✓ | cool for the summer, sim jaeyun

𝟎𝟐. ( jake sim. )

THE HOT SUMMER air blew through the open window and down onto Issy, blowing her hair uncontrollably as she flicked through the book she was currently reading.

She released an exasperated sigh and rested her head back against the head rest, turning her head away from her book and looking out the open window at the blue ocean. They had landed in Jeju Island not long ago, and now they were on their way to the holiday home.

It was supposed to be an exciting journey, with Isabel on the edge of her seat, wishing she could just teleport to the home instead of waiting out the rather long car ride, however this time round, it was completely the opposite.

She thought that she was excited for the holiday considering she'd be able to see her brother and have her best friend with her, but that wasn't the case. She could feel a pit of anxiety in the bottom of her stomach, making her feel sick as the thought of Jake Sim continued to appear in her head.

She didn't want to think of him — she really didn't, but just the thought of seeing him again after eight months made her heart pound against her chest. Had he changed much? Did he still play with girls' hearts? Was he still as hot as ever? The questions were nonstop, and making her head begin to ache.

She let out a groan, growing fed up of picturing the boys face, and she shut her book before glancing over at the Nishimura boy, who was fast asleep with his mouth slightly parted and his AirPods in his ears. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of him and let out a sigh, before leaning her head on his shoulder.

Sleep would be the best option to get through the duration of the long, Jake-filled, car ride.

✿

Isabel Park's eyes opened as soon as she felt the car come to a permanent stop, and instantly, she sat up, rubbing her eyes as she heard Niki tiredly sigh and her parents gasps of excitement.

Quickly, once the sleep had evacuated both of the teenagers' bodies, they hurriedly left the car, the heat hitting them immediately, however that was the least of Issy's worries as her eyes landed on her older brother, Jay Park.

Isabel grinned wildly as she watched him reunite with their parents. From what the youngest Park could see, he hadn't changed much, other than his hair — which was now an unnatural silver shade, instead of his natural brunette colour, though it still managed to suit him as it complimented his features.

"Is that Isabel Park?" She heard Jay tease once he pulled away from the hug he was in with his father and turned to look at her and her new appearance. "My baby sister?"

A laugh fell from Issy's lips as she broke out into a slight jog towards him, and quickly the siblings engulfed one another into a hug. Never in their lives did they imagine themselves ever hugging, yet here they were in the middle of Jeju, happy to see one another again.

"Nice to see you again, Is." He smiled as they pulled away, and Isabel bobbed her head in agreement, before her eyes landed on the unknown boy beside Jay. He had black hair, and despite being under the suns gaze, his skin was as white as snow, and his face was also decorated with a few small moles. His lips were plump and his nose was straight and looked as perfect as ever.

"Issy, this is Sunghoon, a friend we met at College." Jay introduced, and Sunghoon sent the shorter girl a small smile, to which she mirrored.

She parted her lips to welcome the taller boy more, but before that could happen, she felt her breathing hitch as soon as she heard a familiar laugh. His laugh. Jake Sim's laugh.

She gulped nervously, and glanced over to the front door of the holiday home, where Jake was leaving from. His hair was now black instead of brown, and he looked older, like he'd grown out of his baby face phase, and he looked far more mature... and way more attractive.

The girls heartbeat pounded ferociously against her chest as she watched him walk down the porch steps, gracefully — however, the trance Issy was once in was soon broken as her eyes landed on the girl walking beside him, laughing along with him.

She was beautiful — very beautiful. She was slim and tall, and her skin was sunkissed. Her eyes were sharp and hazel and shined against the sun. Her lips were plump and a similar shape to a heart and her nose was button like and had a perfect slope. Her face was dotted with many freckles and her makeup was done neatly and perfectly. The girls hair was long and blonde and straight with a slight kink in it. She truly was flawless.

"Isabel?" Jake called out, a grin on his lips as soon as his eyes landed on the younger girl. As Issy looked away from the blonde girl beside him and at him, she couldn't help but notice the glint of surprise in his brown orbs.

Isabel sent him a small smile as she watched him open his arms for hug. For a moment, the girl contemplated whether she should hug him or not. She wanted to, but she knew that if she did, she would only start to fall again.

"It's good to see you, Jake." Issy stated and turned her attention the the blonde girl, ignoring the hint of confusion that appeared on his perfect face. Usually, Isabel wouldn't hesitate to wrap her arms around him and squeeze him tightly, so why didn't she do that this time? Whatever the reason was, all the Sim boy knew was that he didn't like it.

"Who's this?" The Park girl wondered, breaking Jake's train of thought as he then wrapped an arm around the girl. "This is Niah, she's my girlfriend."

Ouch.

Isabel had no idea why that sentence had such an effect on her. She was sure she was over him, so why did her heart ache so much?

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Niah grinned, leaning into Jake. Even her teeth were perfect. "I've heard so much about you."

Isabel returned the smile, though it felt forced as she kept her eyes focused on Niah, refusing the look at Jake. "All good things I hope." Issy chuckled and so did the blonde girl.

"Of course," Niah shook her head, giggles escaping her mouth. "Jake says you're like a little sister, so I'm more than excited to get to know you. I'm sure we'll be the bestest of friends."

Ouch.

Issy could feel her heart breaking the longer the conversation went on. She knew that that was how Jake always saw her, and she'd moved on from him, so why was she so bothered? It annoyed her that she was effected by whole situation, and she felt herself become angry with herself.

This was going to be a long summer...

✿