Archive of Our Own ^beta

There are some things in life that Junkyu likes:

• Baking
• The smell of a newly baked bread
• Christmas
• And perhaps, a certain long-time customer he’s been crushing for some time now.

All of these are in no particular order.

Junkyu was just a simple guy with a knack for baking, which he discovered back at a young age when he was helping his parents at their bakery. It wouldn’t come as a surprise that when he got older, he decided to open a bakeshop of his own, pooling all his life savings and risking it to fulfill one of his dreams.

The business has been doing reasonably well enough to sustain his needs, but it was simply his love for baking that keeps him going. He loves laboring hours over the kitchen to see his creation come to fruition later, complemented with people appreciating them.

Junkyu was more of an introverted guy, but surprisingly, he enjoyed talking to his customers, wanting to get their feedback which he used to improve his skill further so that he could be the best bakeshop in their town.

Repeat customers keep coming back for his well-loved bread and cakes, not to mention his friendly demeanor, which helps brighten up somebody’s day.

Junkyu knew his recurring customers like the back of his hand, but what others didn’t know was that he was rather fond of a specific Japanese guy who keeps coming back for his cakes.

Mashiho.

Usually, it would be natural for him to strike a conversation with his customers, especially those who keep on returning, but when it comes to Mashiho, he gets all tongue-tied. They usually kept the discussion at the minimum, merely talking about Mashiho’s daily orders and what Junkyu could suggest if any.

Junkyu didn’t want to force a conversation with him as it might come unnaturally, so he’d rather wait for the right opportunity when presented with one.

To cut through the heart of the matter, Yes, he’s been crushing bad, and Junkyu didn’t know what to make do of it.

Mashiho sighed for the umpteenth time. Asahi stared at him.

After a full minute of staring at his office colleague and friend, the soft-spoken Asahi finally asked:

“Why are you so bothered, Mashi?”

“I got myself a date this weekend because of you and Jaehyuk’s matchmaking agenda, and frankly, it’s been ages since I last went on one.”

Mashiho and Asahi were on their lunch break, and the former was busy contemplating rather than eating, and Asahi wondered why the other seemed to be making a big deal out of nothing.

“It’s not really a big deal.”

“Easy for you to say, ” Mashiho finally took a bite of his packed lunch before teasing his friend, “You and Jaehyuk have been attached to the hip ever since you became a couple. Don’t tell me you already forgot the awkward beginnings of your dates when you two were still fumbling with your feelings?”

“Okay, okay…I got your point. But as I was saying, it’s just a date; if it doesn't work out, then you could just end it nicely.”

“Should I give Jaehyuk’s friend a gift or something? I remember I used to give some simple ones whenever I go out on a date.” Mashiho asked, wondering if giving gifts on the first date is not yet outdated or too forward. But that’s just his personality; he has always been considerate of others, and he felt like giving one is an act of politeness and a good icebreaker just in case it gets too awkward.

“Well, I think it’s ok. It’s not like you have to, but I know you,” Asahi even pointed a finger at Mashiho to emphasize his point, “you’d still go and bring something for your date. Do you have anything in mind, by the way?”

His colleague asked the question a second too late because the older’s mind had already drifted to a particular shop which reminds him of the smell of freshly baked creations, including his favorite cakes and their delightful taste.

“Oh, I think I already know what to give him,” Mashiho replied vaguely.

Chocolate. Red Velvet. Blueberry Cheesecake.

Just peering at them made Mashiho salivate, as if he could already taste the ingredients in his mouth. Mashiho loves sweets, in which cakes are not an exception, and he already tasted almost all the cakes at this quaint little shop he frequently visited whenever he wanted to eat one.

It wasn’t that long since he discovered this bakeshop, uniquely named ‘Eucalyptus,’ and it was only by chance that he stumbled upon it a month ago while going home from work. Ever since then, he used to go to the shop twice a week to buy either some bread, pastries, or a slice of cake to-go for him to eat.

Mashiho furtively looked up from the glass encasing the cakes to the baker named Junkyu, who was looking at him expectantly.

“What do you plan to order today, Mashiho?” Junkyu’s vibrant voice rang loud and clear across the shop; the enthusiasm in the taller’s voice had now become like a comforting sound to him - one that conjures to mind an image of a friendly baker and his wonderful creation of bread and cakes.

“I’m planning to get a whole cake for tomorrow.”

Mashiho replied to the other with a friendly smile. “Do you perhaps have something to recommend?”

“What’s the occasion about, if I may ask?” Junkyu pushed the question further to help the other make a choice.

Mashiho rubbed his nape awkwardly, and Junkyu couldn’t help but peer at him, internally thinking how cute the other’s gesture was.

“It’s, uh, actually for someone I’m not that familiar with yet.”

“Huh?”

Junkyu must’ve looked so lost that Mashiho couldn’t help but chuckle discreetly. But it seemed as it was still not that discreet enough, for Junkyu still heard it, and the older couldn’t help but smile hearing the younger’s soft giggle - which is like music to his ears.

“It’s for a date.” Mashiho didn’t want to divulge, but Junkyu’s friendly demeanor made him want to open up, for some reason.

“Oh.” Junkyu was momentarily taken aback but still managed to regain his composure in a split second. “It might sound too dull for you, but you could never go wrong with a chocolate cake.”

“Well, your chocolate cake was one of the best I’ve tasted, so your suggestion is valid.” Mashiho then pointed to a delectable-looking cake and said with finality: “Chocolate cake it is! I’m ordering a small one for tomorrow.”

Junkyu’s satisfied face when he mentioned it was one of the best he’d tasted didn’t go unnoticed.

“What time will you be picking it up?”

“Maybe at around four o clock PM.” Mashiho beamed at him, and Junkyu’s heart just made a little flip at the way the other smiled at him just like that.

It was unfair how the younger could just turn him into putty with a simple smile that made every Christmas light glow pale compared to its brightness.

The first date with Jihoon turned out great. The older was talkative and was fun to hang out with. It seemed like they had a lot to laugh and talk about - including their common friend Jaehyuk.  

After the success of their first date, Mashiho decided to ask the other out for another date. It would be a casual meetup at his favorite bakeshop since Jihoon only had praises for the cake he gifted him. Junkyu was right; one could never go wrong with giving a classic chocolate cake as a present.

That date ended again fairly well in Mashiho’s perspective, so he wondered what happened when by the end of the week, Jihoon told him on their last date that it seemed that they would be better off as just friends.

He was a bit heartbroken, wondering what could’ve possibly gone wrong. Jaehyuk just told him that Jihoon did enjoy the date, but the sparks were not just “there.”

So when one day, Junkyu found Mashiho all alone looking forlorn while staring at his pastries, the older decided to take the chance to start a discussion, one that is different from the usual, and asked him, “What’s the matter?”

“Oh hi, Junkyu. It was nothing, don’t worry.”

“I see. I was just wondering why you were pouting, looking at  my creations in misery.”

“Was I that obvious?” Mashiho looked at him, startled.

“Well, maybe the pouting made it stand out.” Junkyu was able to stop himself from blabbering and omitted the word cute pouting from his sentence.  “How did the date go?”

It was a bad habit of Junkyu to ask random questions for the sake of keeping the discussion going,  but he then realized it was a question he shouldn’t be asking because of three things:

• It was a very personal question, and they weren’t even close;
• It wasn’t a particular memory that Junkyu would like to recall knowing that your crush is dating someone and you saw how they enjoyed their time together;
• And lastly, because it made Mashiho look more unhappy than he was earlier.

“It ended badly.” Mashiho just said simply before finally pointing to a peach and cream croissant in front of him, “Do you think this will cheer me up?”

Red velvet.

This time, Mashiho’s veering away from the usual classic chocolates and decided to order something else. He wanted something with a pop of color, and red velvet cake was the first thing that came to his mind.

He peered into the glass and stared at the cake long and hard, wondering for a split second if he was making the right decision.

“I labored over that at the crack of dawn.” The baker’s familiar voice resonated at the other side of the glass. Mashiho noticed that Junkyu was more talkative now ever since they discussed a little about the disaster of a date he had two weeks prior. He likes it, though. He likes how they could now talk more than the usual hi and hello and the bread and cake recommendations.

“Must be so hard to wake up that early and create these delicious tasting creations.” Mashiho mused.

“It’s ok. I love my job anyways.” Junkyu assured him. There was an awkward pause, and they both spoke at the same time.

“Are you –”

“How much –”

They both chuckled softly at this. While they are now on casual speaking terms, Junkyu still seems to be a bit uneasy talking sometimes. Mashiho figured it was probably one of the baker’s personalities – not to open up that easily to others – but the same can be said of him; he was just a bit more on the talkative side.

Junkyu cleared his throat. “Uhm, you’re looking for another cake?”

“Yes. I’m planning to get this red velvet cake.”

“A slice or the whole thing?”

“The whole thing.”

Junkyu smiled at him with a look of interest, his eyes glancing at him curiously. Mashiho had been buying whole cakes more frequently than before. “You sure do love cakes.”

“Yes, I do.” Mashiho nodded. “But it’s not for me. I’m gifting this to someone.”

“Oh. So it’s for another special occasion?”

“Well,” Mashiho sighed and made this cute little pout which enthralled Junkyu. The Japanese was way too cute, and his heart was fluttering every time they talked that Junkyu feared the other might take notice. “It’s for another date again.”   

It was at this moment that Jeongwoo, Junkyu’s apprentice, decided to play an instrumental of  “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and the two of them were both immediately reminded of the holiday season.

Junkyu loves this season so much - all the festivities and merriment that came with it.

But right now, at this very moment, maybe not so much.

“It’s for another date again, I see. That’s quite an excellent choice.” Junkyu’s voice tried to be happy for Mashiho, hoping the other couldn’t see right through his facade.

“You think so?”

“Of course.”

“You don’t sound too convincing.” Mashiho’s voice had a slight tinge of teasing, and Junkyu caught on to that thankfully, or else he’d overthink - thinking that Mashiho might finally realize the slight change in his mood whenever he’d mention his date.

“What are you saying? I am.” A small nervous laugh escaped Junkyu’s lips.

 “Now, let me just wrap this cake all nicely for you.” Junkyu changed the subject and decided he finally had enough, or else the possibility of embarrassing himself by blurting out his feelings might be too real.

Yoshi’s a nice guy. In fact, he’s too kind. There’s really no problem with their date, except this time around, Mashiho’s the chattier one between the two of them. He often found himself driving the conversation, with his date just quietly chuckling or nodding every now and then in agreement.

It felt like talking to a wall, sometimes.

The sparks just aren’t flying, if Mashiho would have to describe it nicely.

Is this what Jihoon felt like before?

Mashiho felt a bit burdened on how to say to his date that there wouldn’t be another one, that perhaps, they are better off as just friends.

So when their date finally ended, Mashiho was a bit apprehensive about how to word his sentence properly, fearing he could hurt the other’s feelings, for he knew how it felt to be on the receiving end.

“You know, I like you, Mashiho,” Yoshi started speaking, and Mashiho gulped.

 Oh no, here we go.

“…but I think we’re better off as friends.” The other finished off.

Mashiho was relieved when he heard that. But that doesn’t mean his pride wasn’t hurt just a tiny bit.

And by the third date, Mashiho began to wonder if something was wrong with him. This time, he also thought they had something going on: he and Hyunsuk liked the same interests down to being a fashionista and what clothes they both like to wear.

But the date only repeated twice in a span of five days. Mashiho’s dates usually never last a week, and that’s when he began questioning himself that maybe he really is not that desirable or exciting enough for people to continue dating him.

So Mashiho consoled himself with a slice of cake from his favorite bakeshop, and out of randomness, he found himself asking Junkyu if he was not attractive or interesting enough.

This question made the baker cough uncontrollably for some weird reason – because what Mashiho didn’t know is that he was beyond that to the baker. If he only knew how Junkyu was crushing on him so bad, he wouldn’t have to ask.

Junkyu, sensing the younger’s vulnerability at that time, decided to stay just a little bit more to talk to his favorite customer.

“You just haven’t found yet the one matched for you.”

“Maybe,” Mashiho said with a hint of insecurity, and Junkyu wanted to wipe it all away; he wanted to tell him how beautiful he is and how he is more interesting for him than his other customers.

“If it makes you feel any better, you don’t find yourself at a loss for a date.”

Mashiho chuckled at this. “That’s looking at it in another positive way. Anyway, thanks Junkyu, for listening to my little rant.”

“No worries, Mashiho. If you need me, I’m just here.”

Junkyu smiled at him brightly, making Mashiho notice how the baker looked easy on the eyes whenever the other looked at him with his dimpled smile.

Another week had passed before Junkyu noticed Mashiho giving his cakes attention once more. By now, his gut feels that it’s probably for another date again since the younger doesn’t usually take too long to choose one. It only happens whenever he’s gifting someone a cake.

With a smile, Junkyu greeted the younger, who was seemingly caught in a trance and tried to strike another conversation, one that was beyond the usual. A discussion to get to know the Japanese a little bit more other than what flavor of cake he’ll be ordering.

“Hello, Mashiho! It’s been a while since you last ordered a cake. How’s it going?”

Mashiho smiled at him brightly, a soft laugh escaping from the other’s lips.

“Hi, Junkyu! It’s just been seven days since I last ordered one. Yes, I counted.”

Junkyu wanted to add that he was also counting, not only when he last ordered a cake, but whenever he goes by his little shop. He always looks forward to seeing him and their little exchanges, but he wouldn’t admit that. Not to him.

But his co-worker definitely had taken notice (Jeongwoo had been quite an observer), and his apprentice teased him about making a move or else he’d lose the chance.

“Why must you be so cute.” He mumbled unintelligibly.

“Huh?”

“Nothing, Mashiho. I just saw something.” Junkyu lied, suddenly caught up in the moment that he accidentally exclaimed his thoughts out loud. “I have meant to ask you why you keep on having a staring battle with my cakes, again. I hope this time you’re ordering one for yourself. What’s your favorite flavor, by the way?”

“I like them all. I’m not saying this just because you made them, but it was challenging to pick one, so I’ll just say I like them all.”

“You’re being too safe with your answers.” Junkyu pouted unconsciously, and this made Mashiho a little bit surprised at how Junkyu, who he once thought of as friendly but a serious person (isn’t it ironic how the adjectives he used to describe him were of two different things) could act this cute in front of him.

“Okay, if you must insist. I like your decadent chocolate cake and walnut carrot cake. They’re usually my go-to cakes when I need a quick mood booster to cheer me up.”

“Alrighty then! I’ll give you one slice of each.”

“But I didn’t order anything-”

“It’s both on the house.” Junkyu winked at him, and Mashiho was once again astounded at this side of him, how their tepid conversations have gotten more comfortable as the days progressed.

Mashiho was realizing just now how the young baker could be charming when he wanted to be. It’s such a pity that he only got to notice this now, but it’s never too late to start a ‘sort of friendship’ between the two of them.

“And a whole red velvet cake to go, please,” Mashiho added. The implication made Junkyu’s smile falter slightly, but he hoped the younger didn’t notice.

“Alright. Is it for gifting again?”

“Uhm, yeah.” The sound Mashiho made sounded a bit embarrassed, and Junkyu wondered why. “I’m not exactly a player; it’s just that these dates aren’t working.”

Mashiho didn’t know why he felt the need to explain himself to him. The other probably isn’t interested in hearing about his love life.

“It’s alright, Mashiho. You’re single, and you have the right to date, of course.” Junkyu replied, thankfully not saying out loud what his mind was thinking: single and handsome.

“By the way, Mashiho. What name should I put on this cake?”

“Doyoung. Kim Doyoung.”

Junkyu paused.

Oh please God, hopefully, it’s not my little brother.

“I chose Red velvet cause it reminded me of his hair. The same color.”

What are the chances that they both knew of a Kim Doyoung with the same red hair?  Junkyu thought in bewilderment.

“How did you guys meet, by the way?” Junkyu asked to confirm something, hoping for a tiny bit that he could be wrong, and it was just a weird coincidence.

“I met him in one of our company’s advertising campaigns. He was one of the photographers, and we got introduced by a common friend, Yedam.”

“Oh.” He smiled curtly, looking all calm but inside, his feelings were a thunderstorm of emotions.

What are the odds that his younger brother got a date with his crush?

“Are you feeling okay, Junkyu?” Mashiho asked worriedly, noticing the flabbergasted look on the other’s face.

“Of course, nothing’s wrong, Mashiho. I’m all good.”

Liar.

Junkyu has been observing his brother’s behavior for a couple of days now and noticed that he’s happier than usual ever since Junkyu first learned that the younger was going to be Mashiho’s date.

He became more attuned to his brother’s behavior ever since he learned that they were dating. If it becomes too serious, he had to stop with his little crush because liking someone your brother could also possibly like is unacceptable.

Thinking about it, it was ironic how fate played its part. When he and Mashiho were already getting closer, that was the time he had to date his younger brother.

Mashiho didn’t even stop by at his bakeshop anymore for almost two weeks now, and he’s been worried - concerned that something might’ve happened to the younger or he could just simply be enjoying his time with Doyoung and didn’t feel the need to buy anything from his shop anymore.

But cakes aside, Mashiho also comes for his bread and pastries, so it is weird why he couldn’t drop by lately.

Junkyu was so close to asking Doyoung what happened to Mashiho, but he realized that it sounded unusual for him to ask out of nowhere, and his brother might get suspicious, so he didn’t bother anymore.

Junkyu wasn’t aware he’d been staring into empty space while kneading dough at 4 am, not until Jeongwoo nudged him back to reality and asked him: “What happened to you, hyung?”

The younger’s usual cordial voice was replaced with curiosity, looking at Junkyu like he had just lost his mind.

Junkyu felt the dough slip into his hands and decided to return to reality.

“I’m pretty sure it’s because of that Mashiho, huh?”

“W-what?”

“He hasn’t been visiting the shop for weeks now, and he’s dating your brother,” Jeongwoo stated these facts as if they were nothing while he was busy making pastries. But these statements were everything that mattered to him – on how it kept his thoughts preoccupied recently.

“How did you know he was dating Doyoung?”

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard it when you two were busy talking over the counter. I mean, not to be negative or what, but your current situation sounds overly complicated.” Jeongwoo said in exaggeration. “If I were you, I’d ask Doyoung directly how’s it’s going with Mashiho, just to know if I should move on or not already.”

Junkyu stared at his apprentice. The younger just took the words out of his mouth.

He sighed. It really all came down to this – discussing his hopeless crush with his customer at 4 am in the morning and taking love advice from his younger co-worker.

Junkyu only had one thought on his mind: He’s doomed.

Doomed to be hopelessly crushing still on Mashiho, that is.

Junkyu glanced at  Doyoung surreptitiously and wondered if he was pushing through with this – they were close, but it would still be weird to ask so suddenly if his younger brother is dating anyone.

Junkyu thought he was being low-key, but when Doyoung suddenly asked him why he kept staring at him, he almost facepalmed at the next words that came out of his mouth.

“Are you dating anybody right now?”

“Huh?” His younger brother looked at him like he lost his mind or something, which Junkyu probably is, judging by the way he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“Just curious, if you know, you’ll bring a date during our Christmas Eve dinner.” Junkyu tried to play it off cooly, like a casual thing that he brought up and that there was no special reason to it other than him being just inquisitive, when the truth of the matter is that he only wanted to know how Doyoung and Mashiho were doing.

“Uh, Yes. I’m dating someone. Why?”

His heart sank.

“Though I’m not sure if I can convince Yedam to come to our Christmas Eve dinner,” Doyoung added.

What?  

Junkyu’s eyes widened. “What happened to Mashiho?”

“Mashiho? That was just one date but we decided we’re better off as friends. He gave way too brotherly vibes to be someone I’m involved with romantically.” Doyoung paused, looking as if a sudden realization hit him. His younger brother scrutinized his face, and he tried so hard to be indifferent, but Doyoung was an intelligent kid. He would know.

“Oh. So this is what it’s really about, huh. This is definitely about Mashiho and not me.”

“What are you talking about? Of course, it’s about you. You’re my brother. Why would I care about Mashiho?”

Doyoung snickered. “Did you know that your voice becomes just a little bit higher when you’re lying? Which you’re definitely doing right now.”

“I am not!” Junkyu crossed his arms and pouted while his younger brother laughed hysterically, who by now decided to sit beside him. He could feel his face getting warm and he tried so hard to control himself from blushing, but he couldn’t.

“You know what’s so funny about it, though? Mashiho couldn’t help talking about the ‘handsome baker’ of the cake he gave me during our date. Imagine the look of surprise on his face when I told him you’re my older brother.”

Doyoung nudged him while he continued to stop himself from smiling because of what he had just heard from his brother.

“Hyung, if you like him, just go for it. You might have a chance.”

Junkyu looked at Doyoung warily, wondering if the other was telling him the truth.

“Don’t give me false hope, Doyoung.” Junkyu looked glumly outside, watching the snow gently falling.

“Trust me, hyung. It won’t hurt if you try, right?”

“What should I do, then?”

Doyoung draped an arm across his shoulder then winked. His younger brother has always been one for the dramatics.

“Just simply do what you do best and the rest will follow.”

“Hi.”

Junkyu glanced from arranging his bread and pastries when he heard who greeted him and almost did a double-take when he saw Mashiho again after a long time.

Mashiho looked stressed but he still looked good as usual.

“Hey, Mashiho! It’s been a while.”

“I got caught up with work. Look at me, looking all stressed since I haven’t got my mood booster for a couple of days now.”

“Mood booster?”

“Your bread, cakes, and pastries. They lift my mood. If you still haven’t noticed by now, I’m quite a fan of your creations.” Mashiho acknowledged him so simply yet his heart was beaming with pride, knowing that he made his crush happy through his works.

“Oh. Thank you, Mashi. I’m just glad you enjoyed them. So, you’re here for…?”

“Cake.”

Junkyu’s heart plummeted. Whenever Mashiho orders a cake, he is immediately reminded of the other dating. Especially now that he knew that Doyoung and Mashiho’s date didn’t go out too well, he may be looking for another one again.

“Before you think of anything else, I’m pre-ordering a cake for Christmas since I plan to give one for my family. Your shop’s still open on that day, right?”

Junkyu internally heaved a sigh of relief.

“For limited cake pre-orders only. I usually close it so I can spend more time with my family. But I will be here to accept the customers when they get their cakes.”

“Great! I’ll order later once I’ve finally decided what I want. But for today, I’ll just have some pastries for dine-in.”

“You don’t have work today?” Junkyu asked, and he mentally scolded himself for even asking since it might be too obvious he was keeping track of the other’s schedule.

“I’m on leave.” Mashiho smiled at him knowingly. “Hmm…do you want to go talk over for a bit? I mean, I know you’re manning the store but I just wanted to let you know how my last date went cause you’d probably find it interesting.”

Junkyu contemplated if he’d pretend he didn’t know it was his younger brother that he dated or not.

He prepared Mashiho’s order and placed it on the table before deciding to sit across from Mashiho and watched the other’s eyes brighten upon seeing the pastries. It was amusing how much the younger loved his creations.

“They really made you happy.”

“Who?”

“The food.”

“Oh.” Mashiho blushed. “You’re referring to the pastries. I thought you were talking about someone.”

“Well, going back to the matter at hand, ” Junkyu crossed his arms and leaned a little. He noticed Jeongwoo at the back made a thumbs-up sign in support and mouthing ‘I’ll take care of the shop, do your thing’ and it took all his energy not to roll his eyes at the blatantly obvious way of support for him by his apprentice. “Why would I find your last date interesting?”

“You really didn’t know?” Mashiho asked with his cheeks filled with food, and Junkyu internally went ‘awww cute’ at this sight. He liked how the other became more comfortable with him as time passed by, making Junkyu come out of his shell more often to be able to talk to him like this.

“I mean, when I was describing Doyoung before, you didn’t say the possibility that he might be your younger brother.”

“Well…I figured I’d let you know that on your own.” Junkyu replied, eyes cast downward. He remembered the disappointment he felt when he realized it was his younger brother that Mashiho was dating.

“Why?”

“I don’t know what I was thinking that time, ” He admitted. As much as he’d like to tell Mashiho how he really felt, it was not the appropriate time.

“You could’ve saved me from the heartbreak, ” Mashiho joked, and this time, it made Junkyu look back at him, and there he saw the other’s eyes staring back at him brightly, a faint smile outlined on the younger’s lips.

“But Doyoung said you hit it off…as friends.”

“Oh, so you knew the details! You and Doyoung have been talking.”

Junkyu never wanted to clamp his mouth shut at that instant.

“Why do you act like you still are on edge around me? I want to get to know you more, my favorite baker.”

“That’s a big compliment you got there, Mashiho.”

He could feel the tip of his ears turning pink for some reason and he tried so hard to hide it but Mashiho noticed it, of course. It made the younger giggle which made him chuckle in return too.

The compliment became an icebreaker for the two of them and what was supposed to be a short, quick talk led to an hour and a half of getting to know each other.

By the end of their talk, Mashiho left him with something that made him wonder as he stared at his long-time crush who’s now waving his goodbye at him.

You’re an interesting person, Junkyu. It’s impossible not to like you.

That line continued to echo on his mind for the rest of the day and sparked an idea that would hopefully work.

There was a certain rush of excitement in the air; People were busy with last-minute errands – whether to buy gifts or prepare for the Christmas Eve dinner later. However, Junkyu was the complete opposite: he was in his element, all relaxed and happily baking cake preorders for Christmas day.

Junkyu looked at the clock hanging on the wall in front of him and took note of the time: Eight o’clock in the evening. He still has time to make it to his family’s own Christmas Eve dinner. He was just wrapping up decorating the last cake, however, this is not just any ordinary cake;  this is for Mashiho. Junkyu wanted to make sure that he would go the extra mile for his favorite customer, ensuring quality in the product he’s creating.

With utmost concentration, Junkyu piped the icing on the cake, decorating it carefully and neatly.

At the back of Junkyu’s mind, he contemplated how he really like Mashiho. His admiration for the younger has grown over the months as they got closer to each other. He wasn’t even sure if he’d even stand a chance if he was given the opportunity to ask him out. He wanted to do that badly; wanted to feel how it’s like to be open with his feelings – to be able to say how much he likes Mashiho and truth be told, how he wanted to be with him.

It probably was the season and seeing how everyone was usually merry this time of the year (no wonder it’s one of his favorites), that Junkyu was left hoping that what he was doing will be in his favor. Well, even if not, it would still be worthwhile because all of it was for one of his favorite persons in the world: Mashiho.

Junkyu yawned, a bit tired from last night’s Christmas Eve dinner. Their family usually celebrate the festive season in all of it’s grandeur, throwing a party for their family, friends and dates, if any. He never brought one for he usually never date at this time of the year, for some reason. It’s been ages since he last dated and since that didn’t work out well, he’d rather immerse his introverted self with work than go out on one.

To be honest, Christmas Eve was fun. Doyoung’s date, Yedam, have so many fun stories to tell about his younger brother that it left the family in laughter, with Doyoung blushing a lot, of course. They looked good together, and he couldn’t be happier for his younger brother.

The first of the Christmas customers came in early and he was glad to be preoccupied for half of the day because he was both anticipating and anxious for a certain someone to come.

The last of the customers already got their order but one. When he heard the little chime of the door opening, he immediately took a glance at the mirror to check himself out if he looked presentable. It was in this position that Mashiho found him and this made the younger giggle - that sound of laughter which he missed so much.

He was utterly hopeless. Just a mere sound and he’d turn into a mush.

“Oh, hey, ” Junkyu rubbed his nape in embarrassment, having caught by Mashiho.  “Hi there.”

“Right back at you.” Mashiho’s voice was painted with a tinge of amusement, probably because of what happened earlier.

“Merry Christmas, ” Junkyu muttered, trying to change the mood. He loves it when Mashiho was happy and laughing – but not at him!

“Merry Christmas too, Junkyu.” Mashiho glanced back at him, and Junkyu was hoping the other would not see right through him; on how he’s a jittering bundle of nerves right now.

There was an awkward pause before Junkyu finally moved to get Mashiho’s cake order.

“Easy, Junkyu. I’m not in a rush or anything.” Mashiho raised an eyebrow. “or perhaps you’re the one who’s in a hurry?”

“No, no. It’s not like that.” He shook his head. He was fumbling; if Jeongwoo was here right now, the younger would have teased him to death.

“By the way you looked so uneasy, Junkyu. Are you ok?”

Maybe not, after I gave you your cake.

The truth is, he was planning to confess to Mashiho today. His feelings are getting too complicated for it to be contained all by himself. His talk with Doyoung also helped to give him some hope and courage that maybe, at least, he stood some chance. But his nervousness is starting to eat him up inside and he’s on the verge of second-guessing himself again, wondering if all this madness would turn things for the better or worst.

Junkyu’s worst enemy is himself and the inner turmoil he’s been feeling inside made him want to retreat and not push through with his plans anymore.

But – an inner voice spoke – this is Mashiho  we’re talking about. He’s worth the risk.

“Hello? Earth to Junkyu? You still there?”

Mashiho’s voice broke through his reverie, and he forced himself to stay focused, to be in the moment.

Gathering whatever was left of his courage, he motioned for Mashiho to sit down first as he proceeded to gather the cakes.

When Mashiho saw him holding two cakes, the younger looked at him in surprise.

“You must’ve gotten it all wrong, Junkyu. I only ordered one.”

“No, it’s correct. The other one is for free.”

Mashiho’s doe eyes literally twinkled at this.

“Do you give all your customers a free extra cake on Christmas Day?”

Junkyu couldn’t help the small chuckle which escaped his lips at the younger’s apprehension.

“No, not really.”

“Oh. How thoughtful of you to give me an extra one.” Mashiho smiled at him brightly, the kind that makes his heart flutter each and everytime. There was something special in the younger’s smile and Mashiho wasn’t probably even aware of it.

All those failed dates he had must’ve been blind not to notice that.

Like a young kid which was given a present, Mashiho asked him with anticipation: “Can I open it now?”

His heart hammered. Junkyu wasn’t prepared at the possibility that Mashiho would immediately open the cake the moment he got it. Junkyu was hoping the other would save it up for later when Mashiho went home.

“Uh-, sure, I mean, it’s nothing much. Just something I whipped at the kitchen, ” He was stammering and blabbering all at once that Mashiho was probably wondering what’s up with him.

“What do you mean it’s nothing much? You’re my favorite baker! Surely, this would taste great…as usual.”

Mashiho winked at him and he almost did a double-take. Was that a flirtatious wink?

Hell, he’s probably just delusional.

Junkyu quietly watched as Mashiho lifted the box containing the cake and watched the other’s face transformed into a myriad of emotions ranging from excitement, silence and surprised.

Mashiho let out a small exhale and he was a bit scared of the implication of that simple action.

“Huh.” Was Mashiho’s first word. Junkyu nibbled his lips in nervousness and looked away, scared of the other’s additional reaction.

“Couldn’t you be any sweeter, Junkyu?” When Mashiho broke again into a smile, he finally peered into him, his eyelashes fluttering. He could feel his cheeks getting warm, obviously not because of the winter season nor the store’s heater.

“Of course, Junkyu. I’d love to.”

“You would?” He finally found his voice, albeit shaky but still in surprise at the turn of events.

“Maybe you didn’t notice it, but  way I always look at you whenever you’re here has become different lately. As much as I like your cakes and pastries, they couldn’t compare to you.” Mashiho moved and gently held his hands across the table. “I didn’t know how it happened, but one day, we just went beyond the usual hi and hellos and me talking about my failed dates to you. You’ve become special to me, Junkyu. And just so you know? I’m planning to ask you out, too.”

Mashiho stared at him longingly.  “I’ve been looking everywhere, but what I didn’t know is that the one I needed was just here infront of me, Junkyu.”

Junkyu, still too stunned to speak just nodded, his mouth forming into an ‘Oh.’

“You know, you can speak Junkyu.” Mashiho teased him while gently squeezing his hand.

“Merry Christmas, Mashiho. Thank you for giving me the best Christmas gift.” He uttered and greeted again, words have still decided to leave him, and Mashiho just found it charming on how he Junkyu was still left speechless, as the younger proceeded to tuck a stray hair from him.

“Merry Christmas, too Junkyu.” Mashiho greeted back happily. “So, do you want to eat your cake? The ‘Will you go out with me?’ will be ruined though.”

Junkyu laughed.

“I can always say it to you, my dear Mashiho.”

When Mashiho suddenly pointed out something upwards, he knew what it was. There were a couple of mistletoes hanging around his shop which Jeongwoo decorated and he once thought it was probably overboard but now he’s thankful. His heart pulsed in anticipation as Mashiho gently leaned in and closed his eyes to kiss him in the chastest kiss he ever felt in his entire life. It was pure and simple and Junkyu loved just every bit of it.

So to sum it all up, Junkyu’s favorite things in life still haven’t changed;  it had just gotten more specific:

• Baking
• The smell of a newly baked bread
• Christmas
• Mashiho
• And Mashiho’s kisses.

All of these in no particular order.