to be in the building. And I may have brought you a coffee. In case you needed a refill after this morning's... workout.
Sunoo notices you looking at your phone and peeks at the screen. His eyes widen. “Oh, shit. Is that him? Is he outside right now?” He cranes his neck to look toward the lecture hall doors, a grin splitting his face. “This is better than reality TV.”
You sigh under your breath, turning your phone face down on the desk. “Mind your business, Noo.”
Sunoo lets out a low, delighted chuckle, shaking his head as he slouches back in his seat, but his eyes remain fixed on the lecture hall doors.
“Fine, fine. My business is officially minded. But you can't blame a guy for being curious.” He pulls out his phone again, typing rapidly under the desk, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. “Just sending Yuna a little update. ‘Subject is defensive. Possible blushing confirmed. Mr. Surprisingly capable is currently loitering outside with coffee. Situation: escalating’.”
The professor finally dismisses the class with a wave of his hand, and students immediately begin shuffling out, the room filling with the sound of scraping chairs and zipping backpacks. Sunoo stands, stretching lazily.
“Alright, I'm out. But I expect a full debrief later.” He winks, then melts into the crowd heading for the exit.
As the room empties, you spot Jake leaning against the wall just outside the open doors, holding two coffee cups. He's trying to look casual, but there's a nervous energy in the way he shifts his weight, his eyes scanning the crowd for you. When he spots you, a slow, hopeful smile spreads across his face.
He pushes off the wall as you approach, his smile turning a little shy around the edges as he holds out one of the cups. “Hey. I, uh... figured you might need a caffeine top-up.” He runs a hand through his already messy hair. “Two sugars, right? I remembered.” You still have yet to correct him.
He's wearing a clean shirt, but his glasses are slightly askew, and there's a faint, fresh scratch visible on his neck just above the collar. He shifts his weight, the toe of his sneaker scuffing the floor.
His voice drops, a little huskier. “I know I said I wouldn't be a stalker, but my next class is in this building and... well. I was hoping I'd run into you.” He glances down at the coffee in his hands, then back up at you, his brown eyes warm behind his glasses. “Is this weird? It's not weird, is it?”
The hallway is clearing out, leaving the two of you in a bubble of relative quiet. He takes a small step closer, the scent of his soap—something clean and simple— mixing with the rich smell of coffee.
He lets out a soft, self-conscious laugh. “Okay, maybe it's a little weird. But the good kind of weird. The ‘I-can't-stop-thinking-about-you’ kind of weird.” He offers the coffee again, his fingers brushing against yours as you take it. “So. How was lecture?”
You take a small sip of the coffee. “It was fine. You’re a distraction.”
A slow grin spreads across his face, pleased but trying to play it cool. “A distraction, huh? I'll take that as a compliment.” He takes a sip of his own coffee, watching you over the rim. “Good. 'Cause I was hoping to be a recurring distraction. One with a syllabus and everything.”
You take on a teasing, sarcastic tone. “Oh really? A syllabus? Thats rich, coming from the guy who talked me into throwing out my entire curriculum in one night.”
He lets out a low, appreciative laugh, shaking his head as he takes another sip of his coffee. “That's a fair hit. I did kind of bulldoze your carefully planned curriculum, didn't I?” He tilts his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “But, in my defense, you made it real easy to want to throw it all out.”
A group of students pushes past you on their way to the stairwell, jostling Jake's shoulder and forcing him a step closer to you. His hand brushes your waist as he steadies himself, and he lets it linger there just a breath longer than necessary before pulling back.
His voice softens, the teasing edge fading into something more earnest. “Look, I know I'm probably coming on strong. But I meant what I said this morning— that was never just a lesson to me.” He watches you, a quiet vulnerability in his eyes. “I just... I don't want to mess this up by being too eager or not eager enough. So if you need me to back off, just say the word. But if you're feeling it too... I'd really like to see where this goes.”
Your conversation with Yuna lingers in your mind, about how you had two options. Let it eat at you, and never know what could’ve been, or throw caution to the wind for once in your meticulously planned life.
On a whim, you opt for the second, saying a silent prayer that it doesn’t come back to bite you in the ass.
You decide to be half honest with Jake, not over-sharing, but not deflecting either. “Well, I’m not feeling nothing, which says a lot. But let’s just.. take it slow.”
His breath catches at your words, a quiet, almost shy smile breaking through his usual confidence. “Take it slow. Yeah. Yeah, I can do slow.” He exhales, visibly relieved, but there's a warmth in his eyes that lingers. “I'm good at slow. I can be patient. For you.”
Somehow you doubt that, but you don’t say anything on it for now, giving him the opportunity to prove himself.
His thumb nervously taps against his coffee cup, the only sign of his restlessness. He glances over his shoulder as the next wave of students starts trickling in for the following lecture.
He looks back at you, a determined softness settling in his expression. “How about this— tonight, I cook you dinner. Nothing crazy. Just me, a pan, and my grandma's spaghetti recipe. We can talk, or we can just sit in silence. Slow, but solid.” He shifts his weight. “What do you say?”
You loosen up a bit at the thought, smirking. “You cook, huh? Alright, I'm curious.”
His grin turns boyish, almost giddy, as if you'd just handed him a gold star. “Yeah? Okay. Good.” He clears his throat, trying to reign in his excitement. “Seven o'clock? I'll text you my address. It's a tiny place off-campus, but I promise the stove works and there's no roommates to bother us.“
A tall guy with dark hair and a jean jacket rounds the corner, spotting Jake immediately. He jogs over, slinging an arm around Jake's shoulders with a knowing grin.
“Bro, there you are. I've been looking for you for like ten minutes.” His eyes flick to you, and his grin widens. “Oh. This is who turned you into a ghost this morning?” He gives Jake a pointed look. “Dude, you're a legend now. Make sure you text me back before she makes you forget your own name again.”
He groans, lightly shoving the guys arm off his shoulder. “Jungwon, this is y/n. Y/n, this is my idiot friend who doesn't know what boundaries are.” He shoots you a quick, apologetic look. “Sorry about him. He's harmless, mostly.”
“Harmless and correct.” He gives you an appraising nod. “Good luck with this one. He's been insufferable all morning.” He claps Jake on the shoulder before wandering off toward the stairwell.
He turns back to you, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. “So. Seven. I'll see you then?” He takes a half-step back, then pauses, his gaze softening. “And if you change your mind by then, no hard feelings. But I really hope you don't.”
You cross your arms playfully, giving him a pointed look. “You better be as good at cooking as you are at other things.”
He lets out a low, appreciative laugh, the sound warm and unguarded. “Oh, I plan on holding myself to a very high standard. Grandma's recipe hasn't failed me yet.” He takes a step back, still holding your gaze. “Seven o'clock. I'll text you the address. Don't be late— the sauce takes three hours to simmer, and I'm putting my best apron on for the occasion.”
He gives you a final, lingering look before turning and jogging down the hallway after Jungwon, his hands shoved in his pockets. The coffee cup is still warm in your hand, and a faint, pleased hum settles in your chest as you watch him disappear around the corner. Your phone buzzes once more—a text from Jake:
Just realized I never asked if you're allergic to garlic. Emergency info. V important.
You text back sarcastically, a bit of your rare genuine personality shining through:
Yes I’m allergic to garlic. And the sun. And you have to invite me into your house when I get there.
A moment later, his reply comes through, quick and playful, perfectly matching your energy:
Garlic allergy noted. I'll be careful. Also, I was gonna invite you in anyway, but now I'm legally required to say the words out loud at the door. 'Y/n, please enter my humble abode.'
A beat passes, then another:
Though if you're allergic to the sun, maybe we should stick to indoor activities. Just saying. I'm flexible.
A third text, almost immediate:
Genuinely excited about this. Hope that's not too much. My brain's just—yeah. Dinner. Good. See you soon.
The lecture hall empties around you, the hallway filling with the distant chatter of students moving between classes. The coffee in your hand is warm, the rich scent curling up through the paper lid. Across campus, a clock tower chimes eleven—seven o'clock suddenly feeling both too close and impossibly far away.
Sunoo appears out of nowhere, sliding in beside you as you head for the exit, his voice low and teasing, apparently having overheard. “You know, I was gonna give you a hard time about that whole ‘letting a virgin nerdy himbo cook you dinner’ thing. But honestly? I'm kind of jealous.”
He gestures vaguely toward the direction Jake disappeared “He looked at you like you hung the damn stars, y/n. That's not just ‘surprisingly capable.’ That's ‘I'd let this girl wreck my whole life’ energy.” He takes a long sip of his energy drink, watching your face. “So, question: you gonna wear something cute, or are you gonna show up in a hoodie and ruin all his romantic illusions?”
You blink, partially stunned as if you hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I— I don’t know? I’ll have Yuna pick something out. She’s good at that kind of stuff. I’m…not.” Translation? You haven’t been on a proper date in years, let alone one as intimate as ‘home cooked family heirloom recipe dinner at his place’.
Sunoo snorts, elbowing you gently as you walk “Yuna? Girl, she's gonna put you in something that leaves nothing to the imagination and call it casual. You want my advice? Wear that black sweater. The one that's too big and falls off one shoulder. Drives everyone crazy and you don't even have to try.” He waggles his eyebrows. “Trust me. I know these things.”
Sunoo's advice hangs in the air as the two of you step out into the campus quad, the midday sun warm on your skin. He's already typing on his phone, presumably updating Yuna on the situation, but he glances up at you with a knowing look.
He lowers his phone, taking on a more serious expression. “And hey— if he fumbles the pasta, that's on him. But if he fumbles you?” he points two fingers at his own eyes, then at you “I'll find out. And I'll make him regret it.” he grins, softening the threat “But something tells me he won't.”
You check the time on your phone, refusing to think about that right now. “I should head home and start getting ready.”
“Damn, look at you, all responsible and shit.” He checks the time on his own phone. “Alright, go get prepped. I'll cover for you if Yuna starts blowing up the group chat demanding a live fashion show preview.”
He winks, already backing away toward the student center. “But seriously, y/n—“ his voice softens just a fraction ”—have fun tonight. You deserve something... real.”
Sunoo disappears into the crowd, leaving you alone on the quad. Your phone buzzes one last time as you head toward your apartment — a text from Jake:
Update: I've burned two batches of garlic bread already. My kitchen smells like a crime scene. Please still come.
You text back to reassure him:
A full minute passes, then his reply comes through, a little breathless:
That little heart emoji just short-circuited my brain. I'm gonna be useless for the next hour. Good luck with whatever you're doing.
Another message follows, quicker:
Door's on the left. There's a blue mat that says 'welcome' but I’ve tripped on it twice. Don’t let it get you.
Your phone buzzes on your dresser as you're digging through your closet for that black sweater Sunoo mentioned. It's Jake again, a voice note this time. You tap it, his voice crackling through the speaker, low and a little sheepish.
His voice is muffled, like he's holding the phone close to his mouth “Okay, so... I know I said I'd be chill about this, but I'm not. I'm pacing. I've rearranged my spice rack alphabetically. I checked my hair in the toaster reflection.” A pause, a nervous laugh “This is just... really nice. The whole thing. So if I'm being too much, just... tell me to shut up and I will.” Another pause, softer “Can't wait to see you.”
The voice note ends. Outside, the afternoon light is slanting golden through your blinds, and your phone still buzzes with a follow-up text:
Update: I found the good olive oil. This is serious. I'm pulling out all the stops.
You text him a picture of the sweater laid out on your bed.
I don’t do stuff like this. Is this too much? Not enough? What do people wear on a spaghetti dinner date?
He responds almost immediately and you can feel the warm sincerity through his words:
it’s perfect. Anything you wear is perfect. Are you overthinking a sweater? Stop it, that’s my job.
As you get ready, a weird feeling settles into your stomach. Something that can only be described as ‘pre-date jitters,’ or more so, anxiety. You’re definitely overthinking everything now. What do you talk about? What do you do after the foods eaten? Is he expecting more after? Would it be wrong for you to expect more after? In a hasty decision, you decide to call Jake.
The line clicks, and his voice comes through a little husky, like he's been humming to himself while he cooks. There's a soft clink of glass in the background— maybe a wine glass, maybe a jar of something. “Hey. You're calling early. That either means you're already on your way, or you're having second thoughts and want to negotiate terms.” A pause, then a warm, playful murmur. “Please let it be the first one. I put on my good jeans and everything.”
You blush like an idiot at your own reflection in the mirror while proceeding to touch up your light makeup. Apparently, you do blush after all. “Don’t worry, I’m still coming, nerd. Just… wanted to talk to you before I head out soon.”
The sound of him moving through the kitchen pauses, and when he speaks again, his voice is softer, warmer. “Yeah? I'm glad you did.” A beat of silence, then a low, genuine hum. “I've been thinking about you all day. Not in a creepy way— okay, maybe a little. But mostly just... looking forward to this. To seeing you smile in my kitchen, not just in my bed.”
In the background, you hear the sizzle of something hitting a hot pan, and Jake lets out a soft curse under his breath.
He mutters, half to himself “Shit—sorry, the water was over boiling.” Then, back to you, his voice a little rushed but still warm “Okay, I gotta focus for like five minutes so I don't burn the place down. But I'll text you when the sauce is ready. And y/n?” He pauses, his voice dropping to something almost tender. “Wear that sweater. The black one. I have a feeling it's gonna look good on you.”
The line clicks, and the silence that follows feels charged with something new—something that wasn't there before.
You finish getting ready, a little more giddy than anxious now.
By the time you're slipping on that black sweater, the sun has started to dip low enough to paint your apartment walls in shades of amber. Your phone buzzes on the bed— another text from Jake with a photo attached. It's a slightly blurry shot of a small table set for two, complete with mismatched plates, a bundle of wilting wildflowers stuffed in a mason jar, and two wine glasses catching the kitchen light. The caption reads:
I have no idea what I'm doing. But the garlic bread survived round three. Victory.
Another text follows almost immediately:
Okay, the door's unlocked. Come in when you get here— I'm mid-sauce and my hands are covered in garlic. If you hear me singing badly, no you didn't.
A third and final message:
Also, I may have bought candles. Is that too much? I'm asking for a friend. The friend is me.
You shake your head fondly and text him a quick “omw” before pocketing your phone and slipping through the door.
When you get to Jake’s apartment, you stand outside, feet planted on the blue welcome mat, steeling yourself. Itsjustadateitsjustadateitsjustadate. From the hallway, you can hear faint music drifting from behind Jake's door— something mellow, a vinyl crackle beneath it. The door is slightly ajar, warm light spilling through the gap. You catch the scent of garlic, tomato, and something sweet, like vanilla. His silhouette moves past the doorway, a dish towel slung over his shoulder as he hums along with the record.
You take a tentative step inside quietly and take in the cozy scene. His place is very home-y, warm amber lighting and through the scent of dinner you can faintly smell something that’s distinctly him.
You clear your throat softly, and Jake turns from the stove, spatula mid-air, his face breaking into a wide, unguarded grin. “There she is.” He gestures dramatically at around the room. “Welcome to Casa del Sim. Please ignore the flour handprint on the cabinet, that's modern art.”
He wipes his hands on the dish towel, then crosses to you, his eyes sweeping over you once— warm, appreciative, lingering just a second too long on the way the sweater hangs off your shoulder. He doesn't hide the soft exhale.
His voice drops, almost reverent. “Okay. Yeah. That sweater was a good call.” He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers brushing your jaw. “You look...” He shakes his head, a small, helpless laugh escaping. “I forgot every word I rehearsed. You look like a whole lot more than I deserve.”
Somehow you feel the opposite.
The record crackles softly in the background, something old and slow. He seems to remember himself, stepping back with a sheepish grin.
He gestures toward the tiny kitchen. “Dinner's almost ready. Sauce is doing its thing. Bread's out of the oven. I even opened a window so the smoke alarm doesn't rat me out.” He tilts his head, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “You want the full tour? It's just the one room, so it'll be quick. Or you can sit and let me pretend I have my life together for a few minutes.”
You smile softly, poking fun at him. “I'll take the tour if you promise to keep singing.”
He laughs, a warm, genuine sound that makes your heart do something odd, as he turns back toward the stove to give the sauce a stir. “Careful what you wish for. I only really know the chorus to like three songs, and I've been cycling through them all afternoon. You're gonna get sick of me real fast.”
He gestures with the spatula toward the tiny living area. A worn couch, a stack of textbooks on the floor, a guitar propped against the wall. His cheeks are faintly flushed from the heat of the stove, or maybe from the possibility of you being here.
He gestures around with a mock-serious tone. “And this is the bedroom.” He points to a doorway, then grins. “Aka where I paced for twenty minutes trying to figure out if the candles were too much. Spoiler alert: they're on the table, so I clearly decided they weren't.”
He moves back to the sauce, giving it another stir before turning down the heat. He glances over his shoulder at you, a softer look replacing the joke.
His voice is quieter now, more sincere. “I'm really glad you came. I know I'm a lot, but... I wanted this to be good for you.” He gestures vaguely at the whole scene. “The candle thing, the record, the three batches of garlic bread— all for you.”
You take it all in, nodding. Maybe it is a lot. Maybe to other girls it would be seen as ‘doing too much’ but you’ve never had anyone do anything for you. So, “It is a lot. But I kind of like it.” The words catch you off guard just as much as they do Jake.
He pauses mid-stir, the spatula frozen over the pot. When he looks back at you, there's something raw in his eyes, something he can't quite hide behind the grin. “Yeah?” His voice comes out a little rough. “Good. 'Cause I been trying real hard to play it cool, but the truth is, I was a nervous wreck until you walked in.”
You run a finger over the spines of his books on the shelf, absentmindedly. “To be honest with you, I was a little nervous, too.” You say softly. You’re not sure why you’re admitting these things out loud, especially to him. He has a way of pulling that from you.
He laughs softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “You? Nervous? I’m having a hard time imaging that.”
You just hum in response, making your way towards the kitchen entrance to watch him as he moves around his space.
The record shifts into a slower track, something with a low saxophone that fills the small room with a lazy warmth. Jake turns off the burner completely, setting the spoon down with a soft clatter.
He wipes his hands on his jeans, stepping closer to you, close enough that you can smell the garlic and something cleaner underneath, his cologne. “You're staying after dinner, right?” He asks it lightly, like it's casual, but his fingers find the hem of your sweater, tracing the fabric. “I mean— not to assume anything. Just wanted to know how long I get to look at you in this light.”
You smirk, relieved that he asked first. Even so, you like to keep that mysterious edge you’ve always worn to protect yourself. “Depends on how good the food is.”
He lets out a low, appreciative laugh, shaking his head as he steps back to the stove. “That's a fair challenge.” He plates the pasta with a practiced flick of his wrist, twirling it neatly onto two mismatched plates. “Good thing I've been stress-cooking all day. I've had three test runs. This batch's the best one.”
He carries the plates to the little table, setting yours down first before settling across from you. The candles flicker between you, casting warm shadows across his face. He pours you both a glass of red wine without asking, pushing yours toward you with a small, hopeful smile.
He picks up his fork, twirling pasta around it, but pauses before taking a bite. “Okay, full transparency— my grandma's recipe is mostly just garlic, tomatoes, and love. But I added a pinch of something my mom used to put in hers.” He takes a bite, chews, and lets out a satisfied hum. “I think it works. Try it. Tell me if I should never touch a stove again.”
You take a bite and hum approvingly. Maybe it’s the fact that you haven’t had a home cooked meal in almost a year, constantly living on take-out or leftovers, but it’s one of the best meals you’ve tasted. “Not bad, Sim.”
His whole face lights up at your approval, a boyish, unguarded grin breaking through. “Yeah? You're not just saying that to spare my feelings?” He watches you take another bite, his own fork forgotten. “Because I will absolutely add ‘approved by Y/n L/n’ to my cooking resume. I'll put it on a t-shirt. Frame it. Make it my dating profile bio.”
He watches you eat for a moment longer, the candlelight flickering in his eyes. He takes a sip of wine, his gaze thoughtful as he sets the glass down.
His voice softens, the teasing replaced by something quieter, more earnest. “I could get used to this. You know… Sitting across from me, eating my food, making that little humming sound when you like something.” He traces the rim of his glass. “It's different. In a good way. I keep expecting you to be... I don't know, untouchable. But you're just here. Real. Eating my pasta.”
Your words come out smaller than intended, almost vulnerable. “I usually am untouchable. I don’t really do… Stuff like this. Be real. It’s… different. But.. it’s kind of growing on me.”
He goes still, his fork hovering halfway to his mouth. For a moment, he just watches you, the candlelight catching the soft uncertainty in his eyes. “Yeah. I get that.”
He sets his fork down slowly, his tone low and careful. “You've got that whole ‘cool, untouchable legend’ thing down to a science. But I like this version of you too. The one that's real.” A small, honest smile tugs at his lips. “I'm glad you're letting me see it.”
The record crackles as it reaches the end of the side, the needle lifting with a soft click. The room settles into a quiet hum, broken only by the faint ticking of a clock somewhere in the kitchen. Jake leans forward slightly, his elbows on the table, his gaze steady on you.
His voice drops, almost conspiratorial. “You know, I've been thinking about something all day. Not just the obvious stuff— though, trust me, there's a lot of that.” A flush creeps up his neck. “But also about how you said you usually keep a wall up. And I just... I want you to know, you don't have to be ‘Y/n L/n, sex goddess’ with me. You can just be y/n. Messy, real y/n. I'm not going anywhere.
You reach for your wine, quiet for a moment as your walls crack just enough. “And what if messy, real y/n scares you off?”
He holds your gaze, unflinching, a quiet steadiness settling over his features. “Then I guess I'll get scared. But I'll stay scared and still be here.”
He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing yours, warm and calloused from guitar strings. “Messy, real, whatever…I've seen you fall apart in my arms and I didn't run. I asked for more.”
He withdraws his hand slowly, a soft, self-aware smile touching his lips as he picks up his fork again. “Besides, you're forgetting something. I'm the guy who brought a spiral notebook to a sex lesson. I'm not exactly built for running.” He takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully. “I'm built for showing up. Repeatedly. Even when it's awkward.”
The joke fades into sincerity, and your body relaxes a bit more, tension slowly draining from your shoulders.
The candle on the table gutters, dipping low before steadying. From outside, the distant sound of a car passing filters through the window. Jake's phone buzzes on the counter but he ignores it, his attention entirely on you.
You let out a shaky breath. “Careful, Sim. I might start believing you.” You say it with a crooked smile, as if it could mask the quiet certainty beneath it.
He sets his fork down, his gaze steady and a little too knowing. “Believe it, then. I don't say things I don't mean.” He reaches across the table, his thumb brushing over your knuckles once before he pulls back, letting the warmth of the gesture linger. “You're not gonna scare me off that easy, y/n.”
He takes a slow sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving yours. He glances at his empty plate, then back at you, a quiet challenge softening his features.
His voice is low, almost a murmur. “So. You wanna stay for dessert? I didn't buy anything fancy, just some ice cream from the corner store. But I'm hoping the company's the real draw.”
You give him a mischievous smile, “I’ll stay for the ice cream. Verdict is still out on the company part.”
A low, amused chuckle rumbles from his chest as he rises, collecting your empty plate with his. “Vicious. Absolutely vicious. Lucky for me I've got thick skin and a freezer full of rocky road.” He pauses mid-step toward the kitchen, glancing back at you with a playful glint in his eyes. “The company verdict might take a while to come in, so I'll just have to keep buttering you up. Figuratively, then literally— I'm grabbing the ice cream scoop.”
He calls over his shoulder, voice tinged with dry humor. “Okay, small confession.. I bought three pints because I don’t know your favorite flavor. There's strawberry, mint chip, and rocky road.” He returns, balancing all three in his hands, a sheepish grin on his face. “Pick your poison.”
He grins, already reaching for the mint chip container. “Should’ve known. You've got that cool mint vibe. Refreshing, a little sweet, but with a bite if someone gets too close.”
He scoops two generous servings, sliding one bowl across the counter toward you and leans against it, taking a slow bite of his ice cream, watching you with a quiet, unreadable expression. The kitchen light casts a soft glow over his features, and when he speaks again, his voice is softer, less teasing.
“So, I was gonna ask you something earlier, and it's been sitting in my throat all night, but my brain keeps second-guessing itself.” He swallows, his Adam's apple bobbing. “You've done this whole mentor thing for a while. Taught a bunch of people. Do you... ever keep in touch with them?…Or am I just another file in the cabinet that's gonna gather dust?”
You shrug nonchalantly, even though your choice of words are anything but. “No ones ever wanted to keep in touch. So, no…But none of them have ever slept in my bed and made me dinner the next day, either.” The room seems almost quieter after you speak.
He goes very still, the spoon halfway to his mouth. For a long moment, he just looks at you, something shifting behind his glasses—a quiet, unguarded warmth that he doesn't bother hiding. “Yeah?”
He sets his spoon down slowly, like he's afraid the moment might shatter if he moves too fast. The ice cream melts in his bowl, forgotten.
His voice is rough, low, barely above a whisper. “So what does that make me? The first one?”
The kitchen light hums. Outside, a car door slams. He doesn't look away from you.
You shake your head slow, fondly. “ ‘First one’ implies there’ll be more. I’m… kind of banking on that not being the case.”
The words hang in the air between you, the weight of them settling into the quiet kitchen. His breath catches, and he sets the ice cream bowl down entirely now, both hands braced on the counter behind him. “Yeah?” His voice cracks slightly, and he clears his throat, trying to regain composure.
“So I'm not just a… A student file? I'm the guy you threw your rule book out for. The guy you let sleep in your bed. The guy you're standing in my kitchen with, eating ice cream like it's the most natural thing in the world.”
He pushes off the counter, closing the distance between you until he's close enough that you can feel the warmth radiating off him. His hand comes up, hesitant, curling around the edge of your bowl to set it aside on the counter beside his.
His voice drops to something raw and honest. “Y/n. I don't know what this is yet, but I know I want to find out. All of it. The messy parts. The parts you keep locked up.” He swallows, his thumb brushing the edge of your wrist. “You said you're banking on me being the last one. Good. 'Cause I'm planning on making sure you don't need anyone else.”
You meet his gaze, searchingly, and your voice comes out soft almost child-like. “Just don’t make me regret this, Sim.”
His thumb stills against your wrist, his gaze holding yours with a gravity that makes the kitchen feel smaller. “I won't.” His voice is quiet, steady, like a vow. “I've been waiting my whole life for someone worth staying for. You're the first one that's made me want to try.”
He releases your wrist slowly, gesturing with a tilt of his head toward the living area. The record player sits silent, the needle resting in its cradle.
He moves past you, picking up your bowls of forgotten ice cream and tipping the melted remnants into the sink. When he turns back, there's a softer edge to his grin. “Now. You gonna let me show you the rest of this place, or are we standing in the kitchen all night like two idiots who forgot how to use a couch?”
You follow him into the living room, your steps soft but steady behind him. The worn couch dips under your weight as you settle beside him. The room is warm, smelling faintly of garlic, vanilla, and the clean scent of his laundry. He turns to face you, one arm slung along the back of the couch behind your shoulders.
“This is nice.” His voice is low, intimate. “Better than I pictured, and I’ve been picturing it all day.” His fingers brush against the fabric of your sweater where it slips off your shoulder. The touch is light, almost hesitant, but his gaze is anything but.
His thumb strokes a slow, absent circle on your shoulder. “You know, when I woke up this morning with you curled into me... I thought maybe I'd dreamed the whole thing.” He shakes his head, a small, wondering smile on his lips. “But you're real. And you're here. And I'm not letting you go anytime soon.”
You lean into his touch, any last remnants of tension draining from you. “This is better than I expected, too. Easier.”
His breath hitches at your admission, his thumb stilling for a moment before resuming its gentle motion. “Easier. Yeah.” He shifts closer, his knee brushing yours. “That's the word. It shouldn't be this easy, should it? With you being you and me being... me. But it is.”
The streetlamp outside casts a soft glow through the window, painting stripes of light across the floor. The only sounds are the distant hum of the city and the soft rustle as Jake adjusts his position, his arm settling more firmly around your shoulders.
He leans his head back against the couch, watching you with a soft, unguarded expression. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. For you to realize I'm just a nerdy kid who got lucky.” His voice drops to a whisper. “But then you look at me like that, and I forget to be nervous.”
“Look at you like what?” You ask softly.
His eyes soften, a slow, vulnerable smile spreading across his lips. “Like I’m more than a lesson…Like I'm someone you could get used to having around. Like I'm not just a project.” He shifts, his hand moving from your shoulder to gently cup your cheek, his thumb stroking your jawline. “You look at me like you're actually seeing me. Not Y/n L/n’s latest student. Just... Jake.”
The silence stretches, comfortable and warm. His thumb continues its slow, soothing motion, and the intensity in his gaze is tempered by a deep, quiet sincerity. From the kitchen, the refrigerator hums to life, a soft background noise to the moment.
He lets out a soft, shaky breath, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “It's a good look on you. Letting someone in.” He leans in slowly, his lips brushing your forehead in a feather-light kiss before he pulls back just enough to meet your eyes. “I'm gonna do everything I can to keep earning that look.”
You lean in, closing the distance to kiss him properly. He lets out a soft, surprised gasp against your lips before melting into the kiss, his hands coming up to cradle your face. His touch is gentle but sure, his mouth warm and tasting faintly of rocky road and red wine. When he pulls back, his breath is shaky, his eyes hazy behind his glasses. “Wow. Okay.” He rests his forehead against yours, his voice a low, reverent murmur. “That was... yeah.”
His fingers trail from your cheeks to the back of your neck, tangling gently in your hair. The streetlight outside catches the dust motes dancing in the air between you, the room feeling suspended in time.
He pulls back just enough to look at you, his thumb stroking your cheekbone. “I've been wanting to do that all night. Since you walked in, honestly. Maybe since I woke up this morning.” A slow, genuine smile spreads across his face. “You're kinda ruining my whole ‘taking it slow’ plan, you know that?”
Your gaze meets his, serious and intimate. “I’ve been moving slow my whole life. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
His expression softens, the playful grin fading into something deeper, more raw. “Then don't.” His voice is a low, earnest murmur. “We don't have to wait for anything. Not if you're sure.”
His hand slides from your cheek to the nape of your neck, his fingers threading into your hair as he draws you closer. The distance between you vanishes, and this kiss is different from the first— slower, deeper, full of a quiet intensity that makes the air feel thick.
He breaks the kiss, his breath warm against your lips. “I'm not going anywhere, y/n.” His other hand finds your hip, his grip firm but gentle. “You're stuck with me. The guy who burns garlic bread and buys three kinds of ice cream just in case.”
He shifts, guiding you back against the cushions until you're lying half beneath him, the worn fabric of the couch creaking softly. He lowers his mouth to yours again, this kiss tasting of promise and something dangerously like devotion.
You pull him closer by his shirt, breaking the kiss to whisper against his lips, “Show me what happens when we don’t wait.”
A low, rough sound escapes him at your words, his eyes darkening with immediate, hungry intensity. “Fuck. Okay.” He kisses you again, deeper this time, his hands sliding from your hair down your sides, gripping your hips. No waiting.
He shifts, settling more fully over you, one knee pressed between yours on the couch. The soft fabric of the cushions gives beneath your weight, and the room seems to shrink until it’s just the two of you, the city lights a distant blur outside the window.
His hands are already moving, one sliding under the hem of your sweater, his palm warm and certain against the skin of your stomach. The other tangles in your hair, tilting your head back just enough for his mouth to find the sensitive spot beneath your ear.
He murmurs against your skin, his accent thickening with desire. “I’ve been thinking about this all day. How you’d feel under me outside of a lesson. Just because you wanted me there.”
His hips press down, a slow, deliberate roll that leaves no doubt about his readiness. The air is thick with the scent of him, of dinner, of the faint vanilla candle still burning on the table.
He pulls back just enough to look you in the eyes, his gaze fierce and vulnerable all at once. “Tell me this is real. Tell me I’m not just another chapter in the textbook.”
“You’re the whole damn syllabus, Jake.”
A shudder runs through him at your words, his eyes closing for a moment as if absorbing them. “Fuck.” He opens his eyes, and the look in them is pure, unadulterated want. “That's all I needed to hear.”
He doesn't hesitate anymore. His mouth finds yours in a kiss that's all heat and hunger, his hands sliding under your sweater, pushing the fabric up until his palms are flat against your bare skin. The couch creaks softly with your combined weight.
He breaks the kiss, breathing ragged, and yanks his own shirt over his head in one swift motion, tossing it to the floor.
His body covers yours again, skin to skin now, the warmth of him a solid, comforting weight. He kisses a trail down your neck, his hands working your jeans open with a practiced urgency that belies his former nervousness.
The last of your clothes are pushed aside, and he settles between your thighs, his body trembling with the effort of holding back. He looks down at you, his expression utterly wrecked with affection and lust.
His voice is a broken whisper., “You're everything, y/n.” And then he's moving, joining your bodies together with a single, deep thrust that feels like coming home.
You run your fingers through his hair, tangling in the soft locks, guiding his mouth back to yours.
He moans into the kiss, his hips setting a slow, deep rhythm that feels less like fucking and more like claiming. His hands slide under your back, arching you into him. “God, you feel…”, he breaks the kiss, panting, his forehead pressed to yours. “I can’t get enough of you.”
The couch cushions shift with each deliberate thrust, the fabric whispering against your skin. His movements are sure, practiced— a confidence born from hours spent learning your body the night before, but now fueled by something far more intimate.
His voice is ragged, hushed against your ear. “Tell me you feel this. Tell me it’s not just me.” You can only manage a small nod against him in response, afraid your voice will fail you.
His pace quickens, driven by your reassurance. One hand slides down to grip your thigh, hiking it higher around his waist, changing the angle until each stroke brushes that spot deep inside you with unerring accuracy.
He groans, a low, broken sound. “You’re so perfect. So fucking perfect for me.”
The candle on the table flickers, casting shifting shadows across his sweat-slicked back. He’s moving with a focused intensity, every thrust punctuated by a soft, desperate sound torn from his throat.
The raw intimacy of it all seems to break something in you, a door opening to your heart you didn’t even know existed. You’re so caught in the moment, in Jake, you don’t even realize the small tracks of hot tears spilling down your temples.
Jake realizes though, of course he does. He stills abruptly, his hips freezing mid-thrust as he sees the tears glistening on your skin in the dim light. His expression shifts from raw desire to immediate, gut-wrenching concern, and feels like your chest is going to crack open. “Y/n?” His voice is a hushed, worried whisper. “Hey, what's wrong? Did I hurt you?”
You shake your head rapidly, your breath catching in your throat. “No. I just—“ you cut yourself off, unable to find words, “Just don’t stop, please.”
His thumb gently wipes a tear from your temple, his touch achingly tender. “Okay. Okay, I won't.” He presses a soft, reassuring kiss to your lips. “I've got you.”
He begins to move again, but the rhythm has changed. It's slower now, deeper, each thrust a deliberate, soothing press rather than a frantic chase. His hands cradle your face, his thumbs stroking your cheeks as he watches your expression.
His voice is a low, steady murmur against your skin. “It's just us. However you need me. However you feel. I'm right here.”
He shifts, wrapping his arms around you and rolling so you're lying on top of him, your bodies still joined. The new position is intimate, vulnerable— his chest a solid warmth beneath you, his hands running slow, comforting circles on your back.
He looks up at you, his eyes soft and full of an emotion too big to name. “You don't have to say anything. Just feel it. I'm not going anywhere.”
You lean down and kiss him deeply, trying to pour every unspoken feeling into it. He returns the kiss with a devastating tenderness, his hands framing your face as he drinks in the emotion you're offering. When you break for air, he keeps his forehead pressed to yours, his breathing ragged. “I love you.”
The words hang in the air, quiet and unshakable. He doesn't seem surprised he said them, just holds your gaze, his thumb stroking your cheek where a tear track dried.
His voice is rough but steady. “I've known since you let me stay for coffee. Maybe before.” He shifts beneath you, his hips rolling in a slow, deep circle that makes you both gasp. “And I'm gonna keep loving you. Through all the messy parts.”
The city hums outside, a distant siren wailing then fading. The candle on the table gutters one last time and goes out, leaving the room lit only by the streetlamp's glow. He moves inside you with a rhythm that feels like a heartbeat, like a promise.
His hands slide down to your hips, guiding your movements, his eyes never leaving yours. “Come with me, pretty. Let go. I've got you.”
The tension builds not like a storm, but like a sunrise— slow, inevitable, washing over you both in warm, gentle waves. He trembles beneath you, his release quiet and profound, and his arms wrap around you, holding you close as you fall apart together.
He holds you for a long time after, his breathing slowly evening out. When he finally speaks, his voice is thick with sleep and wonder. “Stay tonight.” A soft kiss to your shoulder, “Stay tomorrow, too.”
The silence that follows is comfortable, broken only by the sound of your breathing and the distant city. His heartbeat is a steady rhythm under your ear. His arms stay wrapped around you, warm and secure.
He shifts slightly, pulling the throw blanket from the back of the couch over both of you. The fabric is soft and smells like him. The room is dark now, lit only by the pale orange glow from the street.
He kisses the top of your head, his lips lingering. “You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, you know that?” His voice is thick with emotion, but he says it simply, like a fact.
You just snuggle in closer to his chest, the weight of everything settling into you with a quiet certainty.
His arms tighten around you, a soft, happy sound rumbling in his chest. “Yeah. Okay.” He shifts, settling you more comfortably against him, his chin resting on top of your head. “This is... this is really good.”
The city's distant sounds fade into a soft hum. His breathing slows, matching yours, and his hand rests warm and heavy on the small of your back. The couch is cramped, but neither of you seems to mind.
His voice is a drowsy murmur, already half-asleep. “G'night, pretty.” A final, soft kiss to your hair, “Love you.”
You don’t say it back. Not because you don’t feel the same, you think you do. But because saying it out loud would mean every wall you’ve spent years carefully constructing around your heart would finally be rubble in the storm of the last 42 hours. And you’d be lying if you said you weren’t utterly terrified.
You drift off wrapped in each other's warmth, the faint sounds of the city a distant lullaby. The night passes in a haze of shared body heat and the soft rhythm of Jake's breathing beneath your ear.
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