𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 38

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The bakery bell chimed its cheerful tune, a melody that had become a familiar comfort in Dunk and Phuwin's new life. Dunk, his movements practiced and efficient, arranged pastries in the display case, their golden crusts gleaming under the warm light. Phuwin, with a welcoming smile, greeted customers, taking their orders with a friendly attentiveness.

Suddenly, the bell chimed again, announcing a new arrival. The door swung open, and a wave of cool air ushered in a girl. She was around their age, with bright eyes that sparkled with curiosity. Dressed in casual clothes, she exuded a youthful charm that brightened the bakery's atmosphere.

The girl approached the counter, her gaze flitting between the delectable treats on display. A blush crept up her cheeks as she met Phuwin's eyes. "Hi," she said, her voice soft and melodic.

"Hi there!" Phuwin replied, his smile widening. "Welcome to our bakery. Can I tempt you with something delicious?"

She glanced at the display case once more, her eyes lingering on a red velvet pastry nestled amongst its companions. "That one, please," she said, pointing at the pastry, "and a boba tea with tapioca pearls."

Phuwin punched in the order on the register, his movements smooth and practiced. "Excellent choice," he said, unable to resist a playful wink. "The red velvet is our specialty."

The girl giggled, a sound like wind chimes tinkling in the breeze. "I figured," she admitted, her gaze drifting towards Dunk, who was completely oblivious to the exchange, his focus solely on restocking a shelf behind the counter.

Phuwin, catching the direction of her gaze, couldn't help but grin mischievously. A spark of amusement ignited within him. His brother, ever the hardworking soul, was completely unaware of the girl's silent admiration.

"My brother," Phuwin began, leaning slightly towards the girl and lowering his voice conspiratorially, "is a bit of a workaholic. But don't worry, he has a heart of gold… under all those floury layers."

The girl's blush deepened, and she let out a soft laugh. "I can see that," she replied, her eyes twinkling with a newfound interest.

Phuwin, enjoying his role as matchmaker, prepared her order with a flourish. "Here you go," he said, handing her a neatly packaged pastry and a steaming cup of boba tea. "Enjoy!"

As the girl took her treats and found a seat at a corner table, Phuwin couldn't help but steal a glance at Dunk. The sight of his oblivious brother, completely engrossed in his work, only fueled Phuwin's amusement. Perhaps, Phuwin thought with a mischievous glint in his eye, a little nudge in the right direction wouldn't hurt. After all, a little sweetness in Dunk's life, besides pastries, might be just what they both needed.
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The days turned into weeks, and the cute customer, Davi, became a familiar face at the bakery. Every afternoon, like clockwork, she'd walk in, her eyes flitting around until they landed on Dunk, busy arranging pastries or assisting customers. Phuwin, ever the observant one, noticed Davi's unspoken crush on his brother. He'd nudge Dunk playfully, raise his eyebrows suggestively, but Dunk, oblivious as ever, treated Davi with nothing but polite customer service.

Davi's attempts to get Dunk's attention were subtle – a lingering gaze a second too long, a hesitant smile, a slightly clumsy attempt to strike up a conversation about the weather. But Dunk, his mind focused on work and his worries about Fourth, remained blissfully unaware of the budding affection blooming before him.

However, Davi wasn't one to give up easily. Her heart, captivated by Dunk's gentle smile and kind demeanor towards everyone, wouldn't be deterred. Finally, one warm afternoon, after weeks of gathering her courage, Davi made a decision.

Phuwin, watching from the counter with a mischievous grin, saw Davi take a deep breath and head outside. Dunk, ever the animal lover, was on the sidewalk, crouched down as he fed a group of stray kittens that had become a regular sight near the bakery.

Davi approached him slowly, her steps hesitant but determined. Phuwin discreetly gave Dunk a thumbs up, mouthing silently, "Go get 'em, tiger!" Dunk, oblivious to the silent exchange, looked up at Davi with a warm smile as she stood before him.

"Hi," Davi said, her voice barely a whisper.

Dunk rose to his feet, brushing stray crumbs off his shirt. "Hi there, Davi," he replied kindly. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

Davi nodded, her cheeks flushing pink. "Yes, it is," she stammered. "Those kittens are adorable. Do you feed them every day?"

Dunk chuckled. "They seem to think so. They show up at lunchtime like clockwork."

For a few moments, they talked about the kittens, a comfortable silence punctuated by the soft meows of the furry creatures nuzzling around their legs. But Davi knew the conversation wasn't about kittens. She took another deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Dunk," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "there's something I… I wanted to tell you." 

Phuwin, holding his breath from inside the bakery, leaned forward, straining to hear their conversation. This was it.

Would Davi finally confess her feelings, or would Dunk remain oblivious?

The answer, hanging in the air, promised to change the course of their quiet afternoon, perhaps even the course of their lives.
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