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The streets of Milan were bustling with the soft laughs of students and hurried footsteps of office workers—all feeling the excitement to touch the warmth of their homes. Tucked away in a narrow alley, there stands Sunghoon's quaint café. The interior was filled with vintage posters and the scent of fresh pastries, and the tables and chairs were made with a good quality of wood. The café stood as a sanctuary for those seeking the comfort of home in a foreign land. People usually stay for a cup of coffee or a slice of his specialty, the tiramisu cake.
Sunghoon moved gracefully behind the counter, his hands delicately assembling layers of mascarpone cheese and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. His tiramisu became the talk of the town, yet, despite the café’s success, Sunghoon still hasn’t successfully filled the empty hole in his chest, a longing for something—or someone—he couldn't quite decipher.
One sunny afternoon, the doorbell chimed softly, announcing a customer’s arrival. Sunghoon glanced up from his work, his eyes meeting the person’s. The man had tousled blond hair, a honey bronze skin, a camera slung around his neck, and a curious glint in his eyes.
“Buongiorno,” the man greeted, his Italian tinged with an accent. "May I know what your specialty here is?"
Sunghoon's heart may have skipped a beat at the sight of him as he took a very long pause before answering.
"Our tiramisu," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “It’s the best in Milan.”
“I'll take a slice, then,” the very pretty man said with a smile, settling into a corner table..
As Sunghoon prepared the dessert, he couldn't help but steal glances at his customer. There was something about him—an air of adventure, perhaps—that intrigued Sunghoon. When he brought the tiramisu to his table, their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through him.
“Wow,” he murmured after the first bite, his eyes widening in delight. “This is incredible.”
Sunghoon's cheeks flushed with pride. “I'm glad you like it.”
Days turned into weeks, and the pretty man became a regular there—Sunghoon still having no idea of his name. He would spend hours sipping coffee, editing photos, and sharing stories of his travels with Sunghoon. They talked about everything—from the serene canals of Venice to the busy markets of Marrakech. Sunghoon found himself looking forward to his visits, the café feeling empty on the days he didn't show up.
Their bond deepened with each passing day. Sunghoon learned that Jake—he finally knew after seeing his work ID—was a travel photographer, constantly capturing the world’s beauty through his lens. Jake, in turn, discovered Sunghoon’s passion for baking, noticing the meticulous care he put into every dessert he creates.
One evening, as the café quieted, Jake looked at Sunghoon with a wistful expression. “I have to leave for a new assignment,” he said softly. “I'll be gone for a few months.”
Sunghoon's heart sank. “When will you be back?” were immediately the first words that came into his mouth.
Jake shrugged, a sad smile on his lips. “I don't know yet, but I'll definitely come back, I promise.”
With a heavy heart, Sunghoon watched Jake walk out of the café, the bell's chime also bidding farewell. Since then, he threw himself into his work, trying to fill the void Jake had left behind. Each batch of tiramisu was a bittersweet reminder of the man who had slowly filled the hole in his chest.
Months passed and the seasons changed. Sunghoon continued to perfect his tiramisu, the dessert becoming even more popular. Yet, no matter how many slices he served, he couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness. He longed for Jake’s laughter, their late-night conversations, and the way Jake looked at him as if he were the most important person in the world.
—
One rainy afternoon, as Sunghoon finishes cleaning the last cup, the doorbell chimed. He turned, expecting a last-minute customer, but his breath caught in his throat. There standing in the doorway was Jake, drenched but smiling, with a bouquet of sunflowers in hand.
“Sorry it took me so long, Sunghoon,” Jake said with a soft footstep. “I couldn't forget the taste of your tiramisu or the way you looked at me across the table. Not a day goes by without me thinking of you.”
Sunghoon’s eyes were filled with tears as he rushed forward, pulling Jake into a tight embrace. “I missed you,” he whispered, his voice choking with emotion.
Jake held him close, his warmth seeping into Sunghoon's cold, aching heart. “I missed you, too.”
—
The next few days felt like a dream. Jake settled at the café most of his time, capturing moments with his camera while helping Sunghoon during the busy hours. They fell into a comfortable routine, their connection growing stronger with each shared smile, stolen glance, and fingers brushed.
One morning, as the first light of dawn streamed through the windows, Jake and Sunghoon sat together in the empty café, enjoying the peace before the day's rush.
“I've been thinking,” Jake began, his morning voice soft. “About staying in one place for a while. Maybe setting down some roots.”
Sunghoon's heart raced. “Here in Milan?”
Jake nodded, a hopeful smile tugging at his lips. “Here, with you. Well, that is, if you'll have me.”
Sunghoon excitedly reached out to clasp Jake’s hand. “You know I'd like that very much”
And so, from that day on, Jake and Sunghoon built a life together, one filled with laughter, love, and, of course, tiramisu. They explored the city, capturing its beauty through Jake’s lens and savoring its flavors in Sunghoon’s creations. The café became even more popular, with customers drawn not only by the desserts they make but also by the warmth and love that radiated from its owners.
One evening, while closing up the café, Jake pulled Sunghoon into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. Despite the tiredness he’s feeling, Sunghoon initiated a slow dance, the café’s soft music guiding their feet.
“Do you remember the first time I walked in here?” Jake asked, his voice a soft murmur.
Sunghoon nodded, leaning into Jake's embrace. “I do. You asked about the café’s specialty and I told you it was tiramisu.”
Jake smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You were right, but I have come to realize that it wasn’t.”
Sunghoon looked up at him, curiosity in his eyes. “What?”
“It’s you," Jake whispered, his voice filled with love. “You and everything you create. You make this place special.”
The night wouldn’t be as romantic without a kiss, so Sunghoon pulled Jake for a soft one. “I love you.”
“I love you,” Jake replied, holding Sunghoon close. “Always.”
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside seemed to fade away. The café’s soft lights cast a warm glow around them, their shadows dancing gently on the walls. The remaining scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the faint aroma of rain from outside, creating a perfect cocoon of intimacy. Even if the world outside continued its dance of life, for them, time stood still. The rain continued its soft patter against the windows, like a background to their whispered words and tender gazes.
With each passing day, their love grew, blossoming like the sunflowers Jake had brought that rainy afternoon. Every day, with the sunlight bathing them in a golden hue, Jake and Sunghoon would sit together, fingers intertwined, sharing dreams and scenes of the future.
And so, in the heart of Milan, tucked away in a narrow alley, stood a quaint café where love brewed as perfectly as the finest coffee. Sunghoon and Jake, two souls who found their missing pieces in each other, created a haven of warmth, laughter, and eternal devotion. Their story, like the layers of a tiramisu, was a sweet symphony of love, destined to be savored for a lifetime.