Dec. 22/18
It was a cold day today.
Even though the sun was peaking through, thick flurries carried by the frigid wind chased away any warmth it provided.
Despite the chilly weather, the restaurant was as busy as ever.
Tables were being filled up, orders were being called in, and catering events were being booked.
The Head Chef wiped a little dusting of flour off of her cheek with the back of her hand. She lifted her eyes and took in her busy kitchen, scanning her workers, making sure everything was going smoothly. The workers were stressed, which was obvious.
"Its that time of year." She smiled to herself full of nostalgia.
[Jumin entered the chatroom]
[MC entered the chatroom]
Jumin: "Hello, MC."
MC: "Hi, Jumin! Lovely weather today, don't you think?"
Jumin: "It is cold and snowing … but it does look rather … nice."
Jumin: "So how are things going with the preparation for the Christmas party?"
MC: "Things are going along great! Everyone has been super helpful with finding guests."
MC: "Zen has also been very helpful."
Jumin: "Really? I haven't seen him suggest a guest to be invited?"
[Zen entered the chatroom]
Zen: "Hey!"
Zen: "As a matter of fact, I've been mentioning people to her in person."
Zen: "Just because it's not in the chat, doesn't mean I haven't been."
MC: "Its true. Zen has recommended quite a few guests now."
Jumin: "Is that so now…"
Jumin: "I apologize then for being quick to presume."
Zen: "Yea."
Zen: "You're one to talk you know…"
Zen: "I haven't seen you give her any recommendations."
MC: "Ahh, it's fine Zen."
MC: "I'm sorry Jumin. Don't mind him."
Jumin: "For your information, I contacted MC to suggest a guest."
Jumin: "Someone that will come in handy."
Jumin: "Her name is Jack Ghislane."
Jumin: "Head Chef of a very esteemed high end restaurant that had opened up just last year."
Jumin: "I've had the pleasure of enjoying numerous business dinners there."
Jumin: "I would like to invite her and also to have her bring some of her cooks to prepare the dinner for the party."
MC: "Wow! Jumin, that's a great idea!"
Zen: "Yea, it actually is … that's surprising."
Jumin: "I'll will ask her to contact you then. Now excuse me."
[Jumin has left the chatroom]
Zen: "MC, when you're done in the messenger, come to the living room. I have a something in mind. ;)"
MC: "I'll be right there."~
[Zen has left the chatroom]
[MC has left the chatroom]
MC came out of their shared room and made her way down the hall to where Zen had asked her to meet him.
When she got to the living room she saw her radiant knight holding out her coat.
"It's a beautiful day to do a little ice skating don't you think? There's a little ice skating park that's not too far. It opens up every year during winter." Zen spoke with hope that she'd say yes.
"Do you go every year then?" MC asked. She smiled warmly up at him while taking her coat.
"No. I never had anyone to go with." He drew her in close to his chest and gave her the sweetest of kisses. "Not until you."
MC's heart fluttered at his words. It's been a year since they started dating and she still swoons at his declarations to her.
"Then let's go and make this a memorable event for the both of us."
The evening came in fast and the snow fall had dissipated leaving a beautifully glittering bed of soft snow on the ground.
Jack had finished bidding the last of her workers a goodnight as she locked up her restaurant. She stopped for a moment, catching the eye pleasing sight of the scenery surrounding her. The yellowish glow of the street lights made the snow look as if it were sparkling with small golden flecks.
Jack pulled out her phone and was about to snap a photo, when a notification on it sounded.
"Oh?"
She noticed it was an email from a very familiar name.
Jumin Han.
"Why would he be emailing me? Was there something wrong with his dining experience this evening?"
Tapping on the message, she read its contents.
It baffled her for a moment so she read through it again.
Dear Chef Ghislane,
I have had the pleasure of dining in your establishment for some time now and I have thoroughly enjoyed each occasion.
Anyway, to the point, I am apart of a charitable organization known as the RFA. We host parties to raise money for those in need as well as to promote businesses and artists and such.
I would like to formally invite you to come and be our guest at our 2018 RFA Christmas party. We will be hosting it on the 24th of this month at 7 to 10pm.
I have chosen you because I believe we can help you increase the awareness of your small but reputable restaurant. To help this notion I have, I would ask if you would also have some of your employees to come and cater to this event.
I implore you to consider joining us.
I will attach the RFA coordinator's email address. If you decide to come you, please notify the RFA coordinator via email.
Thank you for taking a moment of your time to read through this email.
I do look forward to seeing you and your dishes present at the party.
Merry Christmas Ms. Ghislane
Sincerely, Jumin Han, Executive Director of C&R International.
Jack felt honored that someone like Jumin Han would want someone like her at this party. She decided to ponder over the invitation on her drive back to her apartment.
Lost in her thoughts, she barely registered the laughs and voices that drifted from the outside of her car and to her ears. While the light was still red she turned her head briefly to the direction the sound was coming from.
The ice skating park.
It was such a beautiful sight to behold. Especially the noticeable young couple in the center under the unmistakable red and green dangling mistletoe. The white haired young man leaned in slowly to capture the lips of his petite blushing girlfriend.
Jack sighed. Enraptured by the romantic spell of the young couple.
Single and alone at Christmas.
Her parents had moved back to Paris years ago while she had stayed because she fell in love with her new home.
She had been so busy with her restaurant she never gave herself a chance to date. Despite the numerous times she imagined finding the one.
Several honks of a horn pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked up and saw the light was green.
Embarrassed, she put her foot on the gas and continued on her way home before anymore distractions got to her.
It was only after she settled in she remembered the email. Pulling it up again quickly, she decided to accept the invitation. Jack shot the RFA coordinator an email explaining her invitation from Mr. Han and notifying her that she will be attending and bringing the workers and dishes Mr. Han requested.
The party would be in a few days then. She would need to get a new outfit that's for certain. Jack had never been one to attend to parties as a guest. Especially not something like the one she was invited to.
In another thought she would need to start making a list of dishes for her cooks to make for it. She wanted the best dishes they had that's for sure.
The excitement of having new potential customers or even just the thought of new people enjoying her restaurant's food was something that had chased away any thought of sleep at the moment.
With a pen and paper in hand she began to brainstorm.
Breathless kisses had over taken them as they struggled to make their way up to the entrance of Zen's apartment.
Their apartment.
That kiss under the mistletoe at the ice skating park and gotten her wanting more. Luckily the sound of that horn honking had snapped them out of their trance before things got heated. They hadn't been intimate yet despite the fact that they had been living together for a year. Zen was truly a gentleman and a prince. She knew he would wait until she was ready and after this evening they shared, she felt more than ready. She deeply loved and adored this man. MC smiled wider as she playfully grasped a handful of Zen's beautiful soft hair to bring him even closer. The result was that it caused Zen to loose balance and become flush up against MC's body.
They both stared into each others eyes and burst into laughter.
"Let's get inside first, Mary." His smile turned seductive as he pushed himself even closer to her. "Then we can continue. Yes?"
"Yes." She spoke with a shaky breath full of longing.
Once the door was opened the struggle to walk and make out at the same time continued. Collapsing on the sofa as sighs and moans filled the room, they gave into each other. Declaring their love and making the evening to be undoubtedly memorable .
Dec. 23/18
The RFA's Christmas party that Mr. Han had told her about was tomorrow.
With no reply yet from their party coordinator, Jack decided to get going on the preparations.
She didn't have time yesterday to go shopping for a new outfit, so she had planned out her day to start off with work. There, Jack would plan the menu to be served as well as get a handful of her chefs, who were willing to earn a little extra money, to cook for the RFA.
Jack was planning to leave early, leaving her Sous Chef in charge, so she could go shopping and prepare herself.
With her plan set she began to put it in motion.
Arriving at work she began giving orders and letting her crew know what would be happening. Though not everyone was present, she spoke to those who were.
"Good morning to you all! I know this may be a bit out of the ordinary, but I had been contacted by a member of a fundraising organization known as the RFA. They had requested our dishes to be served at their Christmas party they will be hosting tomorrow evening. We will need 3 course dishes as well as catering trays. I have the menu already planned out. We will be serving an appetizer of a thin slice of smoked salmon atop a thin layer of pesto and cream cheese mix spread thinly over a beautifully roasted ciabatta. The main course will consist of a turkey cordon bleu stuffed with provolone cheese and wrapped in a slice of savoury prosciutto. The side that we will serve along with the main will be a traditional French Ratatouille. Now, as for the dessert course, we will be serving a warm slice of Almond Crème Caramel accompanied with a delicate nest of spun sugar placed on top. And as for the catering items we will keep it simple but delicious. We will provide both savory and sweet concoctions. As we are a team here, I would like to hear all your suggestions of what you think we should provide for catering trays."
Jack knew her speech was a bit lengthy and it was still early in the morning. She decided to wrap things up.
"I will write this up as an order so everyone will know and see it. I would like us to start preparing what needs to be done a head of time, today, but for things that aren't as urgent, I would like us to prepare them tomorrow. I will also need a few volunteers to help cook and cater for this event. I will text the others but if any of you are interested in earning a little extra money please let me know as soon as possible. I will be leaving a tad earlier today as I have been invited to attend as one of their guests so I must prepare myself. However, I will leave Sous Chef in charge. In the meantime let's get to work people! I've taken up more time than I thought and we serve breakfast in two hours. Let's get cooking!"
MC woke up snuggled beside her peacefully sleeping knight. Sometimes it still baffles her that he chose her. In no way was she going to tempt fate and dare second guess this blessing bestowed upon her life. She stopped herself and, instead, MC reached for her phone, wincing as her body was still sore from the excursions of last night. Though she felt pain, she smiled at what had caused it. A shiver ran throughout her body as she remembered every detail.
Shaking her head she pulled up the camera on her phone to take a quick picture of her handsome man.
When she had captured this perfect moment she had realized she had an email notification. She opened it up and indeed it was from the Chef Jumin had mentioned. She was relieved. MC wrote a quick sincere reply and quickly put her phone away to continue admiring her Zen. She couldn't bare to wake him just yet.
Jack had been walking around the crowded mall, weaving through the crowds of standing people and slow walkers trying to get to a certain shop where she remembered seeing this simple yet elegant black dress she had her eye on when she had last visited the mall.
Finally she made it.
Jack made it her mission to get on and out as fast as possible.
It didn't take her long to spot the dress. It was beautiful. Simple, long and black with short elegant sleeves. However, it was the little touch of the v line of the waist that grabbed her attention. It was adorned with a light thin line of red and green glittering sparkles.
Christmassy.
She loved it.
With the dress in hand she stepped out into the war zone once again. However, not even half way past the store she emerged from she managed to get bumped into a stranger leaning over the rail with a drink.
Hearing the man curse she quickly looked over the rail to watch the horrible scene unfold.
Right below was Santa Clause, standing and waving, greeting the eagerly awaiting children.
"Shit, shit, shit."
Jack cast an "I am so sorry" look to the red haired man who stared back at her with his hand over his mouth.
But looking into his yellow eyes she saw little concern. As a matter of fact, he looked as if he was trying to hold himself back from busting into a fit of laughter.
It was undoubtedly contagious as they both continued to stare at one another waiting for the comedic splash.
They both let out their laughter at the suspense of it and quickly decided to move away from the scene of the crime.
Catching her breath, Jack apologized once again.
"I am so sorry about that. Someone had bumped into me and caused me to lose my balance and …"
"Don't worry about it." The red hair man wheezed. "Oh my god, that had just made my day. I needed a good laugh."
"A poor old man just got a drink spilled on him Carrie-style and … its hilarious?"
"Come on." The stranger enticed her playfully. "You have to admit that it was. I heard you laughing as well."
Stunned and a tad ashamed by her reaction she settled on changing the subject.
"Well, seeing as I caused this mess I would like to make up to you. I'll buy you another drink."
The man studied her with mischievous eyes and a smirk on his lips.
She had to admit to herself that this man had a charm to and that she couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him.
"Don't worry about. It was just water."
"Oh, um ok then. Well I guess I'll just go. Sorry again … um?"
"Luciel. You can call me Luciel."
"Luciel. I'm Jack."
"Jack?" Luciel mused with that damned smirk that she was starting to love seeing.
"Short for Jacqueline."
"Ah, I see. Well Jack," Luciel turned around and started to walk away. "I look forward to seeing you at the party tomorrow!" He called over his shoulder.
Jack just stood there stunned and wide eyed.
He knew who she was …
Before she had a chance to call Luciel back to question him about it he was already gone. Lost in the sea of last minute Christmas shoppers.
Her awkward and eventful shopping trip had her just wanting to get home and relax and never step into another mall for the next week.
Dec 24/18: Day of the Christmas party
"MC, do we have confirmation on who is coming this evening?"
"Yes!" MC answered back from atop a ladder as she hung up decorations on the tree.
Today was the day.
All the RFA members were helping out preparing the dining hall.
MC and Yoosung decorated the tree.
Zen and Jaehee hung the decorations along the walls.
Jumin and Luciel set the tables while V and Saeran made sure the security measures were in place.
"What about Ms. Ghislane?" Jumin inquired.
"Oh, yes. She will be here as well along with the food. She gave me a summary of the menu earlier today and my mouth was watering just reading it."
"Good." Jumin spoke gladly.
"Hey MC, come here."
MC followed the melodic sound of her boyfriend's voice.
She found him grinning sweetly standing patiently. Zen beckoned her closer and held up the last decoration to go up.
Mistletoe.
MC strolled up to him happily and planted a kiss upon his lips.
Everyone looked at them, smiling at the happy couple.
Everyone … but one.
This was it.
Jack looked herself over in the mirror. She never really had a reason to dress up and it really wasn't her thing.
However, she had to admit … she secretly loved being able to have an excuse to.
Jack recalled the afternoon the other day. She was really curious to how that man, Luciel, knew she would be attending a party.
If she knew one thing for certain, it was that if Luciel would be there, it would definitely be interesting.
When she got to the party's location she was amazed by the number of people that were lined up to get in.
"Chef Ms. Jacqueline Ghislane?"
She was quickly pulled out of her thoughts by the familiar voice.
"I'm glad you were able to come."
"Mr. Han. Thank you for the invitation."
"Please, it is just Jumin."
"Alright, Jumin. Thank you."
"No need. You're restaurants dishes will be a gift to enjoy. Now please head on inside. Feel free to mingle around."
With a nod, Jack headed inside the dining hall and was in awe of the scene that unfolded in front of her eyes as she stepped through the doors.
It was magnificent.
Everything had been decorated elegantly.
Jack barely registered the woman at her side smiling widely with patience.
"What do you think?"
Jack jumped a little at the sudden sound of her voice.
"Oh, it's very beautiful. The RFA did an amazing job."
"Thank you so much! We're so glad you were able to attend, Ms. Ghislane. And we're excited to be having your dishes served this evening."
The woman smiled brightly and then suddenly jolted.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm so sorry. My name is Mary, I go by MC. I'm the RFA's party coordinator."
"Oh! Hello, it's so nice to meet you. Thank you for the invitation."
"Not a problem. It is a pleasure to have you. Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy yourself."
Jack took in the entire room as she walked about, admiring it all. Though, she didn't want to admit it, but she was also trying to keep her eyes open for a patch of red hair worn by the curious man she met.
An hour went by and it was announced that the food will start to be served.
Guests took their seats as Jack seated herself down in a booth as well.
Jack felt a twinge of awkwardness as she saw her workers bring out the dishes. She smiled as she saw their faces.
Near the end of the meal, when the server had placed her dish in front of her she noticed the waiter placed a second plate down right across from her.
She looked up and saw the red haired man, who suddenly emerged, smiling at her.
"Fancy seeing you here."
"You. How did you know I'd be here?"
He chuckled with a bit of guilt.
Adjusting his glasses, he spoke.
"Ah, well I probably sounded like a stalker or something before. I'm sorry about leaving like that."
He stuck out his hand.
"Hi. My name is Saeyoung Choi. Also known as Luciel, or Seven. I'm the RFA's … computer expert."
"That's a nice way to put it." Another voice butted in.
"Hi, I'm Yoosung! And he," he gestured to Luciel, "is the RFA's hacker."
"Hacker?!" Jack repeated in surprise.
"Ah! Don't worry! He's one of the good ones. As in, you have nothing to worry about."
Slightly still cautious, Jack allowed herself to relax a bit.
"Well, I suppose that's a relief. Thank you for clarifying."
"Not a problem! I just wanted to say I enjoyed your dishes! It was amazing!"
Jack felt her cheeks turn a little red, but she took the compliment graciously.
"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed them."
"I should get back now. Enjoy the party. And don't bother her so much Seven!"
"Maybe she likes my company." Luciel retorted playfully.
"In your dreams Seven." Yoosung shot back as he walked away.
"Soo," Jack started. Trying to break this awkward moment. "What do you do for Christmas?"
Luciel focused his attention back on her. She could tell she caught him off guard with her inquiry, but he answered.
"Ah, I work."
"On Christmas?" Jack was surprised. "The RFA doesn't seem like-"
He let out a small laugh. "No, not with the RFA. My other job. My work there requires me to put in long hours, even on holidays. I am … constantly working."
"That sounds … really horrible. I'm so sorry."
"Nah, it's fine. I don't do anything for Christmas anyway. I don't even like the holiday." Luciel spoke with indifference.
"Seriously!?"
"What?"
Jack studied him for a moment. She didn't know him well enough to pry, and it felt wrong to do so when they were just acquaintances. With an inward sigh she decided to lighten the mood.
"Hm, I guess that explains why you found dumping your drink all over Santa funny."
"C'mon, that was hilarious." He grinned. Seeing his mood change like that, it was as if he was glad for the change in topic.
"And besides, he was a crook. He deserved it."
"How do you know?"
"I'm a hacker remember. Plus, he breaks into houses, enticing children with toys. He probably distracts them as he steals stuff."
"So what, you being there, standing above Santa was no coincidence?"
"Nope. I was on a top secret mission."
"But you just told me about it." Jack laughed.
"I didn't tell you the important details. It's still a secret."
"Ahh, I see. So that's why you dumped your drink on him."
"Hey, now that was purely accidental."
"Sure. You just happened to be standing over him, leaning over a rail with a drink in your hands. Tsk, your hatred for Santa Clause must run deep."
"No, No, Ms. you got it all wrong. It was an accident." Luciel played along.
Jack set her elbows on the table and leaned in.
"Bullshit."
He copied her move and smiled wickedly.
"Prove it."
A tad flustered by his smile, she leaned back away from him and laughed.
She was actually thoroughly enjoying the banter between her and Luciel. Jack felt her stomach flutter. She had to admit, she really enjoyed his company.
"Ah, I have to go. Enjoy your evening Jack."
"Oh, ok. I hope to run into you again. Maybe I can help you get over your issue with jolly ol' St. Nick."
He laughed heartily. She really enjoyed hearing his laugh.
"I'll look forward to it."
Jack mingled around for the past couple of hours. Guests would come up to her, complimenting the meal that they had been served. She mingled with her employees that served the guests the little confections her cooks came up with for the catering trays.
Occasionally, shed spot Luciel who would give her a wave or a smile.
The party was going to end soon.
In the front centre of the dining hall couples were dancing slowly to the Christmas music being played.
The choice of song at the moment was the classic, "All I want for Christmas is you."
Jack watched them. She sighed.
It was just like the scene that she saw at the ice skating park.
In the middle, once again, she spotted the white haired man with a young woman. It was the same couple she spotted skating. She was sure of it.
The man, whose name she learned was Zen, the famous actor, and the woman who he was with was indeed MC.
Once again they were under the mistletoe and they kissed.
She awed with the rest of the crowd clapping.
She looked around to see the other guests appreciating the small display of affection these two gave each other.
Then her eyes landed on what appeared to be the only person not smiling or clapping.
Curiously, she watched him as her own clapping and smile ceased.
He looked … sorrowful. She turned her eyes to the happy couple in the centre of the dance floor and then back to Luciel.
"Ah."
She had guessed as to the reason why he wasn't happy.
No one should be unhappy on Christmas though.
She didn't know what his reaction would be, but she wanted to do something. Something to see him smile again.
Jack slowly made her way towards him.
She was nervous. She hadn't done anything like what she was about to do in years.
But there was something about this man she had just met that was pulling her towards him. And she didn't want to let it go.
She walked up to him as he started to clear tables and with in the most elegant way possible she had greeted him.
"H-hey there."
:… so very elegant …" She face palmed herself internally.
"Oh, hey there Jack. Why aren't you dancing?"
He was all smiles again, his voice filled with joy. However, after noticing his moment of sadness, she could now hear the little strain he put into it. He was forcing it right now.
Though she did notice it, she thought it wouldn't be appreciated if she were to point it out.
"I would love to, but I have no one to dance with."
"Ah, maybe you should ask Jumin or Yoosung. I'm sure they'd love the chance to dance with you and to fan over your food." He smiled. Completely missing to what she was hinting at.
"Oh, I see. So you don't want to dance with me because you didn't enjoy it."
"What!?" Luciel stopped what he was doing and turned around, caught off guard.
"N-no, I loved your food too! It was amazing! I just thought that they'd loved the chance to spend time with you!"
"I see, so you don't enjoy my company." Jack was having a hard time trying to maintain the serious tone in her voice.
"What!? Shit, no. I enjoyed spending time with you!" Then he caught the laughter in her eyes and he relaxed.
"Geez, woman. Why are giving a guy a heart attack." Luciel put a hand over his heart playfully.
Jack laughed. "Would you be so kind as to dance with me, Luciel?" A warm welcoming smile touched her lips as she regained composure.
"I guess it would be rude to decline."
"Yes it would. Plus, I was hoping we could further discuss your hatred for Santa."
She watched him throw his head back and laugh. He smiled at her, shaking his head.
"Well, I guess I cant say no."
"Nope."
Luciel offered her his hand and he led her to the dance floor.
There were a couple of gasps of surprise from the other members of the RFA. Jack guessed that maybe seeing Luciel dancing with someone was an odd occurrence.
When they got to the floor they started to move. Jack was a little surprised he knew how to dance. He didn't come off as someone who would.
She looked up at him to see him smiling down at her. Though, their height wasn't too different he was a tad taller than her.
Seeing him smile though, and a genuine smile at that, made her own smile grow. Feeling his body under her hand and his hand in hers and hers in his felt right. She fought the urge to rest her head on his shoulder. It wouldn't be right. The had just met after all.
"Thank you."
His quiet thanks broke her out of her thoughts.
"For what?" She asked softly.
He smiled and twirled her and then brought her back to him.
"You saw me. I saw you watching me when …" his gaze shifted to Zen and MC and her own eyes followed. "I should be happy for her. For them. But it … hurts." His smile was sad now. "I know, I need to let it go and move on."
"Luciel, you don't have to explain anything. I understand."
He looked at her again. "I have to admit though, there is something about you that I feel drawn to."
Jack felt her face heat up. All she managed to get out was a word.
"O-oh?"
Luciel chuckled nervously. "Sorry, that's probably a little too soon to admit. I don't know what I'm saying."
"No, its alright. I feel the same way."
"Really?!"
It was Jack's turn to laugh nervously. "Yeah. Well, I know I enjoy spending time with you. It's been fun and I would be lying if I said I didn't hope to keep spending time with you."
"I'm a dangerous man, you'd probably regret it." He pulled her closer.
"Mm, you know you are probably right." She pulled back. "A drink may assault me if I continue to hang around you."
He laughed once more and grabbed her hand to bring her back to him. Unknown to both of them they had landed right under the mistletoe.
They didn't notice until cheers rang throughout the room. There was no backing out without making it even more awkward.
"Uh, we should probably just get it over with." Luciel offered a timid smile.
"You're probably right." Jack moved herself closer in front of Luciel.
Ever so slowly they closed the distance between them, lips drawing closer until they met.
The kiss was brief but it felt like a jolt of electricity shot through her body. With surprise and reluctance they had parted.
Jack noticed his red face and wide eyes that had felt as if it mirrored her own face perfectly.
"Thank you all for coming out tonight! The entire RFA thanks you and wishes you a Merry Christmas!"
MC's voice boomed out of the mic, breaking the spell.
While the crowd gathered around the stage clapping happily, Luciel grasped Jack's hand and smiled at her warmly. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it softly.
"If there's one thing I'm grateful for this Christmas, is you bumping into me the other day."
Jack laughed. "That's all?"
"No." He hesitated, but slowly he cuped her face and drew his in close to kiss her again.
"Merry Christmas Jack."