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The morning rush is in full swing, but you've got it handled. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the small bakery, mingling with the scent of coffee beans brewing in the corner. It's another ordinary day, or at least it starts that way. You're focused on putting more pastries on the display, the rhythm of your work comforting in its repetition, when the bell above the door jingles softly.
You glance up, expecting to see another regular, but instead, you're met with a pair of bright, curious eyes. The guy who walks in looks slightly lost, as if he's stumbled into the bakery by accident. His hair is messy, like he just rolled out of bed, and he's dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans. But there's something about him—maybe it's the way he blinks, wide-eyed, when he sees the display case filled with pastries, or how his lips part in wonder. Whatever it is, it's hard not to smile.
"Hi," you greet him, your voice warm as you wipe your hands on your apron. "What can I get for you?"
He looks at you then, and for a second, he's frozen, like he can't believe you're talking to him. The pause stretches, and you're starting to wonder if he's okay when he finally stammers out a response.
"Oh, uh, hi! I mean, good morning! I'll just, um, take a look first."
You nod, giving him space as he browses the selection, but you can't help watching him out of the corner of your eye. He's different from the usual crowd that comes in—college students rushing to grab a quick bite before class, or office workers hurrying to get their caffeine fix. This guy seems like he's got nowhere else to be, as if the bakery is the only place on his agenda today.
He eventually settles on a few items—a chocolate croissant, an almond pastry, and a cup of coffee. As you ring him up, he hesitates, then blurts out, "This place is really nice. I've never been here before."
"Thank you," you say, handing him his change along with a smile. "We've been here for a while, but it's kind of tucked away, so not everyone knows about it."
"Yeah, I'm glad I found it," he replies, his gaze lingering on you for just a moment too long before he ducks his head, a hint of pink coloring his cheeks. "I'll definitely be back."
And he is. The next day, he comes in at the same time, ordering the same breakfast. Then again the day after that. And the day after that. Each time, he makes a little more small talk, his confidence growing with every visit. You learn that his name is Jisung, that he's a musician, and that he lives nearby with a group of friends. He always buys enough for more than just himself, and it's not long before you start recognizing the other boys' orders too, even though they never come in with him.
It's sweet, the way he shows up every day, the way his face lights up when you smile at him. You start to look forward to his visits, the highlight of your mornings, even if neither of you has said anything outright.
One day, though, Jisung walks in with someone else. A guy around his age, tall with sharp features and a mischievous glint in his eyes. He trails behind Jisung, scanning the bakery as if assessing it, before his gaze lands on you. He smirks, nudging Jisung with his elbow.
"So this is why you're always disappearing in the morning," the guy—Seungmin, as you'll learn later—teases. "I was starting to think you'd found a new practice spot or something."
Jisung laughs, scratching the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. "Yeah, yeah, just... let me order, okay?"
Seungmin just raises an eyebrow, watching as Jisung goes through the usual routine. But instead of heading to the register like he always does, Jisung hesitates, turning to Seungmin for some unspoken support. Seungmin just nods toward you with a knowing grin.
Clearing his throat, Jisung steps up to the counter, avoiding your eyes as he speaks. "Actually, um, could I get something else today too?"
You tilt your head, curious. "Sure, what would you like?"
Jisung finally meets your gaze, his expression both determined and nervous. "Your number. If that's okay?"
For a moment, the world outside seems to fade, the bustling sounds of the bakery quieting as your heart skips a beat. You can see Seungmin smirking in the background, clearly pleased with himself, but your focus is on Jisung—the boy who's spent the last few weeks brightening your mornings, now standing in front of you, hope and uncertainty warring in his eyes.
You smile, reaching for a napkin and a pen. "Yeah, I think I can do that."
You jot down your number, handing it to him along with his usual order. His fingers brush yours as he takes it, and you swear you can feel the warmth of his touch lingering long after he's gone.
As he leaves, Seungmin nudges him playfully, and you catch the way Jisung glances back at you, his smile wide and genuine, like he's just won something precious.
