The days had felt like a blur of stress and pressure. Even though Jake's words had been comforting, I still couldn't shake the sense of overwhelm that had taken hold. I knew that I needed some time to clear my head and reconnect with myself. So, after much contemplation, I made the decision to take a break—a real break.

I took a deep breath and gathered the group together in the living room. The traphouse was bustling with the usual energy, but today, I felt a pang of nerves. I had to tell them about my plans and hope they would understand.

"Hey, everyone," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need to talk to you all about something."

Jake, Nora, Sam, and Colby stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to me. I could see the concern in their eyes as I continued. "I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately, and I think I need to take a break. Just a weekend to myself to clear my mind and figure things out."

There was a moment of silence as they processed what I had said. Jake's eyes softened, and he reached out to place a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure, Wren? If you need time, we all understand. We want you to be okay."

Nora nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Wren. You've been working so hard, and we can all see how much it's been affecting you. If you need a break, take it. We'll be here when you get back."

Sam and Colby also expressed their support, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it. I just need some time to get my head straight and focus on myself for a bit."

After we had talked it through, I retreated to my room to pack for the weekend. The act of preparing my things felt oddly comforting, like I was taking a tangible step toward regaining my balance. As I sorted through my clothes and personal items, I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Hey, Wren," Jake's voice called out. "Mind if I come in?"

"Sure, Jake," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

Jake entered the room and watched me for a moment before sitting on the edge of my bed. "Need any help with packing?"

"No, I've got it," I said, though I appreciated the offer. "Just wanted to get everything sorted so I can leave early tomorrow."

He seemed to sense that I needed more than just practical help, so he gently placed his hand on my arm. "You sure you're okay? I mean, I know you need this time, but I want you to know that I'm here for you."

I paused, looking at him. His concern was palpable, and it made my heart swell. "I know, Jake. I really do appreciate everything you've done for me. I just need to be on my own for a bit to sort things out."

Jake took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to me. "You know I love you, right?"

His words were simple but filled with sincerity. I looked up at him, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I love you too, Jake. More than you know."

He closed the distance between us and gently cupped my face in his hands. His touch was tender, and his gaze was filled with a warmth that melted away some of my anxiety. "I just want you to be happy and to take care of yourself. If you need to be alone, I get it. But remember that I'm always here for you."

I nodded, my eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you, Jake. It means a lot to hear that."

Without another word, Jake leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was soft and full of unspoken emotions. I responded with equal tenderness, letting the intimacy of the moment envelop us. It was a reminder of how deeply we cared for each other and how much his support meant to me.

As we pulled away, Jake's forehead rested against mine. "I'll miss you while you're gone, but I know it's what you need right now."

"I'll miss you too," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I'll be back soon, and we'll figure things out together."

Jake nodded and reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Just take care of yourself. And remember, no matter what, you've got me."

With that, he stood up and gave me one last reassuring smile before heading out