Chapter 8: "The Way to a Woman's Heart is Through her Stomach"

3RD PERSON

As the clock strikes seven in the morning, there’s a commotion inside the café. Everyone is busy doing their jobs. The twins and Miko are busy bringing the customer’s orders to their tables. Sean is drenched in sweat in front of the stove. Aikon heated and reheated the coffee adding additional tastes to every cup. Yosef supervises everything while JD, well, JD impressed everyone on not being affected by pressure and skillfully manages to make enough bread, pastry and dessert for all the customers. He also continues to make his new recipe. While the customers are delighted to taste mouth-watering treats from the new patissier. They keep on calling friends and relatives to try and taste Polaris’ newest desserts. So customers arrive every minute.

“Oh my god! This is the first time Polaris accommodates many customers during breakfast. Everybody’s working on a speed of cheetah!” Miko said when he passed Aikon holding a tray full of orders. Aikon looked up and glanced towards the pastry kitchen.

“I can’t believe he’s skilled in making desserts. It’s weird.” He thought while brewing another order of coffee. Yosef decided to help giving orders because of the number of customers.

“Do we have to hire more employees for this? The customers keep on coming and we decided to set up tables outside to accommodate all of them.” He thought.

“And that’s thanks to Black Dragon. At least he’s not a pain in the a*s. I wonder how he learned to do this.” And for the first time, Yosef appreciates JD.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

CALLI

The phone rings. It took a couple of rings before someone picked up the other line.

“Yoboseyo? Who’s this?” a faint female voice answered.

“Iyah! It’s Calli. Did I wake you up?” I said over the phone.

“Calli… it’s too early to wake up. I’m still sleepy…” Iyah said with a yawn.

“Iyah… it’s already nine in the morning and I want to go to Polaris now.” I told her.

“Calli, if you want to see Yosef, you can go there by yourself. I really want to go back to sleep.” She said obviously irritated and I wonder why.

“Iyah…” I said.

“Calli… please… I’m so tired of yesterday... I’ll just follow you there, okay?” I was about to say something more but she hanged up. Aizt! Iyah is so hard-headed! I guess I have to go there alone. How can I face Yosef after what happened last night?Aigoo… I’m going to die of embarrassment!

*Flashback*

We were dancing sweetly when I suddenly feel the urge of kissing Yosef. Staring at the contours of his face, I just can’t stop myself from kissing those cheeks and I did. After doing it, his dark eyes looked at me obviously surprised. I just smiled and fainted on his arms.

*End of Flashback*

Oh my God! I’m really drunk so I haven’t been able to know what happened after that. My mom just told me when I woke up that Yosef carried me home last night. Omo… How will I face Yosef? I hope he won’t mention what happened.

“Miss, we’re already here.” The taxi driver spoke and interrupted my thoughts.

“Oh, thank you mister.” I got off the taxi and froze. “Oh my God! What’s happening inside Polaris?!” I exclaimed loudly seeing Polaris almost explode with all the people inside. “I wonder what the problem is…” I thought and entered the café avoiding bumping to everyone.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

JD

I was concentrating really hard on my new recipe as orders keep on coming and interrupting me. I got pissed off and make a lot of all the desserts and pastries that the customers want. With that, I was able to continue what I’m doing. Hmm… I wonder if this tastes good for others… I thought upon tasting it. “Tastes perfect for me.” I smiled. I love apples and chocolates. I feel relaxed when eating them. I looked at my masterpiece. I called it “apple chocolate explosion”! My new recipe, I sighed. Hmm… I wonder who I will make to taste this. I thought as I stared at it. Then suddenly, I heard a familiar voice spoke. Looks like she is going to where I am.

“Oppa told me to supervise here. And I just want to know the great patissier that made that delicious cake…” she reached me and stopped talking. I looked at her with wide eyes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IYAH

I tried to go back to sleep after Calli called me but my eyes stayed open. I sighed. If only she hasn’t interrupted my dream! It was what happened last night, when that guy kissed me. But in my dream, I saw his face. It was DJ JD! Omo! What happened to  my mind?! Does my memory got mixed up because of too many things that happened in one night? Argh! My head hurts from thinking! Then suddenly, my phone rings again.

“Yoboseo?” I answered not checking who’s the caller.

“Iyah?”

“Oppa! Why did you called? Is there any problem there?” I asked Renzo-oppa on the other line. He and Ayla-unnie went on a vacation to Jeju Island and will be staying there in a week. Oh… How I wish I was there too! I love beaches! I sighed.

“Nothing like that Iyah. Your unnie wants me to check if you’re already awake.” He said.

“I just woke up oppa.” I said standing up.

“That’s good. Now I want to ask you a favor little sister…” Oppa continued and I can sense he is smiling.

“No problem oppa. What is it?” I asked while combing my hair.

“Can you please go to Polaris and supervise them? I know Yosef is reliable but I want you to still check on them. Will you?” Oppa said pleadingly. I chuckled.

“Of course Oppa. I wonder what’s for breakfast today…” I heard oppa laughed on the other line.

“You’ll soon find out little sister.” He said to me.

“Yah! Stop calling me that! I’m already grown up! I’m a lady now, you know! Hmp!” I said to him trying to be irritated but my laughter still come out.

“Okay, okay… Just behave okay? I don’t want Ayla to worry about you.” Oppa then turned serious.

“I understand Oppa. You two should take care there. By the way, where is unnie?”

“Oh, she’s on the shower taking a bath after we make lo---“ Oppa stopped and laughed. “You better not ask it okay? Gotta go. I want to take a shower too.” He finally said and hanged up. Dirty thoughts played on my mind. I shook my head. Waah! Crazy oppa!  I smiled and take a bath before going to Polaris.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IYAH

Waah! Polaris is crowded today! I wonder why. I thought as I entered the café. I saw the waiters, including Miko, Jheemo and Kheemo, literally walking back and forth the counter for the customers’ orders.  I even noticed Yosef helping too. And then I saw Aikon on the counter, busily making coffees for the customers while Sean, well, I saw his back through the kitchen’s glass door and I’m pretty sure he’s busy too. Hmm… But where is the famous patissier? I glanced at the pastry kitchen when a familiar voice called me over the noise.

“Iyah! Over here!” I looked at Calli on one corner standing while eating. I approached her.

“Calli, why are you standing here?” I asked as I reached her.

“Iyah, can’t you see? There’s no more table for me to occupy.” She said licking the spoon she’s using eating a chocolate cake. I looked around. Yeah, she’s right. Polaris looks like it’s going to explode anytime now. I thought. I looked at her again, she’s busy eating her cake. I frowned.

“Calli, I thought you’re on a diet? Then why are you eating that cake?” I asked her. She stopped midway on the act of eating another piece.

“Oh! You’re right Iyah! Omo! Omo! I forgot it upon tasting this cake. The new patissier is great! Here, it’s now yours Iyah. I’m already satisfied.” She said handing me the cake. I just stared at it. “Come on Iyah, go and taste it. It’s really delicious!” Calli said to me beaming. I just nodded and taste it. Suddenly, everything sparkles around me. The cakes’ taste was unbelievingly super delicious! I’ve never tasted anything like this before. I felt I’ve tasted ambrosia, the food of the gods. What a skillful patissier! Omg! I thought.

“What can you say? Calli looked at me expectantly. I ignore her and continue eating the cake until I consumed it all. “Eh? Iyah! What can you say about it?! It’s delicious right?! You already ate it all!” she excitedly asked me.

“I can die now.” I told her dreamily.  Then Calli burst into laughter. “Yah! You asked me what can I say and now you’re laughing at me!” I pouted.

“But I didn’t expect you to answer like that. You really can make me laugh Iyah.” She said still laughing and holding her stomach.

“Stop it Calli!” I said irritatingly.

“Give me a minute Iyah. I can’t stop myself from laughing.” I waited for her to stop.

“Let’s go.” I said.

“Where?” she asked.

“Just follow me.” I said heading to the pastry kitchen.

“Why are you here, by the way?” Calli asked me.

 “Oppa told me to supervise here. And I just want to know the patissier that made that delicious cake…” I reached the pastry kitchen and saw the patissier. I stared at him.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

JD

See? I’m not wrong! I know that voice! It’s my goddess! But why is she here? Is this another coincidence or is it fate?

“Hello…” I awkwardly greeted her.

“Hi…” her angelic voice answered.

“Iyah, who’s the—Oh my god!” her friend exclaimed as she saw me. “You’re DJ JD right?” she continued, asking me.

“Ah, yeah, I’m DJ JD. But just call me JD. I’m also Polaris’ patissier.” I shyly said and glanced at my goddess. “And you’re...” I hesitantly asked.

“I’m Iyah. Ahmm… I’m sister of Renzo-oppa’s girlfriend. And this is my best friend, Calli.” she nervously said to me. I wonder why she’s nervous.

“Iyah… Hmm…” I think her name sounds good with my voice. I smiled. “Oh, I see. Is there something you need, ma’am?” I asked her upon knowing my inferiority to her.

She chuckled. “Don’t call me ma’am. Just call me Iyah. I think we’re at the same age.” She shyly said.

“Yeah, how old are you?” her best friend Calli suddenly asked.

“I’m 18.” I answered, looking at Iyah. She smiled at me.

“I’m 18 too…” she said.

“Me too!” Calli chimed in. We both looked at her and laughed. When our laughter died down, she looked at me again and asked.

“You make all the pastries here right? I tasted the chocolate cake, it was so delicious! How did you learn to make it?” I looked at her for a while before answering.

“My mom taught me how…”

“Oh,okay. I bet your mom is a great patissier too!” she exclaimed.

“Yeah, thanks.” I answered smiling at her.

“Calli-noona!” somebody called from the outside. Then Miko entered. “Calli-noona! Yosef-hyung is looking for you!” he told Calli. Then he noticed me and Iyah. “Hello Iyah-noona! Hi JD-hyung! Your creations are great! The customers love it! Keep it up hyung!” he said as he made two thumbs up to me.

“Thanks.” I said.

“Come on Calli-noona. We’re busy.” He told Calli.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming. Bye guys.” Calli told us.

“Bye Calli, see you later. “ Iyah said to her. I just nodded at her.

“Bye noona! Bye hyung!” Miko said and winked at us  before leaving.

“Miko’s so lively today…” Iyah said chuckling.

“You’re right. I like him. I don’t have a brother.” I said. She looked at me but said nothing.

“What’s that?” she asked pointing at my masterpiece.

“Oh, that’s my new recipe, ‘apple chocolate explosion’. Do you want to taste it? I just made it a while ago.” I suddenly asked her with my heart beating fast.  It was the first time someone else will taste my new recipe. It was either Freya or Mythi who always taste test my creations. I swallowed hard, waiting for her answer.

“Sure. I’m honored.” Iyah answered smiling.

“Oh here.” I grabbed it and handed it to her.

“Ahmm.. Where’s the---“ she asked.

“Oh, the spoon! Here.” I said and handed her a spoon. She gladly accepted it. She took a slice of it and ate. I can’t breathe.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IYAH

Oh my god! What is this I’m feeling right now?! I can’t explain it! I feel contented but there’s a feeling that I want more. It feels like time suddenly stops and it’s just me with butterflies fluttering around. Hmm… If a while ago I felt like I’ve tasted ambrosia, now, I feel like I’m a goddess myself! I’ve never tasted anything like this before! It was a masterpiece of a master patissier. I can’t believe I’ve tasted it! The juice of the apple and the chocolate blended so well that I can even taste the apple on the chocolate. I said nothing and continued eating. After a while, I noticed that the plate is empty.

“Uh-oh…” I muttered.

“What’s the problem?!” I raised my head and was greeted by two brown orbs staring at me. My eyes widened in surprise. “It doesn’t taste good?” he asked me.

“No. It tastes great!” I exclaimed smiling at him. He smiled back at me and looked at the empty plate. “Oh, I’m sorry nothing is left…” my voice trailed as I tried to explain.

“That’s okay. I’ll just make another one for the customers.” He said still smiling. I felt my heart jumped as he stared into my eyes. Then he suddenly looked away and I caught that his eyes turned serious. Then as he looked at me again, it was gone. What was that? Now I’m confused. Then he said, “Wanna watch me work?”

“Yes.” I shyly said. He smiled again.

“Okay, just sit there.” He pointed on a white chair and I sat on it and watched his skillful fingers make his creation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

JD

“What am I thinking? Why did I let her watch me work?” These questions keep on playing on my mind as I set myself to work. I fetched a lot of apples from the refrigerator and began taking out its core. I can watch my goddess, I mean, Iyah, on my peripheral view and she’s intently watching me. Then I unconsciously picked an apple and offered it to her. “Here, have some.” I said and she gladly accepted it.

“Thanks.” She just said. Then I put the apples on a foil and inserted chocolate filling inside each of them. Then I set up the oven’s heat and wait. I watched her took a bite on the apple. I dunno why but I can’t stop myself from talking to her.

“You looked like Snow White taking a bite on the apple.” I said smiling at her.

“Omo! Is this a poison apple?!” she asked smiling too.

“Don’t worry, it is not.” I answered.

“Well, if it is, I just have to wait for my prince charming to save me.” She said. Then I remembered that guy. “Her prince charming”. I sighed. She looked at me but luckily, the oven beeped. I put the apples inside and waited. Then it’s time for the finishing touch. I coated the baked apples in chocolate and let it cool down on the freezer. Then as I prepared to plate it, Iyah spoke.

“I think it would be better to garnish it with sliced apples. Then decorate with chocolate syrup. What do you think?” She’s smart. Actually, I was thinking of the same thing.

“That’s a great idea. Thanks Iyah.” I said her name loud for the first time. It really sounds good with my voice. “Want to help me?” I asked.

“Sure.” She said and then approached me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SEAN

I heard laughter inside the pastry kitchen and I got curious. “JD’s with someone?” I asked myself. I take a peek inside and saw JD’s face brightened up as he laughed. I’ve never seen him laughed like that except with Freya and Mythi. Then my gaze landed on the person he is with. That short hair… white tee and jeans… it was…

“Sean!” the girl turned around and saw me. She smiled and I saw stains of chocolate on her teeth. She ate JD’s new recipe? I asked myself again. Hmm… “Sean, come and help us!” Iyah said and beckoned me.

“Okay.” I said. I glanced up at JD. His smile never leaving his face. Then I thought, “The way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach”. Is that right? Or is it the other way around?