Sugar

[lotusk]

Pairing: kaisoo (with side chanhun)
Length: ~16k
Genre: bakery!au, fluff, romance & a pinch of magic
Rating: PG13
Warning: one brief mention of nudity involving OCs
Summary: Kyungsoo is the cranky pâtisserie owner who refuses to eat sweet things and Jongin is the “gifted” pâtissier who’s determined to change his mind. Vibrant waiter Chanyeol is infatuated with tsundere assistant pâtissier Sehun. Vaguely inspired by the manga/anime Antique Bakery.
A/N: Written as part of the Kaisoo Valentine's Project but this has two additional scenes. Many thanks to Jenni, Addie, Ansa, Ren, Shanti & Bunny for giving me the push I needed to add another 4k of story. Love you guys! Originally posted as a 12k fic on KVP but this is 4k longer with two new scenes.


Kyungsoo pulled the door open and a gust of winter chill blasted into the store, tiny flurries of lacy white flakes pirouetting and floating around the stranger in a graceful ballet that was almost magical.

Comments

SPOT SPOT SPOT

[amiyourprincess.livejournal.com]

Sorry I had to hoard this spot. Lol.
I missed reading from you!
I missed Stained Glass.
I missed you!!!!
Will comeback to comment more coherently I SWEAR!!!!♥♥♥

BACK BACK BACK

[amiyourprincess.livejournal.com]

HIIIII o///
I'm sorry I came back for... was it a day? Lol.

This made me miss KaiSoo as well!! I didn't realize I have't read of them for a while. And HNNNNGGGG, Jongin is so so soooo sweet and Kyungsoo is so cuuuuute /hears an indignant Soo saying he's not cute.
HAHAHA.

And there's a pinch of magic!!! That twist was really something. I didn't expect it to be really there, and I was still skeptical, but Jongin made me believe. Everyone needs magic!!! :)

I don't know most of the sweet delights here and I'm searching for them AND I JUST REALLY WANT TO EAT ALL OF THEM!!! Plus I love coffee. Coffee is like water to me nowadays. HAHA. I need to cut down on them but naaaaaah. Hahaha.

Thank you for thisss! And you might not remember me but that's fine!! But I really did miss you! ♥♥♥

Re: SPOT SPOT SPOT

[lotusk]

/cries/ yes I remember you from way back :) thanks so much for reading and commenting. I'm so glad you enjoyed Sugar!

[amiyourprincess.livejournal.com]

Ive seen the film too!! Tho I didnt know about the manga and anime. Hehe. Ever since I've seen it, I wanted to read a fic about it and I'm happy you wrote it!!!:) I love this coz here they got together. HAHAHA. It was vague in the movie.

And I'm happy you remember meee. YEY.

Oh. I've read some comments and... Did something happen? Hmmm, I want you to know that you're a good person okay?

[93rdfragment.livejournal.com]

Let me just put a disclaimer here that I'm about to sleep and am most probably going to be incoherent. Lol.

ADEEEEEEELE You always make me want things after reading your stories. :)) You have such vivid descriptions that just gets to me. I need yummy desserts now. Preferably made by Jongin. And coffee preferably made by Kyungsoo. Yes. Yes. Those.

And I was just dumbly smiling while reading. This is such a feel good fic. Perfect for a bedtime story. :D AND THERE'S MAGIC. MAAAAAGIC. Everything is better with magic. Plus angry Kyungsoo and bemused Jongin. You can just see Jongin looking at a fuming Kyungsoo like the other has flowers and sparkles all around with choirs of angels singing. Lol.

I hope you're feeling better now! You're an amaaaaaazing writer. Don't let yourself think otherwise despite how things may seem to look like. :D *throws hearts*

[lotusk]

I am feeling better now thanks to comments from you and other readers. I was really starting to think I got everything wrong with this fic so thanks for the reassurance that I got at least some things right /cries/ it's only the second time I've written Magic into my fics and I hope it wasn't too hokey orz!!! As for the food - I'm so jealous of you bc you're in a much better position to find all their goodies than me sobs. The bakeries here are PATHETIC!!!!

[read0write.livejournal.com]

kekekekekekekek heeheeheehee
OMG THE ADORABLE SWEETNESS OF IT ALL!!!!! JUST OMG SO MUCH SWEETNESS AND ADORABLE AND AWW KYUNGSOO BUT HE'S FINALLY MOVING PAST IT
AND I LOVE PATISSIER JONGIN
AND OMG WAITERS YIXING AND CHANYEOL AND SEHUN TOO CUTE
JUST YES :D

and now i must sleep because work but this was definitely a good read before bed
SO MUCH SWEET FLUFFINESS IT'S BEAUTIFUL! (and i'm only half craving some desserts now :P)

[read0write.livejournal.com]

omg i forgot to mention but JONGIN WITH THE LITTLE MAGIC?!?!?!?! so cute and sweet :)

i am now more intrigued by antique bakery...but who knows? :3

[lotusk]

Thank you for the screaming - it gave me so much heart!! I'm glad you liked the Magic and also ... You must watch antique bakery. I've only seen the film though and it has some pretty dark elements - you'll see. Sugar is a much sanitized and much happier story than the one in the film. Can't comment on the anime and manga as I haven't seen either otl

[jeynebesterling.livejournal.com]

ADELE CUTE KAISOO WITH A PINCH OF MAGIC GET THE HECK OUT OF TOWN I LOVE IT I LOVE IT. once that twist is revealed little things about jongin make more sense in a way and it just adds the nicest touch of magical realism to everything WHICH I AM A BIG FAN OF . SO A PLUS WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO. kaisoo themselves its like tale as old as time keeps playing on repeat BARELY EVEN FRIENDS THEN SOMEBODY BENDS UNEXPECTEDLY. I love how organically their relationship progressed. I wish this was more coherent but I haven't slept in waaaaaaaaay too long >.<

[lotusk]

Thank you so much for your extremely coherent and heartwarming comment! Omg I love magical realism too and mention it a fair bit in my bookshop!au kitty sukai fic. I wanted the magic to color the narrative but not overwhelm it and I hope it worked! I've been feeling pretty down about this fic so this comment has made me start to believe in it again. Thank you! /hugs/ have we spoken on Twitter or aff with you using another name? I can't figure this u/n out I'm so sorry ;;;;

[thesockmonster.livejournal.com]

*wails at you because this is still so sweet and perfect and FLUFFY*

I don't do fluffy, really, but ugh, I melted here. Your additions were fabulous and slid right in without a hitch. I love it. I'm also nursing a crazy sweet tooth now. <3

[lotusk]

Bunnyyyyyy /curls up in your lap. I'm sorry you had to brave all that fluff and it means the world to me and I love you okay? Thank you for reading this ;;;;;;;;

[jumpthisship.livejournal.com]

ADEEEEEEEEEELE i read this whole thing in the bath yesterday and got all pruney because i DIDN'T WANT TO STOP TO GET OUT. this was, in one word, sweet (heh heh). no but really. the plotline was simple and uncomplicated, but it was the characters that really made it. jongin was wonderfully understanding and careful and upfront and /passionate/ and gorgeous (your descriptions of him were *-* i could really feel your bias lmao), but his character also had depth and life. i loved how smiley and easygoing he was in comparison to uptight, frowny kyungsoo, and how well they fit together. kyungsoo was really the star of the show, depth-wise. so much character packed into a tiny, cranky body. and yet he had his soft, vulnerable moments. and i loved how much he enjoyed yelling at jongin LOL it seemed a little dysfunctional of them, but at the same time it was cute. they were like a married couple from the start :3

and chanhun were SO CUTE i fell in love with them in an instant lol (yixing, too. what a cutie). i loved how much kyungsoo hated chanyeol AHA it made me laugh so much.

what else to say~ well, the christmas presents and the new years kiss were ADORABLE. i was so pleased :3 (i found myself wanting a scarf knitted by jongin lol they sounded so warm and comfortable /sighs). and their little confessions there at the end hehehe. so cute.

i looooooved this, adele! it was wonderful, seriously :'D /endless applause

[lotusk]

Sorry this reply is so late, please forgive! First of all, sorry I turned you into a prune - ISTG I didn't mean to! I am terribly, shamelessly in love with Jongin and i think I bludgeon the reader over the head with this every time I write him pmsl. I must be stopped. please stop me!

Yelling Soo ... I seem to write him A LOT? he yells at jongin in Stardust fic and also Read to Me. Cranky Soo seems to be my head canon otl. But he's so much fun to write I can't seem to stop /cries.

I'm so so glad you enjoyed this, Becca and I want Jongin to knit me a scarf too!!!

[athasshirabu.livejournal.com]

OH MY GOD when did the last time i read such a sweet fic (in any ways) my teeth hurt like hell ;;;;
XD
Love love love the progress they made it's slowly but sure plus a pinch of angry kyungsoo here and there xD
Paw print got me snorting but it's unbelievably sweet lol
Thanks for writing <3

[lotusk]

You're welcome!

[bookishvice.livejournal.com]

Jongin is so passionate about his pastries. I loved that first scene where he explains why he was late; he was so inspired that he had to stop and write his idea down! I could totally relate because I'm the same with my writing. Grumpy Soo was so perfect too. He thinks he's got the world figured out, but nothing works with Jongin. Jongin is special. His backstory was sad and totally a reason for his current hate of sweets.

The secondary characters provided a great background cast. Each of them were unique--Supertaster Sehun, noisy and nosy Chanyeol, and blunt Yixing. They just added to the magic of the patisserie.

The idea of adding emotions/feelings to recipes is one I've seen explored before. Even so, it was still so awesome to see Jongin do it, especially because it was real magic he used! All the recipes and different sweets gave me sudden cravings as I read!

“I don’t know where Chanyeol threw that mistletoe but Merry Christmas, Do Kyungsoo.” And Jongin leaned over, kissing him on the right cheek with lips that were warm and plush.
Awwwwwww

“Would it help if I hugged you again? It might neutralize the first hug?” Jongin teased.
He is too precious!

“You left footprints, okay? On my heart, Jongin. You left footprints on my heart. And this is my clumsy ass way of showing you.”
LOL OMG HE'S THE CHEESIEST

[lotusk]

Omg thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Jongin is special.

I think that's my favorite line from your comment ;-;

I love magical realism and this is only the second time I've actually injected a bit of actual magic into my fics. I couldn't resist using magic with so much food at my disposal? Have you read Laura Esquivel's like water for chocolate? It had so many wonderful examples sobs.

[bookishvice.livejournal.com]

Read it in Spanish (Como Agua Para Chocolate) when I was in high school. The library didn't have much of a selection, but I still found a few books to read, like Isabel Allende's novels and this one ^^

[lotusk]

Allende! I studied Eva Luna at uni and I've read 3 of her other novels. The way Tita's emotions affected the food she was cooking in Esquivel though - I love that so much ;-;

[thetwistwithin.livejournal.com]

I don't know where to begin because I've been squealing and kicking my pillows for the past fifteen minutes and I don't think I'm stopping anytime soon. I LOVED THIS SO VERY EXTREMELY EXCESSIVELY MUCH. I needed an Antique Bakery AU very much, and everything was just perfect here. Jongin was such a special character; from his devotion to pastries, to his calmness and patience with Kyungsoo. And so passionate about the things he loves.

Then there's Kyungsoo, and I must say I was convinced I wouldn't like him a bit since Keisuke wasn't exactly my favourite character for the most part of the actual thing, but I loved him! There was something in your words that made me fall in love with grumpy pants Kyungsoo as soon as he told Jongin off for being late on the day of his interview.

And the magic! I don't usually like the topics that include magic because I'm a very boring person, but this fic didn't revolve around it, and it was so subtle I actually liked it. This is definitely going on my ficrec<3.

[lotusk]

Thank you so so much for the lovely comments! I'm so glad it made you squeal and that you think I did a decent job of adapting antique bakery;-; I've only seen the film and read bits and pieces of the manga, so I was playing with those versions more than anything. Sends you all the hugs for making my day with this comment ^^

[bluedreaming]

I left you a comment on the kaisooproject post on the original version so here I'll just respond to some of the things we've talked about - first of all I really liked what you added, like the conversation in the kitchen (you added that right?) and everything just made their relationship that much more gradual and organic - it was really good! Also you fleshed out chanhun a LOT and they're such a dynamic pairing here - it's delicious. And I just really can't understand at all why people call this fluff. It's not fluff. It's magical and romantic and sad and textured and delicious. But it's not fluff. And I don't think it's just because I'm reading it with the visual palette of the movie in my head. There's a lot of darkness here, tucked in the corners, with Jongin's golden hope to light the way.

[lotusk]

I'm so glad you found it magical with bits of darkness here and there, Ansa. I feared I'd gotten it all wrong since most people who commented seemed to think it was just sweet and fluffy - which it is for the most part - but I wanted people to glimpse the slivers of sadness and emotional tragedy too. So thank you for sniffing out the angst - I knew you would ;-;

Bless you for this beautiful comment ansabear /cries all over you again

[springmaid.livejournal.com]

oh gosh I really suck, don't I?
I finished reading this thing yesterday, but I wasn't able to leave a comment because was trying to finish my xiuho.
But ahhhhh this is such a good thing to read. I haven't been reading fics lately bc stuff but I'm trying to catch up with yours (and the others' fics).

CHANHUN + KAISOO!

The way you described Jongin is such a joy to read. I'm not quite sure if you've noticed it but in this entire fic the only character whom you described with so much detail is Jongin. Everything else is described with subtlety along the way. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but ahhh the way you describe him makes me like a whole lot more. <3 This story is so sweet and I could definitely feel that you researched those recipes. Man, half of the desserts you mentioned here...I don't even know them! I feel Soo's character here because 1.) yes, too much sweet is bad for you. yes, that's right soo, don't like sugar. 2.) if I were in his position and a certain person acting like Jongin would takeover my own kitchen I'd prob lose my shit. 3.) but then...if it's Jongin, of course that's a different case.

This story is so sweet. ;A; From beginning to end! I absolutely love the side ChanHun here too. lmao poor giant bb has to be Sehun's suitor first but lol Sehun relenting in the end! XD Good thing Jongin and Kyungsoo didn't fire them away and that Yixing is a cool workmate or else idek what to think what will happen to them! Sad for what happened to Kyungsoo. That must have been really traumatic. DDD: But I'm glad he's okay now, with the help of Jongin. :)

Sorry for the late comment otl!

[lotusk]

No apologies necessary! You always leave me the best comments that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks so much, Gem! You're right about Jongin being described in more detail here ((my bias is showing Kekeke)). Maybe it's because kyungsoo struggles so much against the attraction as well whereas Jongin is a very open and transparent person who just embraces what he feels. So he doesn't dwell so much on the physical and just goes straight into deconstructing soo's character. And I'm babbling PLS ignore lol. Thanks so much for reading this gem!!!!

[nachtegael.livejournal.com]

sorry I am so so late as per usual, allow me to quote things at you and cry before I properly say things:

In other words, Byun Baekhyun was the equivalent of a human resource nightmare and Kyungsoo liked his sleep — 7 hours a night at least, or his temper would be so foul he’d leave a trail of bodies behind him. this made me laugh ^_^


“I. Don’t. Do. Aegyo.” Kyungsoo’s expression was bordering on thunderous now.
“Everyone does aegyo!” Chanyeol said blithely and Jongin tried not to laugh as Kyungsoo told him where he could stuff his aegyo.
ChanKaiSoo <33

“Would it help if I hugged you again? It might neutralize the first hug?” Jongin teased. shooo cyuuute *o*

except this year, his hand was cradled in a calloused one and his body stood beside another, their shoulders touching. Much was the same, yet so much more was utterly different. this makes me so happy, seeing the subtle shifts in a relationship TuT

Neither of them even noticed as vivid reds and golds, whites, purples and greens exploded and splashed across the inky canvas of the January night sky. this has to be the most romantic thing ever *o* balcony moment and FIREWORKS omfg

Jongin knew that if he waited long enough and collected all the pieces and kept them safe, he would eventually see the entire puzzle that was Do Kyungsoo’s soul. he's such a good (boy)friend TuT and relationship progress over time <3

“I had a power nap, I’m fine,” Jongin argued in that calm way of his.
“You’re not fine! You're an out of control workaholic!” Kyungsoo accused him. ( >.> ..... why does this sound so familiar ...... >.> )

ah, the scene you added! the gold on his face like gossamer! so sweet and soft and perfect to tie up all their snark into this fluffiness ** <3 **

this fic is NOT boring, it actually flows really well and you drop nice details about pastries but it never gets bogged down. all the dialogue and little character bits are spot on, and I had fun reading this uwu thank you for working so hard to make this so wonderful, because I love this au <33 **takes notes on how not to make baking au boring and slow**

[lotusk]

Thank you so much Ren for making the time to read this and to leave me such a lovely comment /cries all over you. Almost all those details about baking were researched Bc I didn't want to get this wrong and I almost died of hunger and craving after looking at all that pastry porn like I was almost literally clawing at the screen lol. Make sure you eat before doing research for your bakery au! Also I have a list of nice links so poke me if you want ^^

[nachtegael.livejournal.com]

/cries with you and shares all the kleenex/ oh yeah, pastry porn sounds so painful;; I kinda remember all those pics flooding tline ^^ thank you for that sound advice!

[teatimetaemint.livejournal.com]

FINALLY I managed to finish this comment. I’m sorry it took me so long, but my brain wasn’t cooperating. I’m so mad, because this amazing story deserves all the gushing and cooing and flailing and I made you wait way too long orz
BUT I’M HERE NOW
/takes a deep breath

The imagery in this was so beautiful. It really got to me from the very beginning - Jongin bringing the snow with him, the vividly green scarf wrapped around his neck – and kept me captivated all the way to the end – the dark chocolate pralines with raspberries on top. I just picture all the desserts so perfectly. Damn you. Had such clear pictures of the scenes and moments you created and that’s always the case with your writing, but in a way it seemed heightened this time. Which was perfect, because the humor in this and the (more concisely written) scenes of Kaisoo butting heads balanced it out so nicely, so it never got too descriptive or image-heavy. It was just exactly right.

"That's all very romantic, but all I want to know is one, can you bake? I seriously love Kyungsoo in this. I usually feel more drawn to the quiet, practical characters because I can relate to them a lot. His no-bullshit attitude gives me so much life
Just… I mean he read ‘a pinch of hope’ on Jongin’s recipe and his first thought was if it was a spice LMAO He’s so wonderfully pragmatic and the total opposite of Jongin and that made their relationship even more beautiful to me. There was that immediate spark between them, an awareness and attraction that bemused Kyungsoo and delighted me LOL He was so reluctant about the entire thing, but also unable/unwilling to stop it and I really really loved that /sighs happily
“At least I didn’t spit it out. You can take that any way you want.” Seriously, he was such a gem in this story!

And you probably remember that I thought Jongin was a bit /too/ enthusiastic and determined to convince Kyungsoo that pastries and dessert can be delicious, but it was also one of his most adorable qualities. He was so passionate about the things he likes, but also grounded in a way that is hard to describe.

But like I said, the complete difference of their characters was one of the things that made this such a great and lovely read!
There must be passion - whether you're creating the pastries or sampling them or even selling them. Passion is everything."
"I don't do passion and I get along just fine."
LMAO Aren’t they great?! xD

“I'm still perfecting the recipe and I need a second opinion that's more helpful than at least I didn't spit it out.”
or
"I demand a more logical explanation than it has to be him."
OR
"I said, logical explanation, Mr. Kim. Not something out of a manga!"
ORRRRRRRRRRR
Besides, you’re so dour we need someone to balance you out.”
Aahahaha OMG I JUST WANT TO LOCK THEM TOGETHER IN A ROOM AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS (yes, I know how weird I sounded just now, but…)
THEY’RE PERFECT
(I’m sorry, I know I’m quoting a lot, but I loved these little moments so much ^///////^)

One more. JUST ONE MORE!
“But Kyungsoo, I need premium ingredients to make magical desserts […].Something that gives them a pinch of hope or a dash of happiness.”
“All your premium ingredients are so bloody expensive they’re not giving me any hope or happiness. They're just giving me an aneurysm!”
OH GOD IT’S SO DAMN GREAT
Your conversations (bickering) for them and build-up of their relationship was definitely my favorite thing about this story. You did it in such an entertaining and clever, but also chemistry-filled manner (is that even a word?). I was laughing and smiling throughout this whole story, constantly waiting for more of their moments, simply because you wrote them so well together!

I also enjoyed the little Chanhun side-story a lot more than I thought I would. I knew I’d love your characterization of Sehun, because you always write him in such a fun way I can picture perfectly, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy Chanyeol so much. But he was such an eager puppy and their little moments had me like ‘awwwwwww’ more than once.
Chanyeol and Sehun sneaking kisses here and there and Kyungsoo’s wrath whenever he caught them at it LMAO xD

[teatimetaemint.livejournal.com]

Now about the more serious parts of this story that played as much of an important role in this as the sweet parts. I already told you how I felt about them, that I just adored the message you sent. How finding the right person can help you deal with so much. But it wasn't just being with Jongin that made Soo better. It was more like his feelings for Jongin gave him that last little push that was necessary to have him coming out of his shell. He chose to tell Jongin about his past. He chose to let it go and stop letting his past keep him from living his life to the fullest and I think that was a beautiful/powerful thing. And Jongin just let him talk, was there for him when he needed the little extra courage to get it all out, when he needed the strong shoulder of someone who truly cared for him to lean on just for a little while. It was such a heart-warming and poignant moment and I loved how well you balanced the heavier themes with the light-hearted moments.

I was perfectly happy with the way you wrote this story before, but this felt more well-rounded, more complete. You wove the extra 4k in so seamlessly I sometimes wasn’t even sure if I was reading a new part or if I already read it before. But one of my favorite ‘new’ scenes was that little ‘decorating scene’ towards the end. Seeing how they worked together, how they still butted heads, but also had all these tender/funny/sweet moments just put such a huge smile on my face.

This entire story did, tbh. It was lovely and funny and, yes, sweet. But if you’d ask me to just use one word to describe this I’d go with heartwarming. This was such a feel-good read, but it was never overly fluffy or saccharine. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud, scenes that gave my heart a little painful squeeze, scenes that made me coo, scenes that made me roll my eyes at your characters LOL, but basically everything in this made me smile. So thank you so much for writing such a wonderful story and I hope one day soon you’ll realized how amazing it truly is. I loved it so much, Adele!