Chapter 29: Playful Competition
The idea started as a joke.
Lucia was halfway down the stairs when she heard Jin arguing with Mrs. Alvarez from apartment 3B about whose cookies were better. She paused, listening as she leaned against the railing.
"They're crispy on the outside and soft in the middle," Jin insisted.
Mrs. Alvarez crossed her arms. "That's what everyone says when they burn the edges."
Lucia laughed before she could stop herself.
Both of them turned to look at her.
"Don't drag me into this," she said quickly, holding up her hands. "But for the record… I've never seen Jin bake anything."
Jin gasped dramatically. "Wow. Betrayal."
Mrs. Alvarez pointed at Lucia. "Then she should judge. We settle it today."
Lucia blinked. "Wait—what?"
Jin's eyes lit up, already competitive. "A baking challenge. In the courtyard. Winner gets bragging rights."
Lucia hesitated, then smiled. "You know what? Fine. But I'm not siding with anyone."
Mrs. Alvarez waved her off. "We'll see."
By late afternoon, the courtyard had transformed into something warm and lively. Someone strung fairy lights across the fence. Folding tables appeared. Neighbors gathered, curious and amused.
Lucia stood beside Jin at one of the tables, sleeves rolled up.
"So," she said, glancing at him. "What are you baking?"
He leaned in slightly. "Secret."
She scoffed. "Scared I'll outdo you?"
He smirked. "Confident I'll win."
She laughed, shaking her head. "We'll see."
As they started preparing their ingredients, the teasing began immediately.
"Is that… sugar?" Lucia asked, peering into his bowl. "That looks like salt."
Jin covered it protectively. "Don't distract me."
She leaned closer, pretending to inspect. "You know, if you mess this up, I'll never let you forget it."
"Same goes for you," he said. "This building will hear about it."
Their elbows brushed as they reached for the same measuring cup.
Neither of them moved away.
Lucia felt that familiar flutter, her heart reacting before her mind could catch up. She glanced at him, and for a brief moment, their eyes locked.
Something quiet passed between them.
Then Jin cleared his throat. "Focus, competitor."
She smiled. "You're the one distracted."
As they baked, flour ended up everywhere—on the table, on the ground, even on Jin's sleeve.
Lucia pointed. "You've got flour on you."
He looked down. "Where?"
She reached out instinctively, brushing it off his arm.
Her fingers lingered a second too long.
The courtyard noise faded for a moment.
"Thanks," he said softly.
"Yeah," she replied, just as quietly.
They stepped back, pretending nothing had happened.
But everything had.
When the baking was done, their creations sat side by side on the table.
Lucia had baked warm, soft brownies. Jin had made small, carefully shaped cookies.
The neighbors gathered around, tasting and debating.
Mrs. Alvarez pretended to think very hard. "Hmm. This is serious business."
Lucia leaned toward Jin. "Nervous?"
"A little," he admitted. "But win or lose, this was fun."
She smiled. "Yeah. It was."
Finally, Mrs. Alvarez raised her hands. "It's a tie."
The crowd cheered lightly.
Jin laughed. "A tie? Really?"
Mrs. Alvarez smiled knowingly. "Some things aren't meant to compete."
Lucia felt heat rush to her cheeks.
As the neighbors slowly dispersed, the courtyard grew quieter. The fairy lights flickered softly as the sky darkened.
Lucia and Jin sat on the edge of the fountain, sharing the leftover desserts.
"You know," Jin said, nudging her lightly, "you were really competitive back there."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Says the man who almost challenged an entire building."
He laughed. "Fair."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.
Then Jin spoke again, softer this time. "I like seeing you like this."
She looked at him. "Like what?"
"Relaxed. Laughing. Just… you."
Her chest warmed.
"I like being like this with you," she admitted.
Their hands rested close on the stone ledge. Slowly, almost unconsciously, their fingers touched.
Neither pulled away.
Lucia realized something then—not with fear, but with clarity.
This wasn't just fun.
This wasn't just friendship.
This was connection built through laughter, teasing, and small shared moments.
One grape at a time.
Jin glanced at their hands, then at her. "You know… even when we're competing, it doesn't feel like we're against each other."
She smiled softly. "Yeah. It feels like we're on the same team."
He squeezed her fingers gently.
The touch was simple.
But it meant everything.
As the fairy lights glowed above them and the city hummed quietly beyond the courtyard, Lucia knew one thing for sure—
She didn't want to win against Jin.
She wanted to grow with him.
One grape at a time. 🍇✨