The sun was brighter today, painting the snowy alpine mountains like a postcard. I still wasn't tired of the view.
Ding!
The oven timer sang, and I rushed over, tugging my oven mitts on. Steam drifted up the moment I cracked it open, carrying the rich smell of my freshly baked bread.
Ohhh the smeeeell—it's heavenly!
It was simple, but my heart swelled. After all the practice, and thanks to my evil sensei's lessons, I had finally made something golden-brown and beautiful.
"This one… this one is treasure!" I whispered dramatically to myself.
I couldn't wait—I'd share it with Oriel, Dhylan, and—ugh, fine—even Ice. The excitement glittered in my chest like glitter. And okay, maybe I said his name first in my head, but that's chronological order! Shuffle, shuffle!
I wrapped the bread carefully, tucked it into a brand-new thermal bag, slung on my backpack, and locked the door. All set!
Passing Miss Huber's bakery, where I usually buy my breakfast and I felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry, Miss Huber! Next time!" But I marched proudly forward, holding my bag like a badge of honor swing on my hand.
On the bus, I grinned so wide it almost reached my ears. The scent of coffee drifted from the other passengers, filling the morning air.
Coffee machine. I need one. Add to shopping list!
The city didn't feel so foreign anymore. It almost felt like… home. I glanced at the warm bag beside me, heart fluttering. What would Ice say?
…Realistically? He'd be rude.
Never mind him!
I pulled out my phone and texted Oriel.
Hey Oriel! Are you at Uni now? I have some breakfast with me, let's share! Please ask Dhylan too.
Send!
The bus stopped. Time check—7:15. Sweet. First class wasn't until 8.
I hopped off the bus practically bouncing. "Brekky brekky brekky~" I hummed, swinging the thermal bag like it was a trophy.
The hallway bustled with uniforms and chatter. My heels clicked as I skipped forward, excitement bubbling over. Third year already! I actually survived Ice's death glares for a semester—and he even helped me a lot.
Chef-uniform students passed by, and my stomach flipped. One more year. Just one more year and I'd wear that too.
Butterflies, don't stop dancing!
Ding!
Oriel's reply: Yes! I'm in the classroom already. Waiting for you :)
I sped up.
"Brekky brekky brekky!" I was hopping and running on my heels side to side.
Wait for me Oriel! Swinging the bag of my masterpiece!
Then—
"Ashfault!"
I froze. That voice. That warning tone. I didn't want to turn, not because I was scared… but because lately, Ice was too bright for me to look at directly.
His footsteps came closer, and closer, each step syncing with the pounding of my heart inside my ears.
Mocking.
Me? Frozen like a rock.
Cancel him, Fire. Cancel him! Pretend he doesn't exist—
Until suddenly—
He was right in front of me.
I stared dead ahead, refusing to lift my eyes higher than his collar. Nope
Not looking.
The freaking masochistic evil beast leaned down to my eye level!
I flinched so hard my heels made a sharp click against the floor.
Too close! Too close! My brain short-circuited. Abort mission!
"Are you actually frozen in fear?" he chuckled.
He chuckled.
He freaking chuckled!
Excuse me—who allowed Ice to sound cute?!Argh!
"What? I was not running!" I puffed my cheeks. Anger disguise! Not blush! I.was.not.blushing!
"Ye, you were skipping. More dangerous."
His usual nonchalant face was back, complete with the patented 'are you stupid' glare.
I had no comeback. None. Zero. My brain officially clocked out.
So I did the only logical thing—pouted my feelings out like a five-year-old denied candy.
We were already standing in front of the classroom door. Through the glass, I spotted Oriel waving happily from my desk like sunshine itself.
Great. Now my blush had witnesses. I waved back.
Ice glanced back, utterly uninterested. Typical.
"Oh, I made bread!" I held up the bag proudly. "Let's eat together!"
"I'm busy."
…Okay. That didn't sting at all. Nope. Totally fine!
So what if you don't want to try the bread I made with all of my heart!
So what?!
Next Chapter:
Nothing ruins a calm morning like Ice's name on my phone. Bread, coffee, chaos—sure. But my heart acting like it's on fire? That's NOT part of the recipe!