13

After Jake disappeared into the living room, I forced myself to stand up.

I had no choice. I had to finish dinner.

It was my fault. I shouldn't have grabbed the pan like that. I knew better.

But even as I washed the burn under cool water, I couldn't stop the tears. The pain in my hand wasn't as sharp as the sting in my chest.

His words from earlier played over and over in my head, echoing like something I couldn't escape.

He never missed a chance to hurt me.

It was always the same cold, cutting words that made me feel smaller than I already did.

Like I didn't matter. Like I wasn't even worth kindness.

I wiped at my tears with the sleeve of my shirt.

I missed Namjin.

I missed Heeseung.

They were the only two people who made me feel like I was still human. Like I still mattered.

They were the reason I kept going, the ones who lifted me up when everything else tried to drag me down.

I missed Heeseung most of all.

I loved him.

And in this moment, I wanted nothing more than to see him again.

⸻

9:00 PM

"Are you done cooking?" Jake asked, suddenly appearing in the kitchen.

He leaned lazily against the wall, shirtless, arms crossed, his eyes watching me like I was a show to entertain him.

"I'll serve it soon," I replied quietly, keeping my eyes on the food. I didn't want to look at him. Not like this.

He stepped closer.

"Planning to serve dinner to my friends while dressed like that?" he asked, glancing at my simple clothes with a mocking smile.

I turned my head slightly. "You should probably put a shirt on first."

He laughed and closed the space between us. I felt his presence before I saw him, and when I turned, he had already pinned me gently against the wall, smirking.

I froze.

His face was close. Too close.

"You like this, don't you?"

he said, tapping his finger against his stomach like it was something I was supposed to admire.

I didn't answer.

I couldn't.

He was playing a game I didn't want to be part of. And just as I found the strength to move, a voice echoed from the hallway.

"Han Jina! What are you doing to my boyfriend?!"

Serin.

Before I could even step away, she stormed into the kitchen. I pushed Jake aside and backed away, but it was too late, her hand flew fast and sharp across my cheek.

A loud slap cracked through the room.

Jake flinched but said nothing. He didn't laugh, but I saw the amusement in his eyes before he quickly looked away.

"That was for flirting with my boyfriend," Serin hissed.

Then she raised her hand again. "And this one—"

Another slap. Harder.

"For the sauce."

She gave me a cruel smirk before lacing her fingers through Jake's and pulling him away with her like nothing had happened.

I stood alone in the kitchen, the side of my face throbbing, my heart heavier than ever.