The following evening, Jenna and Jake enjoyed a quiet, intimate moment at Jake’s apartment. The room was softly illuminated by the gentle light of a lamp, casting a warm glow over their surroundings. They had just finished a delicious dinner, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy.

As they sat close on the couch, their connection deepened. Their conversation was light, but the air between them was charged with unspoken emotions. The tenderness of the moment led them to kiss, their feelings for each other palpable and intense.

Jake paused suddenly, his expression growing serious. He looked at Jenna with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Something inside him—a nagging intuition—told him he needed to ask a crucial question.

“Jenna, there’s something I need to ask you,” Jake said, his voice steady but laced with apprehension.

Jenna looked up at him, her eyes full of trust. “What’s on your mind?”

Jake took a deep breath, his gut feeling more urgent than ever. “I need to know—how old are you?”

Jenna’s eyes widened slightly, her heart racing. She hadn’t expected this question so soon. “I’m 16,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jake’s face fell as he processed her words. “You’re 16? I thought Emma said you were 18. I don’t understand why she would lie about something like that.”

Jenna’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and regret. “Emma lied about my age. I asked her to keep it quiet because I was nervous about how you would react.”

Jake’s expression was a mix of frustration and concern. “I’m disappointed that Emma didn’t tell me the truth. It’s not just about the age—it’s about trust and understanding.”

Jenna reached out to take his hand, her voice trembling with sincerity. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to create any problems. I care about you, Jake. ”

Jake squeezed her hand, trying to reconcile his feelings. “I care about you too, Jenna. It’s just that something didn’t feel right, and now I understand why. I need to make sure that we’re both on the same page and that we’re doing things for the right reasons.”

Jenna nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “I get it. We can take things slowly and make sure we’re both ready for whatever comes next.”

Jake’s demeanor softened as he looked at her with a mix of affection and resolve. “I want to be with you, but we need to navigate this carefully. It’s important that we respect each other’s boundaries and make informed decisions.”

They sat together in the quiet of the room, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Despite the unexpected revelation, their bond remained strong, built on a foundation of honesty and mutual respect. They knew that navigating their relationship would require patience and understanding, but their feelings for each other were genuine and deep.