I was working at a bakery; it was my first year of college, so I had to work, then go to my evening classes.
Apparently, he was there a lot. Eating every pastry, cake or shortcake I baked. I didn't know that, because I was in the back, sweltering over a hulking oven that summer. The waitress, also my roommate, Yukiko came up and told me I had a fan. I came out, hair and face floury, entire body covered with spots of icing to find a man who looked to be several years older than I was, with shadows under his eyes, rag-tag, dark hair, pale skin and a slumped posture. He was looking at the ceiling, absently chewing the skin of his thumb. I came in, taking off my apron as I walked toward him.
"Miss?" He asked, his voice was even and sounded like he knew things that average people didn't.
"Aoyagi. Aoyagi Nuiko." I replied shyly, looking up at him quizzically. He looked at me earnestly.
"You do all of the baking here, correct?"
"Ah yes, all of it. Is there something wrong with it? I-I apologize. Really, I had no idea-" He held up a hand. I fell silent, a slight blush coloring my cheeks. I swiped a hand across my blonde hair falling in front of my vision.
"It is not as bad as you make it to be. In fact, it is very good. May I come here-" He looked up, thinking.
"Every Thursday? I would like you to bake for me."
I nodded, shocked. The blush was spreading to the corners of my face.
"Yes, I-I will. And what shall I address you as?" He looked at me thoughtfully, bright eyes studying me, still chewing on one of his digits.
"You may call me Ryuzaki." He finally announced. I nodded, unsure of myself.
"I will pay you, of course.' He looked at me curiously.
"You can bake strawberry shortcake? Cake?" He asked quickly.
"Yes, Ryuzaki-san. I can cook all of them, providing you bring the strawberries as I am not able to get them myself while working." I explained. He nodded rapidly.
"Yes, yes. Of course." He turned to go, padding with bare feet, toward the door and away from the counter when he turned abruptly.
'And…. Thank you.. Nuiko-Chan." He added, giving a small smile. I smiled back and bowed.
"I will see you tomorrow Ryuzaki-Nii."