DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters. All hail Ai Yazawa for gifting us a wonderful Creation.
I know I haven't been updating much for the past weeks. I'm currently suffering from a "writer's" block (I don't really consider myself as a writer, YET hence the " "). So I'm really sorry. I wouldn't want to give people a crappy story.
I would like to thank everybody for all the faves, follows, reviews and encouragement. Please review more and if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
This chapter is only about Hachi and my OC. I have a clear idea on how I would like my story to go and I hope I can make it go well. I would appreciate it if I can get some feedback from all of you.
- 00 -
Hachi was dreading to come to work this morning, looking like a panda with dark circles in her eyes because of lack of sleep. She feels embarrassed after proving to her new assistant that she actually makes decisions with her eyes not with her brain.
She couldn't believe how she can make drastic decisions without really thinking it through! She blames Ryo completely. It was his fault his "fairy tale-like beauty" totally knocked her rationality off.
Who am I kidding? I totally hired him because of his appearance! I just hope that his work is as good as his looks. Hachi prayed silently.
While she was waiting for the elevator, she remembered her encounter with Takumi yesterday. One of the reasons why she did not get much sleep. No matter how hard she thinks, she couldn't think of any reason why Takumi will make that reaction…
Actually, she can think of one. But it was absurd to the point that she cannot even believe it herself. Will it be possible at all that Takumi fancies her? That the reason why Takumi was making those weird expressions when they meet is because he is too shy to deal with her?
There it is. The absurdity of that idea makes her want to laugh out loud. Takumi is a certified ladies' man. How can a person like her have that kind of effect on Takumi? Well it's not bad to hope. Hachi can't help but smile with this thought.
She was still smiling (thankfully making her horrendous appearance that morning better) when she walked into her office. She was almost blinded when Ryo's welcoming smile greeted her. He was clearly waiting for her by the door in their office with a steaming mug of coffee in his hands which he handed to her.
"Thank you." Hachi still couldn't look at him directly. Not bad for his first day.
"Good morning ma'am. I have checked all the emails and printed everything that needs your urgent attention. Also, I have arranged your calendar. I hope you don't mind that I have dealt myself with the sponsors who are asking to meet you. I will be in my desk organizing sponsors' information. Just holler if you need anything." As always, Ryo finished reporting with a smile.
Hachi was totally impressed! How could he do all that on his first day, on his first hour, without even a proper orientation.
"Thank you." Hachi said gratefully. She needs to work on how she can talk to him without swooning, because if he continues to be this good, she would like to work with him hopefully permanently.
She went to her desk and started working. Surprisingly, she felt comfortable even if a Greek god is sitting just a few meters away from her.
She was able to finally answer all the emails that have been backlogged. Before lunch time, most of the administrative work has been finished. Well most of it has been done by Ryo but still, it was a good accomplishment for her.
She decided to have a proper talk with her assistant, it has to be done sooner or later. She plucked up all her courage and called him.
"Yes ma'am. Do you need anything?" Ryo was in her desk in a few seconds.
"No. I just want to have a talk. And I would appreciate it if you can stop calling me ma'am." Though she still cannot look at him directly, she was able to speak to him properly.
"I couldn't do that. You are my boss. I wouldn't want to be disrespectful."
"It's ok. Take it as an order from me. And please take a seat." Hachi offered Ryo a seat. "I have some questions for you. For sure you noticed that I didn't ask much yesterday. Well, I didn't have to because your resume was quite impressive." Of course she was lying! She couldn't talk to him because her brain has been addled by his good looks. Although he really did have a comprehensive resume.
"Anything you need to know ma'am, I mean Ms. Komatsu." Ryo sat up straight. Readying himself for whatever questions she has for him. So very cute.
For the next hour, Hachi was able to know that Ryo was the son of a Japanese man and an Englishwoman. An English Supermodel to be exact, hence the interest with fashion and designing and most of all the incredibly good looks.
He just came to Japan 2 months ago but he was speaking Japanese since he was small. He was getting bored so he decided to look for a job. He worked as an administrator so when he found this job listing he really wanted to get it. He can work as he had before and at the same time, be surrounded with his interest.
Ryo also mentioned that he had been headhunted several times to be an actor or a model, but he turned all the offers down as he just wants to work behind the scene.
He was speaking in such a calming way that Hachi felt that it would be really easy to work with him. She felt that he was genuinely kind. All she needs to make sure is not to drool every time he comes near her.
It was such a relief also that she was able to make sure that he is really capable for the job. I just hope he will not change his mind and become a model instead. Hachi wished silently.
"Ma'am, you have a meeting with one of the sponsors at lunch time. Would you like me to prepare anything for you?" Ryo asked interrupting her reverie.
"No. Thank you." This meeting has been set up before Ryo came so she was able to complete all the materials she needed.
"But I think I would need you to come with me. I need somebody to take some notes while I check their clothes and help me bring all the materials I've prepared for them." Not that Hachi just wants to bring Ryo along without any reason…
"I understand. I will prepare everything right away." Ryo stood up and walked back to his desk. Hachi slapped herself to stop staring at his backside.
"I will just go to the restroom to freshen up. See you by the elevator in 10 minutes." Hachi told Ryo.
As soon as Hachi stepped out of her office, she was swept by almost half of the associate stylists, female and "female-like" alike, pestering her about this prince charming in her office. She explained to them quickly who he is and told them that she will introduce them later when they get back from their meeting. Which of course earned her jests that she was monopolizing him. She just smiled sweetly at her colleagues teasing them more.
Hachi extracted herself from her friends and quickly dashed to the restroom to freshen up. Ten minutes later she was walking to the elevator to see almost all the staff in their department flocking to Ryo like bees to a very sumptuous flower.
He was doing a great job graciously introducing himself to them that he was her assistant, explaining most of the time that he was not the model they were waiting for or the new actor that will make his debut.
Feeling sorry for him, seeing that he was getting more uncomfortable, Hachi elbowed her way towards him and slid his arm through his as she tried to tear him away from the crowd, while apologizing that they will be late with their meeting.
The elevator seemed to be helping them as it immediately stopped a few seconds after she touched the button. They waved goodbye to the dumbstruck admirers, Ryo's admirers. As soon as the elevator doors closed Ryo made a sigh of relief and half thanked and half apologized to her for her help.
He was blushing too much and fidgeting awkwardly. He was explaining something about how embarrassing it was for him to be rescued by his female boss on his first day. He was being so cute that Hachi couldn't help but laugh.
She quickly apologized but then no matter how hard she controlled her laughter, it still came out. Ryo laughed along with her instead of being offended.
After that, all the pretense and anxiety between them melted away and they both felt that this will be the start of not only a successful work relationship but also a very good friendship.