Delicious Sweet Milk Baguette - Chapter 18
“Joshie is a man.”
“Oh, it’s a man…!”
Roa was surprised to learn that Joshie was a man.
She realized she had been mistaken all along, feeling utterly embarrassed. The thought of having harbored unfounded suspicions and bothered an innocent person made her face flush with heat.
“Moreover, it was the first time I used my baguette properly.”
“First time…?”
“Yes, I couldn’t possibly serve something I’ve already eaten to someone as distinguished as you.”
Cough–
Roa nearly spluttered the black coffee she was sipping at Klimt’s bold statement.
So, what about the tasting bread mentioned in Joshie’s column?
“There was a bread columnist who visited our shop a few months ago, though we didn’t formally introduce ourselves. He asked if he could eat here, and we made accommodations.”
“That must have been Joshie.”
“It seems so from the context.”
Klimt’s expression grew thoughtful as he recalled the past. After pausing to choose his words carefully, he continued.
“Joshie seemed very pleased with the taste of my baguette. He mentioned it reminded him of his mother back home… After finishing the bread, he asked me how I came to open this shop.”
Klimt shared the story of his past and the conversation he had with Joshie. Impressed by the discussion, Joshie promised to promote Klimt’s shop widely, though Klimt had only taken it as a compliment and smiled it off.
“Joshie also mentioned he would use subtle signals to help me find you and to get closer to you quickly.”
“Could that be the tasting bread?”
Klimt nodded slightly at Roa’s astonished question, confirming it with absolute certainty.
“When I first saw you, I thought it was a dream. I was so surprised that I almost forgot how to breathe.”
“Oh… I see.”
“I assumed you wouldn’t remember that day. So, I was trying to figure out how to reveal my identity and how to get closer to you.”
Klimt continued, his expression showing embarrassment. Roa, feeling somewhat bashful, cupped her cheeks. She could feel the warmth radiating from her face, even without a mirror, and it was almost unbearable.
“At that time, when you mentioned the tasting bread, I thought you were expecting something like that…”
“So, what about when you said I wanted to taste the sweet milk? You said you hadn’t used it in a long time…”
“Oh, that was just that I hadn’t done it for a while…”
A brief silence followed. Well, it was her mistake for misunderstanding. If there were a mouse hole nearby, she’d want to hide right away.
“Well, it doesn’t matter, Roa. What’s most important is that I’m here with you now.”
“…Klimt.”
“I don’t want anything else.”
Klimt hugged Roa as if he found her lovely. The warm and reassuring embrace felt incredibly comforting.
During this past week with Klimt, Roa had felt an unprecedented sense of security—a solid support that held her together, soothing her anxious and sensitive self.
Klimt placed a gentle kiss on the nape of Roa’s neck. The chill from the ice cream they had just eaten caused a shiver on the touched area.
“Ah… that tickles.”
As Roa lightly squirmed, Klimt let out a soft chuckle. The gentle vibration from his touch felt pleasantly soothing. Perhaps it was because they had been together day and night for the entire week, but even the smallest gestures now sent a delightful flutter through her.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
Klimt, seemingly sharing the same sentiment as Roa, began to lightly scratch the inside of her palm. His playful touch, laced with a sticky intention, made Roa swallow involuntarily.
“I am a bit hungry…”
“Well then, let’s go eat quickly.”
Since she might need to work late starting tomorrow, it’s best to fill up now. To the brim.
I’ll make sure you’re satisfied today, Roa. Klimt’s bright smile seemed to say just that. As Klimt gently took her hand and led her, Roa followed, rising to her feet.
Above them, the sunny midday light blazed down. A day as sweet as the sweet milk and crisp as freshly baked baguettes.
So, today too: thank you for the meal.
