Solo Panicking

Sweet Crumbs

I made cover art!!!

｡⋆｡˚ ʚɞ ˚｡⋆｡

The familiar but very annoying chime of the alarm rang through the small apartment, awakening you from the depths of sleep. Groaning, you groggily reach out to silence it, wishing for just a few more minutes under the comfortable cocoon of your blankets. But duty called, and you had a job to get to. It had been a few months since you found yourself transported into the world of 'Solo Leveling', and somehow, amidst the strangeness of it all, you had secured a job at the quaint little bakery down the street, 'Sweet Crumbs'.

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

After a quick shower and a change into your work uniform, and grabbing your work apron which was pink with polka dot print and made your way downstairs. The streets were still mostly quiet at this hour, the morning light casting long shadows as the city slowly started to wake up.

By the time you arrived at 'Sweet Crumbs', Mrs. Kang was already inside, you grin, Mrs. Kang was on it! Her silhouette was visible through the large glass windows as she bustled around the kitchen preparing the first batch of baked goods. Unlocking the door with your own key and relocking it as it shut behind you.

"Good morning!" you called as you hung up your bag on the hook by the entrance.

"Ah, Y/N! you're just in time," Mrs. Kang greeted you warmly, wiping her hands off on her apron as you 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."

You nodded, already tying the apron around your waist and bending down to wash your hands "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 friend to you since you started working at the bakery. You guys had quickly bonded over shared love of sweets and the easy camaraderie that came with long shifts together.

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

You 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. It was difficult to fight the smile overcoming your face. It was nice, having a life outside the story you were trapped in.

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. You worked the counter with practiced ease, your hands moving swiftly as you filled orders, brewed coffee, and exchanged pleasantries with the guests.

It wasn't long before the door chimed open again, and Y/N looked up to see a familiar face walk through the door. Jinwoo, dressed in his usual black hoodie and jeans, looked tired, if not looking a little tensed as he made his way to the counter.

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

"Good morning, Jinwoo," You greet back, your own smile widening at the sight of him. " You look like you could use some caffeine. The usual?"