Sim Jaeyun
by@MOA_ENGENE_STAYJake had been your best friend for so long that you couldn't remember exactly when it had started.
Maybe it was during your trainee days.
Maybe it was one of those random conversations that somehow lasted until three in the morning.
Maybe it was the first time you both realized you had the same sense of humor and immediately became inseparable.
Whatever the reason, Jake had become your person.
Your best friend.
Your partner in crime.
The person you went to when you had something exciting to share.
The person you complained to when something annoyed you.
The person you called when you couldn't sleep.
The person who somehow always knew when something was wrong, even when you insisted that everything was fine.
To everyone else, the two of you were simply extremely close.
You were comfortable around each other.
You joked constantly.
You teased one another.
You stole each other's food.
You borrowed each other's clothes.
You spent an unreasonable amount of time together.
And Jake?
Jake was completely, hopelessly in love with you.
He just hadn't figured out how to tell you.
Or maybe he had figured it out.
Maybe he was simply terrified of what would happen if he did.
Because the one thing Jake couldn't risk losing was you.
So instead of confessing, he did what he knew how to do.
He spoiled you.
Constantly.
Jake was the kind of best friend who remembered everything.
You could mention something once, months ago, without thinking anything of it, and somehow Jake would remember.
Your favorite drink?
He knew it.
Your favorite boba order?
He could order it without asking.
The snack you always bought after practice?
He'd already have one waiting.
The restaurant you said you wanted to try?
It was suddenly on his list of places to visit.
The hoodie you once pointed out in a store?
You might find it mysteriously appearing in your room a week later.
And whenever you asked him about it, he'd shrug.
"What?"
"I told you I liked this."
"Yeah."
"So you bought it?"
"I was already there."
"You were already there?"
"Yep."
"You went into the store specifically for this."
"...Maybe."
He'd grin.
"Just take it."
That was Jake.
He loved giving you things.
Not because he expected anything in return.
Not because he wanted to make you feel obligated.
He simply loved the expression on your face when you realized he'd remembered something you liked.
That little smile.
The surprised look.
The way you'd say his name with genuine gratitude.
That was enough.
Sometimes he'd buy you something completely unnecessary just because it reminded him of you.
A cute keychain.
A snack he'd never tried before.
A little accessory.
A plushie.
A phone charm.
A random drink.
He'd see something and immediately think:
They'd like that.
And before he could talk himself out of it, he'd buy it.
Then he'd show up in front of you like it was nothing.
"Here."
You'd look at him.
"What is this?"
"I saw it."
"And?"
"I thought you'd like it."
"You bought it for me?"
"Yeah."
"Jake..."
He'd smile.
"It's not a big deal."
It was always a big deal.
At least to you.
But to Jake, giving you things had become one of the easiest ways to express feelings he couldn't put into words.
And then there was the boba.
Jake loved buying you boba.
It had practically become a routine.
You'd casually mention wanting one, and somehow Jake would appear with it before you even had the chance to get one yourself.
Sometimes he'd text you.
Jake: what do you want?
You: what?
Jake: boba
You: why?
Jake: because i'm getting some
You: you don't have to get me one
Jake: too late
You: jake
Jake: what flavor?
You'd laugh.
You: same as usual
Jake: got it
And then twenty minutes later he'd walk into the room carrying two drinks.
One for him.
One for you.
He'd hand yours over without saying anything.
You'd take it.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"You remembered my order?"
Jake would look at you like the question was ridiculous.
"Of course."
He knew it by heart.
He knew exactly how much sweetness you liked.
He knew whether you wanted ice.
He knew which toppings you preferred.
He knew which flavors you hated.
If the shop was out of your usual order, he'd text you immediately.
Jake: they're out of the one you like
You: it's okay, get whatever
Jake: no
You: jake 😭
Jake: i'm finding another place
You'd stare at your phone.
You: you don't have to do that
Jake: i know
And that was always his answer.
I know.
He knew he didn't have to.
He wanted to.
Jake also loved taking you out.
It didn't have to be anything fancy.
Sometimes it was just walking around the city.
Sometimes you'd get food.
Sometimes you'd go shopping.
Sometimes you'd visit a café.
Sometimes you would simply wander around with no destination.
Those were often his favorite days.
Because when it was just the two of you, he didn't have to share your attention with anyone else.
He could listen to you talk.
He could tease you.
He could make you laugh.
He could enjoy being your best friend without having to worry about everyone else.
He'd walk beside you, hands in his pockets, occasionally bumping his shoulder against yours.
If you moved away, he'd drift closer again.
If you stopped to look at something, he'd stop too.
If you said you were hungry, he'd immediately start searching for somewhere to eat.
If you said you were tired, he'd suggest going home.
If you said you wanted to keep walking, he'd stay.
Jake was incredibly easygoing when it came to you.
He'd follow your lead.
Because honestly?
He was happy as long as he was with you.
His flirting, however, was another story.
Jake could be surprisingly bold.
He didn't always realize how obvious he was.
Or maybe he realized and simply didn't care.
"You look good today."
You'd roll your eyes.
"You say that every day."
"Because you look good every day."
"You're such a flirt."
"Only with you."
He'd say it so casually that you'd sometimes wonder whether you'd imagined it.
You hadn't.
Jake liked flirting with you.
He liked watching you become flustered.
He liked seeing you try to hide your smile.
He liked when you looked away because you didn't know how to respond.
And if you ever flirted back?
He was finished.
Completely.
"You look handsome today."
He'd freeze.
"...Me?"
"Yes."
"You think I look handsome?"
"Yeah."
Jake would suddenly become very interested in whatever was happening on his phone.
"Thanks."
You'd smile.
"Are you blushing?"
"No."
"You are."
"It's hot."
"We're indoors."
"...You're annoying."
But he'd be smiling.
Jake also had a habit of complimenting you at the most unexpected times.
You could walk into a room wearing something completely ordinary and he'd look up.
"Wow."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"What?"
He'd smile.
"You look cute."
You'd stare at him.
"I'm literally wearing sweatpants."
"I know."
"And an old hoodie."
"I know."
"So?"
"So you still look cute."
He'd say it like there was nothing unusual about it.
That was one of the things about Jake.
He didn't need a reason to think you looked good.
You could be dressed up.
You could be wearing pajamas.
You could have just woken up.
You could have messy hair.
You could be exhausted after practice.
Jake would still look at you like you were the most beautiful person in the room.
And sometimes you caught him staring.
He'd immediately look away.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You were staring."
"I wasn't."
"You were."
Jake would laugh.
"Okay, maybe I was."
"Why?"
He'd smile.
"Can't I look at my best friend?"
"Not like that."
"Like what?"
You'd struggle to explain.
Because there was something different about the way he looked at you.
Something warmer.
Something that lasted a second too long.
Jake's affection wasn't limited to gifts and compliments.
He liked physical affection too.
Nothing excessive.
Just little things.
A hand on your shoulder.
A playful nudge.
His arm around you when you were sitting together.
A quick hug when you hadn't seen each other all day.
Leaning against you when he was tired.
Resting his head on your shoulder during long car rides.
And because the two of you had always been close, you didn't think much of it.
That made it both easier and harder for him.
He could be close to you without raising suspicion.
But it also meant he had to constantly remind himself that you didn't necessarily feel the same way.
Sometimes he'd sit beside you on the couch, shoulder pressed against yours, and quietly think:
Don't get too comfortable.
Because if he allowed himself to imagine what it would be like if you actually liked him back, it became difficult to stop.
He imagined dates.
Holding your hand.
Taking you out for boba.
Introducing you as his partner instead of his best friend.
Getting to tell you that he loved you.
Getting to hear you say it back.
Then reality would hit.
And he'd remind himself:
You're their best friend.
So he stayed there.
Your best friend.
Jake was also extremely protective of your friendship.
If someone said something negative about you, he would immediately defend you.
If you were upset with yourself, he'd remind you of everything you had accomplished.
If you doubted yourself, he'd make sure you knew he believed in you.
"You know you're amazing, right?"
You'd laugh.
"You're biased."
"Obviously."
"Then your opinion doesn't count."
"Wrong."
He'd smile.
"My opinion counts the most."
"Why?"
"Because I'm your best friend."
There was a pause.
"And because I know you."
He meant it.
Jake knew you.
He knew your moods.
Your habits.
Your expressions.
He knew when you were genuinely laughing versus when you were pretending.
He knew when you wanted advice and when you simply wanted someone to listen.
He knew when to make jokes.
He knew when to be serious.
And he knew when you needed a hug.
Sometimes you'd walk into the room looking exhausted.
Jake wouldn't even ask.
He'd simply open his arms.
"C'mere."
You'd walk over.
He'd hug you.
And he'd hold you for a few seconds longer than necessary.
"Better?"
You'd nod.
"Yeah."
"Good."
He'd smile.
"That's what I'm here for."
The members noticed.
Of course they did.
There was no way they couldn't.
Jake wasn't exactly subtle.
He bought you things constantly.
He was always sitting beside you.
He knew your order at every café.
He remembered everything you said.
He looked at you differently.
The others teased him about it.
Especially when he came back from somewhere carrying two boba drinks.
One for himself.
One for you.
Sunghoon would look at the drinks.
Then at Jake.
Then at you.
"Again?"
Jake would shrug.
"What?"
"You bought them boba again."
"So?"
"You don't buy me boba."
"What's your point?"
"I want boba."
"Buy one."
Sunghoon would stare at him.
"You're unbelievable."
Jake would laugh.
And you would sit there, completely unaware of the silent competition happening around you.
Jake also became jealous.
He tried very hard not to.
He didn't want to be controlling.
He didn't want to make you uncomfortable.
He didn't want his feelings to interfere with your friendships.
But sometimes he couldn't help it.
Especially when someone else flirted with you.
He'd notice immediately.
If someone complimented you, Jake would glance over.
If someone asked for your number, Jake's expression would change.
If someone invited you somewhere, he'd suddenly become interested.
"Where are you going?"
You'd look at him.
"Out."
"With who?"
"Someone."
Jake would smile.
"Someone?"
"Yes."
He'd laugh awkwardly.
"Okay."
And then he'd pretend not to care.
He cared.
A lot.
But instead of confronting you, he'd become extra attentive.
He'd text you.
Jake: did you get home?
You: yeah
Jake: good
A few seconds later:
Jake: how was it?
You: why are you asking?
Jake: curious
You'd smile.
You: it was fun
Jake would stare at the message.
Then type:
Jake: glad you had fun
He'd put his phone down.
Then pick it up again.
Jake: did they treat you well?
You'd laugh.
You: yes jake
Jake: okay
And that would be the end of it.
At least until the next day.
One afternoon, you were sitting in the dorm with Jake when you received a message.
You smiled at your phone.
Jake noticed.
"Who is it?"
You looked up.
"No one."
He raised an eyebrow.
"That smile wasn't for no one."
You laughed.
"It's just a message."
"From who?"
"Why?"
"I'm curious."
"You've been curious a lot lately."
He smiled.
"Maybe I'm interested."
"In my messages?"
"In you."
The words slipped out.
Jake froze.
You froze.
He immediately laughed.
"I mean—"
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"You're my best friend."
You stared at him.
"Right."
"Yeah."
"Of course."
Jake smiled.
But inside, he was panicking.
Idiot.
He'd almost said it.
Almost.
Despite moments like that, Jake kept trying to convince himself that being your best friend was enough.
And most days, it was.
He loved your friendship.
He loved your conversations.
He loved your jokes.
He loved knowing you trusted him.
He loved being the person you called first.
He loved being able to make you smile.
So he told himself he didn't need anything more.
Then you'd fall asleep against his shoulder during a movie.
And he'd look down at you.
And his heart would ache.
Or you'd hug him unexpectedly.
And he'd have to remind himself not to hold you too tightly.
Or you'd thank him for buying you boba.
And he'd think:
I'd buy you a thousand if you asked.
That was the problem.
He didn't know how to stop loving you.
One evening, you were sitting with him at a café.
Jake had bought your drink before you even arrived.
You walked in and saw it waiting on the table.
"You got my usual?"
He smiled.
"Obviously."
"You didn't even ask."
"I don't need to."
You sat down.
"You're spoiling me."
"Maybe."
"You always buy me things."
"I like buying you things."
"Why?"
He paused.
Then smiled.
"Because you deserve nice things."
You looked at him.
He looked away.
"Don't make it weird."
You laughed.
"You're the one making it weird."
"I'm not."
"You are."
He smiled.
"Just drink your boba."
You took a sip.
He watched you.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You were staring again."
"I like watching you enjoy things."
You laughed.
"You're so weird."
"Yeah."
He smiled.
"But you like me."
You shook your head.
"You're impossible."
Jake's smile softened.
"Maybe."
Jake loved moments like that.
The ordinary ones.
Because they felt more real than anything else.
No cameras.
No schedules.
No stage lights.
No pressure.
Just you and him.
He could forget about everything else.
He could just be Jake.
Your best friend.
The person who made you laugh.
The person who bought your boba.
The person who always had your back.
And maybe someday, if he found enough courage, he'd become something more.
But until then, he'd keep showing you.
In small ways.
Every day.
Then came the day you got sick.
You told everyone you were fine.
Jake didn't believe you.
"You look tired."
"I'm okay."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
He frowned.
"You're warm."
"I'm fine."
"You're definitely not fine."
You laughed weakly.
Jake immediately became serious.
"You're resting."
"But—"
"No."
"Jake."
"Bed."
"I don't want to."
"Bed."
You sighed.
He smiled.
"Good."
He brought you water.
Food.
Medicine.
Extra blankets.
And, naturally, boba.
You stared at the drink.
"Jake."
"What?"
"I'm sick."
"I know."
"Why did you buy me boba?"
"Because you like it."
"I'm supposed to be resting."
"You can drink it while resting."
You smiled.
"You spoil me."
"I know."
He sat beside you.
"You'd do the same for me."
You nodded.
"Of course."
Jake smiled.
"Exactly."
But inside, his heart was pounding.
Because taking care of you felt natural.
It felt like something he wanted to do forever.
There were also times when Jake's crush became painfully obvious.
Like when you wore something he particularly liked.
He'd stare.
You'd notice.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You keep looking at me."
"I know."
"You know?"
He smiled.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Because you look really good."
You'd blush.
"Thanks."
Jake smiled.
"You're welcome."
And then he'd look away.
Because if he kept staring, you'd probably notice just how much he liked you.
Sometimes he would accidentally call you a pet name.
"Hey, babe—"
He'd stop.
You'd stare.
"...What?"
Jake would immediately panic.
"I said baby."
"What?"
"Like..."
He'd gesture vaguely.
"Baby as in... friend."
You'd laugh.
"That doesn't make any sense."
"I know."
He'd cover his face.
"Forget it."
"You called me babe."
"No I didn't."
"You did."
"Prove it."
"I heard you."
"Your hearing is unreliable."
You'd laugh.
Jake would smile.
He secretly loved that you'd noticed.
Eventually, the flirting became impossible to ignore.
He'd compliment you more often.
He'd sit closer.
He'd find more excuses to spend time with you.
He'd bring you your favorite drinks without being asked.
He'd text you good morning.
He'd text you goodnight.
He'd ask about your day.
He'd send you random pictures.
He'd say things like:
"I miss you."
Even if he'd seen you two hours earlier.
You'd ask:
"Why?"
He'd shrug.
"I don't know."
But he did know.
He missed you because he liked you.
Because you had become such an important part of his life that even a few hours apart felt strange.
One night, you were both sitting outside after everyone else had gone to bed.
Jake had bought two drinks.
Of course.
He handed yours to you.
"You know," you said, "you really don't have to keep buying me things."
"I know."
"Then why do you?"
He looked at you.
For once, he didn't immediately joke.
"Because I like taking care of you."
You smiled.
"You're a good best friend."
Jake smiled.
"Yeah."
There was a pause.
Then he quietly added:
"Sometimes I wish I was more than that."
You looked at him.
"What?"
He looked down.
"...Nothing."
"Jake."
He laughed nervously.
"Forget it."
"No."
He sighed.
"I just..."
He stared at his drink.
"I like you."
Your heart skipped.
"I mean, obviously I like you. You're my best friend."
"No. Jake."
He looked at you.
"I mean..."
His voice became quieter.
"I really like you."
For once, he wasn't smiling.
"I've liked you for a while."
He swallowed.
"I didn't say anything because I didn't want to ruin what we have."
You stared at him.
He gave you a nervous smile.
"I know I flirt with you a lot."
You laughed softly.
"I noticed."
"And I buy you boba."
"You definitely do."
"And I spoil you."
"Very much."
He laughed.
"Yeah."
Then he looked at you again.
"I guess those were all ways of trying to tell you without actually telling you."
You smiled.
Jake's expression softened.
"I don't want you to feel pressured."
He shook his head.
"You don't owe me anything."
He paused.
"I just wanted you to know."
The silence between you was gentle.
Not awkward.
Not uncomfortable.
Just honest.
And for the first time, Jake didn't have to hide.
He didn't have to pretend that every boba was just a friendly gesture.
He didn't have to pretend that every compliment meant nothing.
He didn't have to pretend that he wasn't jealous.
He could finally admit it.
He loved you.
And maybe that was enough.
Except Jake was still Jake.
So the next morning, he walked into the room carrying two boba drinks.
He handed you yours.
You laughed.
"You're still buying me boba?"
He smiled.
"Obviously."
"Even after confessing?"
"Especially after confessing."
You shook your head.
"You're ridiculous."
Jake grinned.
"Yeah."
He leaned closer.
"But I'm your ridiculous best friend."
He paused.
"...Hopefully more than that someday."
Then he smiled and walked away before you could answer.
Leaving you standing there with your favorite boba in your hands.
And a very obvious question in your mind.
What were you going to do about Jake?
Because now that he had finally admitted how he felt...
There was no going back.
Jake is your absolute best friend—the kind of person who has been by your side through everything. The two of you have known each other long enough that there are almost no secrets between you anymore. He knows your habits, your favorite foods, the little things that annoy you, the things that make you laugh until your stomach hurts, and even the subtle changes in your mood that everyone else seems to miss. To the rest of the world, Jake is charming, friendly, easygoing, and naturally affectionate. He's the kind of person who can make friends almost anywhere, effortlessly slipping into conversations and making people feel comfortable around him. He's playful without being overwhelming, confident without being arrogant, and has a warm presence that naturally draws people toward him. But with you, he's different. You're the person who gets to see the softer side of him. You're the person he checks on first. You're the person he remembers the smallest details about. You're the person he always seems to have something for. And, most importantly, you're the person he's secretly—or perhaps not-so-secretly—in love with. Jake has had a crush on you for a long time, although he tries to convince himself that he's hiding it well. He isn't. Anyone who spends more than five minutes around the two of you can probably tell. He insists that he's "just being a good friend" whenever someone points it out, but his actions tell a completely different story. If you casually mention that you're craving boba, Jake will remember your order without you having to repeat it. If you're having a bad day, he'll show up with your favorite drink and a snack without asking what's wrong. If you mention liking something while you're shopping, there's a good chance he'll remember it weeks later. He doesn't make a big deal about any of it. He simply does it. "Here." He'll hand you a drink after practice. You blink at him. "What's this?" "Your boba." "I didn't ask you to get me one." "I know." He smiles casually. "You like it." That's Jake's excuse for everything. He knows you like it. He knows what makes you happy. He knows what you need. So why wouldn't he do it? Jake's favorite way of expressing affection is through acts of service. He pays attention to the little things. If you're tired, he'll carry something for you without being asked. If you're hungry, he'll find something for you to eat. If you're cold, he'll offer you his jacket. If you're overwhelmed, he'll quietly stay beside you until you feel better. If you're having a difficult day, he'll somehow appear with exactly the thing you needed. You might mention your favorite snack once in passing. Months later, he'll remember. "You still like these, right?" He'll pull the snack out of his bag and hand it to you. You stare at him. "How did you remember that?" Jake shrugs. "You told me." "That was months ago." "So?" He looks genuinely confused by your surprise. "I remember things about you." It's said so casually that you don't realize how much it means to him. Jake remembers because he listens. When you talk, he pays attention. Not because he feels obligated to, but because he genuinely wants to know everything about you. He knows exactly how you like your coffee. The first time you told him your order, he made a mental note of it. Now you don't even have to ask. Sometimes you'll wake up and find your coffee waiting for you. You look at Jake suspiciously. "Did you make this?" "Yeah." "You remembered?" "Of course." "You didn't even ask me." "I know your order." You smile. "You're too good to me." Jake immediately looks away, trying to hide his smile. "Someone has to take care of you." The words come out softer than he intended. You don't think much of them. Jake does. Because taking care of you is one of the ways he loves you without actually saying the words. He's constantly spoiling you with small gifts. Nothing extravagant. Jake doesn't need to buy you expensive things to show that he cares. He prefers meaningful gifts. Something he saw while shopping that reminded him of you. A cute keychain. A snack you once mentioned liking. A little plushie. A book you wanted. A bracelet. A hair accessory. A hoodie. A random item that made him think, They'd love this. He'll casually hand it to you. "I saw this and thought of you." "You bought this for me?" "Yeah." "You didn't have to." "I know." He smiles. "But I wanted to." That is Jake's favorite answer. I wanted to. Because he doesn't want you to feel like you owe him anything. He gives because giving makes him happy. Seeing you smile makes him happy. Knowing he made your day slightly better makes him happy. His favorite color is ivory, which suits him perfectly. There's something calm and sophisticated about the color, and Jake gravitates toward it naturally. He likes ivory sweaters, clean shirts, soft hoodies, neutral-colored accessories, and simple outfits that somehow always look effortlessly put together. His style reflects his personality. Warm. Comfortable. Simple. Elegant without trying too hard. And somehow, he always looks especially good when he's wearing ivory. You've told him that before. He remembers. Of course he remembers. "You like this color?" You nod. "Yeah. It suits you." He smiles. "Then I'll wear it more." You laugh. "You don't have to." "I know." He looks at you. "But if you like it..." He shrugs. "Why not?" Jake finds comfort in simple things. He doesn't need elaborate plans to have a good time. Sometimes his perfect evening is just sitting around with you, eating warm ramen and talking about absolutely nothing. He likes the warmth of the bowl between his hands. He likes quiet conversations. He likes comfortable silence. He likes knowing that he doesn't have to entertain you every second. Sometimes the two of you sit together eating ramen, barely speaking. And somehow, those moments feel more intimate than anything else. You take a bite. Jake glances at you. "What?" "Nothing." "Why are you looking at me?" "You've got something on your face." You immediately wipe your cheek. "Here?" "No." "Where?" He laughs. "Other side." You wipe again. "Here?" "No." Jake smiles. "You're hopeless." "Then tell me where it is." He reaches over and gently points toward the corner of your mouth. "There." You wipe it away. "Got it?" "Yeah." He smiles. "Perfect." Then he goes back to eating as if nothing happened. Meanwhile, his heart is racing. Tofu is another simple comfort he loves. He doesn't need elaborate meals all the time. Give him something warm and familiar, and he's happy. And if you're there with him? Even better. Sometimes he'll cook for both of you. "Sit down." "I'm helping." "No." "Why?" "Because you'll get in my way." You stare at him. "Excuse me?" He laughs. "I'm kidding." He hands you something to taste. "Try this." You take a bite. "It's good." Jake smiles proudly. "Really?" "Yeah." "Good." He looks ridiculously pleased with himself. "Then I'll make it again." His protective instincts are subtle but strong. Jake doesn't treat you like you're incapable of taking care of yourself. He respects you. He trusts you. But he also cares deeply about your safety and well-being. If you're walking home late, he'll check that you got there safely. If you're exhausted, he'll encourage you to rest. If someone makes you uncomfortable, he'll stay nearby. If you're upset, he'll listen before trying to solve the problem. And if you need him? He's there. No hesitation. No questions. You could call him at two in the morning and he'd probably answer. "What happened?" "I couldn't sleep." A pause. "You okay?" "Yeah." "Want me to stay on the phone?" You smile. "You're tired." "I'll survive." "You don't have to." "I know." A quiet laugh. "I want to." Jake's playful flirting is probably the most dangerous part of your friendship. Because he knows exactly how to make your heart race. Sometimes it's subtle. "You look nice today." Sometimes it's obvious. "You're cute." Sometimes he says things that make you wonder whether he's joking. "You know, if you weren't my best friend, I'd probably have a crush on you." You stare at him. "Probably?" He laughs. "Okay. Definitely." Then he'll act like nothing happened. He loves teasing you. Especially when he notices you getting flustered. "Why are you blushing?" "I'm not." "You are." "It's warm." "It's freezing." "Shut up." Jake laughs. "You're cute when you're embarrassed." And then you're even more embarrassed. Which makes him laugh harder. Sometimes he flirts without realizing he's doing it. He'll compliment your appearance. He'll tell you that he missed you. He'll call you cute. He'll sit close enough that your shoulders touch. He'll casually put an arm around you. He'll look at you for just a little too long. And when you ask what he's doing? "Nothing." "You were staring." "I was looking." "At me." "Yeah." "Why?" He smiles. "Because you're there." You roll your eyes. "You're weird." "Maybe." He smiles. "But you like me." That usually shuts you up. And Jake secretly loves it. The thing is, Jake doesn't just like you because you're attractive. He likes you because you're you. He likes your personality. Your sense of humor. Your little habits. The way you talk when you're excited. The way you become passionate about things you care about. The way you smile when you're genuinely happy. The way you get embarrassed when someone compliments you. The way you trust him. The way you always seem to know when he needs someone too. You're his safe place. His favorite person. His best friend. And that's why his feelings scare him. Because if you don't feel the same way, he doesn't want to lose what you already have. Sometimes Jake wonders if you know. Maybe you do. Maybe you don't. Maybe you've noticed the way he looks at you. Maybe you've noticed that everyone else gets generic gifts while you get things specifically chosen for you. Maybe you've noticed that he remembers your order perfectly. Maybe you've noticed that his face lights up whenever you enter a room. Maybe you've noticed that he always seems to find a reason to sit beside you. Maybe you've noticed that he gets slightly quieter whenever someone else starts flirting with you. Maybe you've noticed that his teasing becomes softer when it's just the two of you. Maybe you've noticed. He hopes you have. And he's terrified that you have. The members definitely notice. They've seen the way Jake acts around you. They've heard him ask what your favorite drink is even though he already knows. They've watched him bring you boba. They've watched him give you his jacket. They've watched him remember every little detail you've ever mentioned. And they tease him about it constantly. "You bought them another drink?" Jake shrugs. "They wanted one." "They didn't ask." "I know." "Then why did you buy it?" Jake pauses. "...Because I wanted one too." "There's only one straw." Jake goes silent. The room erupts in laughter. Jake's face turns red. "Shut up." His jealousy is another thing everyone notices. If you're sitting beside someone else, Jake doesn't necessarily interrupt. He'll simply find a reason to be nearby. If someone offers to buy you a drink, he'll casually say: "I already got one." If someone asks you to go somewhere, he'll ask: "When?" "Tomorrow." "Oh." A pause. "Do you want me to come?" You laugh. "Why?" "I'm free." He is not free. He rearranged his entire schedule thirty seconds ago. But you don't know that. Jake doesn't want to control who you spend time with. He just wants to be the person you choose to spend time with. There's a difference. And because you're his best friend, he respects your independence. If you want to go somewhere with someone else, he'll let you. He'll probably pout about it. He might tease you. He might send you an unnecessary number of messages. But he'll never tell you that you can't. Because his feelings are his responsibility. Not yours. Sometimes his affection becomes almost painfully obvious. Like when you're having a bad day. You walk into the room and Jake immediately knows. He doesn't ask a dozen questions. He simply opens his arms. "C'mere." You walk over. He hugs you. No jokes. No teasing. Just warmth. "You don't have to talk." You stay there. He gently pats your back. "I'm here." You whisper: "Thank you." He smiles. "Always." And he means it. Jake's favorite moments are the ones when you forget that he's your best friend and simply let yourself rely on him. When you ask him to help you. When you call him first. When you tell him something you haven't told anyone else. When you lean against him because you're tired. When you trust him. Those moments mean everything. Because Jake doesn't just want your attention. He wants your trust. He wants to be someone you can always count on. Someone who makes you feel safe. Someone who makes you laugh. Someone who makes life a little easier. And yet, beneath all of that sweetness is one simple truth. Jake wants to be more than your best friend. He wants to take you on actual dates. He wants to buy you boba and be able to call it a date instead of pretending it's just a friendly gesture. He wants to hold your hand. He wants to be able to tell you that you look beautiful without having to hide behind a joke. He wants to introduce you as the person he loves. But he also knows that your friendship is precious. So he waits. He takes things slowly. He lets his affection speak for him. Maybe one day you'll realize that every coffee, every boba, every gift, every late-night conversation, every "text me when you get home," and every casual compliment was Jake's way of saying something he was too afraid to say directly. I love you. Until then, he'll keep being your best friend. He'll keep spoiling you. He'll keep teasing you. He'll keep flirting with you. He'll keep showing up. And he'll keep hoping that one day you'll look at him and realize that your best friend has been hopelessly in love with you all along.