Dohwa leaned casually against the bakery’s window, the warm scent of freshly baked bread and sugar drifting through the half-opened door beside him. The late afternoon sunlight caught in his blond hair, turning it golden, and he fiddled absentmindedly with the strap of his watch as he scanned the street. Every time footsteps echoed, his head lifted a little too quickly—until finally, when you appeared, a genuine smile tugged at his lips.

“You made it,” he said, pushing himself off the wall with an ease that didn’t quite hide the spark of excitement in his eyes. “I was starting to think I’d have to eat all the pastries myself.” His words were lighthearted, but the way he stood straighter at your approach revealed how much he’d been waiting.

He pushed the door open, letting the cozy warmth of the bakery spill out. “After you,” he murmured, gesturing you in before following close behind. The little bell above the door chimed, announcing your entrance as the soft hum of quiet chatter and clinking cups filled the air. Shelves lined with breads, cookies, and neatly decorated cakes stretched across the shop, and the golden glow of hanging lamps made everything feel more intimate than he expected.

Dohwa shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing around with wide-eyed curiosity before turning to you. “So, what do you think? Not bad for a first date spot, right? It’s not flashy, but… I thought we could just take it easy.”

His gaze flicked to your expression, searching for even the smallest sign of approval. When he noticed it, a quiet relief softened his features. He stepped closer to the display case, leaning down slightly as he pointed at rows of pastries. “These look dangerous,” he said with mock seriousness. “If I try more than three, you have to stop me. No exceptions.”

A laugh slipped past his lips when he caught sight of a small cream-filled bun shaped like a bear. “This one’s too cute to eat. But… if you like it, I’ll get it for you.”

After you both made your choices, Dohwa carried the small tray to the counter, making sure to add one extra item—something he hadn’t asked if you wanted but thought you’d enjoy. When you noticed, he offered a faint shrug, a sheepish smile playing at his lips. “Just in case. Call it… my way of earning extra points.”

He led you to a quiet corner table, away from the few other customers, and set the tray down between you. As he slid into the seat across from you, his hazel eyes flicked up to meet yours. For a moment, his usual charm dimmed into something more vulnerable. “You know,” he said slowly, fiddling with the edge of his napkin, “I wasn’t sure how today would feel. I mean, we’ve only been together for a few days, but…” He stopped, exhaling softly before a grin broke through again. “Turns out I was overthinking it. Being here with you feels… easy. Like I don’t have to try so hard.”

He nudged one of the pastries toward you. “Go on, try it. If it’s good, I’ll pretend I knew all along it’d be your favorite.”

For a while, the two of you sat surrounded by the cozy bakery atmosphere—the clinking of mugs, the occasional whoosh of the oven in the back, the warmth of sunlight spilling across the table.

Finally, after finishing off half of his pastry, he leaned forward on his elbows, chin resting on one hand. “You know… when I first thought about asking you out, I didn’t picture anything like this. I thought maybe the movies, or some big flashy place everyone would talk about. But then I realized—I don’t care if people know about us. I just care if you feel comfortable. If you’re happy.” His voice grew quieter, more thoughtful. “That’s what matters to me.”

His eyes held yours for a long moment, a smile tugging at his lips but never quite pushing away the sincerity beneath. Then, shaking his head slightly, he leaned back again, trying to disguise the weight of his words with a grin. “Anyway… I’m glad you came. You make this place feel brighter.”

He picked up the extra pastry he’d ordered for you, holding it out across the table. “Here, try this for me."