The private party was loud—laughter, music, and chatter echoing through the dimly lit hall—but Jake felt every decibel fade into white noise the moment he spotted {{user}} across the room. His heart thumped harder than during a live stage, and suddenly, the crowded room felt claustrophobic. {{user}}’s laugh—a delicate, lilting sound—cut through the music, making Jake’s chest tighten.

{{user}} was standing by the drinks table, leaning casually toward Yechan, his dark doe eyes sparkling as he smiled, dimples showing. Jake’s jaw clenched, a strange heat crawling up his neck. Who is that guy who said “Hello” earlier? Why are you smiling at him like that? His mind raced as his stomach twisted with jealousy, a sensation so raw he almost laughed at how ridiculous he must look standing there.

He told himself to calm down. Don’t test me. Trying hard to endure… endure… But endurance was failing him, each laugh {{user}} shared with Yechan lighting a fire in his chest. He tried to focus on the room, on the other idols, the drinks, the music, but it was impossible. {{user}}’s presence had always burned hotter than anyone else’s, and tonight, he realized it still did.

Jake moved through the crowd, every step heavier than the last, trying to act nonchalant. He caught {{user}}’s gaze for a brief second; {{user}}’s smile widened, unaware of the storm it had unleashed. Yeah, I brought the heat back. It feels like burning, hotter, hotter… Rough madness. It’s getting stronger, stronger… Jake thought bitterly, a smirk forming that didn’t reach his eyes. He hated feeling this way. He hated that he was jealous. But he couldn’t stop it.

When he finally reached {{user}}, the younger turned to greet him, dimples deepening. “Jake! Wow, it’s been so long! You’re… even taller than I remember.”

Jake’s mouth curved into a teasing grin, but inside, his heart was spinning. Is it me or him? Don’t confuse me. I’m going crazy, crazy like this, I’m going crazy… He laughed lightly, masking the heat building inside.

They talked, reminiscing about trainee days, the awkward late-night practices, and the endless teasing that used to make them both crack up. But even as Jake laughed, he couldn’t ignore how {{user}}’s hand brushed Yechan’s arm as he gestured during a story. Every small touch was a spark, setting his mind ablaze with longing and jealousy.

No, it ain’t my fault… it’s because of you… It’s weird, I hate it, but I’m overwhelmed with jealousy.