My Secret Santa [✔️]

/ S E V E N T H / / C H A P T E R /

One week before Christmas. Tension's fuming out of my body from the stress overload work has been giving me. Those two weeks were spent on me working over time, avoiding any time to think about what has been on mind. I've made my job my priority over getting my gift for Karina. The definition of a terrible friend.

Immediately after I finished reviewing the company's track record this year, I dash out of my office and took the bus straight to the nearest Sephora. Arriving at Westfield, the building were filled of busy families buying last minutes gift just like I am. Once arriving at Sephora, speakers make two buzzing sounds before announcing that the store will be closing in the next twenty minutes. This means I need to be quick.

Luckily, I know her all too well. It's simple. All I have to do is find a famous brand that she likes. A well known product that has been trending this year. Beauty products or perfumery? Where would that be? Literally across the whole shop. Last time she mentioned wanting the Fenty skin care products, but I don't see any sign of it.

"Excuse me?" I call out one of the workers for assistance near the Rare beauty line.

"Yes? How may I help you?" She answers.

"I wanted to know if you guys have the Fenty Skin care package."

"I'm sorry, we've just ran out of stock." She doesn't even bother to look around. I should've known. Doing shit last minute is something you never do. What is wrong with you?

"Really?" I try not to sound so disappointed. "Is there any other store in the mall that has it?"

"No, there normally shouldn't be any left, but I can make a few calls to some neighbouring stores around the area and get back to you. Could you wait a few min-"

"Sydney!" A clear voice yells out my name from far away. Unfortunately, I know who it is. I've been trying to avoid him.

"I can wait, thank you," I respond to the lady and move past her. I still need to find the perfume brand that would suit her. Maybe Guerlain like me. She did say she loved my scent recently.

"Sydney!" The voice becomes more prominent and louder.

"Yes?" I said it passive aggressively. I bit my lip to hide my own frown.

"What are you doing here at this hour?" Satoru stands close to me with his hands inside his coat's pockets.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I asked first."

"So?" I know I'm being petty, but I can't reveal why I'm here just like he can't either.

"So that means you have to answer first. Don't be difficult," he argues.

"Excuse me, miss?" The employee quickly reapproaches me.

"There's another Sephora in Mecca mall that has one more package in stock, but they said that you need to be there before the store closes," she briefly explains the situation.

"Thank you so much. Please let them know that I'll be on my way," I thank her graciously. She's really a life safer. Hope she has a good Christmas.

"I will. Have a good evening and happy holidays," she rushes back to the counter after I saluted her back.

"Look, I have to go somewhere. We can talk another time." I walk past him and exit the Sephora entrance.

"I could take you there."

"With what?" My legs are walking a maximum, barely managing to not bump into others as reach exists of the mall. Once stepping out, I look around the entrance for a taxi nearby.