I… realized that I don't know anything about financial auditing while writing this chapter. I tried to find resources, but I just don't know what an auditor's day looks like. I'll keep trying, but we'll see how it turns out ^^;

I've also stared at this chapter for so long that I can't tell whether it's good or not anymore so this is me sending it out into the abyss lol.

Upon rereading the beginning of this fic, I realized I wrote Lambo way too young in a previous chapter. He doesn't act like a twelve-year-old boy, so I intend to fix that after I finish this chapter.

Anyway, please enjoy!

Chapter 11: Better a wall than an idiot

Izumi wakes to a panicked holler that fills the house. It takes her a second to register it, and then she feels as much as she hears a heavy thud. She rolls out of bed, swiping her glasses off the end table as she goes, and throws open her bedroom door. She goes down the hall and enters the room without bothering to knock.

The room is trashed. Clothes are everywhere, hanging off chairs or lying on the floor. Mina's alarm clock lies broken at Izumi's feet. Papers are scattered across the room, covering every flat surface available. A heap of tangled blankets lie on the floor in front of her, next to the bed, but there's no Mina. The window is open, letting in a draft.

Izumi takes a step toward the window but slips on a shirt. She falls face first into the blankets and smacks her nose against it so hard that it somehow hurts.

"Ugh! Get off!"

Izumi scrambles off the blankets just as they begin to move. After a few seconds, an arm pops out of them, followed by a very familiar face. Mina gives her a disgruntled look as she untangles herself. "Morning."

"Don't 'morning' me!" Izumi scowls. "Why were you yelling?"

"Sorry, I'm just—" Mina manages to free herself and kicks the blankets aside. She starts tossing clothes onto the bed in a frenzy—"My alarm clock broke, and I'm gonna be late for work!"

Izumi dodges Mina's rush to her closet and lands in the desk chair. She examines the broken clock on the floor. "What'd you do—throw your clock at the door? Since when do you work this early?"

"I might have," comes the muffled confession as Mina pulls a shirt over her head. "I'm meeting up with a friend today, so I changed my hours to this morning."

"Do I know this friend?" Izumi watches Mina twist her dark brown hair into a bun as she navigates through the chaos to her desk.

Mina shoves aside papers to unearth her phone and wallet. "No, but you'll probably meet him eventually!"

With that, Mina runs out the door and down the stairs. Izumi hears the front door slam shut and shakes her head. Well, might as well start getting ready herself.

An hour later, Izumi arrives at Asari with time to spare. She steps into the elevator and presses the button for the third floor just as a voice calls out, "Please hold the door!"

A frazzled man runs in just before the doors close, and she suppresses a grimace. She acknowledges him with a polite nod. "Good morning, Hirama-san."

Hirama beams at her. "Good morning, Izumi-san! You're a lifesaver."

"You're welcome." She turns away and takes out her phone. It's too early to deal with this right now.

"What brings you here so early?" he asks, running a hand through his short brown hair. "I always thought you were the diligent type, but I wasn't expecting to see you here at this time."

"I woke up early today," she says.

"We must be kindred spirits," Hirama remarks. "Maybe we knew each other in a past life. Oh, by the way, you never did tell me which university you went to."

The elevator dings, and Izumi slips out before the doors have even fully opened. She takes long strides down the hall to the door leading to the auditing department. Hirama matches her pace, smiling all the while. She reaches into her bag for her ID when he reaches over her shoulder and scans his, unlocking the door for the both of them. She ducks out from under his arm to enter the office.

It's a welcome sight, even though most people have yet to arrive. The far wall is entirely occupied by floor-to-ceiling windows, and the morning light bathes the room with a soft glow. Desks stand back to back in rows in the center of the room. Computer monitors occupy each desk, as well as various personal items such as plants and photos. Izumi makes her way to her desk in the back and spots a familiar brunette typing away.

"Good morning, Saori-san." Izumi waves as the woman looks up from her screen.

Saori tucks a long lock behind her ear. "Good morning, Izumi. You're in luck—the vending machine gave me an extra today."

She holds out a can of coffee, and Izumi takes it as she rounds the corner of Saori's desk to sit across from her. Hirama drops into his chair next to Izumi. "Aw, you're stealing all the good parts, Saotome-san. I was gonna get coffee for all of us."

Izumi focuses Saori. "Thank you. I'll get you something later."

"Don't worry about it." Saori waves her off. "It's cheap coffee anyway."

"So I'm only worth cheap coffee?" Izumi grins, and Saori rolls her eyes.

"Don't tease your seniors, Ishikawa."

"Yes, Saotome-senpai."

Saori's lips twitch, but she just shakes her head. Izumi opens the can and drinks as she waits for her laptop to turn on. Saotome Saori is one of the employees Izumi works with for her internship. She's a few years older than her and has been working at Asari for two years. With long, dark brown hair and a sharp gaze, Saori cut an intimidating figure in a smart pantsuit, but she moves with grace, drawing eyes where ever she goes. Naturally, it meant that Izumi almost tripped over her own name when she introduced herself. Saori had laughed, and Izumi hadn't stood a chance.

"What are you doing here so early?" Izumi asks.

"Kurokawa-san asked me to come in early today. Weird, huh?" Hirama cuts in with a laugh.

"That's nice," Izumi says. He opens his mouth to say something else just as a firm voice rings out in the office.

"Hirama." Izumi turns to see Hana approaching them, and she looks stressed. "If you have time for conversation, then you have time to finish the report for yesterday's client. They've agreed to extend the deadline to today, but in the future, please check your email."

"Yes, ma'am," he says, snapping to attention. "I apologize for the delay."

"I expect to see it in thirty minutes." Izumi catches Hana's gaze, and the latter gives her a subtle nod.

"Good morning, Saotome, Ishikawa." Giving Saori a meaningful look, she adds, "Saotome, if you please."

Saori nods. "I was just about to get started."

"Thank you. All of you," Hana glances at Izumi again. "don't hesitate to come to me if you have any problems."

Hana leaves after Izumi nods. Hirama takes out his laptop and gets to work. Saori pulls out a folder from her desk and stands, nudging Izumi with the folder. "Kurokawa-san wants me to explain your next assignment to you. Do you have time for a meeting right now?"

"Yes, now is a good time."

As she gets to her feet, Hirama lets out a dramatic sigh. "Darn, I was hoping that Izumi-san could keep me company."

Saori leads her toward one of the small conference rooms past the open area. Izumi breathes a sigh of relief when Saori closes the door behind them, and the latter turns with a knowing look. "That bad?"

"Unfortunately," she says, leaning against the edge of the table. "Thank you for this."

"Of course." Saori frowns. "He's always been nosy, but even this is too much for him."

Hirama Hikaru entered Asari around the same time Saori did. He was friendly and easy to along with, but he had a habit of standing a bit too close and getting a bit too personal. He had gained a reputation for it, according to Saori. Ever since Izumi introduced herself, he's been sticking to her like glue.

"He won't leave me alone, no matter how many hints I give him," she sighs. "Why hasn't anyone said anything?"

"People have, but unfortunately, he's good at his job." Saori wrinkles her nose. "Kurokawa-san doesn't like him either."

"Then why is he still here?"

Saori gives her a wry smile. "The director likes him. Do you want me to talk to him?"

Izumi presses her lips together. "I'll give him another week. I've only been here for three weeks."

Saori wears a displeased expression and crosses her arms. "Fine. Let me know if he gives you any more trouble."

"I will. Thank you."

"Now then, before we start, Kurokawa-san wanted to let you know that your reports have improved and to keep up the good work," Saori says, opening the folder in her hand.

Izumi blinks. "Oh, we're actually having a meeting?"

Saori looks amused. "As much as I would love not to, we are in the middle of work."

Right. Izumi straightens and slips into work mode. "What's next?"

By the time Izumi and Saori return to their desks, a new face occupies the desk next to Saori's. A man with black hair and glasses types away as they approach. He acknowledges them with a nod. "Good morning, Saori, Ishikawa."

The pair exchange a glance before returning the greeting. Saori says, "It's good to see you well, Tetsuo."

It's been a week since Goto Tetsuo stepped foot in the office due to a bad cold. He wasn't one for conversation, but he was good at his job and pleasant enough to be around. A bit blunt to be honest, but his words were never rude. He also entered the company around the same time Saori and Hirama did. To Izumi's knowledge, he was occasionally Saori's drinking partner. She also doesn't recall him ever addressing her without an honorific before.

"You're finally back!" Hirama exclaims. "Thank god—I swear it's like talking to a wall."

"Better a wall than an idiot," Goto retorts.

Silence falls as the other three stare at him. Hirama's mouth falls open. Izumi blinks in surprise. Saori stifles a snort behind her hand.

"Glad to have you back." Breaking the silence, Saori slides into her chair. "If you're still not feeling well though, let us know. You're insufferable when you're annoyed."

Goto looks thoughtful. "Noted."

Saori sighs. Perhaps Goto is still getting over his cold. Other employees begin trickling in as the day begins, and Izumi enjoys a productive streak up until around noon, when her phone buzzes with a text notification. It's about time for lunch anyway, so she checks her phone to see a text from Tsuna.

Still good for tonight?

She can't help but smile. Definitely. Haru's house, right?

Yeah. I think she'd probably fight whoever tries to take the hosting position from her.

Trust me, she would.

"Who's Tsuna?" Hirama, predictably, asks, looking over her shoulder.

She jumps and tries not to glare. "A friend."

He perks up. "A boyfriend?"

"No," she replies through her teeth. Saori meets her gaze and an unspoken agreement passes between them.

Saori stands, grabbing her purse off the floor. "I'm getting hungry. Izumi, would you like to join me for lunch?"

Izumi is already on her feet. "Sure, sounds great. Let's go."

They go to a nearby café for lunch. The modern décor reflects its clientele—mostly young twenty-somethings scrolling through smartphones to pass the time. While Izumi orders a latte and two sandwiches, Saori finds a table for them. Saori raises a brow when she returns with her order. "Really? More coffee?"

"I need the caffeine to deal with Hirama," Izumi insists, sighing as she sits down. "I was half-expecting him to invite himself to come along."

"If he had, I wouldn't have let him," Saori says, reaching across the table to take a sandwich from her.

Izumi's glad to have Saori with her. "I know. Thank you again."

She bites into her sandwich, and it's honestly one of the best she's ever had. Saori chuckles at the look on her face but frowns when she starts to eat.

"What's wrong?" Izumi asks.

"Does Tetsuo seem off to you?"

Izumi nods. Even though she hasn't known Goto for very long, he's never been one to talk like that. "A little."

Her frown deepens. "I've known him since high school. He's never acted this way before."

"Could he still be sick?"

Saori shakes her head. "Even when he was sick, he was never so patronizing."

"Maybe you can ask him about it later," Izumi suggests. "I'm sure he'll listen to you. He always does."

"That's true. I'll try." Saori says. "Thank you, Izumi."

When they return to the office, Izumi almost wishes that lunch had never ended because Hirama will not stop talking.

"What kind of people do you like, Izumi-san? You seem like the type to be friends with the secretive sort."

"You're a coffee lover—what do you think of that coffee shop downtown? I'm a fan of the lattes there."

"I saw a store with the coolest origami paper the other day. We should go check it out sometime!"

It takes all of Izumi's patience to not snap at him. If Hirama has noticed how hard she's been typing on the keyboard, he doesn't say anything. Saori isn't around to fend him off—she's in a meeting with Hana. Goto is unusually quiet, but he does glance over to her every now and then. However, rather than checking in on her, it feels as though he's observing her, like he's waiting for something. She catches his eye when he looks over again, and he gives her another odd smile. It's pleasant on the surface, but all she can detect behind it is amusement.

"Izumi-san, do you want to grab a treat together after work? I've heard good things about this bakery—"

"Do you ever stop talking?" Goto finally says. "I'm about to start losing brain cells."

Hirama is shocked speechless, and Goto continues, "She's clearly not interested. I'd say quit while you're ahead, but you're nowhere close to that to begin with."

"Are you still sick, Goto-san? You're saying strange things today," Hirama says, letting out a nervous laugh.

"This pitiful display is getting painful to watch. Take the hint, Hirama, while you still can."

Hirama reddens as Goto shoots him a look that is anything but friendly. Izumi is just as baffled as Hirama. As much as she appreciates the support, the words falling from Goto's mouth are anything but expected.

Saori returns to a silent table, with Hirama staring determinedly at his computer monitor, Izumi sneaking unsure glances at Goto, and the man himself smiling unabashedly in his seat. She looks between each of them before shaking her head and says, "Hirama. Kurokawa-san wants to talk to you about the proposals you found."

Izumi has never seen Hirama move so fast. His chair almost tips over in his haste, and he's gone before she can even see the look on his face.

Saori bursts out laughing, drawing the attention of the people around them. Relief and vindication fill Izumi as Saori leans one hand on the table to keep upright and clutches her stomach with the other. Even Goto wears a smug smirk, looking more like himself than he has all day.

"I don't know what happened, but good job, Tetsuo," Saori manages to say when she's finally calmed down. She grins at both of them. "Let's go out tonight to celebrate!"

"I can't. I'm meeting up with friends," Izumi declines, though the invitation is much appreciated. "You two go ahead."

Saori turns to Goto and nudges him. "It's just you and me then. It's your treat this time."

"Talking about drinking at work? How bold," he remarks.

"Oh, it's fine. It's almost time to leave." Saori shrugs but reigns in her excitement a bit. "Besides, we have things to discuss. You've been acting weird all day."

"You would make a sick man drink?"

Saori rolls her eyes. "We both know you aren't sick. You're coming."

Goto sighs but doesn't protest further. Hirama still isn't back by the time Izumi finishes her work for the day, but that's perfectly fine in her opinion. She leaves first, and the last thing she sees is Saori pulling Goto by the arm while he wears an amused expression.

If Izumi recalls correctly, the party is supposed to be at Haru's house. It's also not happening for another half hour, which is why she's still wearing a random t-shirt and lounge pants. So why, exactly, is Tsuna standing outside of her house at this very moment?

"Um… hi," he says, rubbing the back of his neck. "Haru sent me."

Of course she did. She steps aside and gestures inside. "Would you like to come in?"

"Thanks."

She leads him to the living room, a cozy space with a sofa, an armchair, and a coffee table in the center of the room. She'd been reading a book before he arrived and had left it open on the arm of the sofa. A television stands against the wall, and family photos and knickknacks occupy the shelves around it. Tsuna makes himself comfortable on the sofa. He looks at home in her living room. She tries not to think about how it makes her feel.

"Are you the only one home?" he asks, looking around the room with curiosity.

"Yeah. My sister's out with a friend, and my parents are working." She says, retrieving her book from its precarious position. "Dad's at the office, and Mom's on a business trip."

"And you're following in their footsteps?" His voice fades as she goes up to her room to put away her book.

"I guess so," she calls out from the stairs. "It was unintentional."

"Have you figured out what you want to do yet?"

Izumi pauses on the steps. That's a good question. "I'm still not sure."

"What about your internship?" She returns to the living room just as Tsuna picks up the picture frame next to the sofa.

She does her best to keep her tone light. "What about it?"

"You don't like it?"

"No, I do." she says quickly.

He gives her a weird look over his shoulder. "If you like auditing, maybe consulting is your thing."

A nervous laugh escapes her. "Maybe it is."

Tsuna doesn't seem to notice and instead looks at the photo in his hands. "How old were you in this photo?"

Izumi walks over to the sofa and leans over the back of it to get a good look. She and Mina beam at the camera as their parents smile with their arms around everyone's shoulders. "I was fifteen. We went to a national park and hiked for a few days."

Tsuna shudders. "The last time I went to a national park, my tutor made me climb a cliff barehanded."

She laughs, but he doesn't. "Wait, you're being serious?"

"Ah, it was so hard…" he says, a faraway look in his eyes. He shakes his head and turns to her. "Anyway—oh."

His face is much closer than she realized. She can't help but steal a glance at his lips. Izumi then comes back to herself and remembers the fact that she's still in her loungewear and that she's supposed to be getting ready for the party. The party that is being thrown for her.

She pushes away from the sofa, and he places the photo back down on the table. She gives him a quick smile before heading toward the stairs. "I'm going to get ready. I'll be down in a moment."

Once she's standing in front of her closet, she takes a deep breath. Now is not the time for such things. She decides on a black top with butterfly sleeves tucked into a high-waisted, knee-length maroon skirt. With the addition of simple accessories, Izumi smiles at her reflection. Much nicer than her usual casual style.

After touching up her makeup and hair, Izumi goes back downstairs. Tsuna goes still when he sees her, and she stifles a laugh. She should do this more often.

"You look amazing." His gaze sweeps down her body before coming back up to her face. He goes pink when she catches his stare.

"Do I usually not look amazing?" she teases.

"No, that's not—" He cuts himself off when he sees her grin. "Never mind, I'm gonna stop talking."

Grabbing her purse and coat, she gestures to the door. "Shall we?"

When they get to Haru's house, the front door is unlocked. There's a mountain of shoes by the door, and the coat rack is mostly obscured by the sheer volume of outerwear hanging from it. Izumi turns to Tsuna and hands him her coat. "Did Haru kick you out to keep me from getting here early?"

"How'd you know?"

She laughs and makes her way to the living room, where she can hear music playing. When she steps out of the hall, a loud pop goes off by her ear and makes her jump. Confetti rains down on her as Haru and Kyoko grin at her.

"Congratulations on graduating!" Haru exclaims, beaming at her. "I always knew you'd be the first one to find a job out of university."

"And on your internship!" Kyoko adds.

All of her new friends are here, and then some. Takeshi grins at her from the sofa, Gokudera holds up a hand in greeting next to him, and Hana and Sasagawa wave at her from the open kitchen. Bianchi looks at her with pride from where she's seated at the dining table. Chrome waves at her from next to Bianchi, and even Lambo and the girl his age sit next to her. Brushing off the confetti stuck to her clothes, Izumi feels a rush of warmth. "Thank you, everyone."

"Now that the guest of honor is here, let's get started!" Haru claps her hands, and the party begins.

Izumi makes a beeline for the dining table, which displays a variety of snacks and drinks. After the day she's had, good food and drinks sounds like a great place to start. Tsuna accompanies her, so she gets a plate for him too.

"I hope you don't mind that the kids are here," he says, handing her the can of soda she's been eyeing. "My mom's out for the evening, so I invited them too."

"Not at all," she says. "What about the oldest?"

"He made plans with a friend tonight, so he's not coming."

Izumi sits next to Bianchi, whose fondness can't be hidden behind those glasses. Chrome acknowledges her from across the table. Lambo and his friend mutter furiously at each other, growing increasingly agitated as they talk. Tsuna watches them with resignation as he sips on some juice.

"Congratulations, Izumi-san," Chrome says. "It's been a while."

"It really has. What have you been up to?"

She gives a noncommittal shrug. "Work. It's been a busy month."

"Same here." Izumi pauses then says, "Was it dangerous?"

She blinks at the question but then puts on a smile that sets off alarm bells. "Not for me."

Note to self: stay on Chrome's good side. Chrome giggles as if she knows what Izumi's thinking and says, "If you ever come across trouble, please let me know."

She's not sure she wants to think about the implications. "Um, thank you."

Bianchi chuckles next to her. She places her hand on Izumi's shoulder and squeezes. "You've worked hard. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Bianchi-san. And thank you again for agreeing to teach me self-defense."

Tsuna almost spills his drink beside her. "Wait, you're learning self-defense?"

Izumi nods. He narrows his eyes at her. "Why?"

She juts out her chin as she holds his gaze. "I've always wanted to learn. I figured that now is as good a time as any."

He watches her for a second before setting his cup down. "Well, if you ever need another person, I'd be happy to help."

"Are you implying that I'm not a good teacher, Sawada?" Bianchi says, taking mock offense, and he shakes his head quickly.

"No, I didn't mean—"

Lambo's friend slams her hands on the table and gets to her feet, the force of the movement making her braids swing. "There's no way!"

Tsuna looks panicked as the girl decides to round on him too, but instead Lambo rolls his eyes and says, "I'm right, and you know it, I-Pin."

I-Pin glares at him. "Master would never lose to him!"

"Are we talking about the same person?" Lambo scoffs. "You're crazy if you think that guy could actually lose."

"Master is strong!" She insists, leaning over him. "He would never lose in hand-to-hand combat."

"Why the hell do you think Reborn would ever fight without his gun?"

"Okay!" Tsuna cuts in with a nervous laugh. "Maybe let's not talk about this at the table."

Bad idea. The two turn on him instead, wearing identical annoyed expressions. At the same time, they exclaim, "I'm right, aren't I?!"

Tsuna's eyes dart between them in panic. "Uh, yes."

They both smile triumphantly and turn to each other in unison. "See? Tsuna-nii said I'm right!"

I-Pin scowls. "He said Master is the better fighter."

Lambo matches her intensity. "Your master isn't capable of touching Reborn."

"Come on, you two," Tsuna tries again, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "Is this really that important?"

"Yes, Dame-Tsuna, who do you think would win?" comes a new voice from behind.

Tsuna freezes, turning slowly in his seat. Izumi turns to see… a child? A boy younger than Lambo wears a black dress shirt and slacks combination with a white tie. A black and orange fedora rests upon his head, and on top of that is a lounging chameleon. The way the boy looks at her is a bit odd. It feels out of place coming from a child.

"Reborn!" Bianchi exclaims, throwing her arms around him. "I was worried when I didn't see you earlier!"

"Reborn," Tsuna gulps. "I didn't think you were coming tonight."

"Why would I want to miss a party like this?" Reborn puts on a cute smile, but Tsuna blanches. Reborn directs his attention to Izumi and holds out his hand. "Nice to meet you. My name is Reborn."

"Um, nice to meet you too." Izumi shakes his hand without thinking. For a child, he has a pretty strong grip. "I'm—"

"Ishikawa Izumi, recent college graduate and company intern," he supplies. She blinks.

"How did you know that?"

"Because I'm the greatest hitman in the world."

"Reborn!" Tsuna leaps to his feet. "What do you think you're doing?"

Reborn doesn't even spare him a glance. "She knows what I'm talking about."

He holds himself with an adult's confidence, as if he hasn't just confessed to being a child assassin. After skipping disbelief and jumping straight to resignation, she asks, "Are you in the mafia as well?"

He nods. "I am. I'm also Dame-Tsuna's home tutor."

Tsuna's tutor? The same tutor that made him climb a cliff barehanded? Izumi glances at Tsuna, but he just glowers at Reborn. That's not a reaction to a joke. He doesn't look surprised at his words, nor does he refute them. All right, sure. If Sasagawa can have not-magic healing powers, then a little boy can be a mafia hitman tutor. Why not. "Please take care of me."

Reborn ignores Tsuna's indignant "What?!" and smiles again, but this time it suits him. "Take care of my student."

"I'll try, but I think he takes care of me more."

"I'm sure you can find a way with your expertise."

Izumi swallows. There's a knowing glint in his eyes, and she doesn't like it. She's not sure how he would know where she's interning, but everything he's said so far has been accurate. It wouldn't seem like a stretch if he does.

"Izumi-san, you haven't talked to the others yet, right? Let's go!" Tsuna grabs her hand and drags her away from the table. Reborn merely waves at her before turning to Bianchi and Chrome.

"Congrats, Izumi!" Takeshi says as they approach. He holds up his drink up, and she bumps hers against it.

"Congratulations, Ishikawa." Gokudera says. "You've worked hard."

She can't help but smile at his words. She doesn't get to see him very often at the office, but he's taught her a lot the few times she does. "Thank you, Takeshi-san, Gokudera-san."

"Hm?" Takeshi looks between the two of them. "Did something happen between you two?"

"No. Not that it's any of your business," Gokudera says flatly. "Financial auditing is hard, and something you'd never be able to understand."

Takeshi laughs it off. "Well, that's true. I've never been one for numbers."

"It's more than just numbers," Gokudera grumbles. "Accounting is one of the oldest and most vital aspects of business. Do you know how important a financial audit is these days?"

"Ugh, please don't lecture me today." Takeshi makes a face. "I already don't know what an audit is."

Gokudera pinches the bridge of his nose and mutters under his breath. Takeshi stares. "What, no comeback? You all right?"

"Not in the mood, Baseball Idiot. We haven't found the spy yet."

"Spy?" Izumi asks.

"There's one in the company," he scowls. "This one's actually good."

"So?" Takeshi says, lounging back. "You always find them in time."

"Yeah, well," he says, glancing at Izumi. "I'd rather find them sooner than later."

"That's why we entrust that to you, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna says. "You've never let us down."

"What are you guys doing, talking about this at a party?" Haru appears behind Takeshi with an exasperated expression. Brandishing a microphone in one hand, she says, "Izumi! What do you think of doing some karaoke?"

"Why stop there?" Reborn chimes in, popping out of nowhere next to Tsuna. "Izumi can judge the singers, and whoever loses does whatever she says."

Tsuna groans. "We don't need to do that! Just do whatever you want to, Izumi-san."

No problem. "Let's do it. Everyone sings in pairs, and I get to decide who loses."

Tsuna's head snaps toward her at her declaration. She grins and says, "You and Takeshi-san can go first."

To be honest, the difference in singing ability between Tsuna and Takeshi really isn't that big. They actually both get really into it, and it's only because Takeshi's voice cracks on the high note that he loses. Tsuna releases a breath of relief when she declares Takeshi the loser. With a dramatic sigh, Takeshi turns to Izumi. "What do you want me to do?"

She thinks for a second and says, "The next five sentences you say have to be at the same pitch of that high note."

Gokudera is almost rolling with laughter, and Takeshi just nods solemnly.

The rest of the night is filled with laughter and excitement. Sasagawa sings his heart out only for Hana to wink at Izumi during a suggestive verse. Needless to say, Hana wins that round, and Izumi has to take a moment to collect herself. Haru challenges Gokudera with enthusiasm, but she loses when Kyoko jabs her in the side and makes her squeak in the middle of a verse. Chrome sits out of the competition, but she helps Izumi come up with punishments, such as having Haru sing the next song an octave higher than the original. By the end of the party, Izumi's throat is hoarse from laughing, and her cheeks are sore from smiling. When she finally gets home, she's ready to dive into bed. She falls asleep with only good thoughts on her mind and warmth in her heart.

The end of May approaches quickly as Hana increases Izumi's workload at Asari. It's a welcome change, as she ends up busy enough for Hirama to ease up on her. She's elbow deep in financial proposals when someone sets down a can of coffee on her desk, startling her. Looking up, Hirama stands over her. "Another early morning, huh?"

She narrows her eyes at him as he turns away and hooks up his laptop to the monitor. "What's this for?"

"I just thought that you'd want one," he says. "And, well, it's an apology."

"An apology?"

"I realize that I've been… pushy," he settles on. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be presumptuous."

She inspects the can, but it's unopened and the same brand Saori had given her before. "…Thank you."

"No hard feelings?"

"You've been asking personal questions and invading my space for weeks. We'll see."

"Right. Sorry."

Hirama turns away without another word and starts checking his email. Izumi picks up the can and pops the tab. As she brings it to her mouth, she glances at Hirama from the corner of her eye, and his lips curl into a smirk for the briefest second.

Saori invites her out to lunch later, and Goto accompanies them. They go to the same café, and Saori frowns the moment they settle into their table. "Did Hirama say anything else to you, today?"

Izumi shakes her head. "I'm just as confused as you are."

"Hey, Tetsuo." Saori looks to Goto, who sits next to her. "What did you say to him last time?"

"Nothing that wasn't true," he says, taking a sip of his cappuccino. Saori gives him a flat stare, so he adds, "I couldn't watch those pathetic attempts anymore."

"Pathetic? Certainly, that's true, but since when do you get so fired up by Hirama?"

"He just has that effect on people."

"Yes, but not on you."

Saori's phone pings with a text, and her eyes widen when she reads it. "Hirama found the tax information. I need to get back to the office."

She gets the rest of her lunch in a to-go box and excuses herself, leaving Izumi and Goto to eat in silence. They've never been together outside of work before, so she's not sure what to talk about. Goto just watches her with an unreadable expression, and she's about to give up and take out her phone when he finally speaks.

"You're friends with Kurokawa, aren't you?"

She frowns. She'd tried to maintain a professional distance at work, but apparently, it wasn't enough.

"Have you run into any of the executives?" he continues.

"Why do you want to know?"

He sets his cup down with a smile that unsettles her. "Dangerous people are watching. You should be careful."

She scrutinizes him. "Is that a threat?"

Goto leans back in his chair and crosses his legs. "That's up to you, isn't it?"

Izumi puts down her fork, inching toward her phone with her other hand. His eyes flick downward, and her hand freezes. Damn. She's two seconds from grabbing her purse and bolting, but then Goto starts to laugh.

"You're braver than I thought," he says. "Apologies, Ishikawa Izumi. I meant no harm."

"You're going to have to do better than that."

"It's complicated."

"I have time."

"Actually," He holds up his phone to display the time. "you don't. Lunch break is almost over."

He stands with a smirk that looks like it belongs to another person. "I'll head back first. See you at the office."