YEAR I ll February
Your life started in a satin-curtained hallway at 3:47 PM on a Sunday afternoon.
Meekly following behind Iemitsu's son as he guided you through the mansion known as the Vongola Headquarters, you nodded whenever he introduced you to a new wing of the residence. As a student burdened with financial difficulties from your studies, Iemitsu had been a godsend when he said he would put in a glowing recommendation for you at his son's place. You had never met Sawada Tsunayoshi in person until today, but the blonde man spoke of him so frequently, you already felt at ease with him.
You had donned your best clothes for the occasion — an informal orientation as Tsunayoshi had so kindly put it. He had insisted you come in whatever you felt most comfortable in, but it would have been so wrong to be dressed improperly. Your only regret was not breaking into your new heels which persistently chafed your skin. Smiling sheepishly, you adjusted them whenever the young man looked the other way.
"…and this will be your office."
He guided you into a newly-furnished room that smelt faintly of new paint. The brunet cocked his head to let you know that you had his full permission to explore the area. He watched with delight as you stepped forward and ran your hands over the glossy — and no doubt, expensive — material of what would be your office desk. You then sat down and spun around in the ridiculously comfortable swivel chair before stopping to admire the tall bookshelf to your left.
"Do you like it?" the nineteen year old asked, a hint of nervousness audible in his voice. His father had mentioned that this room was to be tailored to your liking, so he had acquiesced to the demand even though he wasn't familiar with your preferences.
"I love it," you whispered. "Thank you, Tsunayoshi-san…"
"Just call me Tsuna, please," he insisted for the umpteenth time with a laugh. When he noticed that you had finished looking around, he ushered the two of you outside. Your heart filled with relief as Tsuna seemed as happy to have you as you were to have this job. He extended a hand to you as if he read your mind. "I'm looking forward to working with you, (Name)."
Your hand met his in a firm handshake.
"I'll be sure to put forth my best work in your future projects and endeavours, Tsuna," you replied, the casual use of his given name sounding foreign on your tongue. Once he let go of your hand, you gave your boss a polite bow. He mentioned something feeling old and embarrassed whenever he was bowed to, but you could barely hear him over the thumping of your heart — of happiness to come. Or so you had hoped.