Chapter 1

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Moonlit Hollow, bathed in the gentle glow of dawn's early light, was a town that seemed to exist in a state of tranquil suspension. The air held a certain crispness as Wooyoung, the town's beloved baker, prepared for another day of crafting pastries in his cozy bakery. The enticing aroma of freshly baked delights wafted through the quiet streets, a siren call for those seeking a taste of morning sweetness.

The bakery, a quaint haven with honey-colored walls adorned with vintage baking utensils, exuded warmth and charm. Sunlight streamed through lace curtains, casting a soft glow on the wooden countertops and antique tables. The air was filled with the comforting scents of vanilla, cinnamon, and the promise of a new day.

Wooyoung, adorned in a well-worn apron splattered with a delightful array of flour, stood at the center of the bustling activity. His nimble fingers worked the dough with an artist's precision, and his laughter echoed in the cozy space.

San, the first customer of the day, stepped into this aromatic sanctuary, the door's chime signaling his entrance. Dressed in a navy blue sweater that complemented the morning sky and tailored jeans that spoke of casual elegance, he took in the scene with a sense of quiet admiration.

As Wooyoung prepared a selection of the morning's pastries, the subtle hum of the background music creating an enchanting melody that filled the air, excitement bubbled within him. Eager to please his first customer, Wooyoung moved swiftly around the counter, a vision of graceful efficiency.

However, in his haste, he misjudged a small step near the display of pastries. With an unexpected yelp, Wooyoung stumbled, and the pastries he was holding threatened to fall. The world seemed to slow as he crashed to the floor, a scream escaping his lips.

San, his initial concern growing, rushed to Wooyoung's side. "Are you okay?" he asked, kneeling beside the baker.

Wooyoung, tears streaming down his face, tried to brush off the severity of the situation. "I just twisted it. I'm fine."

San, ever resourceful, assessed the situation. "Let me help you up and take a look."

With a gentle hand, San supported Wooyoung as they carefully stood. The atmosphere in the bakery shifted from one of bustling energy to a moment of shared vulnerability.

"I'm really sorry about this," Wooyoung apologized, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

San grinned, dismissing the apology. "No need to apologize. Accidents happen. Now, let's get that ankle looked at."

In the midst of the pain radiating from his severely injured ankle, Wooyoung couldn't contain the flood of tears streaming down his face. Each sob seemed to echo the intensity of the fracture, his body trembling with a mixture of physical agony and emotional distress. As San gently examined the injury, the sight of the twisted limb brought forth another wave of anguish from Wooyoung.

His cries echoed through the quiet streets of Moonlit Hollow as San, realizing the severity of the situation, held Wooyoung with a comforting yet powerless embrace. The tears marked not only the physical agony but also the emotional vulnerability that comes with unexpected, excruciating pain."I think it might be more than just a twist," San remarked, concern furrowing his brow. "We need to get you to the doctor."

Wooyoung, in the aftermath of the accident, presented a disheveled and distressed image. His usually vibrant eyes were now clouded with a mixture of pain and tears, mirroring the anguish that reverberated through his entire being. Strands of his disheveled hair clung to his forehead, dampened by a combination of perspiration and the emotional and physical strain he endured.

The once immaculate apron he wore, now smeared with flour and remnants of the pastries that had scattered during the fall, told the story of the unexpected and tumultuous turn of events. Streaks of dirt and smudges marred the usually pristine fabric, a reflection of the chaos that unfolded in the quaint bakery.

Wooyoung's clothes, initially neat and composed, now bore the aftermath of the accident. The tight beige jeans, once neatly worn, displayed smudges and stains, evidence of the unexpected fall and the subsequent journey. His button-up shirt, once tucked in with precision, was now slightly askew, untucked in places due to the struggles he faced.Without hesitation, San made a decisive choice. "I'll carry you there. We can't let that ankle worsen."

As San hoisted Wooyoung onto his back, the pain surged through Wooyoung, and he couldn't hold back his cries. Tears streamed down his face, and the once joy-filled bakery witnessed a different kind of dance—a dance of pain and silent understanding.

San, determined to carry Wooyoung to safety, navigated the quiet streets of Moonlit Hollow. The morning sunlight cast long shadows, and as they moved through the town, the echo of Wooyoung's sobs became a poignant soundtrack to their journey.

In the hushed moments of their shared struggle, the first chapter of their story unfolded—a tale woven with the flavors of Moonlit Hollow, the fragility of an ankle, and the promise of a connection sweetly discovered in the quiet moments of a sunlit bakery. The pastries, now scattered and forgotten, bore witness to a moment that transcended the ordinary—a moment where vulnerability and shared pain became the foundation of a connection yet to fully bloom.

Ephemeral Shadows: Whispers Beyond the Bakery ||Woosan smut||Where stories live. Discover now