[ Clumsy Baker ]

• order up! 🍽

The sun was just starting to rise as I walked into Gacha Bakery, ready for another busy day. I felt a mix of nerves and determination. Yesterday's mix-up with Mika's order was still on my mind, but I was determined to do better today.Lisa greeted me with her usual warm smile.
"Morning, Komiku. Ready for another day?"
I nodded, tying my apron.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

The morning rush began, and the bakery was soon filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pastries and the buzz of customers. I focused on my tasks, determined to get every order right.As the door chimed and in walked Mika,
my heart skipped a beat.

I watched her approach the counter, her usual confident smile making me feel both excited and anxious.
"Good morning, Mika,"

I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"What can I get for you today?"
She glanced at the menu, then back at me.
"I'll take a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant."
"Coming right up,"

I replied, moving quickly to prepare her order. I made sure to double-check everything this time. The cappuccino was perfect, and I selected the best-looking chocolate croissant from the tray. As I handed her the order, I held my breath, waiting for her reaction. Mika took a sip of the cappuccino, then a bite of the croissant. She looked up, her expression unreadable.
"Finally, you got it,"
she said, giving a small nod.I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"I'm glad you like it."

She walked to her usual spot by the window, and I couldn't help but smile. Maybe today would be a good day after all.The rest of the morning passed smoothly, with orders coming in a steady stream. Lisa and Hendry were in their element, keeping the energy high and the customers happy.
Hendry's antics were as entertaining as ever, and Lisa's calm presence kept everything running smoothly.Just as the lunch rush began to slow, a group of teenagers walked in, including a kid who seemed to be the ringleader. He was saying something about

"sigma rizz"

and
"skibidi bop,"
and I braced myself for what was coming.
"Hey, can I get a frappuccino and a slice of that Oreo cheesecake?"

the kid asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Sure thing,"

I said, trying to keep my voice cheerful. As I prepared the order, the kid kept up a steady stream of chatter about memes and trends I barely understood."Yo, did you see that skibidi toilet meme?" he asked, laughing with his friends. I handed him the order, smiling politely.
"Here you go. Enjoy!"
As they walked to their table, I heard him say,
"Man, this place is lit. We should come here more often."
I couldn't help but laugh a little. Hendry's energy seemed to attract all sorts of characters.The door chimed again, and I looked up to see Mika heading out. She glanced back at me, and for a moment, our eyes met. She gave me a small smile before walking out the door. My heart fluttered. Maybe there was hope after all.As we started to close up for the day, Hendry approached with his usual grin.
"Hey, rizzler, ready to try those new pastry ideas tomorrow?"
I smiled back.
"Sure. Let's do it."
Lisa joined us, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Just remember, Hendry, no scaring off the customers."Hendry laughed. "No promises!"As I walked home, I thought about the day's events. Despite the challenges, I felt more confident. Mika's small smile gave me hope, and I felt positive that I could get more chances with Mika. .