confirming the truth

Kai woke up the next morning with his head spinning. His conversation with Star💫, his so-called creator, was still fresh in his mind.

"So I’m in a story... and people are watching me?" Kai muttered to himself, sitting up in bed. "And they saw EVERYTHING?!" His face turned red as he remembered some... questionable moments with Valentino.

Shaking his head furiously, he tried to focus. Star💫 had given him a choice, and he had picked the first option: Find everyone from his past and bring them back.

Kai groaned. "This sounds like a side quest in a video game..."

Just as he was about to plan his first move, his little sister barged into the room. "KAI!" she yelled, jumping onto his bed. "What’s up with you and that bakery guy, huh? HUH?!" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Are you two dating yet?"

Kai almost choked on air. "W-What?! NO! I mean—NO! Why would you even say that?!" His face burned.

His sister smirked. "Pfft, please. I saw the way he looked at you, and I read the comments section."

Kai froze. "YOU CAN SEE IT TOO?!"

His sister blinked. "What? No. I just know that people are already shipping you guys. I mean, it’s kinda obvious—hot bakery owner, clueless main character—classic love story."

Kai groaned and covered his face with a pillow. "This is my life now... isn't it?"

"Yup!" His sister giggled. "Now hurry up, you have a mission, right? Go find your missing friends!"

Kai sighed, got up, and got dressed. He had no idea where to start, but if he wanted answers, he needed to get moving.

His first stop? The bakery.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Vallentino casually leaning against the counter, his golden eyes locking onto Kai with an amused smile.

"Back for another kiss?" Vallentino teased.

Kai turned around and walked right back out.

This was going to be a long mission.

Kai goes to work as usual

Kai took a deep breath, gripping his notebook tightly as he faced Vallentino across the bakery counter. If he was really his Valentino, then he needed proof.

"Alright," Kai said, clearing his throat. "I have a few questions for you."

Vallentino smirked, crossing his arms. "Go ahead. I love a good interrogation."

Kai narrowed his eyes. "Do you remember… dragon babies? Four of them?"

Vallentino's expression changed instantly. His playful smirk faltered, and his golden eyes flickered with something deep—something real.

"...Yes," Vallentino said slowly. "I remember them."

Kai’s heart pounded. That was too specific. It has to be him! But he needed one final test.

"Okay," Kai continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you remember when we got married?"

Vallentino's smirk returned, but this time, it was softer. More genuine.

"Kai," he said, stepping around the counter and closing the distance between them. He gently tilted Kai’s chin up, his golden eyes locking onto his.

"Of course, I remember," Vallentino murmured. "You're mine, after all."

Kai felt his breath hitch as warmth flooded his chest. It was him. It had to be him.

Before he could say anything, Vallentino leaned in and whispered, "Did I pass your test, love?"