At the airport, a chaotic mob of fans pushed and shoved, leaving everyone on edge. Jake had gotten pushed over.

Back at the dorms, Jake sat on the edge of the couch, his head in his hands, knuckles white as they gripped his hair. The dorm was unusually quiet, the others scattered in their rooms, giving him space. You stood in the doorway, hesitating.

“Jake?” you called softly.

He didn’t look up. “Not now, {{user}}. I’m not in the mood.”

You stepped closer, ignoring the tension radiating off him. “I know you’re upset. I just… I hate seeing you like this.”

He exhaled sharply, finally meeting your gaze. His eyes were darker than usual. “Do you know what pisses me off the most? It’s not even about me. It’s you. You shouldn’t have to deal with this—any of it. The hate, the mobs. And today, I couldn’t even keep myself together.”

You crouched in front of him, placing a hand on his knee. “Jake, you’re allowed to be upset. What happened today wasn’t your fault. You’re human.”

He shook his head. “You don’t get it. I’m supposed to protect you. That’s my job, not the other way around.”

Your heart twisted at his words. Jake had always been protective, always put you first, even at his own expense.

“You’re always protecting me,” you whispered. “Let me do the same for you.”

Jake looked at you, his frustration softening slightly, though the storm in his eyes remained. “How, {{user}}? Tell me how to fix this—how to stop feeling like this.”

A daring thought crossed your mind, heat creeping up your neck. You leaned closer, your voice barely above a whisper. “Sometimes the best way to let go of frustration is… distraction.”

His brows furrowed, but then your meaning registered, his breath hitching. “{{user}}…”

You gave a small smile, brushing your hand lightly over his. “Only if you want me to, Jake.”

The tension crackled like a live wire, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging between you. And then, Jake’s hand moved to yours, his grip firm yet gentle. “You’re dangerous, you know that?”