back to me.
⋆ ✩₊˚ ʚ♡ɞ ˚₊✩⋆
two childhood best friends, separated by a painful argument and years apart, reunite at university and navigate their past wounds to rekindle their friendship and bond and explore newfound feelings developed.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ jake sim x fem reader ⊹ ࣪ ˖
warnings | argument, angst (not rlly im so bad☹️) second chance friendship (romance) kissing<3
4.1k
(a/n) guys I genuinely worked so hard on this!! I hope u guys like it or else I’ll acc cry <3 also credits to @anitalenia for the separater things, they’re so cute!!!!! anyways enjoy🫶
The golden sun dipped low over Bondi Beach, casting long shadows on the sand and tinting the waves with a fiery aqua glow. The air was warm, the kind of warmth that enveloped you like a comforting embrace.
But the atmosphere between you and Jake Sim was anything but comforting.
You and Jake had been inseparable since you were basically in diapers. Growing up in Sydney, the two of you had shared everything—from ice cream cones on intense hot summer days to whispered secrets under the stars.
You were best friends, confidants, each other's anchors. But that evening, standing on the beach where you'd shared so many memories through out your whole life, everything changed.
"I can't believe you did this, Jake!" you shouted, your voice breaking with emotion. The argument had been building for days, fueled by misunderstandings and unspoken feelings.
Jake's eyes, usually so bright and full of life, were clouded with hurt, anger, and frustration. "And I can't believe you won't even try to see my side of things!"
The cause of the argument was trivial in hindsight, a misunderstanding about your future plans after high school. Jake had been accepted into a prestigious university in Seoul, South Korea, and he'd decided to go without discussing it with you. It felt like a betrayal, like he was abandoning everything you had built together.
"I thought we were in this together," you said, your voice trembling. "You didn't even tell me you were applying Jake, I could’ve-“
Jake ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of exasperation you'd seen countless times. "I didn't think it mattered. I didn't want to hold you back, and I thought you'd be happy for me, and I know for a fact you don’t wanna go to Seoul.”
"Happy?" you echoed, the word tasting bitter in your mouth. "How can I be happy when you're leaving me behind?"
“And how do you know I wouldn’t go for you?” you say to yourself in the back of your mind.
The argument ended with harsh words and tears. Jake walked away, leaving you standing on the beach, your heart shattered. The next day, he was gone. Without a proper goodbye, Jake had moved to Korea, and you were left to pick up the pieces of your broken heart.
The years that followed were a blur of university life, part-time jobs, and attempts to move on. You threw yourself into your studies at the University of Sydney, trying to forget the boy who had once meant everything to you, and than had thrown you away like trash. You didn't follow Jake's life in Korea, it was too painful to see his success and wonder if he ever thought about you, while you thought about him endlessly. It was quite embarrassing, really.
Occasionally, you heard whispers of his achievements from other classmates who kept in touch with him. “Jake Sim had become a top student!” “Jake Sim is the heart throb of Seoul university!” He was living a life that seemed worlds away from yours.
But no amount of distance could erase the memories of your friendship. Late at night, when the world was quiet, and you left alone with your thoughts, you found yourself thinking about him—his laugh, his smile, the way he used to look at you like you were everything to him, The pain was a dull ache that never fully went away.
It was your third year at university, and life had settled into a comfortable routine. You had a close group of great friends, a part-time job at a local café, and a busy-busy course load that kept you busy. You had learned to live with the void Jake had left behind, even if it still hurt tremendously sometimes.
One crisp Summer morning, you walked into your first lecture of the semester, juggling a coffee cup and a stack of textbooks. The lecture hall was buzzing with chatter, but one voice stood out among the rest— your face falling at a voice you hadn't heard in years.
You froze, your heart pounding in your chest. Slowly, you turned to see him. Jake Sim. He was standing at the front of the lecture hall, talking to the professor. He looked older, more mature, but there was no mistaking those familiar features you had adored so much.
Jake's eyes met yours across the room, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. You could see the shock and recognition in his eyes, mirroring your own. The memories came flooding back, overwhelming you with a rush of emotions.
Before you could process what was happening, the professor began the lecture, and you had no choice but to settle down and find a seat. Your mind was racing with thoughts, unable to focus on the words being spoken. Jake was back. After all these years, he was here, back in the blazing Sydney sun at your university.
After the lecture, you hurried out of the hall, your thoughts in turmoil. You needed to clear your head, to understand what this meant, why he was back. But as you stepped outside, you felt a familiar warm touch on your arm.
"Wait," Jake's voice was soft, hesitant.
You turned to face him, your heart in your throat. Struggling to find words. "Jake..."
"I didn't know you'd be here," he said, his eyes searching yours. "I transferred here for a semester abroad. I didn't know you were still in Sydney."
There were so many things you wanted to say, so many questions you had. “You hadn’t asked”But the words caught in your throat, and all you could manage was a nod.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."
You felt a pang in your heart, he had broken you completely, and left the next day. What were you supposed to say? He was all you had known your entire life, and suddenly you had to learn how to breathe without him.
"I was so hurt, Jake," you finally said, your voice shaking. "You left without even saying goodbye, without even asking me what I wanted.”
He looked down, guilt, shame, and regret written all over his face. "I know. I was scared, stupid and young. I didn't know how to face you after what happened."
There was a long silence as you both stood there, the weight of the past pressing down on you. Finally, you took a deep breath. "Maybe we can talk? Later? There's a lot we need to say, and I’m kinda busy right now…”
Jake nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "I'd like that so much. Can we meet at the café you used to work at? Tomorrow afternoon? If your free of course-“
You quickly cut Jake’s rambling off, knowing it was a habit of his when he was extremely anxious and nervous, and anxiety clouding over him.”
"Okay," you agreed, your heart pounding with an unfamiliar feeling, the feeling you felt all too many years ago when you were with Jake.
"Tomorrow."
The next day, you arrived at the café early, your nerves getting the best of you. You found a quiet corner and sat down, your thoughts a mix of anticipation and anxiety. When Jake walked in, your heart skipped a beat.
He spotted you and made his way over, a gentle smile on his lips. "Hey."
"Hi,” you replied, trying to steady your breathing.
Jake sat down across from you, and for a moment, neither of you spoke. The silence was heavy with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings.
"I'm sorry," he said again, breaking the silence. "I know I hurt you, and I regret how I handled everything."
You looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me you were applying to universities in Korea?"
Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair and biting his lip, you found yourself with a soft smile seeing he still had his familiar habits.
“I didn't want to put any pressure on you. I thought it would be easier if I just made the decision on my own. But I was wrong. I should have talked to you about it."
The anger and hurt that had been simmering inside you for years bubbled to the surface. "You were my best friend, Jake. I thought we shared everything. But you just left without a word, and it felt like I didn't matter to you."
"You did matter," he said urgently. "You still do. I was scared, and I made a mistake. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now that I hurt you more than I ever imagined, and I never wanted that, I never ever wanted to cause you pain.”
The raw honesty in his voice cut through your anger, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable. "I missed you," you admitted, your voice barely above a soft whisper.
Jake reached across the table, taking your hand in his. The touch was gentle, familiar, and it sent a shiver down your spine. "I missed you too. Every day."
And you found yourselves smiling at each other, with that familiar look you had all those years in your eyes.
The conversation that followed was filled with tears and laughter, apologies and forgiveness. You talked about the past you had shared, about the dreams and the paths your lives had taken. The pain of the separation was still there, but so was the bond and understanding that had once made you inseparable.
Over the next few weeks, you and Jake spent more time together, slowly rebuilding the friendship you had lost. There were awkward moments and difficult moments and conversations, but there were also moments of genuine connection and understanding.
One evening, as you walked along the beach, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, Jake stopped and turned to you. "Can we start over? As friends, and maybe... something more?"
You looked into his eyes, seeing the hope and vulnerability there. The years of hurt and distance had left their mark, but you knew that you still cared for him deeply. "I'd like that," you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. "But we need to take it slow. There's still a lot to work through."
Jake nodded, a look of determination in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes. I just want to be in your life again."
The months that followed were a journey of healing and rediscovery. You and Jake spent countless hours talking, laughing, and reminiscing about the past. The more time you spent together, the more you realized how much you had missed having him in your life.
Your friends noticed the change in you, the way your eyes lit up when you talked about Jake, the way you smiled more often. They were happy to see you reconnecting with someone who had once been such an important part of your life.
One evening, as you sat on the beach watching the waves crash against each other, Jake turned to you with a serious expression. "There's something I need to tell you."
Your heart skipped a beat, worried about what he might say. "What is it?"
"I've been offered a permanent position in Sydney," he said, his voice steady. "It means I can stay here, with you."
The relief that washed over you was overwhelming. You threw your arms around Jake, laughing with tears brimming in your eyes, burying your face in his shoulder. The tears came unbidden, a mixture of happiness and the release of long-held fears. Jake's arms tightened around you, holding you close.
"Hey, it's okay," he murmured, his voice soothing you as he mumbled onto your bare skin. "I'm not going anywhere this time, not without you."
You pulled back slightly, looking up into his eyes. "I was so scared you'd leave me again."
Jake brushed a strand of hair from your face, his touch gentle. "I promise, I'm here to stay. Not leaving you ever again love."
As you gazed into his eyes, you felt a sense of peace that had been missing for so long. The beach, the stars, the gentle sound of the waves—it all felt like the perfect backdrop for this new chapter in your lives, together.
Over the next few months, you and Jake focused on rebuilding your relationship, strengthening it and laying the foundation for something stronger and more resilient than before. You spent time together, sharing stories of the years you had spent apart, learning about each other's lives all over again.
There were still moments of pain and doubt, shadows of the past that occasionally surfaced. But each time, you faced them together, talking through your fears and doubts. It was a process of healing, of learning to trust each other fully once more.
Jake's presence in your life brought a renewed sense of joy and purpose. You found yourself looking forward to the future with him by your side. You found yourself happier, youthful again.
It was a warm summer evening when you and Jake decided to have a picnic on the beach. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the sand and sea. You spread out a blanket, laughing as you struggled to keep it from blowing away in the gentle flowing breeze.
As you sat down, Jake handed you a sandwich he'd made. "I hope you like it," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
You took a bite, savoring the familiar taste. "It's perfect," you said, smiling at him. "Just like old times."
Jake smiled back, a look of relief and admiration on his face. "I'm glad."
After you finished eating, you lay back on the blanket, gazing up at the twinkling stars. Jake lay beside you, his hand brushing against yours. The touch sent a shiver down your spine, a reminder of the unspoken feelings that had been building between you, the feelings all those years ago resurfacing.
"Do you remember when we used to stargaze here?" Jake mumbled softly.
"Of course," you replied, turning to look at him. "We'd make up stories about the constellations and dream about the future."
Jake's eyes were filled with a mix of nostalgia and longing. "I missed those moments, more than you could ever imagine.”
You reached out, taking his hand in yours. "Me too, Jakey.”
For a moment, there was only the sound of the waves and the distant hum of the city. Then, Jake leaned in, his gaze locked on yours. Your heart raced as he drew closer, his breath warm against your skin.
When his lips finally met yours, it felt so right, like all those years apart were worth it as it bought you to this very moment.
The kiss was gentle at first, a tentative exploration of emotions long held back. But as you responded, the intensity grew, a shared hunger for the connection you'd both been craving.
The world around you seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of you, wrapped in each other's arms. When you finally pulled away, breathless and smiling at eachother, with love in both your eyes, you knew that this was just the beginning.
With your relationship now onto the next step, and official, you and Jake faced new challenges. Balancing your studies, part-time jobs, and spending time together required constant planning and communication. There were moments of frustration and exhaustion, from being overworked and extreme tired, but you both pulled through together, because at the end of the day being in each other’s warm embrace was all worth it.
One evening, as you sat in your apartment studying for exams, Jake surprised you with a visit. He brought takeout from your favorite restaurant, knowing you'd been too busy to cook.
"Thought you could use a break," he said, setting the bags on the table.
You smiled, feeling a surge of affection for him. "You're a lifesaver."
As you ate together, you talked about your hopes and dreams, about the future you wanted to build together. The conversations were filled with laughter and occasional serious words, but through it all, there was a sense of partnership and mutual support.
Life was not without its storms, and one particularly dark evening, an old wound reopened. You had been out with friends, and when you returned to your apartment, you found Jake waiting for you, a troubled look on his face.
"What's wrong?" you asked, concerned.
Jake hesitated, then handed you his phone. "I got a message from someone in Korea. They want me to come back for a research project. It’s a great opportunity, but..."
Your heart sank. The fear of losing him again resurfaced, the old scars aching. "But you'd have to leave Sydney," you finished for him, your voice barely above a whisper.
Jake nodded, looking torn. "I don't want to go if it means losing you again. But it's a chance to work on something I'm passionate about."
You felt a mix of emotions—pride for his achievements, fear of being abandoned again, and a deep love that made you want the best for him. "Jake, I can't ask you to give up your dreams. But I also can't go through losing you again." You said the last part as you felt your heart breaking.
Jake took your hands, his eyes pleading. "We'll find a way, We can make it work long distance. I won't make the same mistakes. I promise, please baby.” He says with eyes brimming with shiny tears.
Tears filled your eyes as you considered his words. "I just don't want to be hurt again, I can’t be hurt again Jake..”
Jake pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly. "Neither can I, We'll figure it out together, mm?”
The weeks that followed were a test of your determination to each other. You discussed every detail of how to maintain your relationship while he was in Korea. The planning was meticulous—scheduling video calls, visits, and ways to stay connected despite the distance.
The night before Jake was set to leave, you both stood on the beach, the moon casting a silvery glow on the waves. The familiar setting brought back memories of your first kiss, and the promises you had made to each other.
"Are you sure about this?" Jake asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
You nodded, taking his hand. "Yes. We'll make it work. I believe in us, believe in you.” You say caressing the back of his neck as he wrapped his arms around you.
Jake's eyes were filled with emotion as he leaned in to kiss you. The kiss was filled with both longing and desperation, a promise to hold on to each other no matter what.
The months apart were challenging, but you and Jake found ways to keep the spark alive. Daily messages, video calls, and surprise care packages became your lifelines. You shared your successes and struggles, celebrated milestones, and comforted each other through the hard times.
There were moments of doubt, nights when the distance felt unbearable. But each time, you reminded yourselves of the love you shared and the future you were building together, the future that was so close in reach.
One evening, as you sat on your balcony, Jake called you with exciting news. "I got a grant for my research! It's going to make a big difference."
You smiled, proud of him. "That's amazing, Jake. I'm so happy for you, so proud baby.”
Jake's voice was filled with hope. "It also means I can come back to Sydney sooner than planned. Just a few more months, and I'll be home."
The news filled you with a renewed sense of determination, and happiness. "I can't wait."
The day Jake returned to Sydney was one of the happiest of your life. You stood at the airport, your heart racing as you scanned the crowd for his familiar face. When you finally saw him, it felt like the world had shifted back into place.
You ran to him, tears of joy streaming down your face. Jake dropped his bags and caught you in his arms, lifting you off the ground as he kissed you deeply.
"I'm home!” he shouted against your lips, as people gave him looks as if he was a crazy man- and in this situation.. he kinda was.
"Welcome home, Jakey.” you replied, your heart overflowing with love and happiness.
With Jake back in Sydney, you both focused on building your future together. You found a small apartment, filled it with memories and dreams, signs of your love and started planning the next steps of your lives.
Your relationship was stronger than ever, forged through the trials and triumphs you had faced. You supported each other's ambitions, celebrated each other's successes, and provided comfort during the tough times.
One evening, as you sat on the beach watching the sunset, Jake turned to you with a serious expression. "There's something I want to ask you."
You looked at him, curious. "What is it?"
Jake took a deep breath, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"
Shock flooding through your body as tears filled your eyes as you realized what he was asking. "Yes," you said, your voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Jake slipped the ring onto your finger, and you kissed jake gently with love and softness, the sunset casting a golden glow on your new beginning.
The years that followed were filled with love and adventure. You and Jake faced life's challenges together, always supporting each other and never forgetting the journey that had brought you to this point.
“Daddy, please tell me another bedtime story!” Your six year-old daughter pleaded as Jake looked at you with permission.
You giggled at his desperate gaze, “go ahead, honey.” You say kissing his forehead, sitting on the other side of your daughter’s bed as Jake cradled you both into his arms.
“Once upon a time…”
As Jake had told the same story he tells your daughter every single night, your story, you know there is nowhere else you’d rather be right now, but here with Jake.
@luv-sims
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Siren Charms: Chapter 9
Zoro x Siren!Reader
Sea King
Luffy, Usopp, Brooke, and Chopper were fishing without much luck. You were watching from your post, serving as shade for Nami and Robin, with your wings held over them both while they relaxed on deck. You felt kinda bad for them. You knew how it felt to hunt with no reward. An idea formed in your head. Nami groaned as you gave up being her shade and went to where they were fishing and looked into the water. Not a fish to be seen. Luffy was lamenting their lack of luck, about to give up completely.
"I can try something." You looked at Luffy for permission.
"I'm so hungry I could eat a Sea King!"
You grinned. "I can get you one."
"Really?!" Luffy's eyes were wide. "Do it! Do it! Do it!"
You perked up, very eager to make him happy. You took off running down the deck with a huge smile on your face, jumping off the railing to take to the sky. Flying just over the water's surface, you let the very edges of your wings skim the waves, slapping them as your wings flapped. They watched as you flew back and forth several times, the excitement fading as it went on for some time. Just as Luffy was about to get bored, you let one of your wings drag in the water and suddenly shot upward. A huge shadow appeared under the water's surface, breaching the water, enormous jaws snapping in your direction. It fell back into the waves with a thundering splash.
"WHOA!" Luffy exclaimed.
"I didn't think she could do it," Usopp said.
You doubled back, baiting the Sea King to go after you again. It barreled after you, but this time when it breached the surface, you maneuvered into a backflip, slowing down enough that you were above it instead of in front. You matched your speed with the hulking beast, grabbing one of the large spines that erupted from the scales on its back. You pressed yourself nearly flat on its back, tucking your wings hard against you, gripping with your thighs. You pulled your mask and goggles over your face, bracing for the impact of the ocean as the beast dove back into the water.
"I wanna do that!" Usopp had to hold the back of Luffy's shirt as he threatened to go overboard.
Luffy was the only one watching that didn't gasp.
"She's crazy!" Nami yelled.
"She's gonna drown!" Chopper was clutching his fishing net nervously.
"I volunteer if she needs mouth to mouth." Sanji leaned on the railing, daydreaming.
The feeling of the water rushing past you was exhilarating. This was something you used to do when you were younger for fun as a challenge. Sometimes you could travel using them, though you had to go wherever they went without a way to steer them. When it surfaced again, you let out a cheer and waved to the boat. The beast realized that you were on its back, rearing up and falling backwards into the water, trying to smash you against the surface. You were far too resilient for that to work. The next time it came out of the water, you jumped from its back, a bit slower now that your wings were wet. You flew towards the ship with the Sea King right behind you.
"Luffy! You ready?"
You skidded to a stop on the deck, turning to watch Luffy punch the Sea King so hard, it immediately went down.
"Woohoo! We're eatin good tonight!"
You watched as Luffy enlisted Zoro to help Sanji butcher the thing. It was very entertaining to watch them bicker with each other, even more entertaining to watch Zoro chop the beast to pieces without breaking a sweat. You returned to your post as shade umbrella; the sun would help dry your feathers out. Plus, you were learning more about them as Nami and Robin chatted back and forth. You couldn't help but look at Robin's book over her shoulder.
"It's rude to do that you know."
"Huh?"
"To read over someone's shoulder."
"Oh. I didn't know. But I can't read most of it, only this part." You put your finger over the poneglyphics. The simpler words in the common language you could recognize.
"You can read that?"
You nodded. "We don't have very much written, but the statues or monuments we do have, have this kind of writing." Most everything was directly passed down from your mentor. Only the specific gathering places had remnants of the old culture.
Robin flipped to a page with a cube, covered in writing. "Do you have one of these?"
"No. Never seen one."
"How very interesting."
After a pause you added, "Sorry for reading over your shoulder."
Robin gave you a warm smile. "It's quite alright. You didn't know."
Later that evening, the crew ate well. And you learned that Luffy could eat a whole Sea King, as he said. You had a plate yourself, though it didn't satisfy your hunger. Waiting again, for everyone to go to bed, you set off to find something more appetizing, especially after expending so much energy. And again, gray eyes were watching.
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