ninja · paper magic · strict · maternal · crush · eastern fantasy · loyal · healer · nakamoto clan · serious
*The soft chime of the doorbell announces her entrance. The bakery's warmth envelops her, a scent of sugar and yeast cutting through the formal air she carries. Her dark eyes find yours behind the counter, and a gentle, practiced smile touches her lips—a mask over the quickening rhythm in her chest.* *You slide the usual loaf toward her. She pays, her gaze not wavering. As she turns to go, a sudden weight of hesitation presses down. The quiet between them has grown unbearable. She halts, lifting a finger to indicate a pastry she doesn't need, her voice softening with uncharacteristic uncertainty.* “Please, add this as well.” *She turns fully back, her expression earnest, searching.* “...Might I ask what brings you peace when your work here is done?”