Alpha Culinary Love

Chapter 42: Departure and Arrival

The bustling airport was filled with the hum of conversations, the rolling of suitcases, and the distant announcements over the intercom. I stood at the check-in counter, my suitcases by my side, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. Yura was next to me, her hand tightly gripping mine, as if letting go meant losing me forever. Beside her were her parents, Min-Jun and Min-Seo, their expressions a blend of pride and concern.

"I can't believe you're really leaving," Yura said, her voice tinged with sadness.

"I know," I replied, squeezing her hand. "But it's only for a month. I'll be back before you know it."

Min-Seo, Yura's mother, stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Jiyeon, please take care of yourself. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

"Of course, Mrs. Min-Seo. I'll be fine, I promise," I reassured her, giving her a warm hug.

Min-Jun, Yura's father, placed a comforting hand on Yura's shoulder. "Let her go, Yura. Jiyeon needs to do this. It's a great opportunity."

Yura pouted, looking like a child who had just been told she couldn't have her favorite toy. "I know, Dad, but it doesn't make it any easier."

I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll bring back lots of French recipes. Maybe even a few surprises."

Yura's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "You better."

As the final boarding call echoed through the terminal, I turned to Yura, feeling the weight of the moment. "I'll call you every day, I promise. And we'll video chat so it'll be like I'm right there with you."

She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "You better. And be careful, okay? Watch out for those French omegas. They might try to steal you away."

I laughed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I think I can handle them. Besides, no one could ever take your place."

With a final kiss and a wave, I made my way through security, turning back to see Yura standing with her parents, watching me go. It was hard to leave, but I knew this was an important step for both my career and our future.

The flight to France was long but uneventful. I spent most of it either dozing off or daydreaming about all the amazing food I would get to try and the skills I would learn. When the plane finally touched down, I felt a surge of excitement. I was in France, the culinary capital of the world.

I navigated my way through the airport, following the signs in both French and English, until I reached the exit where a driver holding a sign with my name on it was waiting. The drive to the culinary school was a blur of picturesque scenery and charming architecture. When we finally arrived, I was greeted by the sight of a beautiful old building that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a fairy tale.

The head of the school, Chef Dubois, met me at the entrance. He was a tall, imposing figure with a neatly trimmed beard and piercing blue eyes. Despite his intimidating appearance, his smile was warm and welcoming.

"Welcome, Jiyeon. We are thrilled to have you here," he said, shaking my hand firmly.

"Thank you, Chef Dubois. It's an honor to be here," I replied, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

He gave me a quick tour of the school, pointing out the different kitchens, classrooms, and dormitories. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and I couldn't wait to start my training. My dorm room was cozy and comfortable, with a large window that offered a stunning view of the gardens below.

After settling in, I decided to take a walk around the grounds to familiarize myself with my new surroundings. The gardens were filled with fragrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. As I strolled through the paths, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of it all. The colors, the scents, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze—it all felt like a dream.

"You're welcome," she replied. "Enjoy your meal, and if you need anything else, feel free to ask."

I nodded and entered the cafeteria, finding it relatively empty at this hour. I grabbed a tray and selected a few dishes, all of which looked and smelled delicious. After eating, I felt a bit more relaxed, the comfort of a good meal easing some of my homesickness.

I made my way back to my dorm, the halls quiet and still. My room was exactly as I had left it, a small but cozy space that now felt a little more like home. I set up my laptop on the desk and waited for the video call from Yura. Right on time, her face appeared on the screen, and I felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over me.

"Hey," I said, smiling broadly. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Yura replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "How was your first day?"

"It was good. Intense, but good," I said, recounting my day and the encounter with the students. "And guess what? I already had to fend off some admirers."

Yura raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Oh, really? Should I be worried?"

"Absolutely not," I laughed. "I made it very clear that I'm taken."

"Good," she said, her tone teasing but with an underlying seriousness. "I don't want anyone else stealing my Jiyeon."

"Don't worry, love. No one could ever take your place," I assured her, feeling the sincerity of my words.

We talked for a while longer, sharing stories and catching up. Despite the distance, the connection between us felt as strong as ever. Yura told me about her day, and we laughed about some of the silly things that had happened.

"I wish you were here," Yura said softly, her eyes reflecting the same longing I felt.

"Me too," I replied, reaching out to touch the screen as if I could somehow bridge the gap between us. "But I'll be back before you know it. And until then, we'll have our calls."

"Promise?" she asked, her voice a whisper.

"Promise," I said, feeling the weight of the promise settle in my heart.

Eventually, it was time to say goodnight. We lingered on the call, neither of us wanting to hang up, but finally, we had to.

"Goodnight, Jiyeon," Yura said, her voice soft and tender.

"Goodnight, Yura. I love you," I replied, my heart aching with the distance.

"I love you too," she said, and then the call ended, leaving me staring at the dark screen.

I sighed, closing my laptop and preparing for bed. The room felt emptier without her voice, but I knew this was just the beginning of my journey.

With Yura's words echoing in my mind, I drifted off to sleep.