Chapter 26

The bell above the door chimed softly as early morning light spilled into “Ruby Crumbs”, the most beloved bakery in the district—owned and run by none other than Jennie Kim.

The scent of butter, vanilla, and freshly baked bread filled every corner, warm and inviting—just like Jennie herself.

Behind the counter, Jennie moved with effortless grace, frosting cupcakes with delicate precision. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, a few strands escaping to frame her face. She hummed quietly, entirely in her element.

Which is exactly why flour suddenly exploded into the air behind her.

Jennie froze.

“…Lisa.”

“I didn’t even do anything yet!” came the immediate defense from Lalisa Manobal, who stood in the kitchen looking suspiciously guilty, holding a bag of flour upside down.

Jennie turned slowly, raising a brow. “You’re covered in flour.”

Lisa blinked down at herself. “…It attacked me.”

Jennie sighed, but the fond smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “You’re supposed to be learning how to bake a muffin. Not fighting ingredients.”

Lisa puffed her cheeks slightly, setting the flour down like it had personally offended her. “I am learning! This is part of the process.”

“Making a mess is not part of the process.”

“It is my process,” Lisa insisted, crossing her arms before immediately uncrossing them when she noticed she got flour on her sleeves. “…Okay, maybe I need supervision.”

Jennie laughed softly, wiping her hands on her apron before walking over. She gently brushed some flour off Lisa’s cheek, her touch lingering just a second longer than necessary.

“You’ve been trying to make muffins for three weeks,” Jennie teased. “At this point, they should at least resemble food.”

“They do resemble food!” Lisa protested. “Just… abstract food.”

“Last time, it looked like a rock.”

“That was a dense muffin.”

Jennie shook her head, amused. “Alright, chef. Let’s try again.”

Lisa perked up immediately. “Really? You’ll teach me again?”

Jennie softened, reaching for Lisa’s hand and guiding her toward the counter. “I’ll teach you as many times as you want.”

Lisa’s ears turned a little pink at that, but she quickly masked it with a grin. “Good. Because I’m not giving up.”

“Clearly.”

Jennie gathered the ingredients neatly, placing each one in front of Lisa. “Okay. Step one—measure the flour properly.”

Lisa nodded seriously, like she was about to perform surgery. She carefully scooped flour into the measuring cup… then squinted at it.

“Is this… level?”

Jennie leaned in close, adjusting Lisa’s hand gently. “Like this.”

Lisa froze for a second.

Jennie was really close.

She smelled like vanilla.

Lisa swallowed. “…I forgot what we’re doing.”

Jennie smirked knowingly. “You’re baking.”

“Right. Baking. Muffins. Totally focused.”

Jennie chuckled, stepping back just enough to let Lisa breathe—but not enough to remove the warmth between them.

They continued like that—Lisa attempting, failing, and dramatically overreacting, while Jennie guided her patiently, occasionally stealing glances at her fiancé like she was the sweetest thing in the room.

At one point, Lisa cracked an egg… and missed the bowl entirely.

Jennie stared at the egg slowly sliding down the counter.

Lisa stared too.

“…I meant to do that.”

Jennie burst into laughter.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh too, even if her face turned red. “Okay, that one wasn’t intentional.”

“You think?” Jennie teased, grabbing a cloth to clean it up.

Lisa watched her for a moment, softer now.

“I just…” Lisa started, quieter. “I really want to learn.”

Jennie paused, looking up at her. “Why?”

Lisa hesitated, then smiled sheepishly. “Because you love baking. And… I want to make something for you too.”

Jennie blinked.

Lisa scratched the back of her neck. “Like… you always make things for everyone. For me. I just thought… maybe I could make you muffins one day. Proper ones.”

For a second, Jennie didn’t say anything.

Then she stepped closer, cupping Lisa’s face gently—flour and all—and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

Lisa melted instantly.

“You don’t have to learn for me,” Jennie whispered.

“I want to,” Lisa murmured back.

Jennie smiled, eyes warm. “Then we’ll keep trying. Together.”

Lisa grinned. “Even if I almost destroy your kitchen?”

“Almost?” Jennie laughed. “You already have.”

Lisa gasped. “Hey!”

Jennie leaned in, resting her forehead against Lisa’s. “And I’d let you do it all over again.”

Lisa’s heart did that stupid, fluttery thing again.

“Okay,” Lisa said, suddenly determined. “This time, I’m making the muffin.”

Jennie crossed her arms, amused. “Alright. I’m watching.”

Lisa carefully followed every step this time—measuring, mixing, pouring.

No explosions.

No egg casualties.

No disasters.

Jennie raised a brow, impressed. “Wow.”

“I told you,” Lisa said proudly. “I’m improving.”

They placed the tray in the oven, both staring at it like it held the meaning of life.

Minutes passed.

Lisa bounced slightly on her feet. “Do you think it’ll be good?”

Jennie smiled. “I think it’ll be perfect.”

When the timer finally rang, Lisa rushed to open the oven—Jennie quickly stopping her.

“Careful!”

“Right, right—safety,” Lisa nodded, letting Jennie handle it.

Jennie pulled out the tray, setting it down.

Golden brown muffins.

Actual muffins.

Lisa’s eyes widened. “I did that.”

“You did,” Jennie confirmed, clearly proud.

Lisa turned to her, beaming. “Taste it!”

Jennie picked one up, breaking it in half. Steam rose gently.

She took a bite.

Lisa held her breath.

Jennie chewed slowly… then smiled.

“It’s good.”

Lisa lit up like the sun. “Really?!”

Jennie nodded, laughing as Lisa immediately grabbed one and took a huge bite.

“Mmm—okay, yeah,” Lisa mumbled. “That’s actually really good.”

Jennie watched her, heart full.

“See?” Lisa said, nudging her playfully. “Soon I’ll be as famous as you.”

Jennie hummed. “Hmm… I don’t know about that.”

Lisa gasped again. “Excuse me?!”

Jennie leaned in, stealing another quick kiss. “You’re already more famous to me.”

Lisa blinked.

“…That was smooth.”

“I know.”

Lisa grinned, wrapping her arms around Jennie, flour and all. “You’re lucky I love you.”

Jennie laughed, hugging her back tightly. “Very lucky.”

And in the warmth of the bakery—surrounded by the scent of fresh muffins, soft laughter, and love that felt as sweet as anything Jennie could ever bake—

Lisa decided she’d spend the rest of her life learning.

As long as Jennie was the one teaching her.