Chapter 51:When the Storm Passes
A soft light filtered through the infirmary window, painting the room in golden morning hues. The scent of disinfectant lingered faintly in the air.
Jake stirred.
His whole body ached—like he'd been hit by a truck. Twice. He blinked slowly, adjusting to the light, the blurry ceiling sharpening into focus.
And then... he saw her.
Alya.
She was fast asleep beside his bed, her head resting on her folded arms over the mattress. Her silver hair slightly messy, a soft snore escaping her lips.
Jake's lips curled into a tired smile.
"…Glad you're safe," he whispered.
She didn't stir.
He shifted his arm gently, trying not to wake her—until a voice cut in.
"About time you woke up, hero."
Jake froze.
Then slowly turned his head the other way.
Sitting cross-legged in a chair beside him was Alex, arms folded, grinning like he'd been waiting for this moment.
Jake's eyes widened. "Y-You… How long have you been there!?"
"Long enough," Alex smirked, glancing at Alya, then back at Jake with an exaggerated eyebrow raise. "Cute scene, by the way."
Jake's face turned red. "I-It's not what you think!"
Alex shrugged innocently, suppressing a laugh. "Mhm. Sure. Just a guy whispering sweet things to a girl sleeping beside him. Totally platonic."
"Shut up."
"Didn't say anything~"
Alya shifted slightly but didn't wake.
Jake groaned, placing a hand over his eyes. "Can we not do this in front of her…"
Alex chuckled. "Relax. I won't tell anyone... maybe."
Jake sighed, exasperated but secretly grateful.
"…What happened?" he finally asked, voice softer. "To Kram and the others?"
Alex's expression sobered.
"They got caught. Police came not long after we brought you down. Turns out there was a warrant already out for some of them... The cake shop damage, Alya's mom's statements, witnesses—everything added up."
Jake nodded slowly, the weight of it sinking in.
"They won't be bothering anyone again. Especially not Alya."
Jake glanced at her, still sleeping peacefully beside him.
"Good," he said quietly.
"She didn't leave your side, you know," Alex added. "Not once. Stubborn girl."
Jake looked away, flustered. "…She didn't have to do that."
Alex smirked. "She didn't do it because she had to."
Jake stayed silent.
For the first time in a while, he felt something soft inside his chest—like the first light after a long storm.
Outside the infirmary door, Lisa stood frozen.
She hadn't meant to eavesdrop—but the sound of Jake's voice, awake and joking, had stopped her mid-step.
Her hand gripped the doorframe.
She watched through the small gap as Jake smiled at Alya, whispered that he was glad she was safe, and then got flustered when Alex teased him. Their banter, their closeness... the way Alya hadn't left his side.
Lisa let out a quiet breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
He's okay.
That truth alone brought overwhelming relief. Her heart swelled with gratitude.
But then, like a tide crashing against her ribs, another feeling followed—sharper, quieter.
He didn't say my name.
She's the one he wanted beside him.
Lisa pressed a hand to her chest.
Alya was sleeping soundly at Jake's side, like she belonged there. And Jake… the look he gave her wasn't just relief. It was something more.
Lisa smiled weakly to herself, but her eyes glistened.
"I'm glad you're alive, dummy," she whispered under her breath. "Even if you're not mine anymore."
And just like that, she turned away—quietly wiping her eyes before anyone could see.
Jake was still bickering with Alex.
"I told you, it's not what you think!"
Alex chuckled, arms behind his head. "Sure, sure. Just two people sleeping side by side in a romantic hospital glow. Totally normal."
"You're enjoying this way too much."
Suddenly, Alya stirred beside Jake.
Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw Jake awake and talking, her drowsiness vanished. "Jake…?!"
Before he could react, Alya sat up and hugged him tightly. "You idiot… don't ever scare me like that again."
Jake blinked, completely caught off guard. "Uh… hey—ow, easy on the ribs…"
Alex grinned wider. "Yep. Totally normal."
Jake glared at him over Alya's shoulder with a this-is-not-what-it-looks-like expression.
Then—
The door creaked open.
Lisa stepped in.
Everyone turned.
She walked forward slowly… and without a word, threw her arms around Jake in a sudden, tight hug.
Jake froze.
Alya blinked in confusion.
And Alex?
His jaw dropped comically.
"…Wait, what just happened?" he muttered, his face twisted between confusion and panic.
Jake's expression was a full-on please-somebody-explain-this look.
And with Alex's hilariously stunned face in the background, the chapter ends.