In Every Memory

Jake’s heartbeat was a steady rhythm in his ears as Heeseung pulled him through the quiet streets, away from Jay and Sunghoon’s watchful eyes. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Their fingers brushed as they walked, and Jake had to bite back a smile when Heeseung didn’t move away.

"You’re really that desperate to be alone with me, huh?" Jake teased, his voice light but his gaze warm.

Heeseung scoffed, though the pink dusting his ears betrayed him. "I just wanted to get away before they started an interrogation."

"Right," Jake said, grinning. "And here I thought you were secretly dying to be with me."

Heeseung rolled his eyes but didn’t let go.

"Where are we going?" Heeseung asked as Jake led him toward his car.

Jake smirked. "Somewhere special."

———

A Place Just for Them

The drive was quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio. Jake stole glances at Heeseung, who was staring out the window, a small smile on his lips. He looked… beautiful in the moonlight.

When they arrived, Heeseung’s breath hitched.

The spot by the river was glowing softly with fairy lights strung around the trees. A picnic setup was waiting for them, complete with a thick blanket and a basket of food. The river reflected the city lights, creating a dreamlike view.

"You did all this?" Heeseung’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Jake stuffed his hands in his pockets, suddenly feeling a little shy. "Yeah. I wanted to do something special for you."

Heeseung turned to him, eyes softening. "You’re really something, Jake."

Jake chuckled. "I hope that’s a good thing."

Heeseung didn’t answer—he just pulled Jake down to sit with him.

———

A Love That Feels Like Home

They ate, they talked, and they laughed. It was effortless, the way they fit together.

At some point, Heeseung leaned back on his elbows, staring at the stars. "Do you ever think about the future?"

Jake tilted his head. "Like what?"

"Like… where we’ll be years from now." Heeseung turned to him. "What if things change?"

Jake didn’t hesitate. "Some things will. But not this."

Heeseung’s breath caught as Jake reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. His touch lingered, fingers tracing the curve of Heeseung’s cheek.

"I’ll always want to be by your side," Jake murmured. "No matter what."

Heeseung swallowed, his chest tightening. "You’re so sure of everything, huh?"

Jake smiled, eyes filled with something deep, something unchanging. "When it comes to you? Always."

The space between them disappeared.

Heeseung felt Jake’s breath ghosting over his lips, warm and inviting. His heart pounded, but he didn’t pull away.

Jake’s hand cupped his cheek, his thumb tracing slow circles.

"Heeseung," Jake whispered, his voice laced with something more than just affection.

Heeseung closed his eyes, tilting his head ever so slightly—

"YAH!"

They jumped apart as Jay and Sunghoon’s furious voices shattered the moment.

Jake groaned, already knowing what was coming.

"What did we say about kissing?!" Jay yelled, arms crossed.

Sunghoon took a slow, threatening step forward. "Do you have a death wish, Jake?"

Heeseung buried his face in his hands. "Oh my god."

Jake sighed, standing up dramatically. "If I don’t make it out alive, Heeseung, just know that I—"

"RUN."

Jake took off, Jay and Sunghoon hot on his heels.

Heeseung lay back on the blanket, staring at the sky. He should be annoyed.

But instead, he smiled.

Because no matter how chaotic they were, this—Jake, Jay, Sunghoon, and even the endless teasing—was home.

And Jake?

Jake was the part of home he never wanted to lose.