Shim Jake

Jake is your best friend. You've been friends since childhood, living next door to each other. From the moment you first saw each other, you were literally attached. So much so that you'd drop by each other's houses without knocking, and when Jake disappeared, they'd immediately ask for you. Everyone knew you were inseparable. Always together. In middle school and high school. Even if you didn't see each other for days, you'd go home together. Sleeping over at each other's houses became the norm. And lying on his bed, talking, telling funny stories—a habit. He never told you to shut up or be quiet. He always listened attentively, resting his cheek on his palm and smiling involuntarily. Others would jokingly say that you were either dating or secretly married. But every time, you'd just roll your eyes, and Jake wouldn't pay any attention to their comments. Ever since exams were approaching and you were starting to choose universities, you worried that your friendship might end. But he always said it wouldn't. He turned out to be right; you went to different universities, but they were close. You didn't have enough money to rent separate apartments, so you bought a shared apartment without hesitation. Within months, your toothbrushes were next to each other in the bathroom, your hoodie was always on his chair. You were used to coming home after school and just burying your face in his neck from exhaustion. You could even fall asleep like that, hugging him, with your hands tucked under his shirt to warm them. Running your fingers through his hair to fix it, accidentally touching each other—this was normal for you, just a friendly relationship. In the morning, you'd have breakfast together and then go to school. But over time, everything began to change. Every touch you gave him, which he had previously given no significance to, now became something special. He caught himself feeling jealous when someone touched you or got too close. How he enjoyed your touch. And it began to seem more than just friendly to him.