Eyes slightly squinted, Byakuya Kuchiki stared at the red cross on his calendar, and sighed. Eight hours until the would have to negotiate a deal of utmost importance, if not the most important in the history of his company.

Kuchiki Estates™ had been under his command for two years now, though its former leader, Ginrei, still had an eye on everything Byakuya did. He enjoyed his job as a CEO even though it came with huge responsibility and meant working overtime every day.

Usually, that was no problem for Byakuya – he had no family on his own that he would have to make time for yet, so he could pour all his energy into the family business he inherited.

Today, however, he felt the burden of being responsible for the company's success weighing heavily on his shoulders. The 29-year-old was to meet the leader of Wandenreich Inc., Mr Jugram Haschwalth, a potential customer of great importance.

The meeting could yield millions if it went right. And there was his grandfather's voice echoing in his head, reminding him – "don't blow it!"

He would try his best. But first he needed a cup of coffee.

As if on cue, Renji Abarai entered his office. As his right-hand-man he would console Byakuya every morning before the work day started, to discuss strategies, tasks and financial plans.

Also, he was his much needed supplier of coffee ever since Byakuya had to discharge his former secretary.

Turned out she was stealing not only mugs but also toilet paper; of course Byakuya had to let her go for such intolerable behavior.

"Mornin'" Renji mumbled, sipping his coffee, "doing alright, Kuchiki, Sir?" Byakuya didn't answer and instead loaded Renji's free hand with files. "Work through those. I will need them later" he briefly informed his employee.

"Ah, Wandenreich?" Renji figured as he skimmed the papers, "almost forgot this was happening today. Well, lots of turmoil lately… is she here already?"

Byakuya looked up. "She? Who?" he wondered. "The new girl!" Renji enthused, "the new secretary! Should be her first day today, or isn't it. Oi, Kuchiki, have you forgotten about that?"

Byakuya had indeed. His mind had been on the Wandenreich deal for over a month now, so how would he manage to make time for petty business like new staff?

"I hope she's hot" Renji then bluntly blurted out, and Byakuya almost choked on his coffee. He cleared his throat and chose to remind Renji about his grandfather's policy. "No relationships among employees, Abarai."

Renji looked disappointed for a second, but quickly remembered he didn't actually care. "Well, secret romance sounds intriguing, too, so…" he shrugged and made his way to the door. "If there's nothing else to discuss I'll start working on these papers now" he said, "and I'll see if she's here already so I can instruct her a little…"

Byakuya shook his head. "No need for you to bother with this. She will be my secretary, so I will take care of it. You just make sure these files are impeccable."

Renji rolled his eyes before turning away, still sporting a smug grin, as if he was up to no good. Byakuya didn't like the look on his face at all.

"No romance!" he shouted after him.

The door snapped shut and he was alone with his thoughts and worries about the big deal.

This was going to be a stressful day, he could feel it.