A familiar warmth

Kai couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play. The way Vallentino had looked at him, the kiss that felt like it belonged to another time—it was all too familiar, yet it didn’t make sense. How could this man, who looked so much like the Valentino he once knew, possibly be connected to his past?

Still, he didn’t want to dwell on the confusion today. Instead, he focused on his work, hoping the scent of warm bread and sweet pastries would clear his mind.

As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the bakery, Vallentino approached Kai with a plate in hand. "Here," he said, placing a beautifully decorated cupcake in front of him. "Made this for you."

Kai blinked in surprise. "For me?"

Vallentino smirked, leaning against the counter. "Of course. Consider it a peace offering for... well, surprising you yesterday."

Kai hesitated before taking a bite. The moment the soft cake melted on his tongue, his eyes widened. "This is... amazing!" He looked up at Vallentino, who was watching him expectantly. "Did you make this yourself?"

Vallentino chuckled. "I am a baker, you know."

Kai found himself smiling, the tension from before easing just a little. It was hard to stay mad when Vallentino was being so charming.

"You should smile more," Vallentino said suddenly, his voice softer now. "It suits you."

Kai's cheeks flushed, and he quickly turned away, mumbling, "Stop saying weird things..."

The rest of the shift went by more smoothly, and Kai noticed that Vallentino wasn’t being as intense as before. Instead, he found himself enjoying the bakery's cozy atmosphere, the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla filling the air.

As Kai was about to leave, Vallentino suddenly called out, "Wait."

Kai turned around, expecting another teasing remark, but instead, Vallentino handed him a small bag.

"What’s this?" Kai asked.

"Leftover pastries. Take them home," Vallentino said casually, but there was something in his golden eyes—something familiar. "And Kai… I meant what I said before. You might not remember me yet, but I remember you."

Kai swallowed hard, gripping the bag tightly. His heart pounded as he looked at Vallentino, searching for answers in his gaze.

For once, though, there was no pressure. No rush. Just a quiet understanding between them.

"Goodnight, Kai," Vallentino said with a small smile.

Kai hesitated, then nodded. "Goodnight."

As he walked home, Kai couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of something much bigger. And this time... he wasn’t sure if he wanted to run away.

Kai walked home, his mind clouded with thoughts of Vallentino. The golden-eyed baker was charming, persistent, and strangely familiar. Something about him made Kai’s heart race—not just from nervousness, but from something deeper, something he couldn't explain.

When he arrived home, his mother greeted him from the kitchen. "You're back late," she said, glancing at the bag in his hand. "What’s that?"

"Pastries from work," Kai replied, setting them on the table.

His younger sister peeked over his shoulder. "Ooooh, can I have one?"

Kai chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."

As they sat down to eat, his mother suddenly spoke. "You seem... different."

Kai paused. "Different how?"

She studied him for a moment. "Happier. Lighter."

Kai felt his face heat up. "It's just a job, Mom."

She hummed in amusement but didn’t press further.

Later that night, as Kai lay in bed, he found himself thinking about Vallentino again. The way he smiled, the way his golden eyes held an unspoken promise… it all felt too real, too close to a memory just out of reach.

And then, just as sleep was about to take him, a voice echoed in his mind.

"You might not remember me yet, but I remember you."

Kai’s eyes snapped open. His heart pounded, and a strange warmth spread through his chest.

For the first time, he didn’t feel scared.

For the first time, he wanted to remember.

To be continued

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