Work Text:
There was so much to do. There was always so much to do, especially in this busy holiday season. You pitied the retailers -- their work was stressful because they had to deal with people. At the very least, you loved your job. You worked for a nonprofit agency to deliver gifts to children whose parents could not afford them.
You were very passionate about your job. It was hard getting donations throughout the year, but near the holiday season, a lot of kindhearted people gave you money or donations in the form of presents. However, that was not to say that you had it easy -- it was quite the opposite.
There were many avenues you took for arranging these donations. You took your work to public places, such as malls and large institutions. You also took your work to those who have donated in the past, and you did your best to spread awareness of your charity through social media and in-person contacts.
You headed toward an office that you were familiar with, your mother’s acupuncture center. She told you that the young doctor who worked there had a love for plants, and he grew some beautiful poinsettias that he had in his office. You were wondering if he could point you to the source and try to get them to donate to the gala this year -- the proceeds from the gala and the banquet would go toward purchasing toys, art supplies, games, clothes, and other items for children.
As you opened the door to the office, you already noticed the poinsettias, bright red and white, absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, Dr. Minamino was busy, but the secretary was more than happy to take a message. She said that she would have him call you, and while she did not wish to promise anything, she mentioned that the doctor was very compassionate and would probably donate his efforts.
You received a call later this afternoon from him. He had such a smooth voice, and he said that he would be more than happy to provide for the gala. You wondered if it would be possible, given the time constraints, but he said that it wouldn’t be a problem.
You met him the day of the gala, and you were legitimately surprised -- your mother said that he was tall and handsome, but you had not expected such beauty and grace from a modern-day man. When he addressed you, his eyes were soft and warm, and his voice was as smooth as silk. Perhaps you would have been more smitten with him, but you hardly had the time.
“Thank you so much,” you told him as you gathered some volunteers to unload the poinsettias. “Please stay for the gala. We have a spectacular performance from the city’s orchestra and choir; it’s the least we could offer for your generous gift.”
“I think I’d like that,” he said. “I do have some family friends who will be attending, so I may join them.”
You showed him to his table and continued on with your assignments, ushering attendants, taking notes, and making sure everything was in order.
The gala went well; there were many givers here, those who dropped off countless gifts and those who wrote generous checks for the children your organization would serve. You were happy that the event was such a success, but even when the last guest left you knew you had a lot of cleaning up to do.
You saw Dr. Minamino as your volunteers were about to leave, the ballroom just as clean as it was when you found it. He was waiting at the door for you, all of the leftover poinsettias already packed up in the van he drove.
“Dr. Minamino,” you said as you locked the door, “thank you for your lovely flowers. They really did add the ambiance and color that I wanted for the stage. I had many compliments about them, and I referred those donors to you. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” he replied. He walked with you toward the parking lot. “Shuichi is fine, though. I’m only a doctor when I’m in my office.”
“But even when you’re not in your office, you seem very eager to help. That’s what doctors do, after all. They help people from all walks of life, whatever the need.”
“And what about you, Miss _____? You’ve dedicated your life to this cause. That’s nothing to be overlooked.”
You gave him a small laugh. “Well, it’s just a passion of mine. All children should feel secure -- they should have gifts during the holidays and school supplies when classes start, don’t you think?”
“The average person would think that, but there are so few who act on that ideal. I admire your dedication to your work. I suppose we’re not so different in our ambitions, after all, hm?”
“It’s very kind of you to put it that way.”
“Only because it’s true.”
“You know, there are a lot of things I’ve thought about doing for a career, but this one just seemed right. I’m sure you feel that same about your acupuncture business.”
“Yes, I’ve always had a passion for herbal remedies…”
“You would. I see you have the same passion for plants.” You had reached the parking lot, standing right outside of the event location, next to the gate that was decorated with pines and wreaths. There was a great archway where guests could pass through underneath.
Shuichi’s eyes flickered upward.
You followed his gaze, only to see a cleverly placed sprig of mistletoe tied right above the both of you, secured with red ribbon. Immediately, you blushed, about to stammer something, when Shuichi leaned in and kissed you gently on the cheek, his lips warm against your skin.
He pulled away with a smile on his face. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss _____. I hope we may see each other again in the future?”
“Y-yes,” you said, in complete disbelief. “I look forward to it.”
“You have my number.” His invitation for you to call him was so smooth that you could barely respond. Instead, he continued, “Goodnight, Miss _____.” He then walked toward his vehicle without so much as a glance backward.
When you got home, you picked up the phone, wondering if it was too soon to call. But he made you feel so warm and happy inside, that you decided you were just being silly about it all. You dialed his number.
“This is Shuichi.”
“Hi, Shuichi. This is _____. I’m sorry if I’m calling too late.”
“Not at all. I tend to be a night owl. Is everything all right?”
“Oh, yes. Everything’s fine. I was just thinking about you. I’m free tomorrow if you want to go out and grab a cup of coffee or something.”
“Tomorrow at 10? Cafe on 64th street and Main?”
“It’s a date.”