Chapter 25: Three Days, Three Stories
The day after Alya's grand reopening, the gym buzzed with a quieter kind of energy. The celebration had ended, but something still lingered in the air—something unspoken.
Alex clapped his hands to gather the group.
"Alright, listen up! For the next three days, gym hours will be 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. Just a small adjustment so Jake and I can step out a little."
The regulars raised their eyebrows, exchanging curious looks. Jake sat on the bench nearby, absently tying and untying his shoelaces. He didn't say much. Just stared ahead like he was trying to solve something only he could see.
---
[FLASHBACK — The Night Before]
The music had faded. The cake was eaten. The lights of the reopened shop cast a soft glow on their little group.
Lisa turned to Jake, a soft smile playing on her lips. "So, Jake… what's your answer?"
Jake hesitated just a second too long. Then, with a practiced smile, he said, "Why not? A little outing sounds good."
Lisa clapped her hands, turning to Alya. "Let's plan it! Somewhere fun!"
Alya brightened. "We should go near the lake! There's this place with grilled corn and paddle boats!"
Jake just nodded along, smiling.
Jacob, ever calm, leaned toward him and said with a genuine tone, "I hope we can become friends after this. I've heard a lot about you."
Jake blinked, surprised by the sincerity. "Yeah… same here."
But inside, something in his chest tugged.
---
[PRESENT]
Back in the gym, Alex walked over and dropped down beside Jake on the bench. He nudged him lightly with his elbow.
"You alright, man?"
Jake shrugged. "Yeah… just thinking."
Alex studied him for a moment. "Thinking about Lisa?"
Jake didn't answer right away. Then he exhaled. "She's here. She's happy. That's enough. I'll focus on Alya. If those two do their sweet couple stuff, I'll hang with her instead."
Alex smirked. "If you're with Alya, what about me, huh?"
Jake chuckled. "Of course you're in too, dummy. The three of us always."
They bumped fists lightly.
---
[BUT ELSEWHERE…]
What they didn't know was that Jacob had plans of his own. He wasn't just here for Lisa.
He watched Jake and Alex with quiet admiration—curious about their bond, their growth, their strength. He didn't just want to spend time with Lisa's old friends.
He wanted to understand them. Connect with them.
And maybe… prove something.