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Title: Awaken Memories
Fandom: Original Fiction
Summary: [Sequel to Christmas Miracles May Happen]
[This story was written for 2022 February’s Yaoi Otaku Forums Writing Challenge. This month’s theme - Trip Down on Memory Lane.]
Today’s is chief Marude’s birthday, and for one certain blond, it is rather an important occasion for which he carefully prepared. So, will his hard-work pays-off, and what he may learn about his adored chief? Read and find out.
This month’s(February’s) theme: Trip Down on Memory Lane
3 given words: cologne, machine, guard
Word count: 1071
Click here to read
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives. Perhaps, for anyone else, February 28th may be an average day. But for one certain blond, it is an important day. Evans even has marked this day in the calendar and set a reminder on his phone a week. No, it's not dealing with another deadline. Today is chief Marude’s birthday.
Of course, he could give his gift during the surprise party. Yet, Evans wishes to give it personally and without being afraid of drawing unwanted attention or embarrassing not only himself but his adored boss too.
But for now, before leaving for work, he strokes his beloved Sultan’s fur and checks twice whenever he hasn't forgotten about the small gift bag.
Some time passes by. As the sunlight brightens the office, Evans starts to feel sleepy. Perhaps, staying awake and thinking about all possible worst scenarios during the night wasn't the best idea. So, it can’t be helped, then. He has to rely on the third cup of espresso in the row.
After stretching out, the blond goes to the coffee machine. For the better or worse, on the way, he encounters a familiar secretary, who seems to be searching for something while cheerfully humming.
When the brunette turns around, she addresses Evans, “Good afternoon, Mr. Jones. How are you today?”.
“Fine, I guess… I just need another shot to keep me going.” — He replies without hiding the tired voice.
As the coffee machine fills the cup, May cracks a smile and reminds in an uplifting tone, “Anyway, hopefully, you haven't forgotten about the party tonight. So, I'll see you there.”.
However, just before she walks away, she gets stopped by Evans's voice, “Wait!… Um, if the chief is free at the moment? I need to ask him something important.”.
‘‘The chief Marude is in an important meeting right now. So, I suggest you not disturb him at the moment. But I’ll let you know when he will be free. Anyway, I’ll see you in a bit.’’ — May briefly explains before leaving.
A few hours pass by. This is it, the moment of truth. Or so, Evans thinks to himself as he enters the chief’s office while holding the small gift bag behind his back.
‘‘Good afternoon, Evans. You wanted to discuss something, right?’’ — The chief Marude warmly greets him. However, upon noticing how the blond holds his hands behind his back and avoids facing him, concerns the older man, ‘‘Did anything happen at work?’’.
Evans only shakes his head. After gathering enough courage, he places the gift bag on the desk, ‘‘Happy Birthday, sir!’’.
At first, Marude fixates his gaze on him. Soon enough, it changes into a gentle look.
‘‘Thank you so much, Evans. But you didn’t need to do this.’’ — The chief replies.
While he takes the content of the gift bag, his subordinate observes him with impatience. After taking out the amber-colored box and an envelope tied with the ribbon, the dark-haired man widens his eyes and loses his speech.
‘That’s it, I’m in deep trouble this time! Perhaps, I should start to look for a new job too… Damn, but who gonna need someone like me?’ — Evans wonders in fear. Yet, he tries to look calm despite having countless terrible scenarios in his head. Lastly, he closes his eyes and waits.
Suddenly, his guard is caught by feeling how someone’s hand pats his hair. After shakily opening his eyes, Evans feels how the heat rushes to his cheeks.
Just when the blonde began to get used to this unexpected gesture, Marude with-draws his hand.
‘Perhaps, at least, he slightly liked his present… That’s a relief, maybe?’ — Or so, wonders Evans.
‘‘I never expected to see it ever again. It sure does bring memories… Do you know what this is, Evans?’’ — Marude comments while holding the box of expensive cologne.
‘‘No, sir…’’ — Instantly, the younger man answers.
‘‘How many times I’ve told you that you can call me by my name when we are alone? It’s alright. Or do think that I’m already an old man?’’ — The chief calmly explains.
‘‘No, sir, -er, I mean, Jean…’’ — The blond corrects himself in a slightly embarrassed tone. Of course, maybe it is the chief’s given the privilege to only his close friends or family. Yet, Evans feels that being honored like this means that the chief trusts him enough. So, it can’t be more than that, right? After all, his feelings are one-sided. Or so, Evans convinced himself.
But for now, Jean addresses him, ‘‘See? That wasn’t so hard, was it? Anyway, I’ll tell you one story, which no one aside from my mother knows about. Back in the day when I was a young lad, it was my father’s favorite brand, and he only used it on special occasions. However, one day I decided to use it as well. Of course, I knew that I might get into trouble if I use it without his permission or knowledge. But I did it anyway. At first, I didn’t understand why my girlfriend was coughing and covering her mouth. In the end, our date. Once the date was over, my mother asked me whenever I used my father’s cologne, and I denied it. But she saw through my lies and told me that sprayed too much of it. Gladly, my father never found out about it. Yet, ever since then, I asked him how to properly use it. So, that’s why now I was surprised to see this brand again after such a long time.’’.
For sure, Evans feels happy to learn something new about Jean’s past. However, he tries to contain his excitement.
‘‘By the way, are you free this Saturday? I was thinking, whenever would you like to go for a friendly dinner? Besides, it would be a great chance to put your present to good use, don’t you think?’’ — The older man suggests.
Such an offer nearly makes Evans’s heart jump from his chest. ‘Stay calm, just stay calm, you fool!’ — He tells himself. ‘‘Eh?! Well… I… I have nothing planned… yet.’’ — He shyly replies.
‘‘Excellent! Then, should I pick around eight?’’ — Jean asks.
In the end, he is thrilled that his adored chief asks him to hang out. However, it still feels like a dream, and maybe soon his cat should wake him up any time soon. Perhaps, this time, he can finally confess his feelings. Or so, Evan hopes.
