The Christmas Meet-cute by Chie

A Generous Offer

Kagome's had it all planned since early November. Sure, they hadn’t dated that long, but it's Christmas. Her favourite holiday. The day of romance. And she's a hopeless romantic. 

So she books the fancy restaurant, plots a route to walk along afterwards so they can enjoy the Christmas lights, and places the order for the cake. Gets some champagne to go with it because why not. 

And then, one week before Christmas day he calls her up. Gives her a half-hearted rendition of "it's not you it's me" and leaves her hanging. She’s confused. She’s sad. And, yes, she’s a little angry. But after a bit of crying and a lot of mulling over things, Kagome finds her resolve.

She’s not going to let him ruin Christmas. She can stick to her plan. She doesn’t need a boyfriend to dine out or walk about the city or eat cake. She can still enjoy herself. Feel the romance. Alone. 

On Christmas day she puts on the pretty new dress she’s bought just for this Christmas date. She does her hair and takes care of the makeup. She splurges on a taxi. 

She’s humming a Christmas song under her breath as she strolls through the doors of the upscale restaurant, her lips curved in a smile. The smile falters, a little, at the commotion ahead.

A tall man in the business suit has raised his voice at the politely apologetic head waiter.

“What do you mean the reservation was cancelled?”

“We received a call to cancel the reservation earlier today. We have no further details than that. Please contact your friend, I’m sure they can better explain the situation.”

For a while, the two men simply stare at one another. Tension shimmers in the air. Then, the businessman turns away, tugging a phone out of his pocket.

Kagome shrinks away from him as she walks past, then beams at the head waiter.

“Hi! I have a reservation for HIgurashi.”

The waiter checks his leather folder, then looks up at Kagome and smiles.

“Yes, a table for two. Everything is in order. Will your companion be joining you later?”

“Ahh, no. Actually, it’s just going to be me,” Kagome tells him.

The head waiter gapes at her. “But... Ma’am, it’s Christmas!”

“Yes. I know,” Kagome replies cheerfully.

“We have a special themed menu for tonight,” the waiter says, meaningfully.

“That sounds lovely.”

“It’s designed for couples.”

Kagome’s eyes narrow. She has a reservation. She has every right to go and claim her table, even if she’s single on a romantic holiday. 

But there’s a gleam of pity in the head waiter’s eyes and Kagome can picture herself inside, surrounded by couples at all sides. How long will her cheer and confidence last, between the sneaky side-glances and hushed whispers from other diners?

Behind her comes a sound, close to a growl.

Kagome looks over her shoulder.

It’s the businessman, glaring at his phone. Guess he got a hold of his friend. Guess he hasn’t got a date either. Or a reservation. 

An idea strikes and Kagome doesn’t question it. She simply turns around and calls out.

“Excuse me?”

The businessman looks up, golden eyes bright as they meet hers. “Yes?”

Kagome swallows, her throat a little dry now. There’s a flutter in her stomach she tries to ignore.

“If you don’t have any plans for tonight, you could join me. The dinner’s on me.”

His eyebrow arches. His gaze is sharp and measuring and makes her heartbeat kick up.

“That’s a very generous offer,” he says, after a while. “But I do not wish to impose.”

Kagome’s both relieved and disappointed by his answer. But she tries again. They’re both at odds here, but maybe together they can make things right.

“Please. It’s Christmas. It would be good to have some company.”  

Something in his eyes softens and Kagome’s breath catches in her throat. He inclines his head.

“Very well. I'd be honoured.”