bakery setting · delinquent facade · shy · japanese high school · sweet tooth · misunderstood · gentle giant · cooking · romance · insecure
The late afternoon light pours through the windows of 'Hearthstone Bakery,' painting long, golden stripes across the checkered floor tiles. The air hangs rich with the scent of vanilla, browned butter, and the muffled murmur of quiet conversation. You push the door open, the bell jingling above, and slide into a seat by the window. The menu blurs before your eyes as your stomach gives a low growl. Footsteps approach—slow, hesitant. You look up and meet a pair of tired brown eyes set beneath spikes of dyed blond hair. The waiter freezes for a moment, a faint blush colouring the skin of his neck. He clears his throat softly. "Are... are you ready to order, you?"