Chocolates for You

Fluff

With Valentine’s Day approaching soon, I decided to post this oneshot I wrote a while back. I’ve made a lot of edits and changes to it since my writing back then was horrendous. But I’m posting this now instead of on Feb. 14 because there’s just too much advertising and hearts everywhere that I needed to get it out of my system.

“Your eyes are gonna pop out if you stare any longer.”

Krystal shifted her eyes to glare at her friend. “Shut up.”

Luna chuckled and shook her head. “Why don’t you just ask her out? It’s been how many months now...?”

“Are you crazy? I don’t even know if she likes me back.”

“Isn’t that the whole point?”

“Says who?”

“Says me. Come on, you’re hopeless if you don’t do anything.” Luna tries to convince her friend for the umpteenth time.

Krystal sighs. “I know...”

“Yah, you’re not supposed to agree with me. You’re supposed to be encouraged to go after her.”

“Oh...”

A moment of awkward silence passes by before the two burst out laughing.

“I don’t know what to do with you,” Luna says, shaking her head.

Krystal smiles sheepishly at her friend as her eyes darted back towards the person sitting up front surrounded by her peers. “I don’t know what to do with me either...” she mutters.

~~~

The light jingling of the bell made Krystal lift her head. She was in the middle of restocking parts of the shelf in the back but stopped when someone walked into the store.

Hearing the light footsteps, Krystal pushed herself up and dusted her pants as she made her way to the front. She almost drops her phone in her hand when she saw who it was. Even though the person standing before her had on casual attire – black jacket over a simple gray t-shirt with black jeans and black snapback – Krystal couldn’t help but find the person extremely good-looking and attractive to the point she almost drooled. Luckily she snapped out of her trance before she did.

“...H-hi,” Krystal squeaks out after getting over her initial surprise. “I-It’s Amber, right?”

“Yes,” Amber replied with a polite smile. “Hi. I... didn’t know you worked here, Krystal.”

Krystal took in the sight of the adorable smile and felt her heart rate speeding up. Amber is always smiling and it’s one of the reasons she found her to be absolutely charming. Unlike herself, who rarely smiles unless she was really, truly happy or amused.

Amber looked around at the different boxes, sizes and shapes of the chocolates across the shelves and on display. Her eyes stopped at a particular section with the sign that read “Valentine’s Day Specials” next to it.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the store Krystal works at has set up their annual sale for people looking to buy some chocolates for this special day.

But despite that, Krystal had no idea what Amber was thinking because her eyes were about as expressive as a rock. Either Amber really has no interest in what she’s looking at or she’s very good at hiding what she’s feeling. She’s seen this look at school sometimes too.

“So... what’re you looking for?” Krystal asks, going into salesperson mode. She felt a bit slow and dense since this was the first time she had a customer she actually knows. “Any specific kind of chocolate... or anything I can help you with?”

The “Valentine’s Day Specials” sign suddenly seemed to take precedence in the background and Krystal immediately felt uneasy. In three days it would be February fourteen. If Amber was here for that kind of chocolates as a present, for another person, how was Krystal supposed to sell it to her?

Afraid she might’ve looked upset, Krystal pretended to smooth out her shirt just so she wouldn’t have to look Amber in the eyes.

“Well,” Amber started, “I’m looking for chocolates for Valentine’s Day... for someone I know...”

Krystal bit her lower lip. Pull yourself together. This was bound to happen anyway. Why else would she be in this store? You don’t even talk to her so just... just treat her as another customer.

Krystal nodded and tried her best to look as unconcerned as she could, but when Amber’s eyes studied her face, she wasn’t sure how well that worked.

After what seemed like forever, Amber eventually stepped past Krystal to take a closer look at some of the chocolates on display. Krystal could see soft drops of water shining in Amber’s hair and on her shoulders. From the looks of it, it was snowing again outside which means once her shift was over, she’d be soaked through by the time she walked home.

Krystal trailed a few steps behind Amber until the girl headed over towards the Valentine’s Day chocolates section. Since Amber seemed like she knew what she wanted, Krystal turned to leave. She didn’t get very far when Amber called out to her.

“Krystal.”

Krystal immediately spun around. “Yeah?”

“Could you...” Amber looked a bit confused as she struggled to take off her coat, “Could you come here for a second, please?” She didn’t look at her. “I’m not... I’m not sure which one I should choose.”

Although the request made Krystal’s heart race inside her chest, she tried to act like everything was cool as she nonchalantly strolled over. “S-sure. Who are you buying it for? If it’s for a significant other –”

“No, we’re not together or anything like that,” Amber blurted out, looking embarrassed but cuter than Krystal has ever seen her.

 Despite enjoying the adorable sight, Krystal couldn’t help but feel worried. Because Amber’s happiness depended on it, this would probably be one of the most important sales she would have to make. She didn’t want Amber to blame her for choosing something the other person wouldn’t like.

“Um... How about these white chocolates covered in funny cartoon characters?” Krystal suggested one of the more popular items. “It’s cute.”

Amber turned to Krystal with raised eyebrows. “Would you like it if someone gave you this?” she asked, using it as an example.

Krystal eyed the crazy-eyed cartoon baboon holding a stick similar to the one from Lion King and scrunched her nose. “No way,” she answered honestly.

“No?” Amber tilted her head, looking genuinely curious.

“Uh... Well, your – um... the receiver of the chocolates might like it,” Krystal ended up backtracking her words, “I mean, I don’t really know what that person would like... because different people like different things.” Krystal gestured around her. “All these chocolates are unique and different. When buying them as a gift for someone, you have to think about that person’s taste and personality. Things like what kind of flavor and aroma do they like, what kind of texture and smell do they enjoy, are they the emotional type or the quiet type, stuff like that.”

“Really? Does being emotional or quiet have anything to do with what kind of chocolates someone likes?”

“It could.”

Amber smiled. It was the kind, soft smile that Krystal absolutely adores and it always melts her heart into a puddle of goo.

“Well, she does seem to laugh and talk a lot with her friends,” Amber said thoughtfully, “but then she’s also very serious most of the time. Considerate too. It always makes me wonder what she’s thinking about.” A pause. “I can’t help but find her... intriguing.” 

She. Krystal momentarily grew excited at the smallest of possibility that it could be for her but quickly pushed the thought away. The chance of that happening was probably close to zero. She was further convinced it wasn’t for her when she watched Amber’s eyes, which had been looking over her shoulder at the mysterious girl in her thoughts, suddenly shift back to her. She could tell because it was so clear, like watching the settings on a camera lens change.

“So I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you seem to have put a lot of thought into the whole chocolate business,” Amber said. “I’m curious as to why you chose to work here? What do you enjoy the most?”

Krystal was a bit caught off guard by the question but more so by the fact that she was having an actual conversation with Amber. The most she has ever heard her say before today was during her project presentation in class. That’s why with Amber now standing in front of her asking for her personal opinion was something unfathomable. It was crazy, to say the least. It’s also why Krystal took an embarrassingly long time before she actually got over her surprise to respond.

“Well, um... I guess it’s because I like chocolates in general, even ones that taste a lot bitter compared to others.” Krystal scratched her head in thought. “I mean, I enjoy watching and observing people who come into the store to buy them and imagining what will happen and what kind of story they have. So for example, if I see a middle-aged lady buying those soccer decorated chocolates, I might think to myself, maybe that’s for her son. Then I picture the boy happily opening the box and eating them after coming back home from a draining practice. Or even now with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, I like to imagine what kind of love story is behind each person coming into the store to buy chocolates. It may sound cheesy but I like to believe that the store is here to make people happy rather than just take their money.” Krystal paused then smiled bashfully. “This probably sounds really silly and stupid to you, sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize,” Amber quickly said after listening to the explanation. “You have a point. I never really thought of these types of places like this before. It’s refreshing.”

Krystal smiled.

“Hey, Krystal... do you mind me asking you a personal question?” Amber asked, taking a small step forward towards the girl.

Amber wasn’t exactly the tall type, but with her so close, Krystal suddenly realized they shared very similar height. So similar, in fact, that if they were to share a kiss, neither of them would have to bend down or tiptoe.

Not that Krystal was thinking about kissing Amber, of course.

“Not at all.” Krystal blinked, albeit awkwardly.

“So having worked here for a while now, is there anything you’d like to buy for yourself? Do you have any favorites out of all these different types of chocolates?” Amber asked then added, “I could use the suggestion... you know, for her.”

Hearing those last words, Krystal felt the ground below her open up and swallow her whole. For her. Of course it would be for her. Even though she didn’t have any right to, Krystal was starting to really dislike whoever this girl was to the point she was extremely tempted to sell those crazy baboon chocolates to Amber.

“Well, if I’m totally honest here,” Krystal tried to laugh but the sound produced was more like a squeak, “I’ve tried most of the chocolates here and the ones I do like, I’ve bought several boxes of them already. You know, with employee discount and all.” Krystal paused for a little bit to think. “Though there is one I...” She stopped and glanced over at the end of the shelf they were standing next to.

“Yeah...?” Amber leaned forward and nodded for Krystal to keep going. The look in her eyes was quite intense.

Krystal contemplated for a minute before she finally caved in. She walked over and picked up the last red box of chocolates from the shelf. She tried to keep her hands from trembling as she handed them to Amber who took it with both hands.

Amber opened the flap of the box that contained more information about the type of chocolate inside and studied it.

Krystal watched quietly. This box of chocolates touched all the right note: it was elegant yet simple, sweet yet balanced with just the right amount of bitterness, and soft with a hint of nuttiness. The smooth texture and wonderful balance of sugar coupled with the fresh and warm romantic taste makes it simply one of the best types of chocolates out there.

It was her favorite of all time and Krystal considered buying the last box for herself if not for the fact that she wanted other people to be able to enjoy the taste of this chocolate that their store especially hand makes on special days such as Valentine’s Day and White Day, to name a few. That and because she felt slightly pitiful to buy her own Valentine’s Day chocolate. As for Amber, Krystal would never have the guts to give this to her.

However now... now Krystal was giving it to her. Maybe just not the way she had dreamed of doing so.

“Do you... do you think the person you’re giving it to will like it?” Krystal finally managed to say.

Amber immediately smiled, her eyes shining as bright as the snow falling outside. “I know she will,” she said and sighed in contentment. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

Krystal was glad Amber liked her recommendation despite never having tried the chocolates in her hands before. However, time seem to have flown by and that feeling slowly dissipated as Krystal found herself behind the cash register ready to ring Amber’s purchase up.

After scanning the item, Krystal looked up and recited the price on the monitor.

Amber reached into her back pocket and pulled out her wallet. She fished out several crumpled bills and handed them to Krystal.

“Thank you. Would you like a gift bag?” Krystal asked in the ‘friendly’ tone her boss always told her to use with her customers. For some reason, it sounded really fake right now.

“No thanks,” replied Amber.

Krystal nodded and continued to try to count out the change. Her hands were cold and sweaty, and she could barely add one plus one inside her head.

After what seemed like forever, Krystal eventually had the right amount in her hand to return to Amber. There was a moment’s hesitation before Krystal decided to drop the change on the counter to avoid making contact with Amber’s hand. The clattering sound from the coins was so loud Krystal was sure even the people next door heard it.

But Amber didn’t seem to notice as she took the change and slipped her wallet back inside her pants pocket. She then took the box of chocolates in one hand and suddenly held up her other hand for a brief moment before she lowered it.

Krystal wasn’t sure what Amber had wanted to do. High five? Shake hands? Wave?

“Thanks again, Krystal,” Amber said and smiled her most beautiful smile yet. “I’ll see you around at school.”

Krystal felt dizzy just looking at Amber but managed to gather herself to reply. “You’re welcome,” she said.

Amber turned and walked away, using her free hand to slip on her jacket. Right as she reached the front doors, she stopped and turned back towards Krystal. With a cute smile, she gave the girl one final nod before disappearing out the door and into the night.

By the time Krystal came back to her senses to wave, Amber was long gone.

~~~

“Hey.”

Krystal looked up to see her friend take a seat across from her.

“So how many did you get this year?”

Today was Valentine’s Day and the atmosphere at school couldn’t get any more romantic with couples just about everywhere and gifts being given and exchanged.

“Four,” Krystal replies as Luna handed her a stuffed bear with a heart in its hand. “Make that five,” she took the bear and smiled. “Thanks.”

Usually around this time of year, Krystal and her friends would give each other gifts such as stuffed animals, cards or chocolates. It was nothing special. They do it every year whether they are dating someone or not.

However, this year in particular, there was one gift that caught Krystal off guard and sent her heart racing at the speed of light.

She was walking to the seat she usually sits at in one of her classes when something caught her eyes from afar. Since there were no assigned seats, the gift could have easily been for anyone. But this has been the seat Krystal sat in for most of, if not all, the semester so the chances of it being for someone else was low.

However, seeing that the desk was occupied, it was only natural for Krystal to find another seat. But then the fiery red color of the box held her gaze and sent her mind into a frenzy about who the giver could possibly be.

Krystal slowly walked up to the desk and stared down at the all too familiar red box. For the first time in her life, she understood the rush and rapid thumping of her heart people always talk about. She could literally hear the pounding of her heart in her ears. Even though people were walking by her, talking loudly, she couldn’t hear any of it. All her attention was on the box of chocolates in front of her.

This was the box of chocolates her store sold.

It felt like time stopped for a moment as she reached to flip open the small note attached at the top corner of the box.

In small, precise handwriting, the note read:

To Krystal,

The most beautiful and interesting girl that makes any place she’s at romantic and enjoyable just by being there.

Yours truly,

Amber

Krystal gently picked up the box of chocolates as if it was the most precious thing in the world. She traced her fingers over the box, her heart fluttering with excitement. If this was a dream, it was one she never wants to wake up from.

“Hi.”

Krystal was still lost in her own thoughts when she heard the voice. Her breath hitched. Even with hundreds of different people calling for her or talking around her, Krystal can still pick out Amber’s voice from all the others. And she could always do it in a heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath, Krystal slowly turned to the girl behind her. Any nervousness she felt was completely swept away when her eyes met with soft, gentle and loving ones.

Amber held out the single rose she was holding in her hand towards Krystal.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Krystal,” Amber smiled that charming smile of hers. “I hope you like chocolates.”

Krystal shyly took the rose from Amber as she returned a smile of her own. It’s crazy how things turned out in the end, but one thing for sure is:

 This is truly the best Valentine’s Day ever.

fin.

a/n: oh man, look at all this fluff back to back. I need to start writing and posting angst ones now.