Work Text:
Christmas Love
Working at the Starbucks in the mall is always hectic, particularly around the holiday season. Lucky for us, we always got the best view of the mall Santa display across the way. This was tactical for parents wanting warm coffee and filling their children up on hot chocolate while waiting in line to see Santa. So every year, we would also give free drinks to the staff running it as a show of goodwill. Christmas spirit and everything.
Me on the other hand. I hated this time of year. It wasn't that I hated Christmas or anything. But the mall was always busy with people buzzing around to find last minute Christmas gifts, children running rampant and screaming at the top of their lungs, and way too much Christmas music. The complaints were never ending from grumpy customers who had nothing better to do than grumble about their coffee being too hot, or not enough whipped cream, too much sugar…blah blah blah. Maybe it was because I was an adult now, but I couldn't help but find that each year around Christmas time, my enthusiasm for the holiday grew dimmer and dimmer. It was enough to make a scrooge out of me, particularly during work hours.
This year was the same as any other. I worked with my best friend, Elle. She and I had both just finished up college and we were still working at the Starbucks for a time until we were able to take the steps to start our careers. But honestly we were struggling to get through the holidays after all the hardships we had faced earlier in the year. Even still, Elle was particularly excited about the holidays. She loves Christmas and spoiling everyone around her with presents, oftentimes breaking her bank to do so. When the mall Santa display started setting up, she was particularly enthused.
“Oh my gosh! It's so pretty, aren't you excited?” Elle exclaimed, bouncing excitedly. I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes playfully at her enthusiasm.
“Oh, loads! I can't wait for the headaches from screaming children for 8 straight hours.” I said, my voice slick with sarcasm.
“Oh, come on. It will be exciting! I hear some of the staff are particularly attractive this year.” she said, winking at me.
“Attractive? Attractive how? They wear candy cane striped tights and pointy hats. How is that attractive?”
“Hey, just because they're dressed as elves doesn't mean they can't be attractive otherwise.” She chuckled. I let out a sigh, honestly yearning for my shift to be over.
“Yeah well, even an attractive elf can't fill me with enough Christmas Spirit to get through today.” I stated, just as one of the elves from the Santa attraction came over to stand in line. I didn't pay much attention, as I was cleaning the espresso machine at the time. Elle was working the register but asked me to take over so she could use the restroom. I stepped up to the register and asked what the customer wanted without even looking up. “What can I get for you?” His voice was so deep and smooth that it startled me. My eyes started up from the screen on the register and my jaw dropped. The man I was now looking at was probably the most beautiful human being on the planet.
“Oh, hi! Yes could I get an…actually I don't really drink coffee. Could you recommend something?” His words were warm and tender, like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. The man standing before me had the face of an angel, doe-like brown eyes, pretty freckles that speckled his cheekbones and across the bridge of his nose, shoulder length blonde hair that framed his face, accompanied by a deep voice laced with a thick Australian accent that made me weak in the knees. And yes, he was wearing a pointy hat with elongated elf ears to match. In fact, the cosmetic team did a bang up job, because they looked authentic if I didn't know any better.
“Uh…oh, oh right! Yes, if you prefer hot teas, I would suggest a London Fog. Or perhaps a Chai latte. We also have fruit freshers.” I managed to say, after marvelling at his beauty. I certainly wasn't expecting such a voice for him. It made me weak in the knees and my ovaries burst, to say the least. He flashed me a brilliant smile and looked down before giving me direct eye contact.
“Sure. How about a London Fog. That sounds interesting.” He said and my heart melted as I smiled back at him. I nodded and typed it into the register.
“Sure thing. I'll get it started for you. Anything else needed today?” I asked, biting my lip nervously. He stared at the menu for another moment and then looked back at me.
“Ahh….naur. To be honest, I kind of just wanted an excuse to talk to you.” He replied and I felt my cheeks heat up with his words. An excuse? To talk to me?
“Hmm, really? Is there time for romance in the North Pole?” I chuckled, comping his drink since he was such a sweetheart. His cheeks tinted red and I could tell he wasn't used to this kind of thing.
“Of course, there's a lot of romance to be had in the North Pole. Love is a part of spreading Christmas cheer, you know.” He said, winking at me. This boy’s charm was off the chart. “Oh! Sorry, what do I owe you?” He asked and I turned to hand him his drink, having been making it while we were talking.
“Nothing. Think of it as a part of spreading Christmas cheer.” I said, looking into his beautiful brown eyes as he reached out and our fingers brushed against each other intimately as he reached up to take it.
“Ohh…well thank you so much for your generosity. How shall I repay you?” He said as he took a gentle sip of his drink. “Oh, wow! That's hot!” He exclaimed, breathing in through gritted teeth. “But incredibly tasty!” I chuckled in response.
“Careful! It is pretty hot at first. But there's no need to repay me. Just …come back again, okay?” I said he smiled at me once again.
“Certainly. Miss…uh,” he prompted me to tell him my name and I couldn't help but smile at his cheeky antics.
“Julz. You can call me Julz. And you are?” I asked and he was about to answer when someone called out to him from the Christmas set up.
“Hey, yo Felix! Whatcha got bro? We're about to start up for the day bro!” A man with another Australian accent wearing a fluffy red Santa suit called from across the shopping center.
“Ahh, Bang Chan…” he said, turning to cup his hands around his mouth to call back, “Be right there!” He gave me one final look before heading back over in a hurry. “Felix. My name is Felix. I'll come back again.” I waved him off as I watched him leave. It was a magical encounter with an elf from the North Pole that started bringing just a spark of Christmas spirit back into my life.
For the next several weeks, Felix would visit me everyday that I worked. It seems being a Christmas elf was a full time job. At least, for the season. He never ordered coffee, but would always try my recommendations and we would talk about this and that. We got to know each other quite well in those few weeks. We even exchanged numbers at some point and he would text me daily. By the time Christmas Eve came, I was sure I was already falling for him.
“So…Merry Christmas Eve Julz. I'm sure you have some magical plans for after work?” Felix asked, coming into our cafe before his shift started.
“Merry Christmas Eve Felix! And…well, no. I don't really have any plans after work.” I told him truthfully. My relatives and friends were all too busy getting stuff ready for Christmas day and tending to their own plans. I didn't really have much desire to do anything this year.
“What? Why not?” He asked, looking rather surprised.
“Well…everyone I know is busy. Besides, I haven't really been much in the Christmas spirit this year.”
“Well….that's a problem. If you lose your Christmas spirit, you run the risk of being in the naughty list.” He said and I chuckled, not really taking him seriously. “Hey…if you have no plans, let's go on a date? I'd love to show the true meaning of Christmas.” My eyes widened, and my mind went to a naughty place when he said that.
“The…true meaning of Christmas?” I asked and he saw my face and laughed.
“Oh come on, I don't mean anything like that. Purest of intentions, I assure you!” He said, blushing so hard that his freckles shown bright through his makeup.
“I…Felix, I would love to spend time with you tonight. Text me when you're off?” I said, accepting his offer, probably a little more hastily than I wanted to.
“Yeah? Sounds like a date. Trust me, you’ll know when I'm off work. We’ve got a performance tonight. I hope you're able to watch.” He said and I couldn't help but blush.
Felix went back to work and I continued on with my busy day. It was Christmas Eve so everyone was last minute Christmas shopping and it was a madhouse for most of the day. Around eight o’clock that evening as we were shutting down, Felix came sprinting in from across the shopping center and almost launched himself over our counter if he hadn't put his hands out to stop himself. He was nearly out of breath and looked distressed. My eyes widened as he tried to catch his breath enough to speak.
“F-Felix?” I asked in shock.
“Quick! How good are you at learning songs and choreography?” He managed to say. My jaw dropped in response.
“W-what? Well, decent. Why? Where's this all coming from?”
“We have a Christmas performance tonight for the mall goers and our main female elf got tackled by a kid and hurt her back. She can't perform! We need a fill in, stat!” he exclaimed.
“Oh my god! Is she okay?” I asked, pulling the counter up and coming around to steady him.
“She’s fine, but she can't possibly perform. Please, can you help us? I know you're tired from a hard day's work, but I promise I'll make it worth your while.” He pleaded, his eyes round with sincerity. How could I say no?
“I…Felix, I don't know…why me?” I asked, wondering why of all people he came to me for this.
“Because you're my only hope.” He said, placing his hands on my shoulders and looking me in the eyes intensely.
“I…okay. Elle! I'm leaving early! I'm sorry!” I said taking off my apron and throwing it on the countertop.
“Yes! Thank you so much!” Felix exclaimed, taking my hand and leading me back out to the crowded hallways of the mall. He was quite impressive, weaving us through the shoulder to shoulder crowds and making it to the back of the makeshift stage that was built for the Christmas performance that night. He handed me a pretty elf outfit and told me to change quickly. I looked around and there didn't seem to be any changing areas anywhere. I looked at him confused.
“Umm…Felix, where should I go to change?” I asked. He bit his lip.
“Do you trust me?” He asked and I nodded reluctantly.
“Follow me.” He said leading me to a small three walled corner built into the back of the stage. “Let me block the view and you change here. I promise I won't peak…” my eyes widened and I just stared at him for a moment. “Please, there's no time.” I nodded and proceeded to get dressed. Felix turned around and blocked the view for me. I needed a little help with my zipper and had to ask him for help. He cleared his throat and turned round to see me holding my hair away from my neck so he could zip me up. He swallowed hard and reached out, placing one hand on my hip, causing me to squeak as he did so. He zipped my dress and helped me with my wig and makeup. “There…you make a cute elf. Look.” He said, opening the camera on his phone and taking a photo of me. He handed me his phone to show me and my eyes widened with surprise. Was that really me?
“Wow…Felix, I look amazing!” I said, looking up at him. He smiled so big that it reached his eyes. After a solid minute of him just staring at me, I was starting to get antsy under his gaze.
“Um…Felix? What about the song?” I asked, clearing my throat to get his attention. His eye popped with realization.
“Ahh! Right! Here's the lyrics. You know this one?” He asked, pulling up “All I want for Christmas is you,” and I nodded.
“Yeah, it's a classic.” I said.
“Wonderful! I knew I chose the right person! How about dancing. Let me show you the steps.” He replied, showing me the choreography and I did my best to learn it as quickly as possible. He had to correct me and reposition me a few times. He certainly wasn't afraid to manhandle me, that was certain. Just learning the choreography was enough to make my heart nearly explode. He was so beautiful, especially up close and personal.
Once we had rehearsed a little, it was time for my big debut. “Don't worry…I'll be performing this number with you. If you get nervous, just look at me, ok?” He said and I nodded, swallowing hard.
We put on a fierce performance and I did the best I could to keep up with him. Once we took our bows and the show was over, we changed out of our work clothes and he waited for me outside the restrooms. “You did an amazing job tonight. Thank you so much for helping out last minute. I'll make sure to get you reimbursed for your time.” He said as I took him in in awe. I had never seen him without the elf costume before and he was magnificent. I gasped when I saw him. “You um…you ok?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
“Huh? Oh! Yes, I'm wonderful…so, are we still on for hanging out?” I asked and he smirked, offering me his arm as we walked.
“You mean our date? Yes, of course. I would say it's the least I could do for all of your help, but that would be a lie. I've been looking forward to spending time with you.” He said and my heart fluttered.
“You know, you're quite the performer. It's like you do this kind of thing professionally.” I said and he grinned and chuckled.as we made our way to the park down the street. It was cold and starting to snow as we stopped in front of the large lot tree in the center of the park.
“Professionally? I wouldn't say I'm a professional performer or anything. But, it is something I enjoy doing. It's all part of the job.” He said as he adjusted the scarf around his neck, his shoulder length blonde hair blowing gently with the passing breeze, collecting snowflakes atop his beanie hat.
“Yes well, you're quite good at it. It was fun. A Christmas miracle that we pulled it off last minute.” I replied.
“You are the miracle. My Christmas miracle, Julz. Do you realize that?” He asked. I was a bit taken off guard by this comment and I looked at him, the lights from the tree casting brightly on his skin and long white peacoat.
“Felix…” I said softly.
“You said you didn't feel the Christmas Spirit this year, but still you helped a friend when they needed it the most without a hint of hesitation. What did you feel in that moment?” He asked and I thought about his question.
“I felt …warm and happy. Like I was making a difference for someone I love.” I responded and his eyes widened. Shit! Did I just tell him I was in love with him?
“I…t-that’s what the Christmas spirit is. Spreading joy and hope to those who need it. Your performance did that. Not just for me, but for everyone out in the audience watching you. But especially for me…” he said and my heart lurched out of my chest. Had I really forgotten? The meaning of Christmas is to spread compassion and hope to others around you. “The reason we give gifts, is not the receiving the gift itself. It's the meaning of hope and love behind it.” He said, pulling out a small box with a little bow on top of it and holding it out to me. My eyes began to sting as I had to hold back tears, being unsuccessful and feeling one stream down my cheek.
“F-Felix…thank you. You’ve given me so much already. Thank you for everything. For the gift…and greatest one of all.” I said, reaching into my coat pocket and pulling out a small box of my own and handing it to him.
“And what's that?” He asked as we exchanged gifts. I opened the small box he handed me. A necklace with a gold chain and a small elf charm on it. It was perfect. He opened his. A keychain with a London Fog charm from Starbucks. He smiled warmly and held it up to the lights.
“For helping me find my Christmas Spirit again, that I had long forgotten. “ I said softly as I heard sleigh bells in the distance. He put the keychain back in the box and tucked it into his pocket. He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me against him, pressing his warm, perfect lips to mine in a passionate kiss.
“That's my job…But I'll admit, I fell for you too. Thank you for showing me love this Christmas. Now I know what it means to truly love someone. Well …my ride is here.” He said against my lips and pulled away.
“W-what? Oh my god!” I exclaimed, my heart racing as a sleigh with eight reindeer landed smoothly ten feet from us. Inside the sleigh were seven men, one was the guy dressed in a red Santa suit who had called out to Felix that fateful day in the mall. Wait, what was going on here? “Hold on, what's happening?!” I exclaimed.
Felix grinned and pulled off his hat, fixing it on top of my head securely. I was baffled by the fact that he still had his elf ears on…hold on a second. “Julz, meet Bang Chan, A.K.A Santa and his Christmas crew elves. Would you like to continue our date?” He asked, hopping up on the sleigh and holding his hand out to me. My jaw dropped in disbelief.
“You…you were a real elf this whole time?!” I exclaimed taking his hand and he chuckled, introducing me to the rest of the elves Minho, Hyunjin, Seungmin, Jeongin, Changbin, and Jisung. They greeted me and snickered as Felix pulled me against him to brace me while Bang Chan took off into the night.
“Are you ready for this? Merry Christmas, my Christmas Love”. He said, pressing his lips against mine once again as the sleigh flew off into the stillness of the moonlight that Christmas Eve night.