From Dare To You ★ 심재윤
“a part two to love, lies, and sim jake” - enhypen campus series
🌿 After YN found out about the bet, Jake apologized, revealing he ended it before asking her out for real. Though hurt, she played along, but his constant effort and genuine care slowly broke through her walls, and trust began to rebuild between them.
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wc. 9.7k · masterlist · enha campus series · part one
You didn’t plan to see him again so soon.
But there he was sitting alone on the bleachers behind the field after school, hunched forward with his elbows on his knees, eyes cast downward like the weight of the past few days was finally too heavy to carry. He looked smaller somehow. Not physically, but… quieter. Like the version of him who used to light up every room had dimmed.
You hesitated. Part of you wanted to turn back, to leave things unfinished and avoid another scene. But your feet moved anyway, slowly, carefully, until you were standing in front of him.
He looked up, his eyes meeting yours. For a second, nothing was said—just the breeze brushing past and the silence between two people who didn’t know how to start again.
“I didn’t know,” you said finally, voice soft. “About the bet. That you ended it.”
Jake stared at you for a moment, jaw tense, eyes tired. “Would it have changed anything if you did?”
You bit the inside of your cheek. “Yeah. It would’ve.”
He gave a small, humorless laugh, then looked away. “Too late now, huh?”
“No,” you said quickly, sitting beside him before you could change your mind. “Maybe not.”
Jake didn’t say anything at first. Then: “I was an idiot, YN. For agreeing to that bet in the first place. For not telling you sooner. I thought I could control it—my feelings. Thought if I kept it casual, it wouldn’t mess everything up. But then it stopped being casual, and I didn’t know how to fix it without losing you.”
Your heart twisted. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“Because I thought you’d never believe me,” he admitted. “And I didn’t think I deserved a second chance. I’ve seen it happen to heeseung and it still keeps him up , I didn’t wanna take the chance with you.”
Jake stared ahead at the empty field, jaw tight, like he’d run out of words to say—or maybe like he was too afraid to say the wrong one.
You sat next to him, your voice low but sharp. “Then why did you come running back to me?”
His head turned toward you slowly. “Because I couldn’t stay away.”
You scoffed, shaking your head as a bitter laugh slipped past your lips. “Right. After everything. After the bet, after humiliating me in front of everyone, after pretending to care…”
“I wasn’t pretending,” Jake cut in, voice firmer now. “Not when I kissed you. Not when I asked you to be mine. Not when I stayed up all night hoping you’d text back.”
You looked away, jaw clenched. “You made me feel like I was something to win.”
Jake exhaled hard, like the guilt had been burning in his lungs. “I know. And if I could take it back, I would. All of it. The joke, the dare—everything that hurt you. But the way I feel about you now?” He looked at you then, eyes soft but intense. “That’s never been a lie.”
You didn’t respond right away. Your throat was tight, like the words wanted to come out but didn’t know how.
Finally, you muttered, “I don’t know if I can believe you.”
Jake nodded slowly, not pushing. “Then don’t. Not yet. Just… let me show you.”
And for once, he didn’t try to close the distance between you. He didn’t reach out. He didn’t beg.
He just sat there, quiet and waiting.
Like he finally understood that trust wasn’t something he could ask for—he had to earn it.
And so that’s what he did.
The next couple of days, Jake didn’t text you paragraphs or blow up your phone with apologies. He didn’t show up unannounced or try to corner you in the hallways. He didn’t force you to talk when you weren’t ready.
Instead… he showed up differently.
He waited outside your classroom after the bell, never too close, never pushing—just there. Quiet, patient, like a steady presence.
He started walking slower when he saw you down the hall, letting you pass instead of calling out your name.
He laughed a little softer when your friends made jokes, stealing glances your way but never trying to pull you in unless you wanted to be.
He wasn’t perfect. He still fumbled sometimes, caught himself staring too long, said your name like it was still his favorite word—but he didn’t try to take anything more than what you were willing to give.
And even if you didn’t say much, even if your heart still felt bruised and hesitant, you noticed. You noticed it all.
Because Jake Sim wasn’t trying to win a bet anymore.
He was trying to win you.
And this time, it wasn’t about pride.
It wasn’t about proving something to his friends.
It was about proving something to you.
That he was serious.
That he meant it.
That he’d stay—without the game.
It was subtle at first.
You didn’t even realize the way your walls had started to shift until you caught yourself smiling at something he said in passing. Something stupid—probably about his dog or how he nearly tripped over a soccer ball in gym. But your lips had curved before you could stop them, and when you realized he saw it, you quickly looked away.
Jake didn’t call attention to it. He just smiled too. A quiet, knowing one. And kept walking.
Later, you found a note in your locker. No big dramatic gesture—just a piece of notebook paper folded in half.
Hope today’s better than yesterday. That’s all.
— J
You stared at it longer than you’d admit. Kept it tucked into your sleeve. Didn’t text him, didn’t mention it, but the knot in your chest loosened—just a little.
At lunch, Yuna nudged you. “He’s trying,” she said gently, not with that sharp tone she’d used before. “Really trying.”
You didn’t answer. You just watched him from across the courtyard, laughing with Sunghoon and Jay—but every now and then, glancing your way.
Like he was making sure you were still there.
By Thursday, you found yourself slowing your steps so he could catch up.
By Friday, you sat next to him during study period and pretended not to notice when his hand brushed against yours on the desk.
He didn’t push. He didn’t ask. He just looked at you with those soft, unguarded eyes and smiled like that moment was enough.
And somehow…
For now, it was.
Saturday came, and with it, a text from Jake.
simjyn:
Hey. I was gonna go for a walk later. Clear my head. You don’t have to come but… if you do, I’ll bring snacks.
You stared at the message for a good ten minutes. No pressure, no “we need to talk,” no expectations—just Jake, being soft and careful. The kind of boy you weren’t sure existed weeks ago.
You didn’t reply right away. But a few hours later, there you were—hoodie on, hands in your pockets, meeting him just down the block.
He grinned when he saw you. “You came.”
You shrugged. “You said snacks.”
He held up a bag of your favorite chips with a lopsided smile. “I don’t lie about the important things.”
The two of you walked in comfortable silence for a while. The streets were quieter than usual, the air warm with the smell of spring. Every now and then your shoulders would brush, and each time, Jake would glance over, like he was still surprised you hadn’t pulled away.
“I meant what I said,” he said eventually, voice softer than usual. “About showing you. I don’t want to screw this up.”
You didn’t answer at first. The sidewalk was cracked and uneven beneath your feet, like your thoughts.
Finally, you spoke. “You already did screw it up, Jake.”
He flinched, just a little. But he nodded. “Yeah. I know.”
You turned to him then. “So don’t just tell me. Show me. Keep showing me. Not just this week. Not just while you feel bad.”
Jake stopped walking. “I will.”
You searched his face for any sign of hesitation, but there wasn’t any. Just him. Raw and real.
He took a careful step closer. “Can I—?” he started to ask, but stopped himself.
And for once, you closed the space between you.
Just a little. Just enough to let him know that maybe—maybe—this was the beginning of trust again.
Jake didn’t touch you. He didn’t try to hold your hand or pull you into some movie-perfect kiss. He just smiled, slow and genuine, like that one small step meant everything.
And honestly?
It kind of did.
The next week passed like the world had slowed down—but in a good way.
There were no dramatic declarations, no big speeches. Just… Jake.
Sitting next to you during free period, not too close, but close enough.
Sliding you a note in class with the dumbest doodle imaginable—your name in bubble letters with a little crown on top.
Sending you a playlist that started off upbeat and chaotic, but slowly drifted into soft, late-night kind of songs you didn’t expect from him.
Smiling like he had a secret every time your eyes met in the hallway.
And you?
You found yourself waiting for it. For him.
You told yourself you were being cautious. That you hadn’t forgiven him yet. That your heart was still bruised from what he’d done.
But when he laughed? It didn’t hurt.
When he said your name? You didn’t flinch.
And when you caught yourself smiling—again—you didn’t look away this time.
It was Friday afternoon when he found you sitting alone near the back of the school garden. The spot you always went to when you needed to think.
He didn’t say anything at first. Just sat down beside you and handed you an iced drink—your favorite.
“I like this,” he said after a minute, eyes on the sky. “Just… being here. With you. No pretending. No games.”
You didn’t respond right away. The breeze was light, the sun warming your face.
“I still don’t know if I trust you,” you said quietly.
Jake didn’t flinch. “I’ll wait until you do.”
You looked over at him. Really looked. And maybe for the first time, you believed it.
Not because of his words.
But because of how he’d changed when he stopped trying to win you
And started trying to deserve you.
So you leaned back, sipped your drink, and said nothing else.
But Jake’s smile widened.
Because silence from you now?
Wasn’t rejection.
It was peace.
The next day, Jake found you by your locker before first period, his hands stuffed into his hoodie pockets and a hesitant look on his face.
You noticed right away—something was off. He wasn’t smiling like he usually did when he saw you, and the usual playful sparkle in his eyes had dimmed.
“What’s wrong?” you asked, shutting your locker slowly.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I have to go to Australia. Tonight.”
Your stomach dropped. “What? Why?”
“My aunt’s sick. It’s… not great,” he said, voice softer than usual. “My parents already left, but they want me to be there too—for a few days. Just to help out, be with the family.”
You blinked, trying to process it. “How long?”
“Just a week,” he said quickly. “I promise. I’ll be back before you even get the chance to miss me.”
You tried to smile, but your chest felt tight. “Are you okay?”
Jake nodded, stepping a little closer. “Yeah, I’m just—worried about her, that’s all. But I didn’t want to leave without telling you first.”
You looked down, chewing your lip. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against yours.
“I’ll call every day,” he said. “Swear on it. Even if it’s just for five minutes. I don’t want to go dark on you.”
You looked up at him, finally meeting his eyes. “You better.”
He gave you a small grin, the kind that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You know me. Annoyingly consistent.”
Then, quieter, he added, “I’ll miss you.”
And before you could even respond, he leaned in, pressing the softest kiss to your forehead.
It was gentle. Familiar. Something that said, I’ll be back.
And somehow, even with your heart tugging in your chest, you believed him.
And maybe, just maybe… it was the start of forgiveness.
By Monday, the whispers had started.
It wasn’t just glances anymore—it was full-on stares, hushed giggles, and not-so-subtle side-eyes when you walked into a room.
You were halfway to your seat in homeroom when you heard it.
“Do you think she did something to him?”
“She had to. There’s no way Jake Sim just—changes.”
“Dude hasn’t flirted with anyone in weeks. Not even once. He’s not even posting thirst traps anymore.”
“That’s, like, unheard of. What did she do? Put a spell on him?”
You rolled your eyes as you sat down, biting the inside of your cheek to keep from saying something.
Apparently, the student body couldn’t comprehend that Jake Sim—the golden boy, the walking distraction, the school’s certified heartbreaker—might’ve just… grown up. Or fallen for someone. Or both.
You heard someone mutter behind you, “Honestly? Kind of iconic if she did. Like… imagine taming Jake.”
The seat beside you stayed empty. You glanced at it without meaning to.
Jake’s chair. Still untouched. Still waiting for him to come back.
And even though you weren’t sure what this was between you and him yet—or where it was going—hearing the way people talked made you feel something you hadn’t expected:
Protective.
Because sure, maybe Jake had been a reckless flirt once. Maybe he hadn’t been the safest person to care about. But he was trying. He was changing.
And he deserved the chance to do that without being a punchline.
Even if you weren’t ready to say it out loud, you knew it deep in your gut—
Whatever you and Jake were building… it was already real enough for people to notice.
Back home, everything felt quieter without him.
You didn’t realize how much space Jake had taken up in your day until he wasn’t there to fill it. His empty seat in class, the silence where his random texts would pop up, the way your phone didn’t light up with his name the second you unlocked it—it was strange.
You hated to admit it, but… you missed him.
More than you wanted to.
You found yourself hovering over his contact a dozen times, thumb lingering on the call button. What would you even say? You still didn’t know how you felt. Still didn’t know if you were ready to let yourself fully trust him again.
But that didn’t stop your heart from aching.
So, one night—when the silence in your room felt too loud and the thoughts in your head wouldn’t shut up—you caved. You tapped call.
It rang once. Twice.
Then—“Hello?”
His voice was raspy, low. He sounded half-asleep. You glanced at the time. 4:02 AM in Australia.
“Oh my god—Jake, I’m sorry,” you blurted. “I didn’t mean to wake you up. I’ll call you back later, just go back to sleep—”
“No,” he said quickly, voice still heavy with sleep but suddenly more alert. “No, stay. Please. I wanna stay on the call. For you? Always.”
You went quiet, swallowing down the guilt that rose in your chest.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” he breathed, a smile tugging into his voice. “Hearing your voice is already better than sleep.”
You let out a soft laugh, shaky and a little embarrassed. Then, without really meaning to—you started talking.
Not about anything huge. Just the little stuff. The rumors at school. How Kazuha almost knocked over a vending machine trying to get a free soda. How the cafeteria ran out of your favorite chips and it weirdly ruined your day more than it should’ve.
Jake didn’t interrupt. Didn’t talk over you. He just listened—soft, warm, awake only because you needed him.
And eventually, your words grew quieter. Slower.
“I didn’t think I’d miss you this much,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “It’s stupid. After everything, I should still be mad. And I am. But… I miss you anyway.”
There was a pause. Then his voice, low and soft through the speaker:
“I miss you too. Every second. Even the ones I’m supposed to be sleeping through.”
You smiled, curling deeper into your blanket, heart beating too fast for how calm your voice sounded.
Maybe this wasn’t forgiveness.
Maybe it was just… a step toward it.
But for now, lying in bed and hearing his sleepy breath through the phone—
It was enough.
The next day, the evening settled in quietly—soft rain pattering against your window, the smell of shampoo still lingering in the air as you curled up in bed in your oversized hoodie. Hair damp, phone warm in your hand, you finally gave in and called him again.
Jake picked up almost instantly, like he’d been waiting.
The screen lit up with his face, a sleepy smile tugging at his lips. His hair was a little messy, eyes a little puffy—he looked tired, but the kind of tired that made him look softer.
Then he paused.
You tilted your head. “What?”
Jake blinked, then bit his lip, trying not to grin. “Nothing,” he said, voice all low and lazy. “You’re just… cute like that.”
You rolled your eyes, pulling your hoodie closer. “Like what?”
He laughed quietly. “Like that. All soft and cozy. I dunno. It’s just…” He shrugged. “I’d like to see you in my hoodie one day.”
Your stomach did this stupid little flip, but you masked it with a scoff. “You’d probably never get it back.”
“That’s the point,” he said, eyes shining with something gentle.
You looked away for a second, trying not to let the smile win—but it crept in anyway. You hated how easy it was to slip into this, how warm his voice made you feel even when you were still trying to protect your heart.
Still… you didn’t change the subject.
Instead, Jake shifted the camera and suddenly, a golden blur popped into view.
“Oh my god,” you said, sitting up. “Is that Layla?”
Jake beamed, gently scratching behind the ears of his border collie. “Yup. She’s been sulking without me. But she likes calls with you.”
Layla barked softly, tail wagging, and it made something in you melt.
You smiled quietly. “She’s so pretty.”
Jake looked back at the screen. “She’d love you.”
You hesitated for a beat, watching him, the way his hand rested gently on Layla’s fur, the way his face relaxed when he looked at you like that—like you were something precious.
“I’m still figuring things out,” you said softly.
Jake nodded without hesitation. “I know. And I’ll wait, remember?”
Your walls were still there. But they were softer now, worn down in places.
And maybe… just maybe… you were starting to believe he really meant it.
The next night, you weren’t sure why your fingers moved so quickly to hit call.
Maybe it was the silence of your room again.
Maybe it was the way his name lingered in your head all day.
Or maybe… you just wanted to hear his voice.
Jake answered with that same smile—bright and sleepy and just for you.
“Hey, pretty girl,” he said, voice a little hoarse, a little teasing. “You always call me right before bed. Not that I’m complaining.”
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at your lips. “Maybe I just like seeing Layla.”
Jake laughed, turning the camera to show Layla curled up at his feet. “She missed you too.”
You hesitated for a second. Your heart picked up.
And before you could overthink it, before your brain could yell no—you said it.
“I missed you,” you said quietly, voice softer than usual.
Jake blinked. His smile didn’t falter, but you could see something shift behind his eyes—like the words landed a little deeper than either of you expected.
“You… what?”
You swallowed. “I said I missed you. Don’t make me say it again.”
His lips curled into something warm and slow, something real. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say that.”
You looked away, cheeks heating. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“I won’t,” he said, still grinning. “But just so you know… I missed you more.”
And just like that, something shifted.
Not huge, not loud—but it was there.
A new softness in the way you looked at each other.
A new kind of trust threading its way through the call.
You still weren’t all the way in.
But you were no longer holding all the way back either.
“Three more days,” Jake said through the screen, stretching his arms above his head with a groggy little yawn.
It was morning there, the sunlight barely creeping in through the curtains behind him, and his voice was still heavy with sleep. His hair was messy, sticking up in every direction, and you could hear Layla snoring faintly in the background.
You smiled at the sight, tucked under your blanket, phone propped up on your pillow.
“Not that I’m counting,” he added, eyes flicking up to meet yours through the screen with a crooked grin.
You raised a brow. “You literally said that exact thing yesterday. And the day before.”
“Okay, so maybe I am counting.” He shrugged, grin widening. “What can I say? I miss you.”
You rolled your eyes, but this time, you didn’t try to hide your smile.
Jake leaned closer to the camera, as if trying to get a better look at you through the screen. “What about you?”
“What about me?” you said, playing dumb even though your heart was already speeding up.
He tilted his head, voice soft. “You still miss me yet?”
You let a pause hang in the air for just a second longer than necessary before you whispered, “Maybe.”
Jake let out a low laugh, running a hand through his messy hair. “That’s all I get? A maybe?”
You bit your lip, trying to look annoyed, but the truth was written all over your face. You missed him more than you wanted to admit, and saying it out loud felt like giving up the last bit of control you had left.
But still, you added, “Three more days.”
Jake’s gaze softened. “Yeah… three more days, and I’m yours again.”
You looked at him, really looked at him—sleepy, sincere, and a little too perfect for his own good.
And in that moment, it hit you:
Maybe this was real after all.
And maybe… you were finally letting yourself believe it.
There was a soft knock on your door—three gentle taps, familiar and unhurried.
You peeled yourself off your bed, phone still warm in your hand from just hanging up with Jake. Padding over in your hoodie and socks, you opened the door.
Yuna stood there, arms crossed, an all-too-knowing smirk already forming on her face. “You’ve been on the phone every night,” she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invite. “I swear, I can hear you giggling through the wall.”
You flushed immediately. “I do not giggle.”
“Sure,” she said, plopping down dramatically onto your bed. “Just like how you’re totally not falling for him again.”
You shut the door behind her with a sigh, leaning your back against it. “He’s… different now. I don’t know, Yuna. I can’t explain it.”
Yuna looked at you for a long second, all the teasing melting into something more sincere.
“I believe he’s actually trying,” she said softly. “I do. I’ve been watching. He’s not flirting with every girl in sight. He hasn’t pulled one of his stupid ‘fuck boy’ games since the party. He’s… quieter. Focused. On you.”
You bit your lip, walking over to sit next to her on the edge of the bed.
“But I’m still pissed,” she added, voice firmer now. “What he did to you? The bet? The way he played it at first—that wasn’t okay. And I hate that you got caught up in it.”
“I know,” you said, eyes on your lap. “I hate it too. But it’s not like I didn’t see it coming. I just… didn’t expect him to change.”
Yuna was quiet for a second, then nudged your arm with hers. “You don’t have to forgive him all the way. Not yet. But you’re allowed to feel what you feel, okay? Even if it’s messy.”
You looked at her—your best friend, the one who always had your back even when you were being stubborn—and nodded.
“Thanks for not saying I told you so.”
“Oh, I totally told you so,” Yuna said with a smirk. “But I’m saying it with love.”
You laughed, and for the first time in a while, it felt real.
Later that night, after Yuna had left with a dramatic “Don’t stay up all night whispering sweet nothings,” you were back in bed, your thoughts buzzing.
You stared at your phone, thumb hovering over Jake’s name. It felt different now—not like you had to call him, but like… maybe you wanted to.
So you did.
The screen lit up, and after just one ring, his face appeared—eyes half-lidded, hoodie hood pulled halfway over his messy hair.
“Hey,” he said, voice all gravel and sleep. “Missed me already?”
You snorted, shifting under your blanket. “It’s only been a few hours.”
Jake smiled lazily. “Still counts.”
You studied him quietly for a moment—how tired he looked, how soft he sounded when he was with you. And for a second, it almost felt easy. Natural. As if things had always been like this between you.
“Yuna and I talked,” you said.
Jake blinked more awake. “Yeah? What’d she say?”
You shrugged. “She still doesn’t like what you did. But… she believes you’re trying.”
Jake leaned back against his pillows, hand dragging down his face. “I deserve that. I don’t expect anyone to forgive me right away.”
There was a pause. His eyes flicked back to the screen. “But you talked to her about me.”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “Don’t get cocky.”
“I’m not,” he said, grinning. “Just… glad.”
You rested your cheek on your pillow, watching him through the screen. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when you come back.”
“I do,” he said. “I’m gonna see you. And I’m gonna keep proving it—every day. No games. Just me.”
Your heart did that thing again—that annoying, traitorous flutter—but you didn’t stop it this time.
“Three days,” you whispered.
Jake smiled so softly it nearly knocked the air out of your lungs. “Yeah. Three days.”
And even with all the scars and hesitation…
You couldn’t help but feel a little bit like you were finally getting your heart back.
Two more days.
That’s what you’d told yourself all morning.
Just two more days and he’d be back. Two more days and you’d see him—really see him—not just on a screen.
But that night, something felt off.
Jake hadn’t called.
Not even a text.
Not a “good morning” or a sleepy voice note. Nothing.
You tried to brush it off at first.
He’s probably tired. Maybe busy with his family.
But the longer you stared at your phone, the more uneasy you felt.
You sent a message. Then another.
And when the little “Delivered” didn’t change to “Read”… you panicked.
You tried calling. Once. Twice. Then five more times.
Your fingers moved on their own—FaceTime.
The screen rang for what felt like forever before finally—
Click.
His face appeared, flushed and damp, water still running faintly in the background. Steam curled around the edges of the screen, and his wet hair was slicked back. He was clearly still in the shower, the camera only catching his bare shoulders and face, but—
“Y/N?” Jake asked, breathless. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Your words came out rushed. “What’s wrong with you? Why weren’t you answering? I thought— I don’t know. I thought something happened—”
Jake blinked fast, clearly still trying to process. “Shit, I’m sorry. I was in the shower. I left my phone on the counter but it wouldn’t stop buzzing—I thought someone died.”
You breathed out a shaky laugh, rubbing your eyes. “You scared me.”
He frowned, guilt all over his face. “I didn’t mean to. I swear, I just— I was in the middle of shampooing and suddenly it’s like twelve missed calls—”
“I thought something happened to you,” you admitted quietly, voice softer now.
Jake’s brows knit together. He adjusted the phone slightly—still just his face and shoulders on screen—and his voice dipped low. “Hey… I’m okay. I promise. You’re not overthinking, alright? I should’ve texted you first. That’s on me.”
You nodded, but your heart was still racing.
He gave a crooked smile. “For what it’s worth… I’m kinda glad you spammed me.”
“Why?”
“Means you care,” he said simply. “That’s all I ever wanted.”
You looked at him, steam rising around his face, eyes tired but warm.
“Next time,” you muttered, “at least answer before I have a meltdown.”
Jake chuckled. “Deal.”
And even though the call wasn’t long…
And even though he was still in Australia, two days away—
You went to bed that night with your heart just a little more at ease.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through your blinds as you sat cross-legged on your bed, phone propped up in front of you. Jake’s sleepy face filled the screen—his hair a little messy, eyes soft and hooded from just waking up. It was night over there, but he still looked wide awake for one reason only.
You.
“Okay,” you said, holding up two options. “Sweater or hoodie?”
Jake squinted, rubbing at his eye. “Wait, wait, go back to the blue one. The knit one.”
You held it up again, amused. “This?”
“Yeah,” he said, already smiling. “That. With the jean shorts. You’ll look so good, I swear.”
You gave him a look. “You didn’t even see it on.”
“Babe,” he said, voice low and teasing, “I already know. Trust me.”
You rolled your eyes but tugged the sweater on anyway. It was cozy, a little oversized, sleeves dropping slightly past your wrists. Paired with your denim shorts and a quick glance in the mirror—you had to admit, he was right.
You turned back toward the screen to find Jake watching you with this quiet, lopsided grin on his face.
“What?” you asked, reaching for your mascara.
“Nothing,” he said. “Just… you’re really pretty.”
Your hand paused mid-air. “Shut up.”
“I’m serious,” he said, his voice softer now. “Like, stupid pretty.”
You bit back a smile and kept doing your makeup, feeling his gaze linger. He didn’t say anything for a bit, just watched you brush and blend and put on lip balm.
“I don’t care how jet-lagged I am tomorrow,” he said suddenly. “I’m staying up all night with you.”
You glanced at the screen.
He looked dead serious, head resting on his pillow but eyes locked on you.
“I’m gonna hug you so tight,” he said. “Like, refuse to let go tight. And kiss you until you tell me to stop.”
You pretended to be unbothered, but your smile gave you away.
He laughed gently. “That a yes?”
You shook your head, cheeks warm. “We’ll see.”
Jake yawned and nestled deeper into his sheets. “One more day…”
“One more,” you echoed, slipping on your shoes.
And as you grabbed your bag and headed out the door, you couldn’t help but feel the smallest flicker of excitement under your skin.
Just one more.
That whole day felt… weird. Good weird. Butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of weird.
Everything you did—walking through the halls, sitting through class, zoning out during lunch—had one repeating thought in the back of your mind: Jake’s coming back today.
You weren’t texting him much. Just a few updates here and there.
He sent you a photo of the plane window, captioned: Next stop: you.
And that alone had you stuffing your phone into your locker before you completely melted in front of everyone.
By the time school ended, your legs were bouncing nonstop on the bus ride home. You told yourself you were being chill. Normal. Totally not overthinking the fact that Jake Sim, the boy who once treated girls like trophies, who once made you a bet, was now someone you were waiting for.
And maybe even falling for.
You got home, changed into something a little more comfortable, and threw yourself on your bed—phone clutched in your hand like it was your lifeline.
Then, a text buzzed through:
@simjyn: Landed. Be at yours in 20. Don’t freak out.
Your heart immediately started freaking out.
You sat up fast, checked your reflection in the mirror, and tried to tell yourself it wasn’t that deep.
But it was.
Because this wasn’t just any visit.
This was the first time you were going to see him since everything—
Since the bet, the heartbreak, the slow rebuild.
Since the quiet confessions and late night calls and the I miss yous.
This was real.
And you were about to find out just how real it truly felt… when he was standing right in front of you.
The next twenty minutes felt like an eternity. You paced around your room, picking up and putting down random things—your phone, your makeup bag, your shoes—anything to distract yourself from the nervous energy building in your chest.
You had to keep reminding yourself to breathe. It’s just Jake. It’s just Jake.
But it wasn’t just Jake, was it?
It was the Jake. The one you’d spent weeks on edge about. The one who’d broken your heart and then somehow, miraculously, started piecing it back together. The one who told you things that made your stomach twist in ways you didn’t want to admit.
The doorbell rang, sharp and sudden, making your heart jump into your throat.
You took a steadying breath and headed for the door, barely holding it together. When you opened it, Jake was standing there, grinning like he owned the world. His hair was a little messy, his eyes bright, and there was a certain softness to him that you hadn’t expected.
“Hey,” he said, voice low, a little hoarse from the travel. “Miss me?”
You just stared at him for a beat before a small laugh escaped your lips. “Are you really gonna ask that after everything?”
Jake stepped inside, closing the door behind him as he swept you into a hug. The warmth of his body was instant—familiar, comforting—and for the first time in days, you felt like maybe this was right. Like maybe it wasn’t a mistake to want him around.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quiet now, like he was finally ready to admit it. “I know I messed up, but I really meant it when I said I wanted to try. I’m here for you. I want this… with you.”
You pulled back slightly to look him in the eye, your heart still racing from the flood of emotions crashing over you.
“You’re not just saying that because you’re back now?” you asked, unsure if you were ready to hear the answer.
Jake’s hand cupped your cheek gently, his thumb brushing over your skin as if he was trying to memorize the feeling of you. “No. It’s not just because I’m here. I was never going to get off the plane without making things right. I wanted to be here. For you. For us.”
You couldn’t say anything, couldn’t form the words you needed to say. Instead, you stood there, eyes locked on his, and let the silence speak for you.
Finally, Jake leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours. “So, how about we just… try again? No games, no past stuff. Just us.”
You took in a shaky breath, then nodded.
“Okay,” you whispered.
Jake smiled, that familiar cocky grin back on his face, but there was something new in his eyes—something deeper. “Good,” he murmured before gently leaning in to kiss you.
It was soft, tentative at first, like he was waiting for permission. You let him, sinking into the kiss, and for that brief moment, it felt like all the tension and uncertainty of the past few weeks just melted away.
When he pulled back, he grinned again. “Tomorrow, I’m not jet-lagged. We’re going out. I’m taking you on a real date.”
You laughed softly, still in a daze from his kiss. “What’s a ‘real date’ to you?”
“Dinner, movie, some late-night snacks, maybe another kiss or two…” Jake shrugged. “The usual, but with less games.”
You smiled, the butterflies in your stomach fluttering in response. “I think I could get used to this.”
Jake just chuckled and pulled you close again, arms wrapping around you like he wasn’t planning on letting go anytime soon.
For the first time in what felt like forever, you allowed yourself to relax into him, knowing that whatever came next, you were finally ready to let things unfold.
Jake stood by the door, his hands casually in his pockets, looking around your room like he was trying to make himself comfortable. His eyes settled on you, and there was that same soft look he always had when he wasn’t being cocky or teasing.
“So, uh…” he started, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly a little unsure for the first time tonight. “Is Yuna here?”
You blinked, glancing toward the empty bed across the room. Yuna was out with her boyfriend, which left you alone in the apartment for the night. You’d assumed it would just be the two of you hanging out, but the way Jake asked made your heart skip a beat.
“Uh, no, she’s out with her boyfriend for the night,” you replied, biting your lip. “Why?”
Jake looked almost shy for a second, before shrugging. “Well, I was thinking… maybe I could stay here tonight?” His voice was hesitant, and for a moment, you weren’t sure if he was asking because he really wanted to, or if it was just the most natural thing for him to do. But when his eyes met yours, there was a sincerity there that made your stomach flutter.
You froze, a nervous little laugh escaping your lips. Stay the night?
You’d never had a guy stay over, especially not someone like Jake—someone who had once seemed like the kind of guy who’d never do anything that serious with someone. The idea of him being so close to you all night, even after everything, made your heart race. You couldn’t lie—it made you feel… nervous.
“Uh… yeah. Sure,” you said quietly, looking down at your feet, suddenly feeling shy.
Jake smiled, a bit relieved. “You sure? I don’t wanna make it awkward or anything, I just… I’ve missed being with you.”
Your heart melted at his words, but the nerves were still there, fluttering in your chest. “It’s not awkward,” you replied, glancing up at him. “I just… haven’t really had anyone stay over before. It’s… different.”
Jake stepped closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming in the best way. He reached for your hand and gently tugged you towards him, his smile soft and comforting. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, okay? I just wanna spend time with you. Just you and me.”
Your heart skipped a beat at his words. “Okay…” you whispered, not sure what to expect, but feeling strangely calm in his arms.
Jake’s lips pressed softly to your forehead, his hand still holding yours as he led you to the bed. “Then, how about we just watch a movie? You pick.”
You nodded, still feeling that little wave of nervousness, but somehow comforted by the way Jake treated you. This wasn’t a game anymore, and maybe it wasn’t the big leap you’d both once imagined. But it was a step, and that was enough.
As Jake settled next to you on the bed, you grabbed your remote and flipped through the options. He leaned against the headboard, pulling you closer, as you snuggled into his side, your heart beating just a little faster than normal.
You weren’t sure what the future held, but right now, in this quiet moment with Jake, you were willing to let the night unfold however it came.
And, even if you were nervous, you didn’t mind that he was here. With you.
The bed felt a little too big for just the two of you at first. You were trying to settle in, but your nerves kept making it awkward. You told yourself it would be fine, but the reality of him being here—so close, sharing this space with you—was a little more overwhelming than you expected.
Jake, on the other hand, was perfectly at ease. He’d clearly been in similar situations before, and the way he moved around the bed, adjusting the pillows, grabbing the blanket to throw over both of you, was effortless. He wasn’t even trying to be cautious. To him, it was just another night, another moment to relax.
You, on the other hand, lay stiff beside him, your back to him as you tried to make yourself comfortable without being too aware of his presence.
Then, you heard him yawn. “So… not bad, huh?” he said casually, turning on his side to face you, his gaze sharp and mischievous. “I mean, I know you’re probably not used to me being here, but don’t worry. I’m a great bedmate.”
You snorted, rolling your eyes even though you couldn’t hide a small smile. “Yeah, sure. No more moving around, okay? I’m trying to sleep.”
Jake grinned, clearly not even the slightest bit tired. “It’s only like 6 AM for me, babe. It’s morning in Australia, so I’m wide awake.” He paused for a second before adding, “And don’t worry. I’m not that bad. I’ll let you sleep.”
But he didn’t.
The next few minutes were a blur of shifting blankets and restless movements. Every time you thought you might finally fall asleep, Jake would adjust, making sure you felt every inch of his presence next to you. It was like he was a human radiator.
He kept moving, lightly bumping into you, his arm brushing against yours as he stretched and shifted again. You groaned, turning onto your back, trying to get some space. But Jake had other plans.
“C’mon, you can’t be mad at me forever,” he murmured, his fingers trailing over your cheek as he pinched it, all while giving you that infuriatingly sweet smile.
“Jake, I’m trying to sleep,” you snapped, your voice more irritated than you meant it to be.
“I know. You’re cute when you’re grumpy.” He grinned and leaned in to pinch your other cheek. “You’re like a little puppy when you’re all sleepy and mad.”
You huffed, swatting his hand away, but Jake only laughed softly, ignoring your protests. He pulled you in closer, wrapping his arms around you tightly, so there was no escape.
“What are you doing?” you muttered, fighting the urge to squirm out of his grip.
“I’m cuddling you. Isn’t that what you do when you’re sleeping next to someone? Come on, you can’t be mad at me. It’s cute when you’re mad.” Jake’s tone was teasing, almost too playful for how much he was invading your personal space.
You gritted your teeth, pushing at his chest weakly, but the more you tried to get away, the more he pulled you in. Eventually, you just gave up, sighing in frustration, the warmth of his embrace making you feel a little too comfortable despite your annoyance.
“Seriously, Jake, I’m not in the mood for this,” you muttered, trying to wiggle free.
But instead of letting go, Jake’s hand rested on the top of your head, gently stroking your hair, as if trying to soothe you. “Shhh. Just relax, okay? You’ve had a rough couple of days. Let me take care of you.”
His words were soft and gentle, but the way he was treating you, so carefree and natural, made everything feel more intense.
You felt your face flush. God, why was he so affectionate?
Your body was tense, but Jake didn’t seem to care. He continued his little “babying” routine, pinching your cheeks again, running his hand down your arm. “You really are cute when you’re trying to act tough.”
You shoved his hand away again. “Stop!” you groaned, your face burning now, both from being flustered and from how absolutely done you were with his teasing. But even as you spoke, you couldn’t help but feel your frustration shift into something else. The warmth of his closeness, the way he kept trying to make you laugh—despite how embarrassed you were—it was impossible to ignore the fact that a part of you was starting to soften.
Jake seemed to sense that too, because his smile softened, and for a brief second, he pulled back just enough to look at you seriously. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop… for now,” he said, but there was a playful glint in his eyes that told you he was far from done.
“Good,” you muttered, turning to face the other side of the bed.
Jake’s voice suddenly broke through the quiet, whining as he flopped onto his back. “I’m bored!” he groaned dramatically, his arms thrown wide as he stared up at the ceiling. “This is so lame. Can we do something fun?”
The frustration that had been simmering inside you all night bubbled over. You were already feeling irritable from his constant moving around and messing with you, and now this? You turned on your side, facing him, opening your mouth to let him have it.
“What do you mean, bored? You’re the one who—”
Before you could even finish your sentence, Jake was already leaning in, his lips pressing urgently against yours, silencing whatever you were about to say. His kiss was sudden and intense, catching you completely off guard. The feeling of his lips on yours made everything in you freeze. You were mad, frustrated, confused—and yet your body couldn’t help but respond to him.
You pulled away, heart pounding, cheeks flushed. “What the hell, Jake?” you gasped, feeling a little more than just flustered.
Jake smirked, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “Shh,” he murmured, his voice low and playful. “You were about to yell at me, weren’t you? I just had to shut you up for a second.”
Before you could even process what was happening, he kissed you again. This time, it was slower, deeper, and when he pulled away, your lips felt tingling, your mind a little hazy.
But Jake wasn’t done. His hands slid to your waist, and in one fluid movement, he was over you, his body hovering above yours. His eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your heart race, and his breath was coming out in soft pants.
“Jake, wait, we can’t—” you tried to protest, but your voice faltered as his lips moved down to your neck, his body pressing closer to yours.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” he murmured, his voice thick with something you couldn’t quite place. He kissed you again, more passionately this time, as his hands moved to pull you even closer. Every touch, every kiss, only seemed to stir something deeper in you.
And even though you were still mad, flustered, and unsure, you couldn’t deny how badly your body responded to his closeness. The kiss deepened, the air between you thick with tension and the weight of everything unsaid.
It was like you couldn’t breathe without him, even as your mind screamed at you to pull away, to think clearly. But all you could focus on were his lips, his hands, and the way his body made yours burn with the kind of heat you hadn’t expected.
And in that moment, everything else just seemed to fade away.
You pulled away from Jake just enough to catch your breath, your chest rising and falling rapidly. The heat between you was still lingering, and your heart was hammering in your chest.
“Jake,” you whispered, your voice shaky. “Don’t… don’t leave any marks.”
Jake paused, looking down at you with a mischievous grin. “What, are you worried someone’s gonna see? You know, it’ll just be our little secret.”
You felt the tension rise in your chest. “Jake, seriously. No marks.”
But he only smirked, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “Too late,” he said softly, pressing his lips to your neck again. His kiss was soft at first, but there was a quiet intensity behind it, his lips leaving a trail of heat.
You gasped, a shiver running down your spine. “Jake…” you protested weakly, but his lips were already moving with more confidence, his hands gently pulling your body even closer to his.
“Shh,” he murmured between kisses, his breath warm against your skin. “You’re just too irresistible, you know that?”
You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to focus, but the way his mouth was slowly marking the sensitive skin of your neck made it hard to think. He didn’t seem to care about your protests, and in a way, you didn’t want him to. The moment was too intense for you to pull back now.
“Jake, I said no marks,” you breathed, but your voice wavered as his lips pressed harder against the skin of your neck.
But Jake’s grin never wavered as he kissed you once more. “I’ll be gentle,” he whispered teasingly. “But you know you like it.”
And before you could say anything else, he placed another kiss on your skin, and this time, it was more than just a light touch—it was deeper, more possessive.
You couldn’t help but groan, your body reacting in ways you hadn’t expected, and all of your careful reservations melted away beneath him.
Jake pulled away for a moment, his eyes dark with something you couldn’t quite place. He gave you a slow, almost predatory grin before sitting up slightly. Without saying a word, he pulled his shirt off over his head, tossing it carelessly to the side.
Your breat caught in your throat as your eyes involuntarily roamed over his toned chest. It wasn’t like you hadn’t seen him shirtless before, but now… this felt different. The way his body moved, the way he stared down at you with that same confident smirk—something about it was making your pulse quicken.
He watched you carefully, gauging your reaction. “You okay?” he asked, voice low, teasing.
You swallowed hard, trying to collect your thoughts, but they were all scrambled. “I—yeah,” you muttered, not entirely sure if you believed it yourself. You wanted to look away, to regain some control over the situation, but your eyes kept drifting back to his chest, his body in a way you couldn’t quite pull yourself away from.
“Good,” Jake murmured, leaning back down toward you, his body pressing against yours once more. “Because I’m not done yet.”
You barely had time to process his words before his lips were on yours again, pulling you into another kiss that made it harder to think about anything else. The way his bare skin felt against yours, the warmth of his body, everything seemed to blur into a haze of desire and confusion.
Despite all the hesitation still lingering inside you, your body reacted instinctively, leaning into the kiss and feeling that undeniable pull toward him. And for a moment, everything else—your worries, your reservations, your doubts—faded into the background.
Jake’s kiss deepened, the intensity of it making your pulse race, and you could feel every inch of him pressed against you. Your heart pounded in your chest, and despite your earlier protests, you couldn’t stop yourself from responding. He was so close now, his body hovering above yours, the heat from his skin making you feel both excited and nervous.
His hands gently moved to your sides, his fingertips grazing the skin just beneath your shirt, sending a wave of electricity through your body. You wanted to pull back, to stop it before it went any further, but every part of you—every instinct—wanted to stay.
“You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for,” Jake murmured against your lips, as if sensing your hesitation. His voice was quieter now, softer, and you could feel the tenderness beneath the teasing tone.
You closed your eyes, trying to steady your breath. “I know,” you whispered back, your voice trembling slightly. But the tension was still there, between you both, thick and palpable.
Jake shifted slightly, lifting himself up just enough to look down at you. His hands gently cupped your face, his thumb brushing along your cheekbone. “I don’t want to rush you,” he said seriously, his eyes searching yours for some kind of reassurance. “But if you’re still unsure about anything… just say the word, and we’ll stop.”
For a brief moment, you felt the weight of your emotions, the confusion swirling inside you. You wanted to trust him. Part of you did. But then the doubt crept in—how much of this was him really caring about you? And how much was just him playing his usual game?
You tried to push those thoughts away, your hand reaching up to gently rest on his chest. “I’m just… trying to figure things out,” you confessed, your voice quiet but honest.
Jake gave you a small smile, his thumb now gently rubbing over your skin. “I get it. And I’m here, okay? Whatever you need.”
And for the first time in a long while, you felt like maybe, just maybe, there was a chance things could be different between you two. The trust you had been struggling to build was fragile, but it was there. And despite everything—despite how complicated things had gotten—you couldn’t ignore the warmth that spread through you when you were with him.
“Thanks,” you said softly, looking up at him. “I’m still figuring it out, but… I don’t want to let you go.”
Jake’s smile widened, his eyes softening as he leaned down to kiss you again, slower this time, as if trying to communicate everything he hadn’t said with his actions. It wasn’t perfect, and you weren’t sure where things were headed, but for once, you let yourself believe that maybe this could be something worth fighting for.
The air was heavy with the quiet aftermath, both of you lying side by side in the tangled sheets, the room still filled with the lingering warmth of the moment. You didn’t speak at first, unsure of how to break the silence. Your heart was still racing, the intensity of everything that had happened swirling in your mind, and a part of you felt vulnerable, exposed.
Jake lay on his back, one arm draped across his chest as he stared up at the ceiling, his chest rising and falling in slow, steady breaths. He seemed calm, but you could see the subtle shift in the way he was holding himself, like there was more going on behind his relaxed exterior than he was letting on.
You turned your head to look at him, your heart still pounding in your chest. “Jake…” your voice was quiet, almost hesitant, like you weren’t sure what you needed to say. You wanted to ask so many things, to know where you both stood now, but the words seemed stuck.
Jake turned his head to face you, his eyes meeting yours with a softness that you hadn’t seen before. He smiled, though it was more subdued than his usual cocky grin. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low and gentle, as if he was giving you space to process everything.
You nodded slowly, unsure of how to explain what you were feeling. “I think so,” you whispered, but the words still felt hollow, as if you didn’t fully believe them yourself.
Jake reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face, his touch surprisingly tender. “You don’t have to say anything if you’re not ready,” he murmured, his thumb lightly grazing your cheek. “But I’m here. And I meant what I said. I don’t want to rush you into anything.”
You looked up at him, feeling the warmth of his words sink in, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you felt a little more grounded. Maybe you didn’t have all the answers, and maybe this wasn’t perfect, but you weren’t as afraid anymore.
“Thanks,” you said softly, your voice barely a whisper.
Jake’s smile grew, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “You don’t have to thank me. I just want you to be happy,” he murmured.
For a moment, everything was still, the only sound the faint hum of the night outside. It was messy, and maybe you weren’t ready to give everything over just yet, but you knew one thing—things with Jake were no longer the same. Whether that was a good or bad thing, you weren’t entirely sure, but for now, it felt real.
And for the first time in a long while, you let yourself believe that maybe that was enough.
The peaceful silence that had settled between you and Jake was abruptly shattered by the sound of a door creaking open, followed by the unmistakable click of a lock being turned. You both froze, panic and confusion flashing across your faces.
The door swung open, and to your horror, Yuna and her boyfriend, Mark, stood in the doorway, eyes wide with shock. Yuna’s face was a mix of disbelief and surprise, while Mark’s expression was one of utter confusion.
“What the hell?” Yuna’s voice was sharp, but still laced with the shock of what she was seeing. “It’s three in the morning, why the hell are you two—?”
You scrambled to sit up, suddenly feeling exposed in a way you never thought possible. Jake, always cool and collected, sat up quickly too, his face just as surprised. He looked at you, then back at Yuna and Mark, clearly trying to gauge the situation.
“Yuna,” you stammered, your voice betraying the chaos that was suddenly consuming you. “I… um, it’s not what you think.”
Mark looked between the two of you, eyebrows raised. “Y/n and Jake…such a weird combo. What’s going on?”
Yuna stood frozen for a moment, then slowly closed the door behind her, her eyes never leaving you. “This is… Wow,” she muttered under her breath. “We should’ve knocked.”
“Yuna, it’s… it’s not like that,” you said, your words coming out rushed, a little too desperate for comfort.
Jake was the first to break the tension, his usual cocky grin slipping back onto his face. “No, actually, it’s exactly like that,” he said with a shrug, leaning back against the headboard, his tone casual as though it didn’t faze him in the slightest. “But, uh, a little privacy wouldn’t hurt next time, right?”
Yuna’s gaze flickered between the two of you, her face still unreadable, but Mark’s expression turned more thoughtful. “Alright, well, we can talk about this later,” he said, stepping back toward the door. “But seriously, next time, maybe lock it, yeah?”
Before either of you could respond, they turned and walked out, leaving you alone in the room again. The door clicked shut behind them, but the silence felt deafening now, far more overwhelming than before.
You let out a breath, your heart still racing. This wasn’t how you imagined the night going, but then again, nothing about this situation had been how you expected.
Jake leaned over, a playful smirk on his lips. “Well, that was a nice surprise, huh?”
You shot him a look, still feeling a little dazed. “I think I just want to sleep now,” you muttered, pulling the covers up around you, your face flushed with embarrassment.
Jake just chuckled, his hand resting on your arm. “I don’t blame you,” he said softly. “We’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
But even as you tried to settle back into the quiet, the strange events of the evening felt like a reminder of how everything between you had shifted. Whether it was for better or worse, you didn’t know yet. But one thing was for sure: it wasn’t over.
enha campus series
