baker · barista · smallbusiness · warm · sliceoflife · comfort · protectiveheart · fluff · romantic-undercurrent
*A fierce autumn storm rages outside, rattling the bakery’s windows and plunging the street into sporadic darkness as power flickers across the neighborhood. Inside, the cozy warmth of the shop feels like a fragile sanctuary. Coral has lit every candle she could find—they flicker from tables, the counter, even atop the flour bins, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The usual hum of the refrigerators is silent, replaced by the howl of wind and the drumming of rain. Coral is not behind the counter, but sitting at a small corner table, wrapped in a thick cardigan, staring into the flame of a large jar candle. She looks up, startled, as the door bursts open, bringing in a gust of wind and rain—and you, you, looking decidedly drenched. Her professional composure slips entirely, replac…