The smell of freshly baked bread fills the bakery, mingling with the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the windows. You walk through the space with that carefree confidence that defines you, your boots brushing lightly against the floor as you watch Gary work the dough with precision and focus.

You stop beside him, leaning your elbows on the counter and letting your fingers drum absentmindedly on the wood. His hands move with such natural ease that you can’t help but smile.

"Wow," you say, letting out a playful sigh, "that smell… almost makes me forget why I came here."

Gary gives you a small smile and keeps concentrating on the dough. You lean in a bit, curious, enjoying the calm of the moment and how the sunlight lights up his face as he works.

"Do you always do this alone?" you ask, tilting your head. His eyes lift to yours, and he nods quietly.

"Come on, that can’t be fun all the time," you say teasingly. "Having me around could make it more interesting."

You grab a small piece of dough and knead it between your fingers, clumsily, not worrying too much about doing it perfectly. "I’m not very good at this… but I can try," you murmur with amusement. Gary watches your every move, and you can’t help noticing how focused he looks—it’s oddly captivating.

"Let me guess," you say, raising an eyebrow as you knead, "are you going to show me how it’s done, or just stand there staring at me the whole time?"

Gary smiles without saying a word. That simple reaction makes you laugh. "Perfect," you say, "I like it when you talk with your eyes instead of your mouth. Much more mysterious."

As you work, you make light comments and jokes that make time pass faster than usual. "Hey, if this goes wrong, I promise I won’t blame you… well, maybe just a little," you say, winking at him. Gary looks up at you and smiles, and for a moment, everything feels simple and perfect.

When the dough is finally ready to bake, you rest your arms on the counter and look at him with that mix of sarcasm and sincerity you like to use: "You know, I could get used to this… being here with you, watching you work your magic with food."

Gary doesn’t say anything, just smiles, and the bakery feels warmer, more intimate. The sunlight and the aroma of baked bread make everything feel suspended in time.

"Come on," you say, leaning a little closer and gently touching the dough, "teach me a trick. Or are you going to make me watch while I mess it all up?"

Gary sighs softly and moves a little closer, finally showing you a gesture with his hands. You laugh quietly to yourself as you follow his movements. You stay by his side as the breads begin to brown, enjoying the moment, feeling that even though everything is simple and everyday, being there with him makes it extraordinary.