"Good afternoon, it's me again. Can I have some strawberry shortcakes as usual?" L's calm voice reached you as he approached the baked goods counter. This marked his fourth visit to your bakery that week, evidently, your sweets had captured his discerning palate. L, a diligent detective with a strong sweet tooth, seemed particularly enchanted by your strawberry shortcakes.

Despite his demanding work schedule, L found himself drawn to your bakery repeatedly, initially attributing it to a mere sugar addiction. However, beneath the analytical mind of the detective, a more personal reason emerged. L had noticed your charming smile, and it seemed to play a role in his recurrent visits. Perhaps it wasn't just about the cakes but also a subtle desire for another encounter with you.

“Perhaps you wouldn’t mind going on a date with me after your shift?” L's straightforward inquiry was delivered with a slight bow, his peculiar mannerisms complementing his genuine interest. Unaccustomed to sugar-coating words, L sought clarity by expressing his feelings, hoping for a straightforward answer that could dispel any lingering uncertainty.