The sun rose golden and full over the rooftops of Seoul, casting warm light onto the wooden floors of Baby Chocolat Paradise. The bell above the café door hadn't rung yet—it was still early—but Mirae was already wide awake. She stood alone in the kitchen, carefully preparing a new recipe she had only dreamed of attempting: a five-layer mousse cake infused with dark chocolate, mandarin zest, and a whisper of lavender.
Today wasn't an ordinary day.
Today, she and Doekyom would meet with the Zurich Expo's Korean representative in person—a final step before the official endorsement and announcement. If all went well, their café would be internationally recognized as South Korea's delegate chocolatier.
Her hands moved precisely, but her thoughts were a swirl of nerves and excitement. The mirror-smooth glaze of chocolate she poured over the mousse reflected more than just the kitchen lights—it reflected her growth, her ambition, and the quiet confidence she had fought so hard to reclaim.
Doekyom arrived a little later, hair still tousled from sleep but eyes alert. He carried a paper bag from Mirae's favorite bakery and set it on the counter with a grin.
"Breakfast. Because geniuses shouldn't forget to eat on the most important day of their career."
Mirae gave him a grateful look. "Are you nervous?"
He leaned against the counter. "I'd be lying if I said no. But I'm also proud. No matter what happens today—we did this. Together."
Before she could answer, Yoo Sena entered through the back door, dressed in a sharp cream blazer. Her presence was as commanding as ever, but today there was an edge of genuine enthusiasm in her tone.
"The representative arrives in thirty minutes," she said, tapping her clipboard. "I want this place spotless, your best creations displayed, and no trace of burnt ganache anywhere near that showcase."
Mirae nodded, smoothing her apron. "We're ready."
Outside, the café's windows shimmered with dew, and a crowd was already beginning to gather. Word of their nomination had leaked online the night before, and fans of Seventeen had flooded the café's socials with support for Doekyom—many of them surprised and delighted to see an idol involved in a chocolate shop.
Inside, Mirae laid out the tasting set: miniature truffles with espresso centers, raspberry-rose bonbons, almond pralines, and her new mousse creation, cut into perfect triangles. Every piece told part of her story.
As the clock ticked down, Doekyom reached for her hand. "No matter what happens in Zurich, this is your masterpiece. Don't ever forget that."
She nodded, feeling emotion press behind her eyes.
Then the door opened, and the representative stepped inside—an elegant woman in her fifties, dressed in navy blue with a brooch shaped like a cocoa pod. Her sharp eyes scanned the shop, lingering for a long moment on Mirae.
"You must be Kang Mirae," she said in crisp English.
Mirae straightened. "Yes, ma'am. Welcome to Baby Chocolat Paradise."
The woman smiled slowly. "Let's see what paradise tastes like."
And so, the next chapter began—not with fear, but with flavor.
The interior of Baby Chocolat Paradise had never looked more polished. Every surface gleamed, the lighting was warm and flattering, and the aroma of roasted cacao, candied orange, and freshly baked pastry filled the air like an invitation.
Mirae led the Zurich Expo representative—Madame Brunner—to a private seating area near the window, which offered a view of the charming neighborhood beyond. Doekyom followed, placing a velvet-lined tray of curated chocolates on the table.
"I've heard stories about this place," Madame Brunner said as she unfolded her napkin. "But stories are nothing without substance."
Mirae smiled politely. "We hope our flavors speak louder than any story."
The first to be served was the Raspberry-Rose Bonbon, delicate and glossy, topped with a single edible rose petal. Madame Brunner bit into it, and for a moment, the world seemed to still.
She closed her eyes, then opened them with an unreadable expression. "Floral... but balanced. And that faint acidity—well-placed."
Next came the Dark Espresso Truffle, rolled in cocoa powder. Doekyom explained, "The bitterness of the espresso is tempered with a drop of honey harvested from the local hillside farm in Paju."
This time, Madame Brunner raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. A harmony of sharp and smooth." She nodded slowly.
Then came Mirae's signature—the Mandarin-Lavender Mousse Cake, carefully plated with a swirl of cream and tiny chocolate curls. The mousse was light as air, with a citrus tang that bloomed on the tongue, chased by the faintest lavender scent, like a memory.
Madame Brunner took a full minute with her fork. "It's rare," she said finally, "to taste something that feels both nostalgic and new. Your restraint with the lavender was wise. Most would overdo it."
Mirae bowed her head, her heart pounding.
The final item was a surprise: a limited-edition chocolate sphere that melted under warm vanilla cream to reveal layers of caramelized pecan and spiced ganache. Mirae explained, "This one represents winter melting into spring."
Madame Brunner cracked it open and tasted the center. Her expression softened. "Poetic. Visually engaging. A true experience."
Silence fell as the tasting concluded.
Madame Brunner placed her fork down neatly, her expression unreadable. "You've created not just chocolates, Miss Kang, but a narrative. You understand balance—emotion and flavor, presentation and depth."
Doekyom reached under the table and gave Mirae's hand a subtle squeeze.
Madame Brunner continued, "Zurich is not just about flavor. It's about identity, artistry, and authenticity. Baby Chocolat Paradise... has all three."
Mirae's breath hitched. "Does that mean...?"
"I will be recommending your café for full participation," Madame Brunner said with finality. "South Korea will be proud to have you represent them."
The room seemed to burst into silent applause, even if only in Mirae's mind. Relief and joy flooded through her.
As Madame Brunner left, she paused near the door and turned back. "Just one suggestion: never stop surprising people. Especially yourselves."
After she was gone, Doekyom laughed, pulling Mirae into an embrace. "We did it. You did it."
Mirae, still stunned, whispered, "This is really happening."
"Yes," he said. "And it's only the beginning."
Outside, the café's sign glowed in the fading daylight, and Mirae knew: she had finally found the taste of tomorrow.