As the weekend gradually crawled into Ren's stressed life at MSBY because of a certain blonde, she was finally looking forward to getting the much needed reset that would bring her back on track.
She was now headed to main train station, ready to catch a train that would lead her back home, her comfort zone, where she would eventually work out the "Miya Atsumu as Co-worker" problem.
At the end of her first day at MSBY, of course she received a text from Osamu and Rin. Of course, they'd know about it immediately. And while they bombarded her with too many questions that she didn't have the energy to answer, she promised to meet them over the weekend and answer them all, in person.
The crowd on the train was surprisingly sparse since it was the weekend and the calm of the station only reminded her of the impending storm that was waiting for her at home. As her train pulled into the platform, someone else rushed into her peripheral vision in a hurried manner, probably wanting to climb into the same compartment as her.
She stood back on the platform making way for the person, but was surprised at hearing her name out loud instead.
"Ren-chan? What are you doing here?"
She looked up towards the voice, only to see a familiar face, reminding her of better times.
"Aran-san?" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
He let out a deep chuckle, laugh lines creasing around his eyes, his visage now appearing softer than usual, on his otherwise intimidating, chiselled face.
"I believe I asked you first," he smiled at her.
But before she could respond, the approaching time for the departure of their train was announced, and they were pulled out of their unexpected surprise.
"Let's sit inside and talk, shall we?" he said, while letting her go in first. As soon they settled in, Aran looked back at her, with eyebrows raised, gesturing her to continue.
"I work here now, Aran-san. How about you?"
"I work here too. I play ball for Tachibana Red Falcons."
"The Red Falcons? We have a practice match scheduled with you later this month."
"We? Where do you work?" he asked, looking confused and intrigued by what she revealed.
Right, I haven't told him about that yet...
"I work as an Assistant Business Manager," she paused, taking in a deep breath. "At MSBY Black Jackals."
She watched how his eyes comically widened at her, before he burst out in a loud bark of laughter.
"Oh! That's just too precious!" he wheezed, slapping his thighs.
She frowned at him, not understanding how people continued to find joy in her misery.
"It's not funny Aran-san! It's been nothing short of a nightmare. And I only started out this week," she pouted, crossing her arms at her senpai, who was still gasping for air as he couldn't put a brake on his laughter.
"You're right, " he wheezed. "It's only funny for the rest of us who know you both. I'm sorry, but I can't imagine how he must be acting around you now."
"Please let's not talk about that. I have been waiting for this weekend just so I could unwind and prepare myself for Monday, when I'd have to face the blonde incubus again," she said, but was interrupted by his bellows of laughter again.
She sighed and continued, "Hopefully, I won't have to spend too much time around him since my work mostly revolves around planning and paperwork. But I know that will be a long shot, since the boys have multiple public matches coming up."
"Yes, I believe so. But how about we make a deal? Every time you are frustrated with work, we can meet up for drinks or food. MSBY building isn't far from our training centre, and you can always call me."
"Thank you Aran-san!" she gushed. "I would love that! I don't think I can vent about him to anyone at work because they all play with each other and I can't say anything that would break their existing chemistry. I'm totally taking you up on your offer, especially since you keep laughing at my troubles," she pouted playfully, but also feeling her own laughter bubble up, as he seemed to be controlling himself again.
Soon they both broke out in quiet sniggers, the rest of train journey with her senpai began the process of healing her fried brains.
When she finally reached home, she was surprised to find Osamu and Rin playing on their gameboys, in her room. And as soon as they saw, they chortled at her.
Great! Now these two as well!
"First Kuroo, then Bokuto-san, then Aran-san and now the both of you. It's not funny guys! My misfortunes aren't Greek comedies," she said with exasperated sighs.
"True. Your hardships are not funny, but 'Tsumu's tantrums are epic!" said Osamu, still chuckling.
"We should actually records video of him and put them online. That'll just open the doors to greater wealth," said Rin.
She rolled her eyes at that.
Typical Rin and his stupid smartphone camera.
"Anyway, you guys. I don't know how to handle him. Though I'm usually in my office, I have to meet up to their Coach for player information more often than I'd like. And while I'm speaking to this man who's probably in his last 40s, I can feel his gaze boring into the back of my head, as if I'm committing some kind of a sin. So imagine his reaction, when I speak to other players."
She threw her hands up in the air in frustration saying, "It's like he has forgotten that we have broken up, and who I meet or talk to or flirt with is none of his business!"
"You... you're flirting with someone?" stuttered Osamu, as Rin too stared back at her with his eyes wide open.
She stiffened, realising her unintentional slip, but sighed, as she realised she will have to come clean with them at least.
"I'm trying. I'm trying to move on, Osamu. Not because I wanted this awkward ending with him, but because I have to move on with life. We all know, it's never going to work out between us, if he never fully opens up emotionally to me."
There was some awkward and stale soundlessness in the room, before she spoke again to clear the air. "He has to open up to me. I'm in it for the long haul, but I can't deal with a closed door for the rest of my life. His arguments back then made no sense, and even though I understand where they came from, he has to admit them to himself as well. I can't fight with someone who is in denial."
She sighed, feeling the beginning of what would eventually become a painfully throbbing headache by the time she'd turn in for the night.
"Renny," Rin spoke up, "We'll be there with you the whole time. Do what you must do for your happiness, just like we will support 'Tsumu for his happiness too. You're both important to us, though you're slightly more important, because he is an idiot."
Peals of giggles and guffaws followed in the previously moody ambience of the room. At least in that respect, they were all on the same page.
Miya Atsumu could be an absolute idiot sometimes.
The following Monday brought with it a new sense of motivation for Ren as she walked into her empty office. Mikasa-san would be away in Sendai for the next couple of weeks, which meant that she'd have the office space all to herself. She had a few meetings lined up with the promotions department that day, and a con-call with Mikasa-san and another board member, before she'd have to go and meet the trainers of the team.
Although the thoughts of her ex haunted her waking moments every now and then, after the refreshing weekend with her friends and family, she was ready to face him again and not let him get to her as much he was trying to.
Because if Miya Atsumu was excellent at something (totally unnecessary and evil), it was pushing the wrong buttons. The team dinner last week was ample proof of how he could really create a mess if she'd let him. She shook that memory away before it could give her a headache, and called in for a cup of cappuccino and get started with her day.
Which was productive. Very rewarding too, since the promotions team was communicating effectively and getting approvals from the higher-ups faster than she expect. So after a long day of having struck out everything on her task list, she stared hard at the last thing left to do.
+ intro promo SM plans to players - book slots
She groaned slightly, but knew that work could not be avoided. She gulped down the rest of her cinnamon hot chocolate from lunch, took deep breaths and called for the elevators to go up to the courts.
I can do this. I'm a professional through and through!
"Hey Coach! Can I have some time today with your players? I have an announcement to make," she said, as she sashayed towards them, feeling none of the dread she felt a while ago.
She was all merry, flashing her brightest smiles to the players as she walked over to them, and turning on her (what she referred to as) 'Only-Business' mode. The Coach nodded his compliance and gathered the players around them.
"Hey guys! Good to see you all again and I come bearing some exciting news for you guys," she grinned at them, hoping she was channelling enough charm and peace loving vibes, that would prevent Miya Troublesome from creating any issues for her.
"I just got off the meeting with the promotions department today and we have come up with a few ways to work on your individual strengths and use them as your selling points.
"Basically, we'll do some interesting things on your social media platforms for you, which will get the ball rolling and create a good buzz around your participation in the upcoming games. I've already been through your files last week, so I know most that I need to know. But I'll come in regularly this week and in the next, to understand you better and get some insights on a personal level.
"I have a blank schedule right here with me so you can fill in the time slots and the days that work best with you," she said while handing the writing pad and a pen to Shouyo, who stood closest to her.
"We'll need to see you during your practice, training and some part of your physiotherapy check-up, so that's 3 slots. Just write down your names in any 3 slots and I'll take it from there," she finished.
"Ren, so 3 slots are basically 3 hours right?" asked Shion.
"Yes, so whenever you have training or physiotherapy or practice scheduled, put your name in that slot," she responded.
"Got it. Can't wait," he replied back, smiling and looking at her a little longer than one would.
But before she could think any further about it, she felt a certain set of cold glaring eyes upon them. She decided to continue smiling and talking to the other players as they asked her a multitude of questions.
Eventually, when she couldn't help but gaze at him, she was met with angrily narrowed eyes, tightly locked jaws, and stiffened neck and shoulders that made her want to physically back away from him. She only averted her eyes in response, and took a deep breath.
Your tantrums will take a back seat for now, Miya Atsumu.
A while later, when she got back her sheet, she was shocked to see her schedule for Tuesday, which was tomorrow.
"Uhm, Miya-san, I think you-."
"I'll see you tomorrow Shimizu-san. I've a few things to discuss with you as well, and since I'm the setter of this team I can give you other players' information, especially my relationship and chemistry with them in our plays," he said, his gaze boring deep into hers, almost daring her to object.
"I see, it's indeed a well thought-out... plan... I'll see you tomorrow then," she said.
With that she bowed to the Coach, and quietly walked back to the elevators, with much less enthusiasm as the dread she felt earlier, crept back into her thoughts, the glacial glare not leaving her till she entered the elevators.
She looked down at her sheet and sighed anxiously, as she stared hard at his elegant slanted writing right next to the slots for tomorrow.
10-11 = Miya Atsumu
11-12 = Miya Atsumu
12-2 = Lunch with Miya Atsumu
2-3 = Miya Atsumu
3-4 = Miya Atsumu
4-5 = Miya Atsumu
Dear God, please be with me tomorrow!
She groaned and looked up to the heavens as she internally prayed, only to be met with the sight of cold, impenetrable steel instead.
None of the gods shall be able to help Shimizu Ren tomorrow. The sly fox had her completely in his grasp, and she was utterly helpless.