[PRESENT DAY]

*

Daichi gazed intently at the cellphone he held in his hands, his eyes fixated on it as if searching for answers. The weight of his perceived failure to create a memorable birthday for his boyfriend lingered within him, gnawing at his conscience like a relentless parasite.

Yet, three days had already passed since then.

He couldn't be entirely blamed for not being in Japan at the time, and Kaito himself had assured him that the matter wasn't at all important, assuring him that the day felt no different from any other. But still, that wretched sense of guilt clung to Daichi stubbornly.

He had managed to wish Kaito a happy birthday just in the nick of time, but to an outsider, it might have seemed as if he had completely forgotten the date...

But he hadn't, damn it!

At the moment, midnight was drawing near in England, which meant it was around eight or nine in the morning in Japan. The bakery would undoubtedly be bustling by now, and Kaito would likely be occupied with his work.

Thus, Daichi shouldn't—no, he couldn't—call his boyfriend, no matter how much he longed to hear his voice.

Speaking of which, why did he feel such an overwhelming urge to talk to Kaito on this particular night? Was it a result of his aching conscience, persistently pricking at him?

No, even before Kaito's birthday, Daichi had noticed a significant decrease in the time they spent conversing. Their hectic work schedules and the infuriating time difference were to blame, obviously.

But it felt like there was something more...

Lost in his thoughts, Daichi found himself absentmindedly opening his call log, his finger hesitating over Kaito's number.

Thankfully—or unfortunately—he regained his senses just in time and withdrew his finger, resisting the urge to press the dial button.

No, he's busy. I shouldn't disturb him; Daichi silently admonished himself.

Their last unscheduled conversation had taken place on Kaito's birthday, and they had talked for over an hour. That day, Daichi had even been late for an important meeting he had completely forgotten about.

If not for that urgent engagement, who knew how much longer they would have spoken?

An unscheduled call would surely disrupt Kaito's day.

Determined to distract himself, Daichi resorted to aimlessly browsing the internet. Initially, his focus was on business and entrepreneurial matters, but as time passed, his searches veered off course.

He found himself delving into topics like love, relationships, and plans for the future.

"Proving your love for your partner... romantic activities to try..." Daichi muttered to himself, but with each scroll, the futility of these suggestions in his and Kaito's current situation became increasingly apparent.

They were separated by thousands of miles. How could they go on a "casual stroll"?

Disheartened, Daichi closed the webpage and redirected his attention elsewhere. His scrolling came to a halt when he stumbled upon a particular topic:

"Reasons for relationship breakups."

Without intending to, Daichi found himself clicking on the webpage.

Naturally, he dismissed reasons like cheating, mistreatment, and toxicity, as they were all too common and didn't apply to him. However, the factors of "lack of communication" and "distance" captured his attention.

Were these the very concerns that had been troubling him? Did people really break up because of these things?

And with that, Daichi found himself pondering whether his preoccupation with Kaito stemmed from a fear that their relationship was hanging by a thread.

Did it mean he genuinely didn't like the idea of a breakup? That would be a first.

**

"Director Smith would like you to go through these before the meeting at two today," Izumi Tachibana, a thirty-year-old, handed her boss a stack of project documents the next morning, accompanied by a brief update.

Daichi appeared attentive, but his mind wandered elsewhere, his thoughts consumed by something beyond the office.

Of course, Izumi, who had worked under him for nearly a decade, noticed his distant behavior the moment she saw him that morning.

"...and that's all," Izumi concluded her briefing, waiting for further instructions.

However, Daichi simply dismissed her, absentmindedly flipping through some papers.

Is the Director still preoccupied with yesterday's business proposal? The woman wondered as she turned back to her workstation. The idea of collaborating with another company didn't sound too bad...

"No, wait a minute."

Having been halted just before she reaching the exit, Izumi quickly spun around to face the man again. "Yes, sir?"

But Daichi didn't speak immediately. His expression seemed troubled and confused, in fact.

Then disbelieving....

Until it finally settled on reluctant acceptance.

Witnessing her boss battle a whirlwind of emotions within a matter of seconds was a first for Izumi, and she couldn't help but feel anxious about the gravity of the situation. Had something horrible happened?

Finally, Daichi beckoned for the woman to come closer. He opened something on his cellphone and gestured for Izumi to take a look, and as she scanned the information presented to her, Izumi's heart pounded in her throat, bracing for devastating news.

However... what was she currently looking at?

Perceiving her confusion, Daichi asked, "What are your thoughts on that?"

"Um..." Izumi scrolled through a webpage displaying 'reasons for breakups' but struggled to make sense of it. Was this some sort of test? Why would Director Nakano suddenly be interested in these things?

"Which categories do you think I fit into?" Daichi specified.

Ah, that's what he means; Izumi realized, scrolling down the page. Among the thirty breakup points listed, only a handful caught her attention.

Truthfully, she responded, "If I were to compare with your past relationships, I'd say numbers nine, twelve, and twenty-three best describe you, sir."

Number 9: Withholding affection and attention.

Number 12: Giving up on the relationship.

Number 23: Lack of communication.

Almost every person Daichi had dated had complained about these three aspects, and more often than not, they were right.

"I see. I thought so too," Daichi murmured to himself.

"Is there a problem in your current relationship, sir?" Izumi asked, confident in her understanding, as she handed back his cellphone.

Daichi absently scrolled through it, replying, "It's not exactly a problem. It's just... lately, he's been on my mind more than usual. I can't help but feel like I might not be trying hard enough... or something."

The fact that Director Nakano was involved with another man was no secret, especially to his family. The initial shock of introducing Kaito Hattori to everyone had quickly faded seven months ago. With two older brothers capable of inheriting the family business and carrying on the family name, Daichi's bisexuality had become a non-issue.

His parents had been skeptical at first, but after getting to know Kaito, they had accepted him without much fuss. They had even become acquainted with Kaito's mother and Hansuke Fujimori, the good man she was seeing.

Izumi had met Kaito a few times and didn't think badly about him. Seeing her boss in this state made her realize just how deeply Daichi was smitten.

Was this the same person who prioritized desserts above all else?

"Has Mr. Hattori been expressing any concerns lately?" she inquired.

"No," Daichi ran a hand across his face. "If anything, he's been incredibly understanding."

"Then, perhaps you simply miss him, Director."

At that, Daichi stiffened.

Did he... miss Kaito?

Daichi pondered the thought seriously.

Yes, he missed Kaito's desserts and spending time with him.

He missed his laughter, his voice...

... his touch and their unforgettable nights together...

Observing his boss's silence and the rapid blush spreading across his face, Izumi smiled to herself.

The Director used to scoff at long distance relationships, wanting nothing to do with them. But his willingness to give it a try with Mr. Hattori speaks volumes about how much he values him.

I never thought I'd see the day.

"Since that seems to be the case, instead of searching for breakups, why don't you look for something else?" she suggested. It's clear that you care about him, so don't jinx your relationship so soon.

"Something else?" Daichi looked intrigued.

Was she referring to those nauseatingly sweet love texts and yearning words? Daichi never possessed the talent for them. Most of the women he had dated often misunderstood him because of this, assuming that he was both cold on the inside and the outside.

What they failed to comprehend was that he was the kind of man who preferred expressing his affection through actions rather than words.

However, Izumi simply asked for Daichi's cellphone again. Once she had it, she typed something, briefly scrolled, and then with a satisfied smile, returned the device. "Try something like this, sir. It might help."

Daichi read through the webpage: 'Making a long-distance relationship work.'

He was taken aback to find 'going out for a stroll' listed at first, but as he read further, he gradually understood.

Of course, with technology, anything was possible. They could simply video chat while they were at it.

Why didn't I think of that?

Not only that, they could even watch a movie together from opposite sides of the world, thanks to streaming. They had cooked meals together and done chores together a few times. Planning date nights would be challenging due to their time differences, but there was no harm in trying.

"What do you think?" Izumi decided to inquire, noticing her boss's pleased expression.

"Not bad," Daichi scrolled a few more times, revealing a rare smile on his lips.

He often wore the demeanor of a serious, no-nonsense man, and his formal attire only added to his intimidating appearance. To any outsider, he seemed like someone not easily messed with.

But right now, he looked like any other human being in love and happy. He clearly looked forward to exploring these new ideas he had come across.

***

On the other side of the world, Kaito Hattori received an unexpected visitor at his bakery one warm afternoon.

It happened during his lunch break while he was casually texting Daichi in their staff room, and Misa, who was out front, had been the one to inform him.

Assuming it was someone he already knew, Kaito didn't think much of it and went out to meet the guest directly.

Little did he know that he would come face to face with an unfamiliar tall, broad man in a suit and coat. The guest possessed handsome and mature features, and Kaito estimated him to be in his late thirties or early forties. However, the man's current expression lacked kindness, with an unfriendly frown adorning his face.

Seeing him like this, Kaito couldn't help but wonder if he knew this affluent-looking man and somehow owed him money.

The man said nothing upon spotting Kaito and proceeded to an unoccupied table at the far end of the room. He sat himself down and patiently waited for Kaito to join him.

Once Kaito settled in the seat across from him, he cut straight to the chase with a smile:

"I heard this gentleman is looking for me. To whom do I owe this visit?"

His manner of speech couldn't be considered rude in any way, yet the older man seated across from him glared at him as if Kaito had just spoken in a foreign language. His frown deepened even further.

What's with that? Kaito felt a tinge of anxiety, though he maintained his smile. Do I really know this person?

But no matter how hard he tried, he simply couldn't recall ever meeting this man. However... he did seem vaguely familiar.

"A pastry chef, huh?" the dashing man crossed his arms over his chest and let out a dismissive snort. "No wonder Daichi easily fell for you."

He knows Daichi? Is he a friend?

"I hope you realize that the only reason he hasn't broken up with you is because of his unreasonable obsession with pastries," the stranger informed him. "Otherwise, he would never resort to being with another man."

Kaito's smile remained unchanged, but a flicker of annoyance started to simmer within him. He couldn't fathom why he was suddenly under attack for no apparent reason.

"Considering your influence over Daichi's impulsive choices, I think it's time I judge for myself," the man snatched the menu from the table and nonchalantly perused its contents.

He perused for an agonizingly long time.

It stretched on so much that Kaito began doubting if he would ever place an order.

But then, abruptly, the man's sharp gaze locked onto him with intensity, and he spoke gravely, "I can't seem to make up my mind."

Kaito: "........."

He found himself unsure of how to navigate this situation.

"If you're open to suggestions, I can recommend something," he finally proposed.

As long as it was one of Kaito's creations, the man didn't object. And so, Kaito returned with a dainty blueberry cheesecake adorned with a generous layer of vanilla frosting and a sprinkling of plump blueberries.

Kaito could have sworn he saw the man's mouth water...

"Where's the wine?" the man inquired, his dissatisfaction evident as he eyed the cup of hot chocolate on the side.

Regrettably, Kaito had to apologize and inform him that they didn't serve alcohol.

In the end, the man begrudgingly accepted it.

Kaito still couldn't decide whether to stay or leave, but after contemplating the fact that this man had sought him out personally, he ultimately settled on the former. He knew he should take a seat, yet there he stood foolishly, observing the man devour his dessert.

Why was he so nervous? He had no previous impression of the man, but since he was connected to Daichi, it meant he held some significance in Daichi's life.

A best friend? An ex? Somehow, Kaito didn't get that vibe...

He felt relieved when the man ceased his complaints about the absence of wine. In fact, he seemed to relish the dessert, humming contentedly.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Kaito, the man polished off everything on his plate.

Kaito felt a sense of relief, assuming this 'visitor' would soon take his leave...

"One more slice."

It felt as if someone had kicked Kaito in the gut.

With immense patience, Kaito waited as his guest devoured three different desserts, although he wisely reclaimed his seat during the last two.

Now that the man had satisfied his appetite, his undivided attention returned to Kaito.

"Now I understand how Daichi was fooled. Your skills are quite impressive," the man remarked, although the other person couldn't discern whether it was praise or criticism.

Nevertheless, Kaito responded politely, "Thank you, I try my best."

Disregarding that, the man clasped his hands together, and his narrowed, dark gaze seemed capable of piercing through Kaito.

"Now, tell me, what will it take for you to end your relationship with him?"

~~~~~~