Alpha Culinary Love

The table was adorned with a sumptuous feast: a centerpiece of roasted duck glazed with honey and spices, surrounded by side dishes of creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans with almonds, and a fresh garden salad. There were also delicate pastries, freshly baked bread, and a selection of fine cheeses. A bottle of vintage wine stood proudly among the dishes, its deep red liquid promising warmth and comfort.

Yura and I took our seats, the aroma of the food enveloping us, and started to eat. As we savored each bite, we talked about the past week we had spent apart.

"So, how was your last week in France?" Yura asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"It was amazing," I replied, smiling at the memory. "I learned so many new techniques and recipes. The chefs there were incredible, and I even got to visit some local markets. It was a dream come true."

Yura nodded, a proud look on her face. "I knew you'd make the most of it. You've always been so dedicated."

"And you?" I asked. "How was your week?"

"Busy as always," Yura said with a sigh. "Meetings, paperwork, more meetings. But I kept thinking about you and how excited I was to see you again."

Our conversation flowed easily, moving from work to dreams for the future, to small, everyday things. The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, filled with laughter and shared glances. When we finished eating, the maids swiftly cleared the table, leaving us alone in the cozy dining room.

I hoped for a romantic moment with Yura, but she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "I still have some work to do, Jiyeon. Please don't disturb me," she said, giving me one last kiss before heading to her study.

Disappointed, I didn't say anything. Instead, I headed to my room, feeling a bit let down. I took a long, relaxing shower, letting the warm water wash away my frustration. Afterward, I lay on the bed, scrolling through social media on my phone for a few hours. When I finally checked the time, it was already 11 PM, and there was still no sign of Yura.

I set my phone aside and tried to sleep. Just as I was drifting off, I heard the door creak open and the sound of footsteps approaching. The bed dipped slightly as Yura climbed in beside me, wrapping her arms around me.

"I know you're not asleep, Jiyeon," she whispered, her breath warm against my neck. "Don't be mad at me."

I couldn't help but smile as she kissed my neck. Turning to face her, I said, "I'm not mad, just surprised at how busy you are with work."

Yura's laughter filled the room, a sound that always made my heart lighter. "I know, and I'm sorry. But I'm here now."

"I'm really tired," I admitted, my eyes already starting to close.

Yura gave me a quick kiss. "Goodnight, Jiyeon." I fell asleep in her arms, feeling her warmth and presence comforting me.

The next morning arrived quickly. Yura was still sleeping, her breathing soft and even. I tried to slip out of her embrace without waking her, but she held on tight. I carefully replaced myself with a pillow and managed to get out of bed.

I quickly went through my morning routine and headed to the kitchen, excited to surprise Yura with a traditional French breakfast. I decided to put into practice everything I had learned in France.

I started with the basics: mixing flour, sugar, salt, and yeast to create the perfect dough for croissants. After letting it rise, I carefully folded in the butter, rolling and folding the dough multiple times to create the delicate, flaky layers. As the croissants baked, filling the kitchen with their heavenly aroma, I prepared other components.

I whisked together eggs, cream, and a touch of truffle oil for a luxurious omelet. On the side, I arranged a platter of fresh fruit: slices of ripe melon, strawberries, and juicy peaches. I also brewed a pot of rich, aromatic coffee and poured fresh orange juice into crystal glasses.

After an hour, the breakfast was ready, and I began setting the table. Just as I finished, Yura appeared, already dressed for the day. She looked surprised and pleased, her eyes widening at the sight of the elaborate spread.

"Jiyeon, you didn't have to do all this," she said, pulling me into a hug. "You could have rested a bit longer."

"I wanted to show you the new skills I learned," I replied, smiling up at her.

We sat down to eat, and as Yura took her first bite, she looked at me in astonishment. "Your cooking has really improved, Jiyeon. This is incredible."

Her praise made me beam with pride. "Thank you, Yura. I worked hard to learn as much as I could."

We enjoyed a romantic breakfast, talking and laughing. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, a perfect start to the day. But soon, Yura had to leave for work.

"Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, Jiyeon," she said, kissing me goodbye. "I'll see you later."

I watched her leave, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. I prepared myself to head to the restaurant, ready to put my new skills to use. As I was about to leave, a system notification appeared before my eyes.

[New Quest: Add a French dish to your menu and sell 100 portions within 4 hours.]

I smiled at the challenge, feeling a rush of excitement. This was the perfect opportunity to showcase what I had learned. The chapter of my life in France might be over, but a new one was just beginning.