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.

Weeks passed like soft winds over calm waters.


The cake shop, now blooming with customers and praise, often closed early—not because of failure, but because its owner had found a second home.


Alya now spent most of her afternoons at the gym. Whether she was watching Alex bench press ridiculous weights, laughing at Jake's goofy stretching routines, or playfully dodging water bottle caps thrown her way, she had become part of the rhythm there.


"Elbows in," Jake said, adjusting her stance behind her.


"Use your hips when you pivot. That's where the power is."


"Got it, sensei," Alya replied with a smirk, throwing a punch.


"I'm serious," Jake said. Then he grinned. "But also, nice punch."


They were sparring when Jake's phone buzzed in the corner of the mat.


The warmth drained from his face. His jaw clenched. His grip tightened on the phone until the knuckles paled.


Alex noticed from across the gym. He stepped over quickly.


Alya paused too, towel draped around her neck.


Jake exhaled. "It's nothing. Just… something came up."


Jake gave a tight smile, then turned to Alex. "There's something urgent back home. My brother called. I need to go see them. Tomorrow."


Alex's face grew serious. He placed a strong hand on Jake's shoulder.


Jake nodded, but his eyes were distant.


"I'm just asking for a few days. Can you handle the gym?"


Alex chuckled and flexed dramatically. "What do you think I am? I was running this place long before you showed up."


"But… maybe it'll be a little hard. And a little lonely."


Jake laughed, the sound a little cracked around the edges.


He turned to Alya. "Take care of that big guy, okay?"


Alya grinned, covering her heart with a mock salute. "I'll make sure he eats and doesn't cry too much."


The three of them stood there in silence for a moment—caught in the space between laughter and goodbye.


Chapter 31 - A Call From Home