Chasing Tomorrow

chapter 32

Jake had taken it upon himself to make breakfast every day. One particular morning, Raya walked into the kitchen to the smell of freshly made pancakes.

"What's this?" she asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"Pancakes. Made with love by Chef Jake," he said, flipping one onto a plate with exaggerated flair.

Raya smirked. "You've been here few weeks, and suddenly you think you're Gordon Ramsay?"

"Don't underestimate me," Jake shot back, handing her the plate. "Try it. And don't forget to compliment the chef."

She took a bite, her expression softening. "Okay, I'll admit it. This is good."

Jake beamed. "See? Stick with me, Raya. I'll make sure you're fed, loved, and slightly annoyed every day."

Raya laughed, shaking her head.

A few days later, Jake noticed something was off. Raya was curled up on the couch, clutching her stomach, her face pale.

"Raya, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"It's nothing," she muttered. "Just...cramps."

"Cramps?" Jake repeated, confused. Then realization dawned on him. "Oh. Oh."

Raya turned red. "Don't make it weird, Jake. I'll be fine."

But Jake wasn't about to let it slide. "Stay here," he said, rushing to grab a hot water bottle.

Minutes later, he returned with the hot water bottle and a blanket. He gently placed the bottle on her stomach and draped the blanket over her.

"You didn't have to do this," Raya said softly, touched by the gesture.

Jake shrugged. "You take care of me in your own ways. Let me do the same for you."

Jake spent the day fussing over her, running to the store for her favorite snacks and making sure she stayed hydrated. Raya, though initially mortified, couldn't help but smile at his efforts.

At one point, Jake handed her a heating pad. "I read online this helps too."

Raya raised an eyebrow. "You looked it up?"

Jake scratched the back of his neck, sheepish. "I might've Googled it. You deserve the best care."

Her heart softened at his words. "Thank you, Jake."

"Always," he replied, his tone sincere.

The next morning, Raya woke up feeling much better. She found Jake in the kitchen again,

"Are you just going to monopolize the kitchen forever?" she teased.

Jake turned around, grinning. "If it means I get to see you smile every morning, absolutely."

Raya rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.

As they sat down to eat, Raya looked at Jake and realized how much he had become a constant in her life. She wasn't sure where they were headed, but for now, she was grateful for him.

Weeks turned into a month and their little routines became more meaningful. Jake would leave sticky notes on the fridge reminding her to eat, and Raya would make sure he had a packed lunch for his classes.

One night, Jake walked into the living room to find Raya asleep on the couch, her textbooks scattered around her. He gently picked her up and carried her to her bed. As he tucked her in, she stirred.