Disclaimer: I do not own Mai Hime/Otome
Note: Not beta-ed.
-I would like to send my deepest apologies to my country men who are indirectly offended by my story. I plan to give my note that I based this story on the movie, One More Chance, on this 2nd chapter. The 1st chapter was just a prologue. For me, I will begin the story here. Again, I apologize to Nekeneg and give him/her my gratitude as well.
-This story is based on Star Cinema's One More Chance. (Not entirely based; I did a few changes which is my own idea)
Flashback, earlier that day (8:26am)
"Fujino! Fujino! FUJINO!"
Everyone in the office was quiet, they all well know how complicated it is when their boss is furious, especially this early.
"She's not yet here sir. Is there a problem?"
Natsuki rose from her cubicle and faced their boss calmly.
"Where is she?! It's almost 8:30! She's late!"
Right after the word 'late' was said, the glass door opened, revealing a panting Shizuru. All heads were turned to her. Seeing everyone, including her boss and Natsuki's attention was on her, she closed her eyes, breathed in and out and composed herself.
She's ready to face the beast.
"If you don't find my instructions in this office, acceptable, you're free to go!"
"I'm so sorry sir."
"Sorry won't do, Fujino! What happened to you?! You weren't like this before! Please tell me you finished the design for the meeting this lunch!"
"Tell me!!"
"Y… Yes sir." 'Almost'
"Good. Now, I want you to remodel all of these."
"Bu… But si… But sir, it took me three nights and three days to finish those. I have to do it again?!"
"I'm not satisfied with these. Your due date doesn't change. It will still be on the next day. To be honest I was happy you managed to finish it before then but what kind of design was that!! It was lame! Don't think I'm rude, I'm just doing work. You're dismissed. Finish that. Be a professional architect."
"Yes sir."
Natsuki watched as Shizuru went out from the boss' office. She rose from her chair to talk and comfort her. She heard everything; she knew that Shizuru had not yet finished her model for this lunch.
"Shizuru"
No answer.
"Hey!"
Shizuru kept on walking, not minding Natsuki who was catching up to her.
"Wait!"
Natsuki managed to grab her arm, which made her stop and turn but failed to make her answer to her call.
"Shizuru… Are you alright?"
She saw concern on her Natsuki's eyes. Her anger had subsided at the sight but still, frustration won't go.
Natsuki immediately read Shizuru. She knew what the older girl was thinking. She knew what to do.
"Don't worry, I'll fix it."
The tan haired girl's eyes widen after her mind just registered what the younger girl said but before she could complain, Natsuki was already retreating.
"Shizuru-san, Shizuru-san"
She opened her eyes slowly. Her mind was foggy and she's having a headache.
"Uh."
"Shizuru-san, your meeting is about to start. Are you alright? Looks like you fell asleep."
'I fell… asleep. Oh no.'
"Ara, what time is it?"
She was nervous. What happened? Why did she fell to slumber?
'Oh'
She remembered. After Natsuki ran after her, she went to the cafeteria to get some tea then returned to finish her work. She was too busy thinking on how to save her work which her boss asked her to remake. Her 'almost' finished design for the meeting this lunch was completely forgotten.
"Fujino! Come here! Clients have arrived!"
Her boss' voice snapped her out of her reverie. It's now or never. She grabbed the roll of paper lying at the right side of her table with the label 'Omc design; due on 11/29; 12pm' and went into the meeting room.
'I guess this is goodbye.'