Chapter 52: My brain isn't working
Alex's jaw dropped. "Okay, plot twist." His face contorted into an expression so exaggerated Jake was certain it would haunt him later.
"Lisa—" Jake started, startled by the sudden contact. "What if Jacob sees us like this?"
Lisa's shoulders trembled. "It's okay… because Jacob's not my real boyfriend." Her voice cracked, and tears began to spill down her cheeks.
Alya froze. The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Her chest tightened, but instead of pulling away, she hugged Jake even tighter.
"No," she said firmly, her voice fierce despite the tears welling in her eyes. "Jake is mine. He's my hero."
The two girls locked eyes over Jake's shoulders, neither willing to back down. The air between them sizzled with silent challenge.
Alex finally stepped in, waving his hands. "Whoa, whoa, timeout! How about we all take a deep breath before poor Jake's brain explodes? Look at him — his processor's overheating."
"Alex—" Jake tried, but Alex cut him off.
"Alright, Alya, Lisa — out. Go grab some water or, I don't know, fight in the hallway. I need to talk to our hero here."
With some hesitation, the girls reluctantly left the room, each throwing one last pointed glance at the other.
Alex leaned back against the wall, smirking. "So… feels kinda funny, right? Being chased by two women now?"
Jake sighed, dragging a hand down his face. "I don't even know what to say. It's… complicated. Honestly, it feels just like when I first met you."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"
"You also had two women by your side," Jake muttered.
Alex chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Ah… those were the days." He tilted his head. "So, what's your next move?"
Jake stared at the ceiling for a long moment. "I don't know yet. Let me… figure it out somehow."
Alex nodded. "Fair enough." He started toward the door, then paused with a sly grin.
"Oh, by the way," Alex said casually, "I exchanged numbers with Elena."
Jake's head snapped toward him so fast it was a miracle his neck didn't break. His eyes went wide.
"You what?!"
Alex just grinned wider. "Later, lover boy."
And with that, he slipped out of the room, leaving Jake sitting in stunned silence.