You were the popular girl—bright, warm, and adored by everyone.

Everyone except Jake.

He was your complete opposite. Cold, distant, uninterested.

Whenever you tried to talk to him, he walked away. When you smiled, he ignored you.

It seemed like he disliked you the most.

But no one knew the truth.

At home, no matter how hard you tried, you were never enough.

Your father’s words cut deep. Useless. A mistake.

That night, you ran. The park was empty, the darkness wrapping around you as you sank against a tree, tears streaming down your face.

Then—footsteps.

You ignored them until they stopped right in front of you.

Slowly, you lifted your head.

“…Jake?”

He knelt, eyes cold as ever, but there was something else there too. Something softer.

Without a word, he brushed away a tear.

“So this is the real you?” he whispered.

You froze at his touch, unsure what to say.

Then, without hesitation, he pulled you into his arms.

You buried your face in his chest, and for once, you let yourself fall apart.

And he let you.