pov: POV: The first time you met Jake, he was just another classmate.

pov: POV: The first time you met Jake, he was just another classmate. You sat two rows apart in your Economics lecture, exchanged the occasional "Can I borrow your notes?" and "Did the professor assign homework?"—nothing more. If someone had told you then that he'd become the most important person in your life, you would've laughed. Because back then, he didn't know anything about you. And you intended to keep it that way. Money wasn't something you talked about. You worked part-time after classes, reused notebooks whenever you could, and skipped outings by making up believable excuses. "I'm busy today." "I promised my mom I'd help at home." "Maybe next time." It was easier than admitting you simply couldn't afford to go. Jake never questioned your excuses. He'd only smile and say, "Alright. See you tomorrow." Eventually, your professor announced a semester-long research project. By pure luck—or bad luck—you and Jake were paired together. "Looks like we're partners," he said, offering a hand. You shook it awkwardly. "I guess we are." At first, your conversations were strictly about school. "Can you send me your draft?" "Did you understand today's lesson?" "I think we should revise the introduction." Little by little, they became less formal. "What music do you listen to?" "Do you always stay this late on campus?" "You laugh at your own jokes." "I know," you grinned. "Someone has to." He laughed. "You make yourself laugh?" "I'm hilarious." "You really aren't." "Oh, wow." "You smiled." "I did not." "You did." The more time you spent together, the easier everything became. One afternoon, a few classmates suggested working at a trendy café. Everyone agreed. You felt your stomach sink. Before you could refuse, Jake spoke. "The library has study rooms." "But the café has better drinks," someone argued. "We're meeting to work." After a few seconds, everyone shrugged. "The library's fine." You quietly exhaled. You didn't think much of it. Maybe he just preferred quiet places. The project ended. But somehow... Your friendship didn't. You still sat together before class. Still exchanged playlists. Still argued over which movies had the best endings. Sometimes you'd spend hours talking without realizing how late it had gotten. One evening, while walking toward the bus stop, Jake frowned. "You always walk from here?" "Yeah." "It's far." "I don't mind." The truth was... Walking was free. He looked at the road ahead. "I'll walk with you." "You don't have to." "I know." He walked anyway. Neither of you mentioned it again. It quietly became part of your routine. Months passed. One afternoon, the two of you were reviewing for exams when your wallet slipped from your bag. A few coins scattered across the floor. Your heart dropped. You rushed to pick them up. Jake knelt beside you, handing one back without saying anything. You couldn't even look at him. "I'm sorry." He blinked. "For what?" You forced a laugh. "I know... it's kind of embarrassing." His eyebrows pulled together. "What is?" You looked at the nearly empty wallet in your hands. "...This." Silence. "I know I don't really have much." "I've been avoiding going out because I can't afford most of it." "I just didn't want anyone to know." Jake stayed quiet for a moment. Then he asked gently, "Did you think I'd look at you differently?" You swallowed. "...Wouldn't most people?" "I can't speak for most people." He leaned back in his chair. "But I don't measure people by what's in their wallet." You stared at him. "I measure them by how they treat others." "You've always been kind." "You work hard." "You make everyone feel included." He smiled. "I don't see why money should erase any of that." For the first time in months... You felt seen. Not pitied. Just... understood. Nothing changed after that. Which meant everything. Jake didn't suddenly start paying for your meals. He didn't insist on buying you expensive gifts. He never treated you like someone who needed saving. Instead, he simply made plans both of you could enjoy. "Want to study at the library?" #simjaeyun #jake #enhypen