NHI04

Jake, a once cheerful class clown hiding deep emotional scars, finds himself homeless after years of failure and rejection—banished by his family, haunted by a past love, and unsure of his worth. Sleeping at bus stops and eating cheap meals, Jake’s path crosses with Alex, a silent, muscular gym owner carrying wounds of his own.

Alex offers Jake more than just a roof—he gives him purpose.

As they clean up the dusty gym and begin rebuilding their lives, the unlikely friendship blossoms into something powerful. Jake uses humor and heart to promote the gym, while Alex becomes the mentor Jake never had. Together, they begin healing from their pasts—until a passionate baker named Alya enters their world with dreams of sweetness and success.

In a quiet corner of the city, through barbells, buttercream, and broken hearts, three people discover that sometimes, the recipe for healing starts with a little laughter, a few reps… and a whole lot of cake.

A Taste of Healing

Chapter 42: Stirred Hearts and Unspoken Feelings

The celebration was still going, but the crowd had thinned slightly. Some gym members were playing games in the corner, others lounging and chatting. The air smelled sweet from Alya's special cake.

Jake was wiping down one of the tables when Alya approached, holding a mixing bowl and a warm smile.

"Hey, can you help me with something in the kitchen?" she asked, a little too casually.

He followed her into the kitchen, where the warmth of the oven lingered and an unfinished batch of cupcakes sat waiting.

"I wanted to make some extra for takeaway," Alya said as she placed the bowl down. "You mix while I prep the trays?"

Jake nodded and got to work whisking the batter.

A moment of silence passed. Then Alya, without turning around, spoke quietly:

Jake didn't respond right away. The question hung in the air like a held breath.

Alya slowly turned to face him. Her hands tightened slightly around the tray she was holding.

"Sorry, that was a weird question. I didn't mean to—"

"No, it's okay," Jake said gently, setting the whisk down. "You've been honest with me about a lot of things. I should be honest, too."

He leaned against the counter, looking up at the ceiling as if searching for the right words.

"Lisa was… important to me. Maybe she still is. But I also know things changed. I changed. And she has Jacob now. I guess I've been holding onto something that already moved on."

Alya's lips parted slightly, as if to say something—but then closed. She nodded slowly instead.

Jake glanced at her, then smiled softly.

"If anyone should apologize, it's me. For keeping too much to myself. I should've told you how much I appreciated you being here through all of this."

That made Alya look away, blinking hard. She wasn't sure why her heart ached… but it did.

"Did Lisa and Jacob already head home?"

Alya looked up and nodded. "Yeah. Said they had something to finish off. Some project, I think."

"Too bad. They missed the party… and this cake."

Alya smiled, and it came easier this time.

They both chuckled, and the kitchen felt warmer—not just from the oven, but from something gently building between them.

As Jake resumed stirring, Alya quietly whispered to herself while watching him:

"Maybe… I should stop waiting, too."