The Black Swan

Chapter 17: The Coast and Cake

Typically, Yoonie would be concerned about meeting her tutor's expectations - training to the best of her abilities until she collapsed on the floor, breathing till it burnt her lungs. Today, was totally different. As she sat with the impeccably-dressed Chaewon across the table, Yoonie's throat grew tighter with every moment. She was staring directly at her tutor, who returned a different, overly-interested set of eyes at Yoonie. It was impossible to avoid her gaze as she seated right in front of her.

And this was no ordinary cafeteria. This was the Coast and Cake - one of Sotia's finest in-house dining establishments. Within a month of its grand opening, word had travelled far and wide of the renowned food establishment, earning the attention of many local elites and the wealthy tourists of other lands. Even a mere appetiser or cup of warm beverage was crafted to the most excellent quality - earning its right to be called a five-star rating restaurant.

"You really shouldn't have, Ms Chaewon. This place must be really expensive," Yoonie indirectly chided her. "Also, I still feel bad about what happened," she confessed, referring to the fact that she (unintentionally) knocked Chaewon out on their first duel.

"A promise is a promise! Besides, I've been meaning to try out the food here - so I'm glad to have your company!" Chaewon's hands slid across the table, finding Yoonie's, where she had been playing around with the utensils anxiously. The sudden warm touch of her hands caused Yoonie's heart to stop, as if Chaewon had cast an electrifying spell to incapacitate her.

"Why, excuse me - your entrées have arrived." The server apologised for his intrusion and returned with one item in each hand, carefully placing them in front of the two girls. "Boiled pork knuckles with Alpine cheese, and wholegrain fettucini with lamb ragu - please enjoy." The waiter, who had earlier introduced himself as Jeno to the two girls, presented the dishes before leaving. For the Coast and Cake, it seemed that every table had its dedicated server.

In that instant, Yoonie felt the air around warm with the heat emanating from her freshly-cooked food and the strong aroma of foreign spices wafting up her nostrils. With a fork, she pinched a piece of the pasta covered in the thick meat sauce, bringing the morsel of food to her mouth. This is amazing - they taste even better than they smell! She thought to herself as she drifted into food paradise. Coming from a poor background, she had the idea that the school's cafeteria food was of top quality. After today, Yoonie felt that her tastebuds might become more spoilt than ever.

Chaewon giggled at Yoonie's priceless reaction to her food. "I'm glad you like it." At the same time, she called upon Jeno for a request. Shortly after, the server returned with a glass bottle of dark, crimson red liquid, which he opened and poured two glasses for them.

"-I don't know how to drink this..." She picked up the glass in an awkward manner, sniffing the contents. There was a sharp and bubbly smell that resembled the fermented liquor she once tried in the orphanage, but this felt much more refined.

"You've never had red wine?"

Yoonie shook her head.

"Ah... I would persuade you to try it, but we still have to train after the meal." Chaewon stated, reminding herself more than it served to remind Yoonie. She caveated the idea - telling Yoonie that she would have to try it on another occasion. For some reason, this new information got Chaewon smiling greater, as if she had another motive...

"What?"

"Hm?" Chaewon looked at her with feigned innocence, but Yoonie had been too distracted by the good food to notice. She steered their conversation back to the food they were having. "The meat is so divine! Have a bite!" Chaewon holds a fork up to Yoonie's lips as she stared at her in a daze. Rejecting her would be disrespectful and humiliating - especially with all the other diners around. Yoonie swallowed her ego, meekly biting down on the morsel of meat her (suggestive) tutor had offered. And oh man, she did not regret it one bit - as the flavourful meat juices coated every inch of her mouth with deliciousness.