The unlikely recognization

Kai had worked at the bakery for almost two weeks now. Every day, he learned more about Vallentino—the kind-hearted yet mysterious bakery owner. He was patient, hardworking, and always had a gentle smile on his face. But there was something about him that Kai couldn't quite put into words.

The familiarity.

The way Vallentino spoke. The way he moved. Even the way his voice softened when he called Kai’s name—it all felt too close to what he remembered from his dreamlike past.

But that was impossible. Right?

One evening, as Kai wiped down the bakery counter, Vallentino leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching him with a thoughtful expression.

"Kai," Vallentino called.

Kai turned to him, pausing mid-wipe. "Yeah?"

There was a brief moment of silence before Vallentino chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing. You just remind me of someone I used to know."

Kai’s heart skipped a beat. "Oh?" He forced a laugh. "Who?"

Vallentino tilted his head slightly, his golden-blue eyes shining under the bakery lights. "I'm not sure... but I feel like I've met you before."

Kai froze.

His grip on the rag tightened. His mind screamed at him to say something—to ask what he meant, to demand if he remembered their past. But instead, he swallowed the lump in his throat and forced a small smile.

"Maybe we did in another life," Kai joked, trying to sound lighthearted.

Vallentino laughed softly. "Maybe."

But something about the way he said it made Kai feel like he wasn’t joking.

That night, Kai couldn’t sleep. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the conversation in his mind. His heart wouldn’t stop racing.

Could Vallentino really be him? Could Valentino have come back with him to this world but without his memories? Was this fate giving them a second chance?

Kai groaned, rolling onto his side. "I’m overthinking it…" he muttered to himself.

But deep down, he knew something wasn’t right.

Something was missing.

And he was going to find out what it was.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the streets, Kai wiped his hands on his apron and let out a tired sigh. The bakery had been busier than usual, and his shift had finally come to an end.

"I'm heading home," Kai said, stretching his arms.

He turned to grab his things, but before he could take a step, a firm grip caught his wrist.

Kai’s breath hitched as he was suddenly pulled back—Vallentino's strong arm wrapped around his waist, holding him in place.

"Wait," Vallentino murmured, his voice deep and unreadable.

Kai turned his head, confused, but before he could ask anything, Vallentino tilted his chin up and locked their eyes together.

Kai froze.

Golden-blue eyes.

That same, intense gaze.

His heart pounded.

"You—" Kai tried to speak, but his words were stolen as Vallentino suddenly leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

Kai’s entire body tensed. His mind went blank, and for a moment, he felt himself drowning in the warmth of the kiss. It was passionate. Familiar. Like a forgotten memory resurfacing.

Then, as quickly as it started, reality hit him like a wave.

Kai gasped and pushed against Vallentino’s chest, panting as he stumbled back. His face burned with heat.

"W-What the hell?!" he stammered, his voice shaking.

Vallentino didn’t answer. He just stood there, watching Kai with an unreadable expression. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his lips.

A smile that looked exactly like Valentino’s.

Kai’s stomach twisted.

No way…

Heart racing, he turned and bolted out of the bakery, running as fast as he could.

Vallentino watched him go, his smirk never fading.

"I do know you from somewhere, Kai," he whispered to himself, his golden eyes glowing under the dim bakery lights.

Kai’s heart raced as he ran through the streets, his footsteps echoing against the pavement. His mind was in a whirlwind, trying to process everything that just happened. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something about that kiss, that person... was so familiar.

But it didn’t make sense.

Kai had only just met this bakery owner, yet he felt like he knew him from somewhere deeper. Something was off.

As he rounded a corner, the voice of Vallentino stopped him in his tracks.

"Wait, Kai," Vallentino called, his voice carrying through the night air.

Kai froze, eyes wide, and looked back over his shoulder. The bakery owner was standing in the doorway, his golden-blue eyes shining with curiosity.

"Are you the guy from the ice cream store?" Vallentino asked, a teasing smile curling at the corner of his lips. "The one who got fired for being late that one day?"

Kai’s eyes widened as memories rushed back—memories of a previous job, an ice cream shop. He remembered being late to his shift, missing orders, and being too distracted.

"How do you—" Kai began, but the words faltered in his throat. His head swam with confusion.

Vallentino chuckled softly, taking a step closer, his gaze still locked on Kai. "You really don’t remember, huh? I guess it’s been a while." He tilted his head slightly. "But I sure do remember you."

Kai’s chest tightened, and he felt a strange connection to the man standing before him. The more Vallentino spoke, the more everything started to align. But Kai couldn’t put it together—how did this man know so much about him?

"Look, I don’t remember you, but…" Kai’s voice trailed off, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. He was torn between running away again and staying to get some answers.

Vallentino’s smile softened, and he slowly walked toward Kai, his presence imposing yet oddly comforting. "Maybe you’ll remember soon. For now, though," he said, his voice low, "you should take it easy. I’m not going anywhere."

Kai swallowed hard, still reeling. The connection felt undeniable, but the truth was just out of reach. "I... I don’t know what’s happening," he admitted, voice quiet. "But... I can’t ignore this feeling. I don’t know you, but it feels like I do."

Vallentino’s eyes softened, and for a moment, Kai saw something else—something familiar and caring. He didn’t understand, but for some reason, he felt compelled to stay.

To be continued

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