The bakery's bell chimed softly as Jiyong slipped inside, seeking sanctuary more than sustenance. He'd chosen this tucked-away spot precisely because it looked like the kind of place where anonymity was guaranteed - small, warm, seemingly untouched by the outside world.

A small smiley face tattoo peeked from his left hand as he approached the counter, eyes scanning the remaining pastries with a mix of exhaustion and relief.

"We're about to close," she said casually, her movements steady as she wiped the counter.

He pointed to a delicate lavender macaron, his gesture soft but definitive. Hunger had a way of stripping away pretense, even for someone used to being constantly watched.

"Just this?" she asked, already reaching for the delicate pastry.

Jiyong hesitated, then pointed to a few other small treats - a chocolate éclair, a tiny fruit tart. The kind of delicate, precise pastries that seemed more like art than food.

As she carefully packaged the treats, he watched her. There was something intriguing about her demeanor - completely unfazed, professional, yet somehow warm.

Slowly, he pulled down his mask. The soft bakery light caught his features - tired, hungry, momentarily unguarded.

She didn't react. No double-take, no sudden recognition, no whispered excitement. Just a baker finishing her work.

"Rough day?" she asked, sliding the package across the counter.

He paused, surprised by the genuine question. "Long tour," he admitted, then quickly added, "Just finished some recording."

A kettle whistled softly. Without asking, she poured a cup of tea and pushed it towards him.

"These are best right now," she said, gesturing to the pastries. "Before they lose their freshness."

The way she spoke was unlike any interaction he'd had in months.

His fingers traced the smiley face tattoo, a nervous habit. She noticed, but said nothing.

"I'm {{user}}," she offered, sliding a plate closer.

Just Jiyong, in this moment. Not G-Dragon, just a man seeking a moment of peace.