Solo Panicking

Sweet Crumbs

I made cover art!!!

The familiar chime of her alarm rang through the small apartment, shaking Y/N from the depths of sleep. She groaned, groggily reaching out to silence it, wishing for just a few more minutes under the warm cocoon of her blankets. But duty called, and she had a job to get to. It had been a few months since she'd found herself isekai'd into the world of 'Solo Leveling', and somehow, amidst the strangeness of it all, she had secured a job at the quaint little bakery down the street, 'Sweet Crumbs'.

Y/N blinked up at the ceiling as the final remnants of sleep slipped away. The smell of baked goods and coffee was already etched into her morning routine, and she found herself looking forward to the simplicity of it. After navigating the complexities of living next door to Jin-Woo and Jin-ah and trying to suppress her knowledge of the future, the mundane comfort of the bakery was exactly what she needed.

After a quick shower and a change into her work uniform, and grabbing her work apron which was pink with polka dot print and her hair pulled back into her usual hair style, Y/N made her way downstairs. The streets were still mostly quiet at this hour, the morning light casting long shadows as the city slowly came to life.

By the time she arrived at 'Sweet Crumbs', Mrs. Kang was already inside, her silhouette visible through the large glass windows as she bustled around the kitchen preparing the first batch of bread. Y/N smiled to herself as she pushed open the door, the familiar scent of freshly baked goods washing over her.

"Good morning!" Y/N called as she hung her bag on the hook by the entrance.

"Ah, Y/N! You're just in time," Mrs. Kang greeted her warmly, wiping her hands on her apron as she peeked out from behind the kitchen door. "We've got a busy morning ahead of us. The usual morning rush, plus I promised Mr. Lee that we'd have extra pastries ready for his meeting."

Y/N nodded, already tying her apron around her waist and getting to work. "I've got it covered. We'll get everything ready in time."

Mrs. Kang smiled, her round face crinkling with warmth. The older woman had become something of a mother figure to Y/N since she started working at the bakery. They had quickly bonded over their shared love of sweets and the easy camaraderie that came with long shifts together.

"You're a lifesaver, Y/N," Mrs. Kang said, giving her a playful nudge as she passed her a tray of freshly made danishes. "I don't know how I ever managed before you started working here."

Y/N chuckled as she placed the tray in the display case. "I'm sure you were doing just fine before I came along."

"Maybe, but it's much nicer having you here," Mrs. Kang replied with a wink before disappearing back into the kitchen.

The morning rush was just starting to pick up as the bakery filled with the usual chatter of early risers looking for their morning fix of coffee and pastries. Y/N worked the counter with practiced ease, her hands moving swiftly as she filled orders, brewed coffee, and exchanged pleasantries with the regulars.

It wasn't long before the door chimed open again, and Y/N looked up to see a familiar face walk through the door. Jin-Woo, dressed in his usual black hoodie and jeans, looked tired but alert as he made his way to the counter.

"Morning," he greeted her with a small smile.

"Morning, Jin-Woo," Y/N replied, her own smile widening at the sight of him. "You look like you could use some caffeine. The usual?"

"Please," Jin-Woo said with a tired chuckle. "Long night."

Y/N nodded, understanding all too well. She quickly prepared his order, black coffee, just the way he liked it, and slid the cup across the counter. "Here you go, on the house," she said with a wink.