last chapter and also, sexual content in bottom half of chapter

***

Two weeks pass, Jake cultivating this sort of friendly rapport with Heeseung that allows them to work better together during training.

(If Jake said his change had nothing to do with what Jongseong and Sunghoon told him that Thursday, he'd be lying to himself.)

Heeseung also takes Jake's cooperation smoothly, and even if they never talked about what went down between them the first time they sparred with each other, Jake doesn't spend his days pondering over it. They're that night's problem.

As days pass, Jake notices he's becoming stronger. He runs more swiftly, and evolves without a hitch after diving off the cliff and whenever Heeseung stabs him with various weapons.

Then there's the moment Heeseung takes him out of the dominion through the portal for the first time - in turn removing him from the Healing Orbit's protection - landing them smack dab in the middle of a busy highway.

Jake isn't even able to enjoy the ambience of Seoul - or the fact that he's now getting some fresh air after so long. All he can focus on is the fact that a truck is now rapidly approaching them, just like it had that night.

"Sometimes fighting demons involves interacting with obstacles like this. Once we're outside the dominion, evolving lands us close to the location we got hit," Heeseung yells to Jake to be heard over the traffic, the wind in his hair.

"So we always have to be aware of our surroundings," Heeseung continues, eyeing the vehicle.

Jake isn't shocked when Heeseung dashes out of the way within seconds, jumping over several cars with the drivers none the wiser.

The impact's unlike anything Jake has ever felt or experienced before.

The closest thing Jake can equate it to is when he'd gotten tackled by Heeseung during their sparring sessions, or when he was suddenly dragged into the deep sea by his cousin when he'd been six, the boy not loosening his grip on his neck until Jake's dad had to intervene.

Jake's parents had always looked out for him, so it wasn't a surprise what transpired after they passed.

Like the first desperate intake of oxygen after minutes spent underwater thinking you'd die, Jake's eyes snap open just as he slams against the guardrail of the nearby bridge, his combat suit withstanding the force of hard metal. Yeonjun and Soobin had gifted it to him a week ago after taking his exact measurements, and as Jake observes the sea below, seesawing between life and death, he feels one step closer to being the fighter everyone believes he can be.

Meanwhile, Heeseung watches him from the other side of the bridge, gauging his reaction. Jake has caught him leaping from insane heights too many times to question his sudden appearance.

And Jake's still reeling, still exhilarated, when Heeseung asks if he's alright. Jake doesn't hesitate to give him a thumbs up.

---

When Jake wakes up that Sunday morning after dreaming he collided into the van instead of the other way around, and notices the disarray his closet is in, he reasons that maybe, just maybe, he'd sleep-walked.

However, the moment Jake gets out of his bed, the knob of his bedroom door rattles like someone's desperately trying to get in, before flapping open as if a strong gust of wind had just rammed into it.

Okay, weird.

Jake shoves his feet into his slippers, aching to see Heeseung. He doesn't know how they suddenly became so close, but he finds himself looking for the older man whenever something bothers him - which has been a lot of times recently.

Jake jogs towards the practice field, only to quickly discover Heeseung isn't around. Then he races to the gym and finds Riki and Jongseong there instead.

"Guys, where's Heeseung?" Jake questions.

Riki just shrugs. "No idea. I haven't seen him."

"Same. Usually he's running around the field right now, but maybe he went out or something," Jongseong adds. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm... not sure," Jake tells them, hoping his disappointment concerning Heeseung's disappearance isn't that obvious. "D'you guys know where Soobin is? Or Yeonjun?"

"Dining hall," Riki says, exchanging glances with Jongseong that oscillate between concern and caution.

Jake doesn't waste a second. When he gets to the dining hall, he spots Soobin and Yeonjun side by side, Soobin currently in the middle of feeding Yeonjun some toast.

It's sweet, and reminds Jake very much of how his parents had treated each other.

"Good morning," Jake greets, hiding his smirk as best as he can when Soobin nearly drops the toast.

"Is Heeseung around?" Jake questions. "I need to talk to him about something."

"He's not here right now, Jake," Yeonjun tells him, while Soobin looks a little too contemplative.

"Where did he go? Do you know when he'll be back?" Jake rambles, unable to hide his impatience.

"We can't tell you where he went, unfortunately. But he won't be gone for a full day, that's for sure," Yeonjun says. "It's kind of amazing, really, how close you two have gotten in such a short period of time."

Jake's ears burn, and he pats down his hair, suddenly remembering he most likely has a horrendous bed-head at the moment. Maybe it's better that Heeseung isn't around with him looking like this. "We... we're not that close."

Yeonjun's stare is intense, and while he's admittedly attractive and super nice, he has a tendency to look at you sometimes like he's staring right into your soul. Before he can say something that flusters Jake some more, Soobin speaks up.

"I didn't drop the toast."

"What?" Yeonjun frowns in confusion, but Soobin's eyes are trained entirely on Jake.

"The second you stepped in, it was as if something tugged the toast from my hands," Soobin continues, getting up. "Like... like some invisible force."

Jake is spooked, but Soobin's words make sense, considering what he saw in his room. "Actually, this was what I wanted to talk to Heeseung about."

The three of them are inside the gym not too long after Jake shows Yeonjun and Soobin the state of his closet. It's quite embarrassing, really, because Jake's still dressed in his pyjamas and his hair is a total mess. Not to mention the whole team - or sector, like Soobin referred to it one time - is there sans Heeseung.

"Need someone to be his throw pillow," Yeonjun says, like the entire situation isn't already crazy enough.

"Me! I wanna try!" Jongseong excitedly volunteers, and everyone takes several steps back while Jongseong positions himself a couple feet away from Jake.

Jake can feel Sunghoon glaring holes into the back of his head, which is kinda terrifying. But it's also wholesome how protective the man is of Jongseong even when the chances of him seriously getting hurt are low. (Jake really hopes they are).

Jake also wonders if someone could ever be that protective over him when it came down to it. After his parents passed, there wasn't anybody who looked out for him aside from Sunoo. But then again, Sunoo will probably never see Jake again, and the bruises left on his heart after their last conversation still stings. Jake isn't sure they'll ever heal.

Jongseong sprints towards Jake a moment later, and while Jake isn't fully sure what exactly he has to do, he focuses on Jongseong's grinning face and hopes for the best.

It happens without warning. One second, Jongseong's racing straight for him, and then a second later he's tossed into the air like he's been shot and slammed across the padded mat a meter away.

The silence is deafening, combated by Jongseong's groans while Sunghoon rushes to his side. Jake fears the worst until Jongseong showcases an enthusiastic thumbs up.

"That. Was. Amazing!" He hollers, and Jake exhales a huge sigh of relief.

"Telekinesis," Soobin announces right then. "I believe that is your Halo, Jake."

Riki pats Jake on the back, a smile that's rather proud playing on his lips, while Jungwon claps, appearing even more excited than Jongseong.

"I have telekinesis," Jake repeats, because it really hasn't sunk in yet.

"Yeah," Yeonjun grins, and then ruffles his hair like a doting father would. It has Jake speechless, but it's... nice. The warmth spreading across his chest is nice. "It's still being developed, however, so you have to be a bit careful to not get startled by anything. It runs the risk of being extremely dangerous."

Jake remembers the dream he had, and how the crash manifested into his closet becoming messed up. He's still apologetic about the destruction even after Soobin and Yeonjun had reassured him that he wasn't in trouble and they would just get it replaced.

"I want to go next!" Jungwon beams.

"This is not a playground, Won," Soobin retorts, but his smile is fond, eyes crinkled the way they always are when he interacts with them. Even with Jake, who he's known the shortest amount of time.

"This counts as practice, right?" says Jake, beckoning Jungwon over. "So it's okay."

"I knew you were the fun type," Jungwon grins, high-fiving him like they've been besties for years. It's strange how close Jake feels to these people despite only meeting them weeks ago.

It's felt like a lifetime though, or maybe that's just the result of time flowing a bit differently here. Maybe this is just how it feels to connect with someone. Jake had felt that with his parents, thought he felt that with Sunoo, and wants to believe he feels it with these guys too.

It's much easier to believe when Jongseong pulls Jake into a playful chokehold and Sunghoon tries to pull him off while sputtering apologies at the speed of light, the others watching on with amused faces.

Jake may have died, but he feels more alive here than he's ever felt in his entire life.

---

Jake doesn't get the chance to talk to Heeseung because the guy doesn't appear until late at night after Jake is already fast asleep.

Then the next day arrives and he's thrust into his very first mission, the situation every bit as chaotic as it sounds.

Jake meets up with Jungwon and Heeseung - who he assumes are going to work with him - at this futuristic looking tech room with holograms of maps all over the walls that Soobin designates the 'portal matchers'.

Soobin then lists the do's and don'ts of their mission, repeating how crucial it is to protect their heads and chests so the demon venom won't penetrate their veins.

Jake realizes his anxiety is prevalent when Soobin walks up to him and pats his shoulder.

"It's going to be fine, Jake," he says. "You guys are heading to a low risk portal. It's just for safekeeping, and Heeseung is going to be with you guys every step of the way. Right, Heeseung?"

Heeseung nods, his expression strained. He's been like that since Jake spotted him earlier at the bathrooms, and when Jake had wished him a good morning, he just mumbled one back, totally avoiding Jake's gaze. Exactly the way he had when they were first getting to know each other.

It was highly discouraging - still is - and all Jake wants is for Heeseung to look at him again. To talk to him.

But Jake can't let his feelings distract him from the task at hand and cloud his judgment. Things were easier when it was only himself he had to look out for, several nights spent in the dark as he mulled over his many shortcomings, harming himself with a myriad of negative thoughts.

Now, Jake has to rely on others, just like they're relying on him.

Jake acts like it doesn't sting when Heeseung averts his gaze the second their eyes meet, Soobin preparing their portal. Like the Healing Orbit in every room, pale blue spheres surround the three of them in no time.

It's a bit easier to breathe when Jungwon shoots an encouraging smile Jake's way, but Heeseung is still adamant on not looking at him, pretending he doesn't exist.

Fortunately, Jake is suddenly bombarded with branches and leaves as he descends with a vengeance, his head nearly ramming into some thick roots in the process. His back slams against the hard ground.

Fuck.

"Portals around here suck ass." Jungwon grimaces, in a similarly disgruntled state as he plucks leaves out of his dark hair.

Heeseung is the only one who looks unscathed, managing to land upright as he unsheathes his nunchucks from his suit. "We need to get going," he says, before glancing Jungwon's way, avoiding Jake's face once more. "It's too quiet. Any idea of where the demons may be situated?"

Jungwon stands and Jake follows suit, his heart pounding against his ribcage as he observes his surroundings. It's a forest, vast and wide, and it appears normal for the most part. Almost too normal.

"North-east," Jungwon reveals, grabbing two daggers and leaving the pistol in his belt. Gold swirls around them like sparks, ready to incinerate the demons. "I hear their cries from there. They're distant though, weak. So maybe it's just a few."

Heeseung nods before finally, finally, meeting Jake's eyes. Jake doesn't know what he sees, but he guesses it isn't anything good because Heeseung drops his gaze a moment later. "Jungwon and I will draw them out, attack them first. You stick behind in case we miss one of them."

Heeseung's basically letting Jake know he isn't really needed, but Jake nods regardless, not wanting to get on anyone's bad side today.

Jake clutches his spear, too nervous to be amused by how the weapon had managed to fit into his belt and how sturdy it is. Holding it feels a little reassuring, however, because it's one of the weapons he's practiced with the most, and it's long enough to inflict damage without getting into close range with those demons.

They keep moving past the large trees, the sunlight darkening until they can all hear the screeches. They're loud, incessant and daunting, and Jake tells himself over and over that he's going to be okay. That they're all going to be.

"It's dark over there," Jungwon says. "We need light."

Heeseung brandishes something out of his pocket that resembles a grenade. Before Jake can panic, Heeseung hurls it towards the throng of bushes in the distance.

It hisses before exploding, drowning their surroundings in a bright white light that momentarily blinds Jake. Blood rushes to his head when more shrieks pierce the atmosphere.

"Step back," Heeseung addresses him, jaw clenched. Jake almost doesn't want to listen, pissed he's regarding him like some stranger again until a shadow looms several feet in front of them.

Jake has heard Yeonjun and Soobin talking about how demons look many times already. Seen many holograms of them. But he isn't prepared for how monstrous the thing before them looks.

It isn't tall, but it's broad, spikes lining its mottled skin and dark tendrils adorning its body like smoke. Replacing its eyes are these bottomless pools of nothing, and it has two mouths, each one baring sharp teeth like a rabid animal.

It starts sprinting at them, and before Jake can count to three Heeseung decimates its face with his nunchucks, a nauseating crunch slicing through the forest.

Another one rushes towards them, long and spindly with a million fucking limbs. It claws at them, slashing through Jungwon's torso like water, and Jake freaks the hell out until he remembers the entire deal about them being able to evolve.

Jungwon grabs that chance to ram his knee into the demon, kicking it into a tree. Before it can move Jungwon points his gun its way and pulls the trigger, hitting it square in the face. It disintegrates in seconds.

More demons arrive, tripping over themselves with the thirst to consume. Jungwon busies himself with two of them while Heeseung fights this particularly large one that doesn't want to give up.

Jake's grip on his spear tightens, but before he can take a step forward, Heeseung decapitates the demon with a swift roundhouse kick and fixes him with a stern glare.

"Stay where you are."

"I need to help -"

"You're helping by staying where you are," Heeseung snaps, stabbing another demon in the eye with a knife. The thing screams, and Heeseung quickly subdues it, crunching its face with his boots. "Only assist us when a demon gets past us."

Jake grits his teeth, but stays silent while Jungwon and Heeseung get rid of the beasts one by one. That doesn't stop his anxiety from spiking any time a demon gets a little too close - which is far too many times.

"Jake, listen to me!" Heeseung yells the second Jake inches closer. "Remain where you are."

"For fuck's sake Heeseung, I can't just stand there while you guys are outnumbered like this!" Jake exclaims, his anger worsening when Heeseung glares at him like he just killed his dog or something.

Jake regrets lashing out when a demon appears out of nowhere a moment later, knocking into Heeseung head-on.

"Fuck!" Jungwon yells, but he can't do anything as he's busy handling demons of his own.

Heeseung twists and blocks his face with his arms as the demon claws at him, narrowly missing his neck. It roars, teeth snapping over his face as drool drips from its mouth.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Jake leaps into motion and enters the chaos, ramming his spear straight into the demon's stomach. It howls in pain but still holds Heeseung hostage, even after Heeseung kicks it several times.

Guilt eats Jake alive - this wouldn't have happened if he'd just listened to Heeseung and stayed put.

Jake shoves the spear even deeper, but it's like the thing is made of metal because it barely reacts, pawing at Heeseung's arms to tear at his skin. Heeseung's cheek begins to shimmer, his face contorted in pain, and Jake can't take it anymore.

When the demon attempts to strike Heeseung again, Jake yells, a dreadful and jarring sound, and suddenly the beast is flung into the air, torn to shreds along with several others. The trees crumble and disperse and the ground trembles, and Jungwon and Heeseung have to cling to the ground for support.

Jake isn't fully aware of what he's done until he's suddenly on his knees, shivering as a sudden headache bashes at his skull.

"Shit - are you okay?" Jungwon asks. His hair's a mess and there's a wound on his cheek, but his focus is entirely on Jake, his hand on Jake's back. He looks at Heeseung who quickly approaches the two of them, appearing worse for wear.

"Jake's bleeding from his nose," Jungwon tells Heeseung, alarmed.

Jake doesn't get to hear what Heeseung's response is, but he easily melts into the older's touch as soon as Heeseung hauls him to his feet, his strong arms wrapped around him.

"Tell Soobin we're heading back," Heeseung instructs Jungwon, resting Jake's head against his chest. His hands are gentle and comforting, and Jake wonders if he's using his healing powers on him before he drifts out of consciousness.

---

The next time Jake awakens, it's dark and he's on his bed. Heeseung is seated on a chair right beside him in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants, head pressed against the wall and eyes shut.

Jake notices the dark circles beneath Heeseung's eyes, the Healing Orbit's glow exposing just how exhausted he is.

Jake is back to feeling guilty, and it doesn't help that Heeseung's eyes flit open right then, instantly meeting his own.

"I'm sorry," Jake says.

Heeseung shakes his head. Relief is evident in his gaze. "You have nothing to be sorry about."

"I do," Jake presses. "I should have listened when you told me to stay put, but I got too stubborn and - and risked everyone's lives -"

"I was careless too," Heeseung interrupts. He hasn't stopped staring at Jake since he began talking, and it excites and flusters Jake at the same time.

"I should have let you join in from the beginning. You'd trained so hard for it," Heeseung continues, tugging at his sleeve. "But... I was afraid."

Jake falters. "Afraid?"

"It's your first time in combat," Heeseung tells him, eyes trained on the floor. "I... I didn't want you to get hurt."

I didn't want you to get hurt. Jake's pulse races at those words.

Jake sits up, hating how dejected Heeseung appears. Heeseung stiffens when Jake holds his hand, but he doesn't make a move to stop him. "I'm fine now, Heeseung. I'm okay."

"I was there when you died and got revived. Was there when you needed to be healed. I told myself I wouldn't get close to you, even when I saw how much it hurt you. Even when I just couldn't stop thinking about you..." Heeseung confesses, genuine and earnest and stealing Jake's breath right out of him.

"It was hard not to think about you. I made the choice to be by your side even when I told myself it'd be better to stay away," Heeseung whispers, a faraway look in his eyes. His grip is tight, but Jake doesn't let go. He won't let go. "And... and I hated it. I didn't want things to end the way it had with - with her -"

Jake may not know who Heeseung's referring to, but it's clear Heeseung cared for her a lot, clear he misses her dearly.

"I'm sorry if this is weird," Heeseung says. "I'm bad at talking."

"It's alright, Heeseung. I understand," Jake reassures, mustering up all his courage to rub Heeseung's back. He tries to pretend their close proximity isn't driving him insane, but when Heeseung looks into his eyes right then, his breath audibly hitches.

Heeseung notices, because he swallows hard. His gaze darts to Jake's lips then back up so quickly Jake thinks he'd imagined it at first. "Even - even after I got attacked earlier," Heeseung's eyes soften, "all I feared right then was losing you."

Jake's heart skips a beat, and skips several more when Heeseung's thumb brushes his cheek.

"But you didn't," Jake says. "You'll never lose me."

He leans in, heart in his throat, but pauses when Heeseung remains still. "...Can I um, kiss you?"

Heeseung's throat bobs and he takes several seconds to reply, heightening Jake's panic. Then, he slowly nods.

His mouth is soft when Jake kisses him, melding against Jake's own perfectly, and Jake really can't believe this is actually happening. But then Heeseung threads his fingers through Jake's hair and pulls him even closer, their chests pressing together, and Jake's heart feels a little too large for his chest.

The kiss is slow and exceedingly tender, Heeseung taking his time with Jake to ensure his comfort. When Jake's tongue swipes along the seam of his lips, Heeseung easily allows him entrance, Jake moaning at the sensation.

Heeseung's mouth moves against Jake's like he has no plans of stopping, every lip lock adding to the butterflies storming his stomach.

Jake can't help but slip his hands under Heeseung's hoodie, fingers tracing over his warm skin and toned midriff.

Heeseung stops, but he doesn't pull away. "You still need to rest," he mutters against Jake's temple.

"I feel better already," Jake reassures, and he isn't kidding. Heeseung's eyes are on him now, and his pulse becomes even more erratic. "I like it when you look at me."

Now it's Heeseung who loses his breath, lips parted but nothing coming out. Then, he gulps. "You do?"

"Mhm," Jake hums, hands meeting the drawstrings of Heeseung sweatpants. He's freaking the fuck out, but desire quickly overrides his nerves. He wants Heeseung so bad. He's wanted Heeseung from the moment he first laid eyes on him.

"I feel good when you look at me," Jake adds.

Heeseung's jaw clenches, but he doesn't look mad. He's far from it, even, pupils dilated. "...Jake."

Jake chews his lip. "Yeah?"

"You just recovered," Heeseung says, though he's still in Jake's space, his hands now grasping his hips.

"I don't know if you've noticed, Heeseung, but we aren't exactly normal humans anymore," Jake answers. His voice trails off at the end, betraying how nervous he is. "And... and I want you."

Heeseung nods, quick and stilted. He groans, low and breathy when Jake slips his hand into his sweatpants, palming his length.

Heeseung's already erect, heated, and Jake can feel himself hardening when Heeseung slowly ruts against his palm for friction.

Lust takes over before Jake can think better of it. In seconds he has Heeseung's cock pulled out, the length and girth impressive. Even in the dark, the precome dripping from the tip is evident, and Jake begins to jerk Heeseung off.

Jake has only hooked up with one other guy in his life, and it was clear they were both only doing it to distract themselves. Heeseung, on the other hand, pulls him closer, clearly into it while he peppers Jake's neck with kisses.

Jake hastens his strokes, Heeseung's moans pure ecstasy. He instinctively grinds against nothing, aching for more. His dick twitches in Jake's hand, lathered with more precome, and when Jake watches Heeseung, his cheeks are flushed, eyes hazy.

"Can I..." Jake begins, his own cock straining against his boxers. "Can I suck you off?"

Heeseung's face reddens further, and it's so cute. Jake wants him so fucking bad. "...Okay."

Jake slips off the bed in seconds, and locks the door before heading back to Heeseung. He's so desperate it would have been embarrassing if it wasn't already obvious Heeseung's worse off than he is.

Heeseung's cock is heavy on Jake's tongue once Jake kneels and takes him in. Heeseung shivers, another rough groan escaping him when Jake swirls his tongue along his shaft and up the veins, taking his time because he wants to savour this moment.

Jake loves how gently Heeseung grips the back of his hair as he bucks his hips against Jake's mouth. When Jake flattens his tongue, taking all of Heeseung, Heeseung moans out loud, fucking into his mouth in the process after making sure he's okay with it.

Jake whimpers, a bit overwhelmed but still wanting to perform well for Heeseung, groaning around his cock as it throbs hotly in his mouth.

"Fuck, Jake," Heeseung swears for the first time ever, his entire face flushed. It's so hot. He sounds like he can barely hold himself together. "Are - are you alright?"

Jake can't really nod right now, so he just gives him a thumbs up, pleased when Heeseung chuckles.

"You're doing so well, Jake," Heeseung praises, raking his fingers through Jake's hair. "You feel good. So good."

Jake preens at the praise, and as he continues to blow Heeseung, he strokes himself too, eager to get off.

"Jake, I - I'm close -" Heeseung breathes, his languid thrusts combined with Jake's stroking soon throwing Jake over the edge. He comes just as Heeseung spills into his mouth with a rather loud groan, and it's so much that Jake has to pull away, most of it dribbling down his chin.

"Shit," Heeseung whispers, yanking off his hoodie and using it to gently wipe Jake's face clean. It leaves him in a loose tank top, his beautiful body on display. "I'm sorry."

Jake shakes his head and laughs. "I wanted to do this, Heeseung. Plus, I liked it."

Heeseung pulls him into a tight hug, and Jake doesn't hesitate to nuzzle his face into the crook of his neck. "I liked it too, Jake."

Jake grins, relief crashing over him like a tidal wave. "I'm happy we both enjoyed it."

"We... I think a bath would be best," Heeseung suggests, trying to return to that formal tone he always uses. But he's far too breathless, a little delirious even, and Jake is satisfied. I made him like this.

"Okay."

Luckily, no one is around when they exit the bedroom, and while they don't shower together, Heeseung kisses Jake again after they're done. And it's more than worth it.

---

The sky is a lovely periwinkle tonight, and while the stars aren't plentiful, they dazzle nonetheless. The temperature's warm, but it's easily combated by the spring breeze easing through the salty atmosphere.

Waves crash against the seashore, Jongseong, Sunghoon and Riki taking turns dunking themselves into the sea. Jungwon scribbles everyone's names into the sand in the meantime, showcasing his sentimental side.

Farther ahead are Soobin and Yeonjun, the two of them looking through something on their tablets while sipping their beverages. As a 'thank you' for their sector's hard work during these past few months, this beach had been closed for them to celebrate.

Jake startles when Heeseung suddenly plops into the lounge chair beside him, a gust of wind disturbing the sand as a result. He's still working on perfecting his telekinesis ability, but it's a little easier now.

Everything is.

Heeseung has opened up to him considerably - as well as everyone else. He's been smiling a lot more too, a stark contrast to how he'd cried after revealing his past weeks ago.

He'd lost his mother in a fire that she herself started because she wasn't in the right state of mind. Heeseung had died trying to save her even when it'd been a lost cause. It wasn't even the first time his mother had attempted hurting herself, even injuring Heeseung's face one time after he'd tried to intervene. He never could afford getting her help, but he'd tried to protect her the best way he could. It had been her grave he'd visited that Sunday.

Jake had comforted Heeseung all throughout as he uncovered the memories that wounded him. Heeseung says they still hurt, and would probably never stop hurting, but Jake is there.

Jake will always be there. And he knows Heeseung will be too.

The reality that he'll never get to talk to Sunoo again still pains Jake. Sometimes he spends his free hours observing Sunoo as he goes about his life on campus like normal.

Jake had been the one who suggested altering Sunoo's memories of him, making him believe he left the country after surviving the accident. He wanted Sunoo to be okay, even when their relationship was forever severed.

"You okay?" Heeseung asks as he hands him a can of soda, knowing fully well how much Jake dislikes alcoholic drinks.

Jake stares at the others while they laugh and have the time of their lives. It's not unlike how people behaved before Jake had died, but this time around, Jake knows he's always welcome to join them, always has a place.

"Yeah." Jake nods, smiling. "I am."

***

a/n: thank you all for reading <3