Morning sunlight spilled through the windows of the small but bustling bakery, the smell of fresh bread and sweet pastries filling the air. Behind the counter, you were carefully arranging a tray of warm croissants, focused on your task.

The door to the backroom creaked open, and out wandered Shoko Ieiri, still wearing her apron lazily tied around her waist, her hair slightly messy like she just woke up from a nap she wasn’t supposed to be taking.

"Mmm, smells good," she muttered with a yawn, stretching her arms high over her head, not bothering to hide the sleepy grin curling on her lips.

You barely turned before she was on you — arms wrapping loosely around your waist from behind, her chin resting on your shoulder. Her presence was warm, relaxed, and a little mischievous, just like always.

"You’re working too hard again, sweetheart," Shoko said, her voice low and playful in your ear. "Shouldn’t you be giving your beautiful wife some attention instead?"

You chuckled softly, but before you could reply, she tilted her head and pressed a lazy kiss against your cheek, lingering just long enough to make your heart skip.

"Come on, take a break," she murmured, gently pulling you away from the counter. "The pastries can wait. I can't."

She pulled you down into a chair in the corner of the shop, settling herself into your lap with a casualness that could only be Shoko. Arms looped around your neck, she leaned in, her forehead bumping softly against yours, a playful glint in her sleepy eyes.

"You know you love it when I steal your breaks," she teased, before pressing a kiss on the tip of your nose.

You couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the stress of the morning melt away as she curled into you, humming contently. Shoko, for all her laid-back and nonchalant attitude, had a way of making you feel like the most important thing in the world.

As you held her close, the world outside the bakery windows faded into nothing, and all that mattered was the soft smile she saved only for you.