Disclaimer: I don't own skip beat or any of its characters. It's an AU story.
Bond of Love: Chapter 04
"Love brings pain along but it's the only available remedy to heal your broken heart"
Kyoko stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the reception area and smiled at the young lady as she approached her. She greeted her cheerfully.
"Hi, my name is Mogami Kyoko. I'm supposed to start my job today."
"Oh Miss Mogami, nice to meet you. You are just in time. Mr. Hizuri just arrived a few minutes ago." The receptionist seemed to be quite amiable. Kyoko's mood lightened up and she relaxed as her mind released tension.
"Great! It's nice to meet you too. Please call me Kyoko" Kyoko smiled brightly as they shook hands.
"My name is Amamiya Chiori and you can call me Chiori" she smiled back.
"Mr Sawara will orient you about everything you need to know" Chiori said politely as she led her to a cabin adjacent to the CEO's office.
Kyoko nodded.
Takenori Sawara who'd interviewed her before stood up and greeted her with a radiant smile. Persona of the middle aged man clearly reflected professionalism.
Chiori excused herself and Kyoko thanked her before she went out and left them alone.
"Would you like to have a cup of tea or coffee my dear?" Sawara-san asked.
"No thank you" Kyoko politely declined the offer with a smile.
"Okay let's get started then shall we?" the older man said as he started to explain about the job and gave her a brief introduction of her boss to be.
Kyoko learned that her boss Hizuri Kuon, was 34 years eligible bachelor who'd taken over his father's business as CEO few years ago. The way Sawara-san described him, it seemed to Kyoko like he wasn't a bad person but punctual, a person who hated being unprofessional and had no place for such sort of lazy people in his office.
She also learned that he was allergic to women and had built a strong barrier around him to protect himself from the clingy creatures. It made her want to laugh so hard but she bit her lower lip to sweep away the fit of laughter. Was he like an advanced version of 'touch me not plant'? It really made her curious since she was a woman too and his new manager so how was he going to treat her?
'Don't come near me or else you'll be fired' something like that? She wondered.
After the older man was done talking, he asked looking at the petite youngster. "Do you have any questions dear?" essence of politeness in his tone melted Kyoko's heart.
"No, thank you. Everything is clear. Thank you for your help" Kyoko beamed at him with a tint of red decorating her beautiful cheeks.
"Great then you are all set to go" Sawara-san said and called using the intercom to inform Mr. Hizuri that he was done with the orientation and then instructed her to go to the adjacent room.
Kyoko nodded. "You are not coming with me?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No dear, boss wishes to meet you alone. Now go, he's waiting for you."
"Oh okay thanks." Kyoko said as bowed to him and she went to the glass door, knocking it lightly.
"Come in" a deep as well as familiar voice came and her heart skipped a beat oddly.
"That voice. I know that voice…." She thought as her mind took a reverse turn and went back to her beloved college professor. Her heart bounced hysterically and her feet refused to move.
Tsuruga-sensei…..
"Please come in…." the similar voice helped to pull her out of her traumatic thoughts and she shook her head as she opened the door and went in.
"Hello, Ms Mogami. How are you? My name is Hizuri Kuon. Starting today, I'll be your boss. I hope we'll get along very well"
Kyoko stared at the man who'd greeted her and her face colored a mixture of disappointment and sadness as she bowed to him.
Kyoko's POV:
I was happy I applied for the job in Hizuri Corp. It was a nice place. I immediately felt comfortable when I entered the building. The building was luxurious and I felt great and warm because the working staff seemed cooperative and friendly so I instantly relaxed and nervousness that I felt earlier faded away.
The receptionist was a kind lady. I was glad I found a nice person. I guess I'd have to thank Takarada-san later for recommending me here but I was surprised to get the job right away after Sawara-san interviewed me a week ago. It was one of the top Companies after all and I didn't expect them to choose me at all. I was shocked when he called me to inform that I'd been selected.
Chiori-chan led me to Sawara-san who instructed me about my job. He told me what I had to do. I had to do everything precisely whatever my boss would tell me to do because I was appointed as his manager. He especially emphasized on being punctual as my boss disliked being late. The working hours started at 9.00 sharp. Since I was an early morning person, it wasn't a big deal for me.
The way Sawara-san portrayed my boss, I seriously wanted to laugh right there. My boss was shy who didn't like to be around women. Why? Wasn't I a woman myself then why did he choose me to be his manager in the first place when he was allergic to women? I had to be around him all the time as it was requirement of my job then why? It was seriously enigmatic. No offense, but he could have chosen a male candidate for this post if he was irritated to be in women's company. The way Sawara-san said he had built a barrier to keep women away from pestering him, I seriously thought he held a grudge against women but oh well, I might be jumping on conclusions and assuming things on my own about the person I hadn't even met yet. I was thinking too much so I just ordered my mind to keep quiet and let me start my day. After all, it wasn't any of my concern. I just needed to do my job and receive my salary on monthly basis and then go home to spend the rest of the day with my beloved friends.
When I walked towards my boss's office, my heart started to flutter. I couldn't figure out why. I scanned myself to see if I looked okay to go in before knocking.
I waited for a few seconds before he responded and my heart jumped out of my chest when I heard his voice. I could never forget how my sensei's voice sounded like. His voice was like morning melody to me. That voice had kept me awake in nights for four years. Hearing that placid voice once again after spending many years in longing caught me off guard and I went paralyzed.
Tsuruga-sensei….? How could that be? Wasn't his name Hizuri Kuon then how come he sounded exactly like Ren Tsuruga?
I ignored the churning of my heart. I tried to take a step forward but I found my legs immovable. It was rude of me to be standing outside completely frozen as if I had floated out of space.
I shook my head again when my eyes started to water. I was just hearing things. I couldn't be possible. I didn't even know where he was. It just couldn't be him. No way. My brain and my heart, both of them were just toying with me again.
I was fighting with myself when the voice of my superior which I thought belonged to my beloved released me from the chains of past and reality poured over me.
I realized my mistake of freezing like an idiot and settled myself hurriedly before I pushed the door open and went in.
Inside the office, what I saw made me sad. The young man I thought resembled my sensei was a totally different person with blond hair. My heart turned in disappointment. He wasn't Ren Tsuruga. He really was Hizuri Kuon. I wanted to cry because he wasn't my former professor. I missed him so much and was thrilled to hear his voice again but I was wrong. He really was my new boss, not the one I expected him to be. As I walked in, I studied him.
He was bent over his large desk, surrounded by the mound of littered papers and was scribbling something nonstop.
"Excuse me Sir?" I whispered softly to grab his attention.
He looked up and his sparkling green eyes smiled at me. He wasn't Ren Tsuruga indeed. I really was imagining things and it deeply disturbed me.
He motioned his hand for me to take a seat. I obeyed.
"Hello Ms Mogami, how are you? My name is Hizuri Kuon, starting today I'll be your boss. I hope we'll get along very well" he greeted me with a smile and I frowned.
Didn't he dislike women then why was he being so nice to me? At least that's what I'd been told and here he was being so gentle as if he's familiar with me for ages.
He was now leaning comfortably on his leather swivel chair with his eyes on me. His voice sounded confident and held authority. Dressed in his business suit that fit his muscular body, the man before my eyes looked beyond perfect. My heart recoiled when I unconsciously tried to find the impossible resemblance of my professor in him when I clearly knew I was just being stupid.
"Is something wrong Ms Mogami? Is there something on my face?"
I heard his voice and mentally slapped myself. Was I really lost in my imaginative world that I didn't notice him looking at me?
I blushed in embarrassment when I realized I was staring at him intensely and was caught in the act. I quickly made an excuse to cover my idiocy.
"Ah, pardon me!" I hid my blush to no avail because it spread down my neck.
He chuckled. "It's okay" he said then looked at his paper he'd been scribbling all over earlier.
"Confirm my meeting with Mr. Shingai Seiji. Remember to always keep my schedule to four or five meetings a day. I don't intend to see anyone without appointment so make sure needless appearances never bother me, especially women. If a cheeky woman ever called to fix an appointment with me, toss her away. Finish all the work before you go home and remember to enter all the info into the computer. Report me if you have any issues. You'll accompany me in business parties and outings as you are my manager." He told me softy and I kept nodding and noted everything he'd said.
He shuffled some papers and organized them into a file then gave it to me. I took it and bowed to him as it was a gesture for me to leave but before I could retreat to my office, his voice stopped me once again.
"Welcome to Hizuri Corp Ms Mogami. I hope we'd be able to work along as friends"
Now that was weird. A person who'd told me a moment ago to keep women away from him wanted to be my friend?
I couldn't get it at all. It was mysterious but I could care less. I simply nodded with a smile and left him alone to do whatever he was doing before I came in.
Kuon's POV:
I was elated when Lory told me about Kyoko seeking for employment and he had suggested her to join my Company. My happiness knew no bounds. I was floating on cloud nine. My heart wanted to burst out of joy as I could only dream of her as my employee. Based upon her academic excellence and communication skills, any post would have been best for her but I wanted her near me so that I could feel alive again that's why I thought about giving her the post of my manager and Lory agreed.
To my good luck, she applied and I didn't waste any time before hiring her. It's not like she lacked of skills or I hired her out of sympathy because I just wanted to be with her. Correct, I wanted it so desperately but it was also because she outshined everyone else in excellence. She really deserved to be in my Company so I just grabbed the chance and marked her employed before she could look somewhere else.
I waited for her patiently even though my heart was out of control to see her once again. I tried to keep myself occupied with work but nothing worked. My mind was relentlessly thinking about her. When Sawara-san informed me she was about to meet me. My mind went crazy. I fumbled with papers like a mad scientist messes with the laboratory equipments.
I heard the knock and my heart beat raced. Keeping my cool, I tried to sound normal as I told her to come in but my heart soared higher when she walked in and I busied myself in work at once before she could notice me.
"Excuse me Sir….?" Her honeyed voice lingered my ears and it took all of my self control not to get up and throw my arms around her small frame.
"Calm down. She isn't going anywhere. You'll get countless chances to explain yourself and embrace her afterwards. No need to rush things and spoil your hard work. She doesn't know you are Ren Tsuruga so don't try to act pushy" I told myself repeatedly.
I pretended to look like I was extremely busy when my mind and heart were focused on her only. Fragrance of her perfume filled the room as well as my senses, making me inhale sharply and I fought to keep myself in check.
I dared to meet her eyes and my heart crumpled. She was looking at me quite sadly as if she was disappointed to be here but then in a flash, her expression turned bright and she smiled at me warmly. I lost my heart to her once again.
I gazed at her intensely letting my eyes sink into her soul. Why did I always feel that way? Women had never impressed me that deeply except my mother, not even women of my home country, not even Itsumi, none at all then what was so special about her? She was a lot younger than me wasn't she? Then why just a sight of her always held me so captivated? Maybe it was because she never tried to be physical with me and respected my space. She'd never tried to cross the boundary of proximity between us. That's why I was drawn to her at first but then gradually fell head over heels in love with her.
Her beautiful appearance calmed my wildly racing heart. She looked spectacular even when she was simply dressed up. The light blue dress she wore looked like it was made for her only. It made her appearance glowing and prominent. Her long raven hair was nicely pinned up. Her height had increased and she had become a bit skinnier but her physique suited her and made her look magnificent. I just couldn't take my eyes off and suddenly felt like a pervert scanning her from top to bottom.
I immediately gestured her to sit down which she obeyed. I had to control myself or else my facade could slip away ruining everything I had worked so hard for.
"Hello Ms Mogami. How are you? Starting today, I'll be your boss. I hope we'll get along very well" I greeted her politely, trying to ease the atmosphere around us as well as distract myself from doing something wrong to her but she didn't respond and spaced out into her own world of thoughts.
She was staring at me and I was quite amused. It felt to me like she was trying to search someone else in me. My heart melted and I smiled genuinely after a long time. She looked so innocent. I just wanted to walk over there and kiss her passionately. I wanted to tell her I was her lost professor but I held my tongue because I knew she wouldn't appreciate the idea so soon as Tsuruga Ren had broken her heart cruelly so I didn't want my employees to find my dead body in my office after revealing my hidden identity.
"Don't take her for granted. One step at a time. That's the only thing for you to win her heart before telling her the truth about yourself. Don't behave like a chicken again. Be a man and act patiently if you really love her." I told myself and spoke to break the spell that held her lost in thoughts.
"Is something wrong Ms Mogami? Is there something on my face?" I asked and it worked.
She was jerked out of her frozen state and blushed a deepest shade of red.
"So cute… so adorable…. So ravishing…." Great I was thinking like a pervert again. I mentally scolded myself and chuckled at her cuteness when she tried to cover her embarrassment.
"So cute…." I thought when she apologized timidly and I chuckled to myself and waved it off.
My eyes were darting towards her beautiful face again and again. How could someone like me who's 34 years old adult behave like this?
I guess love really had made me a carefree idiot as well as pleasantly senseless that I didn't care if I couldn't think straight anymore.
I turned my attention back to paper in my hands and started explaining what she had to do and she listened to me attentively and noted carefully whatever I said. I hated being formal to her as I didn't want to keep any barriers between us. I wanted to treat her as my equal. I wanted to tell her that she didn't have to be scared of me anymore because I was ready to abandon everything, even myself for her sake but I needed to be patient so I prevented myself from being rash and forced myself to act as a professional even though I really didn't want to.
When I was done briefing her, she stood up and bowed to me. My heart squashed into pieces. Was I really going to treat her as my employee? It pained me when I thought of behaving indifferent to her again. It was unfair. At least she deserved to be treated a bit different as my loved one. I loved her and hopefully she still loved her sensei so it was okay to be a little informal. I gathered my courage and called her from behind when she began walking away.
"Welcome to Hizuri Corp Ms Mogami. I hope we'd be able to work along as friends"
At my statement, she stopped and I could see she was shocked but I liked it. The look on her face was priceless. It was worth my life. She looked like I'd made a terrible joke. She just nodded and smiled at me before leaving the room. It comforted my heart. At least, it was better than nothing. At least, I had made some progress and I had a long journey to travel before I could reach her heart but I didn't mind because this time, I wasn't going to behave like a jerk. I was going to pursue her to the end of the earth.
Because...
I had no plan of letting her go.
She was mine just like I was hers only.
And it was only the beginning of our sweet and unbreakable relationship.
"Love happens accidentally and when it happens, there's no turning point or escape route. It just consumes your existence and spreads like a fire"
END of Chapter 4
That's it. Please tell me what you think. I hope you like the chapter. Take Care. Thanks for reviewing and reading previous chapters. You guys rock. See you all soon.
