Part Three - Part Two

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The smell of pancakes wafts into my room, warm and inviting. It's like the universe is trying to bribe me out of bed. I can't resist. I roll out from beneath the covers and shuffle toward the kitchen.

Jake stands at the stove, flipping pancakes with an air of confident grace, his shirt stretching ever so slightly across his shoulders. The sizzling sound of pancakes hitting the hot pan mixes with the savory scent of sausages. My stomach growls in response like it's got its own agenda.

I lean against the doorframe, watching him. There's something about the quiet simplicity of this moment—the sound of breakfast being made, Jake's familiar presence—that feels like a balm after everything that went down last night. The chaos, the mess, the mistakes. Right now, it's just... pancakes. Simple.

Jake turns, his face lighting up when he spots me. "Well, look who decided to join the land of the living," he teases, his green eyes twinkling with that warmth only he can manage. He places a steaming plate of pancakes in front of me. My stomach lets out another embarrassing growl.

"Good to be up," I mumble, trying to force a smile, but it doesn't quite reach my eyes. The guilt twisting in my stomach isn't going anywhere. Jake's big-brother act? Overbearing. But it's also... well, it's genuine. Which makes everything ten times worse.

I roll my eyes at him, trying to play it off. "And I wasn't crying," I add, the words almost too quick, too defensive.

Jake snorts, obviously not buying it. As he sets the pan down, he raises an eyebrow at me. "Sure, you weren't crying. And let me guess, you've been doing wonders with your life, right? Tackling all your problems, like that frozen yogurt disaster last night?"

I open my mouth to retort but quickly shut it. Because, truthfully? I've done absolutely nothing. Nothing but wallow in my own emotional wreckage. And sleeping with Reece? A terrible, fleeting mistake.

I rub my face, trying to push the thoughts away, but it's no use. Jake's hand suddenly reaches across the counter, covering mine. The warmth of his touch sends a jolt straight to my chest.

I look down, my heart doing an uninvited tap dance in my ribcage. Why does he have to do that? Be so... soothing? So damn perfect?

His thumb gently strokes the back of my hand, like he's trying to calm me, but I feel more and more like I'm drowning in this weird mix of comfort and... something else.

"It's gonna be okay, Day," Jake says softly, his voice serious in a way that makes my chest tighten. "I mean, a week into a breakup? That's barely anything. I'm here for you if you need me... but you'll be fine. You've got this."

I want to lean into his words. Want to fall into that easy comfort and pretend everything is okay. But I can't. Because... Jake. He was my first love, or at least, the one that meant something deeper. Those feelings are still there, buried beneath all the crap I'm trying to shovel away.

I pull my hand back, quickly. Maybe too quickly.

Jake notices, but he doesn't push. Instead, he grabs something from the counter, but I'm already glancing at his bare torso. God, seriously? His muscles are... distracting.

I quickly look away, my face heating up. I focus on the glass of orange juice in front of me, suddenly very invested in the pulp content of the drink.

"You okay there, Day?" Jake's smirk is wide, teasing. He's caught me, and the bastard knows it.

I clear my throat, forcing myself to look back at him. "Yeah, totally fine," I lie, my voice cracking like I'm fifteen again. "Just thinking about all the classes I'm probably going to fail because I'm an idiot."

Jake scratches his head, pretending to think. "Well, don't stress about it. You're not gonna fail your major." He points at me like he's just cracked the code. "And you know what? I've got a plan."

I raise an eyebrow, suspicious. "A plan?"

"Yep," Jake says, grinning like he's got a winning lottery ticket. "We're going to the movies tonight."

I blink at him, completely thrown off. "Movies? What happened to your—uh—other plans?"

"Kayden was supposed to come, but he's busy. Practical stuff," Jake explains with a shrug, the disappointment barely masking the excitement. "So, it's just us. We're gonna have fun. I promise."

For the first time in days, a real smile flickers on my face. Jake's enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but feel a little lighter at the thought of a distraction.

I nod slowly, almost to myself. "Alright, fine. Let's do it. Movies it is."

Jake claps his hands, clearly thrilled. "Hell yeah! It's gonna be awesome. You deserve to have a little fun, Day."

Later that evening, Jake and I arrive at the theater. The flickering lights, the buzz of voices, and the faint chatter of people filing into their seats provide a welcome distraction from the weight I've been carrying.

Jake's energy is infectious as he practically bounces to the ticket booth, leading the way. I follow behind, trying to shake off the weight of the day and the unresolved feelings that are threatening to rise to the surface.

We settle into our seats, the darkened theater wrapping around us like a protective cocoon. The soft light of the screen offers a temporary escape from everything—work, school, my ex, the mess I'm trying to avoid.

I can feel Jake's presence next to me, his easygoing energy contrasting with the storm brewing inside me.

The movie starts, but my attention keeps drifting back to Jake. Every so often, I catch him laughing at the ridiculous stunts on screen, his genuine joy contagious.

His laugh is that perfect sound that always made me feel at home. I smile at his enthusiasm, even if a part of me wonders why it feels like it's getting harder to just be around him without feeling... something more.

I steal a glance at him, his face lit up by the screen, his eyes wide with excitement. He's so comfortable in his own skin, so effortlessly at ease with the world.

I wonder if he even knows how much he affects me, how his presence alone seems to shift everything inside me.

Jake turns to me, his face breaking into a wide grin as the credits roll. "That was fun, right?"

I nod, grinning back. "Yeah, it was. Thanks for dragging me out."

Jake chuckles, shifting in his seat. "You're welcome. I told you it'd be good for you." He eyes me for a moment, his gaze softening. "You feeling better, Day?"

I pause, biting my lip. "Yeah, a little," I say, avoiding his eyes. "It was just... nice to get out of my head for a while."

He leans forward, his elbows on his knees. "Hey, I get it. You don't have to be okay all the time. But you know I'm here for you, right?" His voice drops a little, sincere, like he's trying to make sure I know exactly what he means.

I meet his eyes, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. The intensity of his gaze is like an anchor pulling me in. "I know," I whisper, surprised by the sudden tightness in my chest. "I don't think I've said that enough, but... I do know."

Jake nods, his expression softening. "Good. Because no matter what happens, I've got your back." He grins again, ruffling my hair playfully. "I'll always be here to drag you to the movies when you're feeling like crap."

I laugh, the sound escaping me before I can stop it. "Yeah, I'm sure you're just thrilled to spend your nights with me, huh?"

Jake shrugs, the playful smirk returning to his lips. "I could think of worse things. Honestly, it's better than watching a movie with Kayden. He talks through the entire thing."

"True," I say, chuckling again. "I'm a lot quieter, though."

"Don't get too cocky," he teases, bumping my shoulder with his. "You still owe me some snacks for dragging you out here. I'm taking full advantage of this."

I grin. "Sure, sure, whatever. You're lucky I like you."

Jake raises an eyebrow. "Oh, I know." He winks. "You're just too kind."

The car ride back is comfortable, the silence between us not awkward but rather companionable. The world outside the car is a blur of city lights, the neon signs and headlights blurring into streaks of color.

We drive with the windows down, the cool night air brushing against my face, and for the first time in days, I let myself relax.

As we stop at a red light, I find myself looking at Jake again. His fingers tap along the steering wheel, and his lips hum along with the radio.

There's something about his presence that makes everything feel safer, more manageable, but it's also a feeling I've been trying to ignore for years.

"So," I say, clearing my throat, trying to distract myself from the swirl of emotions inside me. "What now? Another movie night at your place?"

Jake grins, glancing over at me. "You know it. And this time, no escaping for the whole movie. We'll order pizza and everything."

"Sounds good," I reply, my smile growing. "I'll even let you pick the movie this time."

"Good," he says, his grin widening. "Because you're terrible at picking movies."

I feign shock. "Excuse me? My taste in movies is impeccable!"

"Impeccable? Last time, you tried to get me to watch a documentary on, like, the history of bread."

"It was fascinating!" I protest, laughing despite myself. "You just didn't appreciate it."

Jake laughs too, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I think I was just a little more concerned about falling asleep halfway through."

"Whatever," I say, rolling my eyes. "You're just mad because I have better taste than you."

"Sure, keep telling yourself that." He chuckles again.

As we pull into the parking lot near his apartment, the moment feels too easy. The laughter, the lighthearted bickering—it's just like it always was between us. But underneath it all, I know there's something more simmering, something neither of us is ready to confront.

When we step out of the car, Jake looks over at me, his expression shifting slightly. "You sure you're okay?"

I pause, meeting his gaze. "I will be," I say softly. "I just need time."

Jake nods, a knowing look in his eyes. "I get it. But remember, I'm here. Always."

For the first time in a long while, I let myself believe it.

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