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stood there in all his glory, aone takanobu (23) third-year sociology student the first thing you see eight on monday morning for your first elective class. obviously you’re in the same class as him. In fact you've taken enough sociology classes to know what is gerontology, went to hospitals for social work and interestingly opened up a baked goods business for your business class. All in hopes of being just a little closer to him. Just a little. you're not greedy, you’re patient. You take sociology class while being a political science student for gods sake. You can do this. Just channel that charismatic leader-type influence you learnt in your political science class and all is well. Or at least that's what you told yourself every day. In the mirror. Every morning. Before going to your twelfth class with him this whole degree. But still no fruition. Stolen glances, a quick whiff of his clean perfume every time you both cross paths, carrying that familiar warm and soft aching heartache not only when your eyes are in search of him but in every routine step you take to your class. Whispers of hope entertain your ears and heart like a gentle summer song in case you might stumble across him during your walk. Perhaps you will compliment his outfit today or just a simple good morning will do.
Or…maybe not.
That’s there. Your mom always tells you that there is nothing wrong with your personality and you make enough friends to know you’re the extroverted type. Types to make jokes, laugh wholeheartedly, live life with colors and vibrantly, and take chances when given but it is sort of stuck and stifled when you’re with him. Or reality check, when you see him.
He is like calm water in the forest. Inviting, calming, reassuring but guarded. You have to be vigilant and deliberate with your steps or he might slip away. Or at least that's what you tell yourself to avoid yet another opportunity to make your existence known to him. For god's sake, you haven't even prepared small talk scripts yet let alone practice. And god knows it's gonna take you one whole night for that. Sometimes you snap yourself out of this whatever you’re feeling and remember that this feeling is just a small teeenyyyyy crush. Nothing more. it will die the moment you’re out of this institution. At least. Let’s hope. It's not the longing, pining and yearning you’re experiencing. Let’s be real, that’s only for losers. And you’re not losers, worst come to worst maybe you’re a little thirsty seeing that one hell of a man just conveniently your type walking around campus with the face and body fit just to be the man of your dreams. And with enough stolen glances and faraway gazing you know damn well that man loves animals and is gentle in his speaking. Good god. God gives his hardest battle to his strongest soldier and you’re not sure if you can survive aone takanobu any longer before you start going insane. Let’s be real. That being said, it’s just a small crush. Nothing more.
Snapping out of your inner monologue you walked to your first class of the day: ethnic and society. You gather your breath into one deep inhale and exhale it slowly so as to calm your rambling jumbling mind. If one look of medusa can turn men into rocks, aone takanobu can turn you into whatever he wishes and you will still be thanking him every day. I mean he would not. Because he’s kind and thoughtful. GOD DROP THIS TOPIC RIGHT NOW. you screamed in your mind. Oh my god, this is going nowhere. You collect your footing and walk into the class as if you did not just have five simultaneous inner monologues fighting in your head. Quick glance to your right and you saw him.
Your class uses one of those long tables that can accommodate 10 people in one row and you see takanobu sitting with faces you come to familiarity with at the third row from the whiteboard and in the middle seat with both his friends beside him. Even behind him while he’s sitting down, you can see that he’s wearing a crip short-sleeved white shirt that hugs his broad figure so perfectly, highlighting his wide reliable shoulders. His right hand is decorated with a sleek stainless steel watch. You don’t want to sound like a creep, but it’s literally salivating to see him like this. Such simplicity of his outfit highlights everything you need to know about him; the strength he exudes and his silent charm. He’s so handsome. So attractive you would want to meet his parents and thank them for gifting Earth such a treasured blessing. His short hair framed his face oh so perfectly. Really you could continue on and on about this all-day
flushed and excitability nervous you sat at the fifth row from aone’s right to have the most optimal view of him and his friends. taking the necessary breather then you take out your notebook and pen to jot down the note of today’s class. The class went well. it was the usual nothing new. The slow early monday morning class. But your energy tank was filled to the brim and your heart is warm like a freshly baked bread you take out of the oven this morning. Wearing a silent satisfied expression you plan to steadily walk to the lunch place you and your friends have promised.
“yn! wait up” your stride was stopped by a familiar voice. heart starts beating palpably, face rose in temperature become visibly red
“yes, futakuchi?” the name so familiar and near u almost bit your tongue
“i heard you made breads and pastries for your business class. we wanna try some” he smiled
by we he meant him, his other friend and aone takanobu. Takanobu aone….son of aone household.... YOUR CRUSH
goodness god you knee almost give up by that thought
maybe you are taking too long to respond, futakuchi called your name once again
“YES- oh i mean sure yeah, i bake upon orders, do you mind receiving them this evening?”
“ yes sure we dont mind right?” he eyed the other two silent gentleman beside him but your eyes only focus on that silent and gentle nod from aone. holy fuck your crush is gonna taste the food you made
that's maddening thats insane THATS SO MUCH PRESSURE
“ were gonna take two packs of chocolate chip cookie, three cupcakes; one of each flavor, one cream ho- you know what its easier if i just texted you the order. can you give me your phone number?” he suggested but doesn't pass you his phone
visibly confused before you could ask, he drop the bomb
“shit sorry my phone died, we can use takanobu’s phone. Here” no amount of self control can contain how you reacted to that sentence. your poor overworked heart once again pumped at the unusual amount of blood that it reaches your face and ear so effectively and evidently. Your lips tremble reflexively. hands shakig with adrenaline. Mind so chaotic it looks like that one episode from SpongeBob where there was literal fire in that chaotic little office and mini SpongeBobs was screaming to save their life
“.....yeah okay. uhm 4pm sounds good?” is it working? your voice is it at the normal amount of normal? Can they tell that you’re obviously freaking out
you savor the feeling and sight of aone’s phone on your hand as you glide your finger to type in your phone number. u dont mean to snoop into his call log but his last call this morning was his mom. oh my god, this man is not real. you know you have to take 15 minute mindfulness walk to ground yourself with this new information.
“yup all good. See you soon yn, thanks!” as futakuchi take back aone’s phone three of them flashed you a polite smile before go on their merry way
Except nothing about this is merry. This is war. And you're just happened to made out of it punchered with little tiny needle to your heart. anxiety, excitement, thrill, anticipation flooded you all at once
♡˖✧*。
+81 80 xxxx xxxx (10:25am)
hello yn. this is aone, futakuchi’s friend. thank you for taking in our order. I know it is quite abrupt. Here are the orders.
3 cupcakes (each flavour), 2 packs of chocolate chip cookies, 3 cream horns (matcha, strawberry, custard), 3 brownies.
I hope it is not too much. We heard so many good things about your pastries and decided to try some. Thank you.
you left him on read for 1 hour.
ONE. EXCRUCIATINGLY. LONG. FREAKING. HOUR!!!!!!!!
This rare god given chance of your crush literally texted you first and you wasted it. you should just read the notification and have anxious euphoria in silent but no, your fingers possessed the mind of their own and open the conversation one second after receiving the message. talk about desperation
but the problem is, you dont know what to reply back. so many reply drafted in your note app. .
“ Hiii! U got it cowboy see u on four”
“ Hello aone takanobu friend of futakuchi. I received your order just fine and happy to inform you that i’m thrilled to received new set customers. I promise to give u the upmost best quality pastries you ever tried”
“ Hii! no worries i got it! See you at four!”
Objectively speaking the number three option is the most decent one, but it’s just… not giving. it doesnt touch on every aone’s talking points and feels a little..too short?? But u dont want to write him an entire essay. The thought of sending him 7 lines of reply cringes you. Should u just chatgpt your way into replying his text? ugh no its not genuine
you sighed for the twentieth times already today and its only 1130. god having a crush is such an extreme sport when youre an anxious mess. Not to add your crush is one hell of a fine man you can’t afford to fuck up
You entered a new row in the note app and wrote a new reply draft
“ Hi aone, order fully noted! Happy to hear you’re interested in trying my pastries. And no worries it's not a bother at all. See you at 4 ☺️”
okay okay not bad. assured him its not a bother, friendly tone but still polite, and being a good business woman by taking his order in. Alright this is the best you can produce right now. Heart habitually quicken as you copied the reply and pasted it in the chat box, you double check and hit send with a trembling fingers.
you sighed in relief. okay at least you reply back. And the reply is decent. who cares it takes you 1 hour to compose 3 sentences. all is good. What matters is you reply back, and deliver him a heavenly out of this world mind boggling pastries he can't help but to order again to make up for that late reply.
Also a strategy to get closer to him. Yes!! Good strategy, achievable target. Killing two birds with one stone!!!
After lunch with your friends, you’re back to your home to bake the order in. With the newfound confidence and determination pep talked into you by your friends, you get to preparing the recipes.
flour, milk and dark chocolate compounds, vanilla essence, corn starch, sugar, brown sugar, butter, matcha powder, fresh and dried strawberries, baking powder and more.
Now that all ingredients are within reach, you take another deep breath to ground the racing heart, and get started.
1pm
you have the chocolate chip cookie and the cupcakes are already in the cooling rack, you still can't help but feel restless with the time crunch.
Thank goodness you still have the puff pastry for the cream horn you made yesterday for an order. So you efficiently roll out the puff pastry, cut them and wrap it around the molds before putting them in the fridge to chill.
While waiting for that you quickly move on to the brownies batter. You loaded it with tons of chocolate to make fudgy and decadent.
You work as fast as you can while making sure the quality is not compromise.
320 pm
All is done! Finally! Thankfully! You sigh in relief. Patting yourself in the back for the achievement. The cream horn and cupcakes are in the frige to avoid the cream melted. And the brownies and the cookies is packed and ready. You also take extra time to wrap it with ribbon carefully and write a cute thank you card for them.
This is not exclusive to their orders only as all your customers received cute packed pastries and a thankyou note, but this time you take a little more time to make it extra perfect. With little time to kill, you hurry up and get ready to deliver the order.
♡˖✧*。
As u were lightly brushing your hair to tidy up your bangs through the rear view mirror, you were jumped by a knock on the passenger window
“Aone” never thought you would verbalize the name so so dear and near to your core Its feels surreal. The butterflies fluttering in your stomachs churn your insides in an uncomfortable sensation
Open up the car driver seat door hurriedly you access the back door car to take the orders to him. The pastries are bagged in a pink craft bag with your logo in the front and bag.
okay strike a normal conversation. just ask how long has he arrived, where’s his friends or just a simple “ hope you enjoy this pastries, leave a glowing reviews!” okay that sounds decent good normal
“ I hope you-” words stuck out of your mouth, like a clogged sink pipe in an old victorian house
what the hell is he wearing… what in gods name is this man wearing right now….
WHY IS HE WEARING HIS WORK UNIFORM OH MY GOD
This is your university parking lot right? whispered as you look around, yes indeed. Then why is he wearing this at your university
Okay sure you know about his part time work (unintentionally) as you heard his conversation with his friends. You remembered daydreaming with your chin in a palm of your hand about meeting him in his work outfit one day
one day. one day that’s definitely not today!!! him. you. alone. unprepared. recipe for disaster. call gordon ramsay as you’re literally is in his hell kitchen right now...
his green overalls zipped down to his middle stomach revealing his black under shirt, black orange safety footwear, white hair slightly damp from sweat
You literally vibrate from nerves, your poor heart starts swelling, full body blushes especially your ears and warmed-up face. Unable to meet his eyes, internally screaming panicking you forgot you don’t even finish your sentence
♡˖✧*。
He asked his foreman if he could leaves one hour before his shift ended. The oppressive warmth together with humidity by his sweat clings to his sticky skin is quite unbearable. He sheds half of his overall top uncovering the black shirt underneath to let the cold wind air out his drenched shirt. “Today was hot” whispered him slowly as he wipes his damp hair and neck with grey small towel. Notification from his from catches his attention
Futakuchi Kenji
u sure u can take the order? im around uni anyways i can pick up. i know ure in shift rn
unlessss??? 😏😏
aone stared at his screen for good one minute to come up with a reply. yes he is in shift right now but he clocked out early, and his work place is closer than kenji’s. they’re going back to his apartment to watch movie anyway so might as well he pick it up. He ignored the bottom message as well as how it makes his heart involuntarily tugs.
it’s okay. I clocked out early and i’m closer
Putting his phone in his overall pocket, he rode his way back to the university with his trusty motorcycle he bought using his hard-earned money for his twenty first’s birthday. Riding back doesn’t take too long as it only take roughly 15 minutes, but he has to cool down completely and be comfortable first before picking up their pastries. He’s lost in his thought and it brings him back to the girl in his class. The feelings and thoughts so foreign and hazed to him he decided to not pay it any mind.
♡˖✧*。
The hot sun blazing throw away all his effort to present cool and comfortable. He’s sweating his head off in this weather. Right on cue, a light green compact car pulled over the parking lot and he saw you. Ignoring the unfamiliar ever present slight tug in his chest, he approached you by knocking at your window. The widened eyes and full body twitch signalled him that you don't see him coming. He feels guilty about it.
He noticed your rushed steps towards the back door to grab the bag he guessed is filled with his orders, not fail to notice how you have your head down and how it had become your habit everytime the second you both laid eyes on each other. He also noticed how you didn't finish your sentence when you finally laid your eyes on him. That observation gripped his heart involuntarily. Does he looked that bad? Is he drenched in sweat? Does he smells bad? God he beat himself internally for even coming up in front of you, before he could be apologize, you said
“ s-straight from work? wah a hard worker i see. As my mother used to say there's nothing more charming in this world than hard work. Anyways! i hope you enjoy the pastries. I really appreciate your support. And if you dont mind I could really use some feedback!” He’s met with a sweet wavering smile and slight shaking of your arms when you’re handed him the pink bag. It took him some time before muttering a soft thank you and acknowledgement that he’s indeed straight from work.
After another few exchange of polite smiles and thankyous, both of you took leave.He’s not fail to notice how red you are under the hot sun, and the way the glitter on your nose reflects a purple-silver hue, and today he’s able to make out that your hair pin of the day is a brown teddy bear.
♡˖✧*。
yn (pastries)
Hello yn, this is aone. The pastries were delicious. Kenji, Obara and I enjoyed it very much. I particularly like the matcha cream horn as the cream is very smooth. Kenji like the cookies and Obara likes the brownies. We will definitely place an order again in the future.
I wish you all the best with your business and future plans.
Sending that message actually takes him more time than he actually wants to admit. It’s just a text, what could take him so long to write. Laying here on his back in his now empty apartment as his friends already left, he can’t help himself but wander back to you.
How delicious your pastries are
How thoughtful and pretty your dessert packaging is
How the sparkle of the glitter on your nose still vivid in his memory
How sometimes when you crossed path with him he could smell that warm strawberry cake perfume you wear (where did you even found the scent so particular and sweet like that even)
How despite your obvious nerve around him you still not fail to flash him a polite smile eventhough he could notice that small waver on your lips every time
Notice. He always notices you. And he also notice how it takes you so long to reply to his text
That observation comes out of nowhere filled him with equal measure of gloom and defeat fighting for space in his now tightening chest. He wishes he could still talk to you more, this time without the help of his friends. It was also he who suggested kenji to try ordering pastries from your business as he wanted to try the cream horn you posted on your instagram.
Yes, he saw your business on his instagram. No, he doesn’t follow your account but yes, he’s an avid visitor as he like to watch the pictures and videos you posted showing the process and behind-the-scenes in your kitchen. He also knows that you have attached your business phone number to your bio for any incoming orders. But when kenji suggested to use his phone for your personal number he can’t help but comply. It makes things more awkward right if he just blurted out that they can just get your business number on your instagram. Yeah. that’s it. it’s not like he has any ulterior motives. How could he? You’re just a girl from his class, that he can’t help but glance only sparingly. Aone is nothing but a self aware man. He recognizes that maybe you catch his attention a little more than everyone else. But he takes it as a from of curiosity, intrigue and maybe a little fondness, as he perceived you to be quite endearing. But that’s that. That’s the reason for the sparing glances, constant visit to your business instagram, using his friends as a middle man. Because he knows when not to pry.
Due to his size he’s used to people getting intimidated by him. Always be the subject of conversation and he learns throughout these experiences whether he talk or not people still can’t look past his size and how intimidating he looks. He was sad to say the least, but he understands. He learns to let things go, not to pry when not seeked, just comfortable living his life surrounded by people who understand him and take their time to put in effort to know him. He knows not to ask for more, as due to his size it might come up as too much. Aone does have casual friends. He makes friends throughout highschool during his volleyball years and even now. Volleyball does help breaks his shell a little bit gaining him more now friends and social skills, and be comfortable in his own body. His experiences with people’s intimidation towards him don't stop him from living his life, but he knows his limit. Aone is nothing but patient. He is secure with his steady and simple life.
Notification ring fills up his soundless apartment. Jerking both his body and heart
yn (pastries)
I’m so happy to hear that! Thankyou so much for the feedback and the kind wish. Feel free to just text me your order next time :))
I’m really glad you like the matcha filling! I did try to experiment with different pastries these days. As for the matcha filling i tried to pair it with cream puffs but i still can’t find the right recipe for that hahaha
If i have figure it out, i would love to get your thoughts on that! Also, i wish you all the best too on your future path aone :))
Aone is nothing but a self-aware man. So, imagine his suprise when he felt the warmth up his cheeks coloring his pale skin with a pink blush when he readthat you want him to give feedback for your cream puff. Aone is nothing but a patient man. Then why he found himself replying to your text the second after he received it? He has master the art of distancing himself to avoid putting people in an uncomfortable situation. If that’s the truth, the why he asked if you want to go to his favorite cafe to try out their matcha cream puff?
Does it come up as insensitive as you said you’re still trying to find a recipe that works for you, and here he is asking you to try other business’s cream puff. He even dare to asked you out.
He asked you out on a date.
Finger gliding reflexively to send the text. And there it is. The dooming silence of the aftermath. No alarms blaring in his head about how this is such a bad idea or the loud thumping of his heart that never fails to present that he doesn’t know what to do with it. He’s done it. He crossed the line.
It takes you forever to reply and you don’t even see his text. Which he dont know make him feels grateful and left a murky nousesous feelings in his stomach. He’s done it. It’s over before anything even started. What was he’s thinking asking you out on a date with him and taste other shops’ desserts? He must be out of his mind. His heart seems to take notice of the urgency of this situation that it doubles its thumping. His heart feels like it’s stucked to his throat. Just now you started to open up a little bit to him, and he overstep his boundary. Deflated by his own carelessness, aone sink back to his bed to sleep the anxiety away. He sees no reason to keep being anxious all night as it might push him to make more impulsive decision. He’s gonna apologize to you tomorrow
♡˖✧*。
He always noticed how bright you are as a person when you’re around your friends. And it is also reflected with your choice of outfit and accessories you choose to represent you that day. He always noticed how due to the amount of keychains and mini figurines on your tote bag, it kinda makes a sound whenever you walk. It’s dazzling to say the least. How you’re honest with your interest and happy to share it to the world. So bright and colorful. So cheerful. That’s why, the thought that today might be the last time he ever gonna talk to you left him disappointed. When his ear catches the klik-klaking sound of your bag, its a conscious effort to not turn to look at you. He knows your go to seat in the class as he also has his own.
The class ended like usual, and as he stand up from his seat he stole a quick glance at you. Today you wear your hair down, with a patterned pink bow at the back of your hair complementing your pink blouse and white skirt. He panicked as he saw you locked eyes with him and coming towards his way. He don’t know what to do with his hands. Eyes wondering around the lecture hall, casting a glance at your face. Red and looking down, playing with blouse hem. Before he could open his mouth, you interjected
“I would love to go together with you to the cafe’
Huh? What
Fixing his eyes to you he sees it. Your look is quite hard to decipher. But based on his experience, he knows it’s translated as pained or awkwardness. Plus you don’t even look at him when you said that. Ah. He knows this, tale of old time. Just before he could say it’s fine and apologize
You look up to locking your gaze to his eyes. You look
Flustered, evident with the ever present blush coloring your face that now he contemplates whether is it really a makeup product that gives you the color. Another gleam of your eyes also showed, a hit of eagerness and hope. Something he didn’t see often when people looked him in the eyes.
“That is if you’re still open to that! I know you’re busy between class work and your job. I’m also sorry that I didnt reply yout text it’s just….a-anyways i totally get it if you-”
That flash of hope in your eyes anchored him in a way that felt so foreign to him, that he burnt the image in his brain and refused to let it slip
“ Yes. let’s go together”