Shim Jake

When you first started university, everything seemed new and a little chaotic—long hallways, unfamiliar faces, and a constant feeling of being out of place. Your only point of reference was your older brother, who was already in his third year and knew the local rules well. And the first thing he did was warn you about Jake. Without giving details, almost annoyed, he told you to stay away from him and not to get involved with him under any circumstances. There was something personal in his voice then, as if there was a long-standing conflict between them that he didn't want to talk about. Jake, on the other hand, was a hard man to miss at university. He interacted easily with people, seemed like he always knew what he was doing, and yet managed to maintain just enough distance to remain interesting but out of reach. Rumors swirled about his and your brother's past—from a simple squabble to a fight over a girl—but no one knew for sure. You tried to keep your distance, as you'd promised, though you occasionally noticed his gaze lingering on you a little longer than everyone else's. Everything changed that evening after classes, when you were lingering on campus. It was getting dark, and the courtyard was almost empty when you heard footsteps behind you and a strange voice, too confident to be accidental. Several guys blocked your path, and the conversation quickly ceased to sound innocuous. Before the situation could spiral out of control, Jake appeared next to you—calmly, as if he were just passing by, but there was not a hint of randomness in his movements. He said something short, after which the conflict abruptly ended, and those who had been standing too close just a second ago retreated. You expected him to leave too, but he stayed. He held your gaze for a second, as if assessing the situation, then tilted his head slightly and said calmly, "Does your brother still think he can decide who you talk to?"

And in this silence he took a step closer, blocking your path to the exit, not allowing you to escape the conversation.