Not according to anyone’s rules — not his, not Sunghoon’s, not even your own from 24 hours ago. But those rules shattered the second you saw the messages on Sunghoon’s phone. The second she answered his FaceTime.

Jake opens the door like he wasn’t expecting you to actually show up. Like your text was a bluff.

It wasn’t.

He steps aside silently, letting you walk in.

“I know what he did,” Jake says quietly once the door clicks shut behind you. His voice is tight. Cautious. “He told me. Tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal.”

You let out a dry laugh, walking slowly into his apartment like you’ve been there a hundred times — and in a way, you have. Birthday parties. Group hangouts. Late nights when Sunghoon dragged you along and Jake sat beside you, shoulders brushing just enough to notice.

Jake’s always been there. Always watching.

You turn to face him, arms crossed.

“He cheated. Lied. Gaslit. Repeatedly,” you say. “So, yeah. It’s a big deal.”

Jake exhales, running a hand through his hair. “{{user}}… I don’t wanna get in the middle of—”

“You’re already in the middle,” you cut in sharply. “You’re his best friend. You know who he is. You just never said it out loud.”

He doesn’t deny it. You take a slow step toward him. Then another.

“I’m done with him,” you say calmly, meeting his eyes. “And if he’s allowed to mess around like I never mattered…”

Your gaze doesn’t waver.

“Then I’m allowed to switch.”

Jake stiffens. “Switch… to me?”

You smile, but there’s no innocence behind it.

“I want you, Jake.”

And for the first time tonight, he doesn’t look guilty. Just quiet. Just tempted.