Dainex

I first watched Antique Bakery solely for its "shounen-ai" tag, but continued for the show's melodious opening and amicable character cast.

Story:
The protagonist (T) is a victim of child kidnapping from years ago. The captor kept T for two weeks, only feeding the boy sweets. While T was able to escape, the culprit was never captured and the kidnapping case was closed. Now, T seeks vengence by opening a bakery shop in attempts to catch the culprit. T hires a previous gay admirer, a sweet tooth ex pro-boxer, and receives help from a clueless long-time friend. Along the way, each's past is untold as they support one another. Themes such as abandonment, child negligence, and homosexuality are discussed. What seems to be a coarse and bitter start which exposes life's various difficulties ends in the sweetest baked fairytale. 

Characters:
Following the wisely affluent yet cold Tachibana around the interviewing process for his first ever bakery, he faces a previously rejected gay high school admirer, Ono. Despite Tachibana's prior distaste for homosexuals and Ono's bad track record of having co-workers wildly falling for him, he hires the accomplished Ono. Next, eager redhead Kanda enters the shop looking for hire after his boxing coach advises the sweet tooth pro-boxer to consider his dwelling health. He is hired on the spot as Ono reassures Tachibana that Kanda is not his type. Lastly, Tachibana's former helpless houseboy Chikage, reemerges from the shadows to assist the heavy heartered young master. And thus, starts their spirited relationships. 

There couldn't be a more stable work relationship. Kanda's admiration and hardworking passion deeply inspires Ono's cooking which increases customer loyalty. Dealing with more customers improves Chikage's shyness, all the while being monitored by the charming yet understanding Tachibana. Absolutely love these characters.

Sound: 
The opening song Life goes on by ~side K and ending song Life goes on by ~side D offer a complete storytelling. A lyric like "The tears that flowed will surely become shining crystals, gently enveloping" and "I believe you. Life goes on" in a soft voice following bouncy reassuring tones are what seals the deal for me.