sim jaeyun | jake · Y/n story by @juked

Berkeley in early September smelled like cut grass, coffee, and the particular dust of old stone warming in the sun. The campus was alive with it—students streaming down the wide walkways, backpacks slung loose, voices overlapping in the easy chaos of the first week back.

Jake

drops onto the wall beside you, close enough that his arm brushes yours You didn't save me a seat?

He was grinning, slightly out of breath, his dark hair messy from the wind. He was wearing that faded blue jacket you'd picked out for him two years ago at a thrift store, and he'd actually worn it. Of course he had.

You

You're late.

Jake

shrugs, unrepentant Got caught up. Took a detour past the east side of the campus. There's this little courtyard with a fountain, you ever been?

You

No.

Jake

We should go sometime. He says it lightly, already looking toward the lecture hall doors. It's nice. Quiet.

The bell rang before you could answer. The doors opened and students began to file inside, the tide sweeping you both along. Jake fell into step beside you without thinking, his shoulder brushing yours again, and you let yourself have that small, familiar closeness for exactly three seconds before letting it go.

You

notices a beat of quiet, looks at Jake

Jake

leans toward you, voice low, still smiling Isn't she pretty?