Alpha Culinary Love

My first class was in one of the older buildings, its architecture a blend of elegance and history. I arrived early, finding a seat near the middle where I could observe both the professor and my classmates. The room gradually filled with students, all chatting excitedly. I recognized a few faces from the garden yesterday, but they were too engrossed in their conversations to notice me.

Just as the clock struck nine, the door opened, and Professor Delacroix walked in. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and the room fell silent. She placed her materials on the desk and looked around, her gaze sharp but not unkind.

"Good morning, everyone," she began, her voice clear and steady. "Welcome to Introduction to Culinary Arts. My name is Professor Delacroix, and I will be your instructor for this course."

She proceeded to outline the syllabus, explaining the structure of the class, the key topics we would cover, and the expectations she had for us. Her passion for culinary arts was evident, and it was infectious. I found myself leaning forward, eager to absorb every word.

"We will start today with a basic yet fundamental skill: knife techniques," she announced, gesturing to a table laden with various vegetables and cutting boards. "Mastering this will be essential for everything we do in the kitchen."

We spent the next few hours practicing different cuts under her watchful eye. She moved through the room, offering tips and corrections with a patience that I appreciated. My initial nervousness faded as I focused on the task at hand, finding a rhythm with the knife that was both satisfying and meditative.

During a short break, I introduced myself to a few classmates, exchanging pleasantries and sharing our backgrounds. It was comforting to connect with others who shared my passion for cooking, and I felt a sense of camaraderie forming.

After class, as I was packing up my things, Professor Delacroix approached me. "Jiyeon, may I have a word with you?"

"Of course, Professor," I said, slightly apprehensive but curious.

"I noticed your technique today. You have a natural talent, but there's always room for improvement. Would you be interested in some one-on-one sessions? I think you could really excel with a bit of extra guidance."

I was taken aback by her offer. "That sounds amazing, Professor. I would love that."

"Great," she said, her smile warm and genuine. "Meet me in the kitchen lab this evening after dinner. We'll go over some advanced techniques."

"Thank you so much, Professor. I really appreciate it," I said, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and new information. My next session was Baking Fundamentals, held in a modern kitchen lab. The instructor, Chef Martinez, was a jovial man with a contagious enthusiasm for pastries. His demonstrations were both educational and entertaining, and I found myself laughing along with the rest of the class. We spent the afternoon mixing dough, shaping bread, and learning about the science behind baking. By the end of the session, the kitchen was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bread.

As the day drew to a close, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The hands-on experience, the engaging instructors, and the vibrant community of students made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. After a quick dinner in the cafeteria, I made my way to the kitchen lab for my session with Professor Delacroix.

She was already there, setting up the ingredients and tools we would need. "Good evening, Jiyeon," she greeted me with a smile. "Ready to get started?"

"Absolutely," I replied, eager to learn.

We spent the next few hours going over advanced knife techniques, working on precision and speed. Professor Delacroix was patient and attentive, her guidance both challenging and encouraging.

"You're doing great," she said, standing close behind me as she adjusted my grip on the knife. "Just remember to keep your fingers tucked in. Safety first."

Her proximity was slightly unnerving, but I focused on her instructions, trying to perfect my technique.

"So, tell me, Jiyeon, why did you choose this program?" she asked, her tone more personal than professional.

"I've always loved cooking," I explained. "But I wanted to deepen my skills, learn from the best. And France is the culinary capital of the world, after all."

"Indeed it is," she agreed, her eyes sparkling with interest. "And what do you hope to achieve with this training?"

"I want to open my own restaurant someday," I said, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought. "Actually, I already have a small restaurant back home, but I want to elevate my skills and bring something new to my customers."

"That's a wonderful goal," she said softly. "I have no doubt you'll achieve it. Your determination and passion are clear."

As we continued working, Professor Delacroix began to share more about her own journey in the culinary world. Her stories were fascinating, filled with experiences from different countries and kitchens. I was completely engrossed, hanging on to every word.

"Cooking is not just about following recipes," she said, her voice almost a whisper as she leaned closer. "It's about passion, creativity, and love. It's an art form that allows you to express yourself."

Her words resonated deeply with me, and I felt a connection forming between us. Her gaze lingered on me, and I couldn't help but notice the warmth in her eyes.

"Thank you, Professor," I said, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and confusion. "This session was incredibly helpful."

"You're welcome, Jiyeon," she replied, her voice gentle. "You have a lot of potential, and I'm looking forward to seeing you grow. Remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"I will," I said, feeling a strange flutter in my chest as I left the kitchen lab.

As I headed back to my dorm, my mind buzzed with the day's events. I set up my laptop for my nightly call with Yura, eager to share the details of my day. As soon as her face appeared on the screen, I felt a wave of warmth and comfort.

"Hey," I said, smiling broadly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Yura replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "How was your first official day of classes?"

"It was amazing," I said, recounting my classes and the new techniques I had learned. "Professor Delacroix is incredible, and Chef Martinez is so much fun. I can't wait to show you what I've learned when I get back."

Yura listened intently, her eyes sparkling with pride and excitement. "I'm so happy for you, Jiyeon. It sounds like you're really enjoying it."

"I am," I admitted. "But I miss you so much. It feels strange being here without you."

"I miss you too," she said softly. "But we're both doing what we love, and that makes it a little easier, right?"

"Right," I agreed, feeling a bit more reassured. "Oh, and guess what? Professor Delacroix offered to give me some one-on-one sessions to help improve my techniques."

Yura's expression shifted slightly, a hint of concern in her eyes. "One-on-one sessions? With Professor Delacroix?"

"Yes," I said, not noticing her tone. "She's really knowledgeable, and I think it will help me a lot."

"Hmm," Yura murmured, her gaze distant. "Just be careful, okay? She's an omega, and sometimes...well, just be careful."

I frowned, not quite understanding her worry. "Of course, Yura. There's nothing to worry about."

"I trust you, Jiyeon," she said, forcing a smile. "It's just...I can't help but feel a little jealous."

"There's no need to be jealous," I reassured her. "You know you're the only one for me."

"I know," she sighed. "I just miss you so much."

"I miss you too," I said, feeling a pang of longing. "But we'll get through this. It's only a month."

"Right," she agreed, her smile returning. "We can do this."

We spent the next hour catching up. The distance between us seemed to shrink with every word, and by the time we said goodnight, I felt a renewed sense of strength and determination.

As I prepared for bed, I reflected on the day's events.The room was quiet, the night outside still and calm. I closed my eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.