My Chosen Treat

𝒜𝓅𝑜𝓁𝑜𝑔𝒾𝑒𝓈 & 𝒪𝒻𝒻𝑒𝓇𝓈

- Kyoya's Point of View -

I entered the kitchen; she seemed startled and surprised to see me appear late. I understand that only a few students nor staff usually stay this late.

"Hello, Ms. (L/N). I didn't mean to startle you. Honey-Senpai said you would be here, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to come to apologize for what I had said."

"A-apologize? Or did you come here to judge further how I spend my time doing such pointless activities?" She replied with a snarky attitude.

It was odd to hear such an attitude from a rather timid & shy girl. What I had previously said had indeed angered her. Of course, I didn't mean to offend her; I was stating the obvious, but it would seem I am as much of a hypocrite.

"Look, I appreciate you are coming here to apologize, but I'd rather you leave; you have already shown me what kind of person you are, and I don't want to spend any more time around you."

"I understand your frustrations with me, but I didn't just come here to apologize. I came here with a business proposal." I stated firmly. I was anticipating her response; she was quiet for about five minutes before nodding, signaling me to continue.

"Honey-Senpai is known to be a lover of sweets. However, it has been difficult and expensive to continue purchasing sweets from various five-star bakeries in Japan. Honey-Senpai mentioned you being a phenomenal baker and hoped I would ask you to become our baker. This will enable us to cut down on our expenses and allow for more fresh baked goods for our customers. This position also comes with payment, that is, if you accept this proposal."

I waited for her response; it seemed she needed some time to decide. She was leaning against the kitchen counter with her legs crossed and her hands fidgeting. She was a mess; she had flour covering her apron and a bit dusted on her hair. My eyes scanned the kitchen; there were mixing bowls, utensils, and ingredients. It seemed that she already had something baking in the oven.

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you have in the oven that is currently baking?"

"U-uh, right now I have some matcha tarts in the oven; why?"

"No reason, just curious."

After a couple of seconds of silence, she continued.

"Well, if you want, you can try some. I need another person's opinion on the matcha tarts if you don't mind." She replied sheepishly.

"I actually would like to try some, thank you."

"Great! Let me get them out of the oven and have them cool down." She hurried along and walked towards the oven, reaching for the oven mitts nearby, opened the oven door, and pulled the tray out.

Slowly bringing them towards a cooling rack, she went to the main kitchen counter and grabbed a mixing bowl; it looked like whipped cream. Then she grabbed a piping bag nearby, filled it halfway, and started piping details on the treats on the cooling rack. There was such attention; it seemed like she was painting on a canvas. But, all I could pay attention to was the stern look in her eyes; you could tell she was determined, passionate, and focused on what she was creating. But, soon, she had finished and grabbed a matcha tart and handed the treat to me; I held it hesitantly and took a bite.

"S-so, what do you think?" She asked.

Although I have never had much of a sweet tooth, this was one of the most delectable desserts I have ever had, compared to the appraised desserts I've tasted. The balance of the bitter matcha and creamy sweetness impressed me with how well she had achieved that balance. However, I didn't want to leave her thinking I was in complete awe of her work, so I settled for a small compliment as my response.

"It's delicious."

She let out a small breath.

"Oh, that's great, especially coming from you!" She cheerily replied.

"How come?"

"Well, you are known to disdain sweets, so that compliment alone is an honor." She replied with a massive smile on her face. Her eyes sparkled with hope and happiness, and her wide grin was infectious. I could almost feel myself smirk, but I had to prevent myself from doing so.

"U-uh, you can have some more if you want!" She urged.

"Thank you, but I really should get going, Ms. (L/N); maybe you should save some for Honey-Senpai to try. I hope to hear from you soon about my offer, though." After finishing my sentence, I went through the metal kitchen doors and headed to the Host Club.

-To be continued-