We spent a lot of lunch breaks together after that. She was in a different department from me, but we saw each other frequently. We chatted about current events and fashion, occasionally going out shopping or to a café together. Over time we grew closer and people in the office came to regard us as best friends.
One spring evening we were walking together towards the train station.
"Mm, it's so nice out," said my friend, stretching her arms above her head as she walked. "I bet pretty soon it'll be warm enough to not need a jacket anymore."
"That would be lovely," I replied. "I love how the days are getting longer too."
"Ah, this must be the first time in a while you've left work while the sun was still up, huh," she said giving me a teasing smile. "You've been putting in so many late nights at work recently; your poor boyfriend is probably forgetting what you look like!"
"Oh hush. Deadlines are stricter over in marketing so I have to work hard. I still make sure to have time to see him. Speaking of which, he and I will be attending the company cherry blossom viewing party next week. Are you planning on going?"
"Um, I wasn't sure yet," she said.
"You should go!" I encouraged. "It'll be more fun if you're there. And you can meet my honey."
I wave as she approaches, winding her way through the crowd of increasingly-drunken businessmen.
"We saved you a seat," I say, patting the empty patch of blanket beside me.
We all stand and I introduce my boyfriend and my best friend to each other. They exchange greetings, and we all sit back down and start digging into the snacks.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," my friend begins. "She always talks glowingly of you, so I'd knew you'd be a wonderful person before I even met you."
"S-she does?" he stammers while beginning to blush, "I have also heard nothing but kind words about you. It's a pleasure as well."