2 Restlessness of love

In a street with traditional houses, Ah Reum walks home at dusk, it is still possible to see the sun setting.

The blue of the day, which would soon change with the arrival of night, mixed with the bright orange of the sunset, bringing us new and beautiful colors.

Suddenly, she starts laughing to herself, she remembers the not-so-normal customer making a face.

"That's crazy lol, but I don't think he's a bad person. In fact, I think he's kind, very kind!

I'm sure he knows how embarrassed I was because he saw me, so he did the same..." Ah Reum smiled with a certain satisfaction on his face.

"I like that!!!" She thought out loud.

—

Following that memorable day, Jin Young, who had already been a regular customer, began frequenting the Pâtisserie even more often, now arriving at a different time, sometimes alone and at times accompanied by his agent.

That was the only way he could see her.

He had been searching for the right moment to approach Ah Reum, to discuss that day and offer an apology, if necessary.

However, for a while, he simply observed her, not wanting to risk startling her again. He patiently bided his time, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence

He always arrived about 10 minutes before her, ordered a croissant with cappuccino or tea with macarons. And he would wait, wait to see her and hear from her, even if it was just: "What can I do for you?"

It was impossible for him not to be noticed, either because he was there every day or because of his stunning beauty. Everyone noticed him!

Sometimes Ah Reum would look at him out of the corner of her eye, and yes, his eyes were on her.

Then she would greet him with a shy smile, which immediately disconcerted him. Once, he even spilled tea lol.

This silent exchange continued for some time, and though he hadn't yet found a way to get closer to her, he was making gradual progress. 

He would seize every opportunity to engage her in conversation, using the objects and surroundings in the patisserie as conversation starters. 

"This macaron looks like a mini hamburger!" or "Isn't the sky beautiful today?" He'd even comment on the comfort of the chairs or ask if he could create a giant croissant. 

Jin Young would utter the silliest and most diverse phrases, hoping to coax a smile from her; that alone would satisfy him.

And one day, as he was thinking about what the typical phrase of the day would be, he realized, that her eyes were on him first.

From the moment he arrived until the moment he left, her eyes sought him out. Then he a understood it was time to go to her.

—

Close to the time Ah Reum was due to arrive, Jin Young was monitoring the windows of the pâtisserie, waiting anxiously for her.

"Here she comes!" He whispered to himself.

Ah Reum entered with a sweet smile, which grew even bigger when she saw Jin Young. 

Without delay, she began her work.

"Go and see him, he hasn't asked yet, he says he wants to be attended by you " said So Hee shaking her head.

"Hmm, okay! He must really like my service haha haha," Ah Reum joked in bewilderment. "How kind! Just kind, isn't it? Stop thinking about something else..."

"I'm not saying anything," said So Hee, who soon had a clear thought in his mind. "Jin... certainly likes Ah Reum!

It's definitely different from how he acts with other fans and she doesn't even know who he is, maybe know now, but why doesn't he do anything?"

Even though they were just having a customer-employee relationship, nothing more, their glances conveyed everything.

This silent exchange didn't go unnoticed by those around them, who continued to speculate about what was transpiring between the two.

In truth, both were being cautious. Jin Young had long been aware of his feelings for Ah Reum, but approaching her still felt like a daunting task. Ah Reum, on the other hand, recognized the unique and comforting sensation he brought, a rarity for her.

Few people could create that sense of coziness within her, but he could, even without uttering a word.

His gaze was inquisitive and endearing, at times, even a little perplexed. This young man, seemingly so sophisticated, trembled when their eyes met.

It was the intensity and care in his eyes, the desire to draw closer without causing harm or fear.

Each day, he silently reassured her that he was there, for her. Ah Reum was gradually coming to understand his feelings and his true self.

Taking a deep breath, Ah Reum approached him. "Why does he insist on being served by me alone?" she contemplated.

"Hello, would you like to order now?"

"Hi! Hm... do you have any suggestions? Something you like?" he asked graciously, looking into her eyes.

She made an effort to suppress her laughter and maintain composure. "Take it easy, heart. What a beautiful feeling," Ah Reum thought to herself as she offered a subtle smile at the corner of her mouth.

Returning to reality, she responded: "Yes! There are so many options hihi." Her tone was cheerful. "Oh, my apologies, I got a bit carried away."

"No problem at all. You can tell me what you like best," he reassured her. 

"Well, I can never decide between mille-feuille and fraisier...Those are my favorites," She confessed with a certain cute shyness in her voice.

"Fantastic! I'll have both, then!" He beamed with happiness.

They exchanged smiles, and it was as if they both radiated a special glow.

"Alright," Ah Reum said, and then she went to prepare his order.

Jin Young contemplated, "Have I been acting too strangely? I can't afford to scare her...!"

Meanwhile, So Hee and Ha Neul were still trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the two of them.

"Why do you keep saying you don't know him? Even now, after all this time? I find that hard to believe and we've discussed him quite a few times," Ha Neul probed.

"I really didn't know him! And even though I see him every day, it doesn't mean I know him the way you think...just..."

"Well, it seems like he knows you... perhaps you just don't remember." Said Ha Neul. 

"Or perhaps not, maybe that's his plan – to meet you," So Hee exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Silence enveloped them, the cricket. "Chirp Chirp Chirp."

They all burst into laughter.

Ah Reum brought Jin Young's order to him. 

"Please let me know how you find it," she said and soon serving other customers.

Jin Young received a call that required his immediate attention at the company, so he discreetly decided to leave.

Only Ha Neul noticed him departing."He didn't even say goodbye to us today," Ha Neul sighed with a tinge of sadness.

—

The next day, Jin Young returned to the Pâtisserie, but Ah Reum isn't there. 

He looks at his watch every second, but decided not to ask other employees where she is, at least not today.

"Could something have happened? Why isn't she here?" he wonders.

So Hee and Ha Neul watch him.

"He looks so sad today!" Says So Hee, feeling sad for him. "Who made that pretty little thing so sad?"

"He does look strange... it must be because Ah Reum isn't here," Says Ha Neul.

"Do you think so?" asks So Hee, curious. "Should we talk to him?"

Without much delay, he decides to leave. Jin Young greets them before leaving, as usual.

"He practically didn't even eat..." Said Ha Neul, who was watching him through the transparent windows of Mode 1896.

Outside, he gazed at the Pâtisserie with hope in his eyes, thinking, "Tomorrow, without a doubt, I'll see her!"