Chapter Text
The car rolls to a smooth stop right in front of the bakery. The engine hums for a moment before shutting off completely, leaving only the muffled sounds of the street around them.
Sangwoo steps out first and Soyeon follows a beat later.
The "Closed" sign hangs on the window, the bold lettering clear against the glass. It doesn’t deter them in the slightest. Soyeon steps up and gives the door a few bright, rhythmic knocks, peering inside like she might catch a glimpse of movement.
Sangwoo exhales sharply, hands slipping into his pockets as he waits. His secretary had handled the scheduling, and the cake appointment had ended up on a day the shop was closed.
The door swings open, and Gihun greets them with a smile. “Hey!” he greets, tone bright. “Come in! Come in!”
They step further into the store, and it’s much like last time, warm lighting, neatly arranged displays, but unlike before, they aren’t the only ones here. A few people are in the main area of the shop.
"Let me introduce you to the team." Gihun gestures toward the group inside. "This is Jungbae, the manager, you’ve met him before. And these are Hyunju Daeho, Junhee, they help me out in the kitchen, And Junho, Saebyeok, and Jiyeong here work the counter!”
“Oh my gosh! I love your outfit!” Soyeon exclaims.
Sangwoo glances and notices she’s talking to the tall woman Gihun had introduced as Hyunju.
Hyunju smiles. “Thank you. I think your hair clip is pretty.”
Soyeon grins, reaching up to touch the accessory in her hair.
Sangwoo turns back to Gihun. “Thanks for meeting with us again.”
Gihun smiles. “Of course. It’s a pleasure to discuss the cake designs with you.”
Sangwoo glances around. “Are we intruding on anything?”
Gihun shakes his head. “Not at all. When we’re closed, we use leftover ingredients to make pastries so nothing goes to waste. That’s why everyone’s here this morning.”
Sangwoo watches as Daeho and Junhee move in and out of the kitchen, each of them holding a tray of pastries in their hands.
Gihun gestures for them to follow. “Come on, we’ll talk over here,” he says, leading them to the private room where they had the cake tasting, stepping inside ahead of them.
As they sit down, Soyeon barely waits a second before launching in. “I’ve been thinking about this all week! The cake was already perfect, but I was wondering, do you think we could make it pink and blue? Like, really soft, pretty shades? It would match everything so well!”
Gihun leans back slightly, considering. “We could, but to get those colors naturally, I’d have to use ingredients that would affect the flavor. If we go artificial, the colors won’t be as vibrant as you might expect.”
Soyeon gasps, eyes widening. “Oh no! I don’t want to ruin the perfect flavor of the cake!” She waves her hands as if physically pushing the idea away. “No, no, no. Whatever color is fine!” But then she hesitates, her fingers lightly tapping against the table. “I just don’t want it to clash with the theme…”
Gihun reaches for a notebook, flipping it open as he grabs a pen. “Why don’t you tell me the theme?” he asks, glancing at Soyeon with interest. “Maybe we can work something out.”
Soyeon practically vibrates with excitement, clapping her hands together. “Cotton candy dreamland!” she exclaims. “It’s going to be so cute!”
As Soyeon keeps talking Sangwoo finds himself tuning her out, the words start to blur, becoming background noise to something else entirely.
He’s focused on Gihun instead.
“What about this?” Gihun asks, his voice calm as he starts sketching on the pad. His hand moves fluidly, drawing delicate lines that soon form into an intricate cake design. “I’ll add edible blue cornflower and pink clover for color. That won’t affect the flavor at all,” he continues to sketch and Sangwoo watches as shapes begin to fill the once blank page on the pad.
Gihun would ask for Sangwoo’s and Soyeon’s opinions, with Soyeon eagerly adding in her input and Gihun adding in the details she wanted on the drawing.
Sangwoo continues to watch Gihun draw, eyes focused on the way his fingers grip the pen, the controlled precision of his strokes, it’s mesmerizing. Every movement looks so effortless but deliberate at the same time, like he’s creating art in real time. It’s all Sangwoo can focus on as the sketch pad fills with the evolving design.
And before he knows it, the cake designing is finished. Gihun’s sketch pad shows off a sophisticated, multi-tiered cake with elegant and delicate floral accents in pastel hues, and a light, airy design. Soyeon squeals in excitement, and Gihun smiles brightly.
“You really are a genius at your craft!” Soyeon says excitedly, making Gihun grin and rub the back of his neck before thanking Soyeon for the compliment.
The two discuss a few more details about the cake, settling on the final touches before wrapping things up. Gihun thanks them for their input, and with a satisfied nod, he stands, ready to leave the room.
As they exit, the sound of movement and quiet chatter greets them. Gihun's team is busy packing up boxes and bags as they get everything in order for the deliveries.
Soyeon looks over at the flurry of activity and asks, "Are these the ones you were baking earlier?"
“Yep!” Jiyeong, who’s carefully stacking some boxes, grins and opens one to reveal a variety of donuts and other pastries.
Soyeon leans in slightly, inhaling the warm, sugary aroma. "Oh my gosh, those smell amazing! Could I buy some? They look so delicious," she says, practically bouncing on her feet.
Jungbae, overhearing, steps in with a polite smile. "Unfortunately, they’re not for sale. These are going to be delivered to some important people."
Soyeon, still smiling, offers eagerly, "Well, we’d be happy to drive them there. It’ll be fun, and I’d love to meet these people."
"Oh, no. You don’t have to do that.” Gihun chuckles lightly, waving a hand as if to brush off her offer. “We’ve got it covered, you don’t have to go through the trouble.”
“It’s not trouble,” Sangwoo says before he could stop himself. He clears his throat slightly. “If it’s important, we don’t mind driving you. It’s the least we can do.”
Gihun hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Well… if you're sure, then I won’t turn you down. Thank you, I really appreciate it."
He’s glad he brought the luxury SUV today, the one Soyeon usually insists on for shopping trips since she had planned to drag him to the mall after the cake meeting earlier that day.
Sangwoo introduces Gihun and his team, and the driver politely greets them before escorting them into the vehicle.
The car glides through the streets, the hum of the engine filling the space. The driver keeps his eyes focused on the road as he navigates through the city. Gihun had given him the address earlier, a place tucked away from the main thoroughfares, and the car turns down quieter, less traveled streets.
Sangwoo watches the scenery shift as they head farther from the city center. Buildings grow a little older, and the pace of life seems slower in this part of town. The car ride is quiet, save for the conversation between Gihun’s friends and Soyeon.
It’s a good ten minutes before the car begins to slow down, turning onto a narrow street. The building up ahead isn’t anything special, just an old, humble structure with a few small windows, but it has a warmth to it, something inviting.
The car pulls to a stop, and as they do, Sangwoo notices the sign for the place. It was a small, simple plaque reading “Hope Haven Orphanage.”
Soyeon, still smiling from her conversation with Gihun’s team, is the first to notice the sign. Her eyebrows furrow slightly, a look of realization crossing her face. “Oh,” she murmurs, her voice soft but surprised. “It’s an orphanage.”
Gihun smiles gently. “Yeah, it’s one of the places we deliver to regularly. We’ve been doing this for a while now.”
Sangwoo glances over at him, processing the information. The car engine shuts off, and the driver turns to open the door for them, ushering them out. Gihun’s team starts to gather their boxes of pastries, ready to bring them inside.
They step out of the car, the chill in the air brushing against their skin. Sangwoo gives a quick nod to his driver. “I’ll call you when we’re ready,” he says, his voice steady.
The original idea was to just drive Gihun and his friends to the place but something has shifted and now Sangwoo wants to stay and see what he can do.
A nun steps out of the gates, her face lighting up as soon as she sees Gihun. “Mr. Seong Gihun! Hello, it’s good to see you again!” she calls out, her voice warm and welcoming.
Gihun smiles brightly at her, waving as he walks forward. “Sister Ji-hye!” He greets her with a hug, clearly familiar and comfortable with her. “How’ve you been?”
Sister Ji-hye laughs softly as she pulls back from the hug. “Busy, as always! But it's good to see you. And who have you brought with you today?” Her eyes shift to Sangwoo and Soyeon, standing a bit behind him.
Gihun grins and gestures to the two. “This is Cho Sangwoo and Kang Soyeon, they’re my clients and good friends of mine.”
Sister Ji-hye offers the two a welcoming smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Sangwoo gives a polite nod, the faintest smile on his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” he says smoothly.
Sister Ji-hye leads them through the gates, her footsteps echoing lightly as they walk down a small gravel path. The orphanage has a peaceful, almost quiet atmosphere, with neatly maintained gardens and flower beds lining the walkways.
They walk through the hallway, sunlight pouring in through the big windows and spreading across the wooden floors, until they reach an open space that looks like a garden.
When the group enters, a few children are already scrambling up to their feet.
Sangwoo stands to the side, watching as Gihun and his tem approach the children. His attention is caught by how natural it all feels, how effortless Gihun moves through the crowd, high fiving with the kids with a genuine smile.
He doesn’t notice at first that Soyeon has wandered off until her voice rises, cheerful and a bit louder than necessary.
Oh my god, that is so cute,” she says, crouching beside the picnic table where Saebyeok hands out pastries and stickers to the kids. She picks up one of the stickers. “Did you design this?”
Saebyeok shakes her head. “No, Jiyeong did.”
Soyeon lights up. “Jiyeong? The one with the cool piercings?”
A smile appears on Saebyeok’s face. “Yeah. That’s the one.”
“She’s really talented,” Soyeon says, glancing around the open area. “I noticed you guys are pretty close! Are you two sisters?”
There’s a beat of silence. Saebyeok’s hand stills on the edge of a box. She opens her mouth, but before she can speak, a familiar voice cuts in smoothly.
“Actually, we’re dating.”
Jiyeong steps in beside her, slipping an arm easily around Saebyeok’s shoulders, as casual as if she were commenting on the weather. Her tone is light, confident and honest. Saebyeok lets out a soft breath, almost a laugh, and leans into her without hesitation.
Soyeon blinks at Saebyeok’s words, her lips parting slightly in surprise. “You’re dating? That’s…wow, that’s really sweet.” She looks between them, a small smile on her face.
“Yeah! She’s a handful. But at least she’s cute.” Jiyeong says, obviously joking. Saebyeok in turn rolls her eyes but a smile is still on her face.
Sangwoo stands off to the side, quietly watching. The way they speak about each other, so casually, so comfortable, it catches him off guard.
He’s always known that there’s a world out there where people are free to live like that, but he never imagined he'd be around their orbit. He’s standing with them in the same place and he feels... he doesn’t know what to feel. Envy would make him seem selfish. Pride would feel like he’s intruding. But maybe relieved, he thinks, relieved that things are different for the two young women.
He doesn’t look but he knows Gihun is standing next to him. “I didn’t know two of your employees are dating.” Sangwoo says.
“Saebyeok and Jiyeong? Yeah, they’ve been together for months.” Gihun comments as the pastry shop team begin handing out the treats.
"They're... easy with each other," Sangwoo says, almost under his breath.
“They are, aren’t they?” Gihun chuckles. "You know, this country still has unfavorable views for people like us."
Sangwoo’s stomach drops. For a split second, his mind blanks and his throat tightens. But then Gihun gestures slightly toward the two girls, and Sangwoo realizes he doesn’t mean him.
Gihun's talking about himself and the young couple.
Sangwoo swallows and forces a nod. “Yeah.”
“But the younger generation...” Gihun continues, eyes still on the girls. “They’re really brave. They keep pushing things forward so people can be themselves. It’s amazing.”
Sangwoo doesn’t answer. He can’t. He just listens, the words settling over him like a quiet weight.
“I wish…” Gihun begins, and Sangwoo doesn’t miss the shift in the older man’s tone. “I wish I was brave like that when I was younger.” Sangwoo knows that feeling all too well. "I wish I knew the things I know now back then."
He’s about to say something, he doesn’t even know what, when a sharp cry breaks through the warm air.
Both Sangwoo and Gihun turn.
Near the steps of the courtyard, a young boy stands frozen beside an overturned pastry box, lower lip trembling. His little hands are sticky with frosting, eyes wide with the kind of panic only kids know.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright. It's okay, champ,” Junho says, quickly approaching the kid.
Before Sangwoo can move, Gihun is already walking over to the scene.
“Uh-oh, what happened here?” he says gently as he reaches the boy, voice warm and easy. “Looks like a bit of a pastry tragedy, huh?”
The boy hiccups and wipes his nose with the back of his hand. Gihun smiles and holds out a fresh cream puff from another box. “Here, this one’s even bigger. You can have it.”
The child hesitates, then takes the pastry with both hands.
"Gihun-ssi! You're so good with kids!" Soyeon says, her voice loud as she bounces over to him.
Gihun, still crouched beside the child, looks up with a soft smile. "Thank you," he says, rising to his feet. "But I think we’re passed you addressing me so formally now, don't you think?"
Soyeon beams, clearly pleased. "In that case," she says, "I’ll call you oppa instead."
Gihun chuckles, nodding with a warm smile. "Alright, you can call me oppa if you want."
Soyeon’s smile widens, and she beams up at him. "Thanks, oppa!"
Sangwoo watches this exchange for a moment, shaking his head slightly. He turns away from the scene when he sees Jungbae , struggling with three large boxes of pastries. He’s trying to manage the stack, but it looks like he’s on the verge of losing his balance.
Sangwoo walks over without hesitation, offering a hand. “Here, let me take one of those,” he says, reaching for one of the boxes.
Jungbae looks up in surprise, but quickly nods gratefully. "Thank you, sir. I could use the help."
“It’s no problem.” Sangwoo offers a polite smile. “And just call me Sangwoo.”
More kids have gathered, all excited to their treats.
Everyone falls into a steady rhythm. Gihun’s staff are already familiar with the drill and they move with practiced ease, opening boxes, arranging trays, and handing pastries to the kids. Sangwoo finds himself drawn into the motion, passing out sweet buns and fruit tarts, watching small hands reach up eagerly, faces filling up with joy. It’s not something he’s used to, but the simplicity of it, the gratitude, the laughter, the way the children light up at even the smallest treat, it settles something strange and unfamiliar in his chest.
Off to the side, Soyeon has planted herself among the women on Gihun’s team, Hyunju, Saebyeok, Junhee, and Jiyeong. She’s chattering away as she hands pastries with them, her gestures are animated, as she tells some story that makes Hyunju laugh and Jiyeong shake her head with a grin. Saebyeok raises an eyebrow in quiet amusement, and Junhee giggles behind her hand. Whatever they’re talking about, Soyeon seems entirely absorbed in it, basking in the attention. Sangwoo doesn’t know what the conversation’s about, and he doesn’t need to. He’s just relieved she’s distracted and not getting all up in his space for once.
Sangwoo steps back into the courtyard, the mid morning sun warming the stone underfoot. Around him, the orphanage bustles with activity, kids running with frosting smeared hands.
Junho crouches by a row of benches, carefully opening juice boxes for a group of younger children. Nearby, Jungbae deftly sidesteps a rogue soccer ball with a grin and a sharp word of warning. Daeho, meanwhile, is crouched on the ground with a few kids, tossing colorful gonggi stones into the air and catching them with a practiced ease as the kids watched him intently.
Hyunju glances up from where she’s organizing more treats, her arms full of small boxes. She spots Sangwoo, offers a smile, and gestures to the extra stack. Without needing to ask, he walks over and takes a few from her, his motions smooth and automatic. She nods, appreciative, and turns to call over two boys who’ve started arguing over a brownie.
Sangwoo continues to work when his gaze drifts to a boy sitting alone by a tree, his small hands resting idly in his lap. Before Sangwoo can think much of it, another child approaches, carefully holding two pastries. Without hesitation, the boy offers one to the other, wordlessly bridging the gap between them. The seated boy hesitates for only a moment before accepting, his face forming a small but genuine smile.
Something about the moment tugs at Sangwoo, stirring something long buried. He’s seen this before, not here, not with these kids, but with himself. He remembers the quiet solitude of his childhood, the way he kept to himself, until Gihun had appeared beside him, grinning, always with something in hand. A snack, a drink, something he knew Sangwoo would like. It had been so easy for Gihun to close the space between them, as if he never even noticed the walls Sangwoo had built.
A burst of laughter pulls him from his thoughts. He turns, eyes landing on Gihun in the middle of a group of children, a bright grin on his face. He’s playing with them, letting them climb onto him, pretending to stumble under their weight. There’s a lightness in the way he moves, the same unshakable warmth he’s always had, shining through as easily as it did back then.
Sangwoo finds himself smiling at the sight.
They spend the whole morning handing out pastries, drinks, and other treats to the children. The orphanage is filled with warmth and laughter, the kids beaming with excitement as they receive their gifts. Time passes without him realizing, and by the time they finish, the sun has shifted high overhead, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
It is already late noon when they finally wrap up. One by one, goodbyes are exchanged, grateful smiles from the nuns, cheerful waves from the children. Gihun and his team linger a little longer, chatting easily as they finish up the last of their tasks.
Sangwoo takes out his phone and calls his driver, and the car arrives in no time.
They drop Gihun and his friends back at the shop, parting with easy goodbyes before driving off. The car feels quieter without them, the absence of their chatter settling in as they continue on.
Soyeon is next. When they pull up in front of her place, she steps out with a satisfied sigh, stretching her arms before turning back to the car. “See you later,” she says, waving as the door swings shut behind her.
Then it’s just Sangwoo.
By the time he gets home, the day feels heavier on his shoulders, though not in an unpleasant way. As he steps inside, his mother greets him.
"Did the cake design discussion go well?" she asks.
"Yes," he says without hesitation.
She nods, satisfied. "Did you have fun today?"
Sangwoo almost says nothing at first. But then, his mind drifts back to the orphanage, to the sound of children’s laughter, to the way Gihun was with them. The image stays with him, settling somewhere deep and unshakable.
“…Yeah,” he finally says. “I had a lot of fun.”
And for once, he doesn’t have to think about whether or not it’s true.