It's the 21st of December and everyone is preparing for Christmas.
Café Noir, participated in the all-you-can-eat dessert buffet. That's why she and her father are preparing for the things that are needed; Decorations, ingredients, supplies. They prepare it all while closing the shop at morning.
She and her father are so busy preparing the desserts. They prepared Christmas cakes (A sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream.) They also prepared other variants of desserts like the usual desserts they used to serve.
Her father hired some temporary staffs to help produce more desserts, because after all, it is a dessert buffet.
I was just watching them all from the window because the door is closed, when suddenly, Yuna noticed me.
She waved at me, "Ryu? Come on in."
She unlocked the door and welcomed me.
"How can I help?" I asked.
"Hm... You can help decorate the Christmas tree."
"Um... That's all?"
"Yes. The decorations and the tree are in the box. Just ask me if you need help. Ok?"
"Ok." I smiled.
She smiled back, then headed back to the kitchen, after.
I inhaled deeply and said to myself, 'Ok, Ryu... Time to figure this out.'
I never really celebrated Christmas ever since, so I never knew how to decorate a Christmas tree.
It will be a challenge for me, but I guess internet will help me?
I invested on a phone right after Yuna told me to buy a new phone. The truth is, I never use phones, but in her case, I have no choice. I needed to stay in contact with her, because she asked me to. It seems that I need to learn these new technologies, if I want to live like a normal person. Besides, there's nothing wrong learning it, after all, it might even help me in some circumstances, like how to decorate a Christmas tree.
As I search on how to decorate a Christmas tree, so many answers popped-out, but only one looks helpful.
It says that at first, I must fluff and shape the branches. It does took a lot of time just as said in the tutorial, but as I finish shaping it, the artificial tree then started to look like a small pine tree.
Second, I must prepare the lights. These lights has long lengths like rope with mini bulbs. I put it all around the tree. I tried to adjust it and fix it, so that it won't cram in one place.
Third, are the decorations like Christmas garlands, ribbons, tree picks and baubles. I must cluster the baubles around the tree in order for it to have a flair and appealing visual. The same with the garlands and tree picks. Ribbons on the other hand, should be layered and styled. It should just fit perfectly without cramming the other decorations of the tree. Basically, the decorations around the tree must be balanced and should not cram in one place.
Lastly, I have to prepare the tree topper. It is a star, that must be placed at the very top of the tree.
After I finish decorating the tree, I noticed that it took me 3 hours. Within those hours, Yuna and her father finished baking the cakes as well.
Yuna then noticed the tree and asks, "Wow... It looks appealing. You did this all, or you asked for help?"
I smirked, "Hmp! Internet is my best-friend."
She giggled quietly.
"What?" I asked.
She smiled, "Nothing. Good job though."
I nodded while smiling a little.
"By the way, would you like to help us decorate the café, next? We will just add garlands, baubles, and ribbons to make the shop look festive." She asks.
I grinned, "Sure. I'm all free."
"Thank you! Sit tight there for a while. Ok? We'll just finish the cake decorations."
I nodded, "Ok."
I watched them as they decorate the cake. The cake looks delicious though and decorating it makes it look more appealing.
I then watched Yuna as she decorates the cake. She looks so serious and focused. I can only imagine how much she devoted herself on these.
As I watch her, my heart starts beating slowly. It's like the world around me is stopping. I think her seriousness is attracting me. Her focused look seems so attractive.
My time stopped as I stare at her, when suddenly, she saw me. She smiled at me, but then continued to focus decorating the cake.
I was just speechless. No words came out of my mouth, because I'm like stunned and amazed at the same time.
After she finished decorating the cakes. We then prepared the decorations for the shop. We decorated the door, the ceilings, the tables, the counter, and the walls. After that, we stick some posters outside the café for the coming night. It took us two and a half hours before we finished decorating.
"Now the shop has a festive and winter theme." She smilingly says.
"It sure is... Are you gonna be busy tonight?"
"Yes, but I won't be busy on the 23rd." She smiled.
My eyes opened widely, 'What's this? I don't have an intention to ask her WHEN she is busy or not. Is she giving me a hint?'
"Why? You're not opened on the 23rd?"
"We are open, it's just... 23rd is a holiday."
"Oh? Oh yeah, I forgot. So, you won't be busy during the night?"
"Yes. I still need to help during the morning, but I'm all free at night."
I nodded, "I see. I'll take note of that."
"So... Are you free too?"
"Yes. Of course."
"Ok!" She grinned.
She then turn around and looked at the window. I smiled, because she looks so happy as she watches the snow, gently falling from the sky.
She then put on her jacket and opened the door. She wiggles her body, like a child enjoying the snow.
She then turned around and looks at me, "Ryu! I'm looking forward to our date!"
She smiled widely with open mouth, wrinkles around her eyes while cheeks all raised.
I then scratched my head, 'Wait what? Did she just--?'