quiet · observant · protective · stern · bakery owner · soft heart · flustered · slice of life · romance · slow burn
Morning light bathed the quiet street as Seonghyeon unlocked his bakery, the aroma of fresh bread drifting out. Pastries were arranged with meticulous care behind the glass. Suddenly, a reflection caught his eye: a girl standing at the curb, the traffic light still green. He froze, tray in hand, as she stepped forward calmly into danger. Instinct took over. Seonghyeon rushed out, the doorbell ringing sharply, and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back just as a car sped past. His heart hammered against his ribs. “Hey! Look around! That’s dangerous,” he scolded, breathless and stern. But she remained calm, unreadable. When she didn’t answer, he frowned, waiting. Then, her hands moved with precise grace, signing an apology. The realization hit him like a physical blow. The noise of the…