22

JINA – POV

"Let's share this."

He said it so casually, but it sent my heart racing. I nodded quickly and sat beside him again, trying to calm myself down. I kept telling myself not to overthink everything he said.

"Do you want to play arcade games?" I asked, hoping to keep the mood light.

"I don't want to play with you," he replied flatly, getting up.

I hurried ahead of him, blocking his path with a grin as I crossed my arms.

"You're just scared of losing, Shim Jake."

He looked at me, surprised. "No, I'm not."

"Then prove it."

Without another word, he slung his arm around my shoulders and dragged me toward the arcade.

—

"You're going to lose," I laughed as he missed another shot.

He was trying hard to throw the balls into the hoop, but his aim was terrible. He moved too fast and kept missing.

"Han Jina, you better run after this," he muttered, frustrated.

I laughed harder and stuck my tongue out. "You owe me ice cream if you lose."

I reached out to tickle him under his ear, then poked at his side. He laughed despite himself, struggling to focus.

"Han Jina! That's cheating!"

He dropped the ball and tried to chase me, but I was already running.

"You need to treat me to ice cream!" I called back, laughing.

But then I stopped.

My smile disappeared the moment I saw them.

Heeseung and Namjin.

They were walking through the hallway, side by side. Laughing. Talking like close friends.

I froze. My breath caught in my throat.

Jake caught up to me, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

Then he followed my gaze.

Heeseung and Namjin stopped walking when they saw us. Heeseung's face changed immediately.

Namjin's eyes darted away, uncomfortable.

Heeseung took a step toward me. "Han Jina, I'm glad to see you."

I stepped back, tears already burning in my eyes.

Jake moved in closer and placed an arm around my shoulders. Heeseung stopped.

"What is this?" I whispered. "Am I dreaming?"

I looked at Namjin. She couldn't meet my eyes.

"Namjin, why are you with him?"

She didn't respond. She just turned and walked away.

—

I ran after her, grabbing her arm.

"Gu Namjin, stop!"

She turned around. Her face was cold.

"Why are you avoiding me? I've texted you. I've called you so many times. I was worried."

I reached out to hug her, but she pushed me away.

"Then stop calling. Stop texting. Just leave me alone. Let me be with Heeseung."

Her voice was shaking with anger.

"I've dreamed of this for so long, and now you show up again? You always ruin everything!"

I stared at her, stunned. "Do you like Heeseung?"

She laughed bitterly.

"Of course I do. That's why I stayed close to you. Because of him."

My chest tightened.

"You used me?" I asked, my voice cracking.

"Yes. I wanted to be close to him. But no matter what I did, he only ever looked at you."

"He kept asking about you about your favorite food, your favorite color, everything. It made me feel like I didn't matter. Like I was invisible."

Her eyes welled up, but she quickly wiped them.

"I finally had the courage to ask him out today. But of course, you showed up again."

She pushed me. I stumbled and hit the ground.

"I hate you, Han Jina."

I looked up at her, still shaking.

"You can have him if that's what you want. I just don't want to lose you. You were my best friend."

She stared at me for a moment.

"Best friend?" she repeated quietly. Then she turned.

"I was only ever using you."

She walked away.

And I was left alone, crying on the floor.

—

JAKE – POV

I stood across from Heeseung, my expression hard.

"Why are you chasing my wife when you already have someone else?"

He looked at me without hesitation.

"I don't have a girlfriend. But if I had to choose someone to be with, it would be Han Jina. I love her."

I clenched my jaw, but he kept going.

"I know she feels the same. Maybe she's afraid to admit it... but I know."

"She's my wife," I said sharply.

He nodded. "And I'm not giving up. There's something off about this marriage. I'll find out what it is."

My fists tightened, but I didn't say a word.

Because deep down... I knew he wasn't wrong.