eclipsed | sim jaeyun

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The night didn't get any easier after Jake's confession. 

I stayed in the pantry a little longer than necessary, gripping the bag of chips like it might ground me. My thoughts churned like waves during a storm, too loud and relentless to ignore. 

When I finally rejoined the others, Jake had settled back into the living room, laughing along with Jay over some inside joke. He looked so relaxed, so normal, that I started to question whether our conversation had even happened. 

But his eyes flicked to mine for the briefest moment, and I knew it wasn't something I'd imagined. 

---

"Was Jake acting weird tonight, or was it just me?" 

Yunjin's voice broke the silence in my room later that night. She was lying on her stomach on my bed, scrolling through her phone while I sat cross-legged on the floor, trying to focus on my homework. 

"Define weird," I said, not looking up. 

"Like... he was quieter than usual. Or maybe he just kept looking at you," she said, raising an eyebrow at me. 

I groaned, leaning back against my chair. "Can you not?" 

"Can I not *what*?" she asked, grinning now. 

"Make everything about Jake." 

"Haeri, everything *is* about Jake right now," she teased, sitting up. "You're the one spiraling over it." 

"I'm not spiraling," I said, though I knew it wasn't convincing. "He's Jungwon's best friend. It's complicated." 

"Does he think it's complicated?" Yunjin pressed. 

I hesitated, remembering the way Jake had looked at me in the pantry. "He knows it is," I said finally. 

Yunjin rolled her eyes. "Boys are the worst. They always overthink things that could be simple." 

"Jake's not overthinking," I muttered, though I wasn't sure if I believed it. 

She gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, she tossed her phone aside and grabbed my pillow. 

"Fine," she said. "But if you need to vent about your *not-spiraling*, I'm here." 

---

The next few days passed in a blur of school and family obligations. I kept myself busy, avoiding Jungwon's house and ignoring the part of me that wanted to check my phone every five minutes to see if Jake had texted. 

He didn't. 

And maybe that was for the best. 

"Are you coming to the basketball game tomorrow?" Yunjin asked during lunch on Friday. "I heard Jungwon's team is playing against Jake's school." 

I froze mid-bite. "Wait, what?" 

"Jungwon didn't tell you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, their schools are rivals or something. Should be fun to watch." 

Fun? That wasn't the word I'd use. 

"I don't know if I'll go," I said quickly. 

"You *have* to go," Yunjin insisted. "What kind of sister would you be if you skipped it?" 

The kind who didn't want to deal with Jake staring at her across the court. 

But Yunjin wasn't letting it go, and by the time Saturday rolled around, I found myself in the crowded gymnasium, sandwiched between her and Giselle in the stands. 

---

The game was intense, with both teams evenly matched. Jungwon was in his element, commanding the court with sharp passes and swift moves that made the crowd erupt into cheers. 

Jake, on the other hand, was just as skilled, if not more so. He had this effortless way of moving, like he was meant to be out there. 

Every time he scored, the gym filled with deafening applause. And every time, I couldn't stop myself from glancing at him. 

Once, during a timeout, his gaze drifted to the stands and landed on me. 

It was fleeting, just a second too long to be accidental, but it left me gripping the edge of my seat like I might fall off. 

"You're blushing," Yunjin whispered, nudging me with her elbow. 

"Shut up," I muttered, keeping my eyes on the game. 

---

Jungwon's team won by a narrow margin, and the gym erupted into celebration. As the players filed off the court, Jungwon made a beeline for me, grinning from ear to ear. 

"Did you see that final play?" he asked, his voice buzzing with adrenaline. 

"You were amazing," I said, matching his smile. 

"Of course I was," he said, throwing an arm around my shoulder. "I'm glad you came. I didn't think you would." 

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked, though my voice sounded hollow. 

Before he could answer, someone called his name, and he excused himself to join his teammates. 

I stayed where I was, watching the crowd thin out. Jake was still on the court, talking to his coach, his hair damp with sweat. 

I didn't mean to stare, but he must have felt it because he turned and met my eyes. 

For a moment, it felt like the entire gym faded away. 

He didn't smile, didn't wave. But there was something in his expression—something that made my heart ache in ways I didn't fully understand. 

"Let's go," Yunjin said, tugging on my sleeve. "The traffic's going to be a nightmare if we don't leave now." 

I nodded, tearing my gaze away from Jake. 

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merry christmas to anyone who celebrates💕!!

may this time of year bring you peace, happiness, and moments to cherish with loved ones
here's to new beginnings, cherished memories, and a bright year ahead🤍