Workaholic Chapter 1: Royally Screwed, a persona series fanfic

A/N: I said I wouldn't bother crossposting on sites, but... why not?

Anyways... This is an AU that kinda revolves around the office, inspired by a spicy book I read on my iPhone (and several other office dramas I watched on TV). Now, I know that this site has some limitations with spicy things... so the spicier version will be posted in AO3.

I wasn't sure what the other Phantom Thieves and Persona 5 support cast would be in an office setting, so I did the best I could to match them up. I apologize if their employee status/label is not to your liking.

The title is a temporary name for now until I figure out how this story will go. Or maybe it will stay. I dunno.

And yes. In Japan, people use email instead of texting. At least, from what I recall last time I visited there.

Anyways, without further ado…

Chapter 1: Royally Screwed

He wasn't supposed to get that email...

Subject: My Boss

Did I ever tell you how much I hate my boss today?

He definitely wasn't supposed to get it...

Can you believe this ASSHOLE took the side of someone who was CLEARLY trying to set me up? But, instead of punishing HER, he had the nerve to tell ME that I need to get my shit together, despite all the ridiculous shit I've had to put up with for the last three months.

All he ever does is criticize me… UGH! Is this guy EVER satisfied with anything I do!?

As angry and frustrated as she was, she definitely did not intend to send it to him.

I've had enough of this, Shiho! I can't take it anymore! I swear I'm just going to march into his office tomorrow to tell him I quit and that he can kiss my ass. KISS. MY. ASS! I can't wait to see the look on his face when I finally tell the little shit off. God, would it feel SO good!

She really didn't.

How can someone so hot and dreamy be such an egotistical jerk? I'm really starting to think that maybe he just hasn't gotten laid in years. Or maybe the size of his dick isn't as impressive as the size of his ego (not that I tried to look or care to know, mind you).

Anyways, I'm done. I'll tell you more about it later.

Ann

PS - Please tell me your day is going better than mine.

Yet… it happened. It did... It did.

Subject: Re: My boss

No, you haven't told me how much you hate your boss today. But seeing how you sent this message directly to me, I know now.

Perhaps I was a bit harsh earlier, but regardless whether Mika-san (who, by the way, I DID reprimand AFTER you left) set you up or not, YOU were still responsible for sending that proposal to the client. You should've sent it directly yourself, rather than relying on others to send it for you.

I'm your boss, I'm supposed to criticize you. When you do something right, I'll praise you. Seems fair enough, right?

You don't have to wait until tomorrow to see the look on my face when you tell me you're quitting, I'm standing outside the office right now. So, open the door.

No comments on your speculations of my intimate affairs. But, I can assure you that my "size" isn't an issue, since you cared enough to wonder.

Your boss,

Ren

She should've been more careful. Because now...

PS - Why, yes. My day is going FAR better than yours.

She was screwed. Really screwed. Royally screwed. Screwed beyond a doubt.

Takamaki Ann was probably one of the hardest working people in The Velvet Room, a marketing design company she had worked for almost five years.

Problem was… her recent boss, Amamiya Ren, almost NEVER seemed satisfied with ANYTHING she did.

He was always criticizing her. Whether it be her punctuality, her work, her wardrobe, he criticized her nonetheless.

Oh, and not to mention how he overworked her too.

…But, Ann was always giving it her all. The least he could do… was acknowledge that; cut her some slack for once.

However, despite all the grief he gave her, Ann bit her tongue and continued to tread onward anyways, because she loved her coworkers and wouldn't trade them in for the world. That, and it WAS technically her job. Part of the job requirements WAS the "ability to work in a high stress environment." So… maybe… just maybe, she'd eventually get used to it—to him and his ridiculous expectations.

But, one day… she just couldn't take it anymore.

Three months ago...

Taking one sip of her white chocolate mocha, Ann sighed. It was Monday. Another long day in the office.

A brief meeting was held to introduce their new CEO, who apparently bought out the company several days ago.

"I want to introduce you to Amamiya Ren. He will take over my position from this point on," the former CEO, Miyabi Hachi introduced, to which then the younger man bowed his head.

Her breath hitched at the sight of him, and she couldn't look away.

"I'm Amamiya Ren. Pleasure to work with all of you," he said, looking at each employee until his gaze met Ann's wide azure eyes. He held it there for a moment longer, making Ann's heart stir in her chest before he finally turned away.

Goodness… he was handsome, standing tall and lean in his tailored business suit and oxford shoes. Radiant with ivory skin, lighter than a typical Japanese man. Alluring with those dark silver eyes and tousled raven hair that looked so soft to run her hands through.

Her cheeks burned up a little and she shook her head. This was her new boss here; she needed to keep her thoughts of him strictly platonic and professional.

But, dearest lord, he was FINE. She couldn't have been the only lady in the office who noticed.

"Let me introduce you to some of our members here," Miyabi said to Mr. Amamiya, turning to one of Ann's closest coworkers across the room. "This here is Niijima Makoto. She's our analyst."

"Nice to meet you, Shachou." The bobbed hair brunette bowed, tucking one of her layered locks behind her ear.

Miyabi turned to another close colleague of Ann. "Next to Niijima-san is Okumura Haru. She's our manager of the Content Manager."

The auburn bouffant haired bowed. "Pleasure to meet you, Shachou."

Then, he turned to Mishima, who also bowed. "This is Mishima Yuuki. He's our Social Media Editor."

"Pleasure to work with you, Shachou."

"And then… over here, is Mika, our secretary."

Mika bowed, flaunting her long chestnut hair a bit as she straightened up. "Nice to meet you, Amamiya-shachou."

Miyabi then gestured toward Futaba, their IT who was tinkering with a laptop. "This here is Sakura Futaba, from the IT Department." Then, to Yusuke who was standing next to Haru. "This is Kitagawa Yusuke, our designer." And then, to Ryuji. "Sakamoto Ryuji, our Marketing Associate."

And then, finally, to her.

"And last but not least—Takamaki Ann. Our Junior Marketing Planner."

When Amamiya's gaze reached Ann's once more, the stirring feeling roused in her chest again. His eyes were so deep and intense. Piercing and captivating at the same time. She couldn't look away even if she tried.

"N-Nice to meet you, Shachou!" She immediately bowed, feeling her cheeks heat up again as her low-set pigtails fell over her shoulders. "I especially look forward to working with you!"

Oh god. Especially ? She especially looked forward to working with him ? Did she really have to put it that way?

"I-I mean!" She caught herself, her cheeks growing warmer by the second. "I… I'm happy to have you here—I mean—It's really a pleasure having you here!"

Dearest lord. Would she just stop talking for one second?

He simply nodded with a smile—or was that a slight smirk? "Looking forward to working with you too, Takamaki-san ."

The trill of his smooth deep voice made her whole face burn. And the way he said her name… she was pretty sure he could sense the slight infatuation she had for him. Oh god, oh god.

Subject: New boss

Oh my god, Shiho. So, I met my new boss this morning. Gosh, he is so fine! He even has that gentleman vibe I like.

Ann

Ann sent her message to Shiho and slid her phone in her pocket, unaware of Makoto trying to get her attention across the table.

"Ann!" The brunette called again, waving a hand in front of Ann's face. "Are you listening?"

"Huh?" Ann blinked, tilting her head to the side when she finally gave Makoto her undivided attention.

Makoto sighed, shaking her head. "Anyways… We're planning Italian for Haru's birthday dinner tomorrow after work. You're coming, right?"

"Oh! Of course!" Ann exclaimed. "Shiho also said she'll be able to make it too, but she might be a little late."

Haru chuckled. "No worries. That's fine. What's on your mind, Ann? Ever since this morning, you've been in a bit of a daze."

"A daze?" Ann gave her a questioning look. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Isn't it obvious?" Futaba slid herself onto a spot next to Makoto, opening up her bento box. "Our blondie has the hots for our brand new boss."

Ann immediately shook her hands out in front of her. "No! No! That's not it!"

"Well, he's certainly not bad looking. I was kind of in awe too when I saw him for the first time," Haru admitted, plopping some sushi in her mouth.

"He does give off that mysterious yet gentleman vibe," Makoto pointed out. "Ann's always been attracted to the mysterious and chivalrous types. The cool, enigmatic ones."

"Hey!" Ann hissed, trying to keep her voice down in the breakroom. "Who said I was attracted to him?"

"Oh, don't be shy, Miss ' I'm happy to have you here! ' lady," Futaba teased, making Ann's cheeks heat up. "You were totally sweet-talking him."

Ann scoffed, folding her arms. "I was just welcoming him."

"Yeah, yeah. Suuure. "

"Futaba." Ann glared.

Futaba snickered, leaning over the table. "So… You think he's single?"

"Who knows?" Makoto gave a noncommittal shrug. "But we shouldn't be prying on such things about our superiors like this, you know?"

"Makoto is right," Ann agreed. "Let's not get carried off with such silly things."

Futaba rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Ann. Admit it. You're curious too."

Well, now that Futaba mentioned it, Ann wondered now. With a face and body like that… she'd imagine he'd have at least a few ladies chasing after him, if he wasn't taken already.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Taking it out, she saw that Shiho had replied.

Subject: Re: New boss

Oh? He's handsome? How old is he? Is he tall? Dark? Mysterious?

A pic would be nice :)

Shiho

"Who are you emailing?" Haru asked, leaning over to take a peek before Ann immediately shut off the screen with a click of a button.

"Shiho," Ann answered, shoving her phone in her pocket before taking her chopsticks to dig at her unadon. "She, uh… says hi."

After several hours of planning and writing up a proposal for the next project. It was finally time to go home.

"I think that'll do for now…"

Ann yawned, shutting down her laptop before sliding it into her work bag. After gathering her belongings, she exited the main office.

On her way, however, she bumped into someone in the hallway.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean—" she began to say, looking up at the person she ran into and immediately recognizing him. "—S-Shachou! I—"

He chuckled, brushing off his sleeve. "It's fine. What are you doing here this late, Takamaki-san?"

"Oh, haha!" she laughed nervously, rubbing her forearm gingerly. "I was just working on our proposal for SafeMart's special summer campaign."

"Is that so?" he said, folding his arms contemplatively. "Are you always working this late?"

Ann shook her head. "Not always. It's just one of these rare occasions. I still have some more things to add, but I'll just finish it at home. Don't wanna stay in the office too late before the trains stop."

He paused for a moment, his eyes skimming Ann up, down, then up again. Was there something on her face? Her shirt? He didn't say, but he simply cleared his throat. "I see. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then," he said. "Don't stay up too late now."

He walked on, and Ann watched him for a bit, observing every step he made on the hard floor.

Wow. He even walks with an air of confidence, she thought to herself, a slight giddy smile crossing her lips before she shook her head and smacked her cheek. No! Step back, Ann! Stop checking out your boss!

But… she could appreciate good art. He was very pretty to look at. Very pretty indeed.

The next morning, there was a slight delay with Ann's train line on the way to work, but luckily she punched in on time—and made it at least thirty seconds before the meeting started.

"You're late, Takamaki-san," Amamiya said as soon as Ann entered the conference room and settled in a spot between Makoto and Haru. She gave him a confused look.

"Huh?" she responded, setting her bag next to her on the floor. She looked at her watch. "But… there's twenty seconds left until—"

He grabbed a stack of paper in front of him and tapped it on the table. "Good work ethic indicates that you should be here at least five minutes early, so you could make your preparations accordingly."

Was he joking?

"Um… I'm sorry, Shachou," Ann apologized anyways, bowing her head. "My train was delayed and…"

He raised his hand. "If you must be late, then call ahead of time. Don't make this a habit, Takamaki-san. Punctuality is very important to me."

Ann felt her cheeks heat up. "Yes, sir. This won't happen again."

"Very good," he said. "So, Takamaki-san… you're the one in charge of the special summer campaign for SafeMart, correct?"

Ann handed in her proposal to him and stood up from her seat, making her way toward the front of the room to present her plans, to which she felt confident in. However, after she concluded her presentation, Mr. Amamiya told her to come straight to his office, which she took wasn't a good sign.

"Your project proposal isn't just impossible to carry out, it will be rejected right away during the pitch," he told her as soon as she sat down in front of him at his desk, laying down the laminated proposal in front of her. "I can't approve of this."

"You can't?" Ann responded, a bit on the defensive since she had worked on it all night. "What was bad about it?"

"There's no way our client would go for this. This doesn't seem realistic," he criticized, something that gritted Ann's nerves a bit. "The special campaign isn't about coming up with a brand new product out of the blue. It is about identifying qualities in products customers are familiar with and making them sell like crazy during the summer."

Ann said nothing, letting him go on.

"SafeMart is one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan. If we want a future collaboration with them, they must be pleased with what we have to offer," he said. "Start brainstorming for a new proposal. I want to see a revised one by tonight."

Despite a blow to her ego, Ann bowed her head. "Yes, Shachou… I'll get it done by tonight."

She stood up from her seat, making her way toward the exit of his office.

"Oh, and one more thing," he mentioned, stopping her just as her hand reached the doorknob.

"Yes, Shachou?" Ann asked, turning to face him.

"Lose the pigtails," he told her, pointing at her with the pen in his hand. "They make you look childish. And clients won't take you seriously with that get-up."

Wow. Did he really? Did he really just—

"That is all," he said, the side of his mouth quirking as he gestured her to leave with his hand.

Ann felt her blood boil, her body tensing. Was this guy seriously being for real!? What was his deal?

She bit her tongue and turned around, heading out the door and closing it behind her.

"Asshole..." she muttered under her breath, ripping off each scrunchie from her pigtails and using one of them to tie her hair high up in a ponytail. "...How rude."

As soon as she entered the main office, everyone gathered up to her with questioning eyes.

"So?" Haru asked at front, placing both hands on Ann's shoulders.

Ann gave a shameful shake of her head, to which everyone uttered a voice of disappointment.

"The pitch is next week. There's no time," said Yusuke.

As everyone contemplated in grimness, Ann forced a cheery smile, pumping a fist.

"Don't worry you guys! I'll get it done in no time!"

"You better," Ryuji said, folding his arms in skepticism. "Because the next quarter sales depends on you."

"If you need help, Ann, don't hesitate to ask me," Makoto offered, placing an encouraging hand on Ann's shoulder.

"Thanks, Makoto." Ann smiled.

Leaning back in her chair, Ann sighed, staring blankly at the ceiling. No ideas. Mind blank. Nothing. She absolutely had nothing.

"Identify appealing qualities for the summer…" she said to herself, tapping her upper lip with a pen as she thought hard. "Hmm…"

Suddenly, a stack of documents was placed on her desk.

"Here are some surveys I gathered from the other day," Makoto said, sitting in her chair. "It's about what things people usually spend money on, but suddenly become unpopular during the summer."

"Oh! Thanks, Makoto!" Ann sat up, clapping her hands. "This will help so much!"

"Of course." Makoto smiled. "Let's go through some of them and see what people like."

Two hours in, Ann and Makoto were able to come up with a common theme based on the findings.

"Coffee sales tend to drop during the summer, yet it seems like everyone wants a special coffee blend for the summer," deduced Ann, jotting down some notes onto her little notepad.

"You can actually change the taste of coffee with different blends. I know this because I was a barista at one point," said Makoto. "As long as you know what Japanese consumers like, you can sell coffee during the summer."

"Ah, I see!" Ann gazed at her in amazement. "So we just need to figure out the blends that people tend to go for."

Makoto nodded. "Exactly. Also, Futaba's father is a barista. I'm sure we can get some useful information from him. Why don't we use this time to go over to Leblanc and discuss this with him?"

"I agree!" Ann beamed.

It took hours, but Ann finally managed to finish her revised proposal after some time of heavy marketing research and brainstorming—nearly enough time to make it to Haru's birthday dinner.

"Hm…" Mr. Amamiya mused as he looked over Ann's new proposal, turning a page. "This is better. A bit risky, but I agree that finding a new blend of coffee will increase sales during the summer based on the surveys. We'll work with this one then. You'll be coming with me first thing in the morning to show this to Watanabe-san, the manager of SafeMart."

Ann did a little victory dance in her head. "Oh, great! So does that mean I can leave now?"

"Actually, there's one more thing…" he said, to which made Ann's eye twitch. "I want to understand the company's operating history in the last ten years. I looked at the database earlier, and it's incomplete." There was a pause. "Please take care of it before you leave."

Ann stared at him incredulously. She had Haru's birthday dinner to attend tonight. There was no way she could find all of that within an hour.

"Um, with all due respect…" Ann began. "I have something personal to attend to tonight. Is it possible I could send it to you tomorrow morning?"

"Oh? You have some non-urgent personal matters?" He clasped his hands over the desk, crossing a leg over the other with that smug look on his face. "Well then, you better get on it now if you want to leave on time. I want it done by tonight ."

Her jaw clenched, hands balling at her sides.

"Yes, Shachou. I'll get on it then." She bowed her head before standing from her seat, spinning around on her heel to head out.

Marching back to her work desk, she pulled out her phone, pounding on the keypad on her screen:

Subject: My boss is a jerk

I take everything about him being charming back. He's an ass. He scolded me for being several seconds early, trashed my proposal, and even told me I looked childish with my pigtails! Oh, and I have to search and complete the database of the company's operating history in the last ten years, so I'm definitely going to be late to Haru's party. Can you believe this guy!?

Ann

She pressed send. A few minutes later, Shiho replied back:

Subject: Re: My boss is a jerk

Eeek! Sounds like a guy who has a stick up his toosh. Hang in there, Ann! You can do it!

And don't worry about being late. We totally understand.

Shiho

Ann let out a long exasperated sigh, setting her phone aside on the desk before looking at the bright laptop screen in front of her.

Well… better get to it.

Two hours later, Ann finally managed to hand in the documents that Mr. Amamiya requested. She thought he was going to make her stay longer, but he thankfully let her go. Ann didn't have time to go back to the apartment and change, so she went straight to the restaurant in her work attire, where her friends were all gathered at the table with their finished meals.

She had so much to say about this little shit, and she ranted all about it at the table.

"Well, to be fair… the pigtails do kinda make you appear kiddish."

Ann glared at Shiho, "Hey! Whose side are you on?"

Her ebony haired friend gave a nonchalant shrug. "Sure, the way he approached you was kinda harsh. But I think he sorta has a point. If I were a client seeing some grown lady in pigtails, I wouldn't be sure to take her seriously, even if they are low-set and cute."

Ann huffed, swigging her wine in five gulps before slamming the glass down on the table. "Whatever. He still didn't have to be an ass about it."

"Well, at least you're here," Makoto pointed out, sipping on her water. "You made it just on time for cake too."

"Maybe he's just one of those strict bosses who have high expectations," Haru said, swirling her wine glass.

Ann snorted. "Or maybe he's just a dick."

Shiho chuckled, and Ann gave her a puzzled look. "What's so funny?"

"I just find it interesting how you suddenly go from 'Oh my god! My boss is hot!' to 'Oh my god! My boss is an ass!' "

"Oh?" Futaba leaned over the table with her elbows propped, a cheeky grin plastered on her face. "So, you were crushing on him at one point."

"It wasn't a crush!" Ann fired out. "I just found him really attractive, okay?"

"So much for the 'gentleman' vibe, huh?" Shiho elbowed Ann.

"Oh, hush." Ann scoffed. "What's important now is that my opinion of him has soured after today. I just hope he doesn't nag on me tomorrow again."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Makoto reassured. "You're one of the hardest working people in the company, Ann. He'll eventually notice and let you be."

"Yeah, I hope so."

"Well, anyways... we're all here now, right?" Futaba chimed in from across the table, raising her soda glass. "Let's make a toast… to Haru turning twenty six!"

The ladies raised their glasses. "May she have another awesome year in her twenties!" they all said in unison, sipping on their drinks.

Up in SafeMart's headquarters, Ann and Mr. Amamiya sat together with Mr. Watanabe at a large conference table, watching him go through Ann's proposal in silence.

"Hmm…." Mr. Watanabe mused as he turned to the last page. "I think this special campaign is a little risky. People usually prefer cold tea beverages in the summer." He set the small booklet to the side. "Coffee? Not so much."

"Watanabe-san, based on our research, we found that people in Japan who consume coffee regularly still have a need for it during the summer," Mr. Amamiya tried to explain. "If we can modify or come up with a new coffee blend, I'm sure we can increase coffee sales during the summer time."

"We even have a barista among us who's working on new blends that these consumers will enjoy in the summer," Ann chimed in with a reassuring smile.

Mr. Watanabe still looked doubtful, looking down at the proposal with heavy thought.

"Watanabe-san, I believe consumers' habits can be influenced and changed," Mr. Amamiya continued to persuade, not backing down just yet. "Our special summer campaign for SafeMart will assure its status as the leader in convenience store sales in the summer as well as your current status as leader in winter sales."

There was a pause for a moment, then Mr. Watanabe looked to Mr. Amamiya with a small, but confident, smile.

"Alright, if you can host a tasting event ahead of time, I'll let you participate in next week's pitch. Arrange this as soon as possible."

Mr. Amamiya and Ann bowed gratefully.

"I understand. Thank you, Watanabe-san," thanked Mr. Amamiya.

Weeks passed, and the special summer campaign for SafeMart was a success. But despite all Ann's hard work, Mr. Amamiya still hadn't praised her much—unless thanking her for her "time" counted. In fact, since then, he bombarded her with even more tasks that made her stay overtime several times.

"Five hundred surveys. Be sure to get them all filled out by the end of today," he ordered, placing an overly thick manilla envelope on her desk before making his way out. "Oh. And tidy up your workspace. I'd rather my employees be more organized. Thank you."

Ann wanted to bang her head against the wall. Again? More surveys to pass? Was this man a demon? Jesus Christ! And what nerve he had to tell her she was disorganized. What's his freaking deal?

Her patience was beginning to wear thin.

Subject: What This Asshole Did Report #56

Today, he made me go out to pass 500 surveys AGAIN. The prick even told me to "tidy up" my workspace AFTER he threw the large envelope of surveys on my desk that knocked over a few of my pens and picture frames.

How have I not strangled this guy yet?

Ann

PS - Is it sad that, asshole aside, I still think he's gorgeously hot?

Ann sighed, waiting for Shiho's reply as she grabbed the large envelope in her arms.

Her phone vibrated as soon as she got out of the building.

Subject: Re: What This Asshole Did Report #56

Ugh. I'm so sorry to hear that. This guy seems CRAZY. Don't give up, Ann! Show this man who's boss!

Or… wait… nvm. He isyour boss, lol!

Shiho

PS - No, but only because you're still single.

Ouch. That stung a bit.

Speaking of being single, when was the last time Ann went on an actual date? Over a year now?

Then again, with the way things are right now… maybe getting a date would be nearly impossible with how her boss was overworking her quite a bit. God. What's his problem?

Or… maybe that's just an excuse. With the way her last relationship ended, she wasn't sure if she could ever trust any guy again, despite how many times she told herself that not all guys were the same and that a few bad apples shouldn't generalize them all.

She just didn't want to end up with another bad apple.

Strange… since she's still slightly attracted to her mean-dickish-boss, despite his crazy ridiculous ways.

Then again, at least he was honest with her. Brutal at times, but honest.

Ann let out a mirthless laugh. How sad. How sad that she thought of it that way.

The meeting started off as it usually did the next morning. Everyone presented their reports to Mr. Amamiya, who looked utterly captivating today in his immaculate three-piece navy blue suit and matching tie. His beautiful piercing eyes pinned Ann down as they did whenever they were alone.

When Ann finished her presentation, he stared at her—giving her that intense look he gave her from time to time that she had yet to decipher. It was something between how he looked in her fantasies before he kissed her with his mouth of perfection, and when he asked her to stay late after work.

In a way, it was a gaze that suggested that maybe he wasn't as horrible as she made him out to be. That maybe… she was just exaggerating things and just needed to lighten up a bit.

"You may sit down now, Takamaki-san," he said, smirking. "Unless you'd like us to stare at you for the rest of this three-hour meeting."

Nope. Still an asshole.

"If it makes you feel better…" Mishima said to her as soon as the meeting concluded and Mr. Amamiya left the room, placing a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, "He scolded me the other day for stuttering too much during my presentation. So… I don't think he's exactly targeting you specifically—at least when it comes to work."

Ann highly doubted it, but appreciated the attempt in soothing her. "Thanks, Mishima-san." She smiled. "It's a little reassuring…"

Eventually, time passed some more, and Ann had finally reached her third month with this wretched boss.

It was already near fall. Ann stayed overtime in the office again to work on a collaboration proposal for a client they had been working with. This client was known to be very stingy, but he finally gave his trust to The Velvet Room because of Ann's ability to connect with him on a personal level.

Mr. Amamiya looked over Ann's proposal, nodding in a way that showed he was slightly impressed as he turned every few pages.

"Very good, Takamaki-san," he said, handing her back the proposal. "Be sure to send this to Yamaguchi-san by seven in the morning tomorrow."

"Yes, Shachou." Ann nodded.

"He's a very busy man. The instructions were to just drop it off to his secretary, and that he would be able to go over it before he starts his work. We're lucky he gave us this opportunity, so we can't screw this up." He stood up from his chair, walking up to the window and gazing at the bright city lights outside for a brief quiet moment before turning to her. "I'm entrusting this to you because you're the only one I trust here," he said, shocking Ann as she gawked at him with her eyes wide. "Don't let me down."

She didn't say anything for a moment, still registering the compliment in her head.

"Takamaki-san?" He gave her a questioning look.

She blinked, shaking her head. "Oh! Yes! I promise. I promise I won't disappoint you!"

"Good." He smiled, a nice genuine smile—unlike the usual smug smile he gave her. "If there aren't any further questions, you may leave now."

And once she exited the room and closed the door, she immediately pulled out her phone, feeling that this was urgent news to share to Shiho.

Subject: Can you believe it?

For the first time… he praised me! Oh my god! I must be hearing things!

Ann

It was strange… because it stirred a warm feeling in her tummy too. Well, okay… it wasn't exactly surprising she felt the warm fuzzies… because her boss was ridiculously handsome as well.

With his raven tousled hair and deep silver eyes, Amamiya Ren was almost the embodiment of perfection in Ann's eyes.

Almost, because he was kind of an asshole.

Well, okay... maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Maybe he did have the ability to acknowledge others—he's just one of those bosses who held his employees to higher standards. Perhaps Ann was just being too resentful for not getting enough praise as she liked.

…Then again, who didn't want praise? Acknowledgement? Appreciation?

Ann made her way to the office to grab her things, feeling very giddy as she did so.

"Oh? Working here so late, Takamaki-san?"

Ann turned around to see Mika, the company's secretary, standing behind her. What was Mika doing here so late anyways?

"Yeah. Just finished my proposal for Yamaguchi-san tomorrow. I was just heading out soon," Ann answered, turning back and gathering her belongings in her bag.

"Wow. You must be really dedicated over here. I'm always seeing you work so hard. Don't you have any other things besides work to do? Like a boyfriend to see?"

Ann laughed, a bit shamefully. "Nope! Neither one, haha!"

Mika raised her brows in what seemed to be… shock? "I'm surprised. How can someone as pretty as you NOT have a man?"

"Haven't really had the time." Ann scratched the back of her head sheepishly, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Hmm… Well, if you need any help, Takamaki-san, let me know!" Mika gave a friendly smile. "I'd be happy to set you up with one of my friends in the city."

"Thanks, Mika-san," Ann smiled back before turning toward the exit. "Anyways… I best get going. I have to wake up early tomorrow to hand in this proposal to Yamaguchi-san."

"Wait!" Mika halted her suddenly, prompting Ann to turn around and face her again. "I live close by Hana Wiz. If you want, I can hand it in on my way to work tomorrow."

"Oh, you don't have to, Mika-san. I can hand it in myself."

"Nonsense!" Mika insisted. "You work so hard, Takamaki-san. Let me help ease your load a little."

Ann thought about it for a while. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea, since Ann really didn't want to wake up that early hassling to find the place before heading to work. And Mika never really gave her problems at work before—she seemed relatively trustworthy.

"Well, okay, Mika-san," Ann said, handing Mika the documents. "If you insist. Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"No problem!" Mika beamed, waving a hand to Ann before she exited the office.

Things were beginning to look up.

The next morning, Ann woke up refreshed, feeling good about a brand new day. It was another busy Monday at the office, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

The moment she clocked back in from lunch, however…

"Takamaki-san. To my office. Now."

And he hung up. Ann looked to Makoto and gave her a questioning look as she placed the phone back on the base.

"Everything okay?" Makoto asked.

"Um, I'm not sure…" Ann said, scratching her cheek. "But Amamiya-shachou did not sound too happy."

"I'm pretty sure it's nothing," reassured Makoto.

"Yeah…"

Ann got up from her seat, making her way outside the main office to Mr. Amamiya's room.

"Yes, Shachou?" she said a little tentatively as she walked in, watching him turn around in his seat to face her.

"Close the door and sit." He gestured her to the seat in front of his desk, looking very stern and grim.

As soon as she sat down, he began, "Yamaguchi-san never got the proposal I asked you to hand to him, so he was not very happy with us."

He spoke calmly, but she could see that his intense eyes smoldered in rage.

Ann's eyes widened in shock, she opened her mouth to say something, but then he went on, "I asked you to do one thing. One thing, Takamaki-san. Why haven't you done it?"

"Shachou," Ann began, trying to explain, "I thought Mika-san gave it to him. She told me she'd hand it to him on the way to work."

Mr. Amamiya slammed his hand on the desk. "I asked YOU to hand it to him," he emphasized, pointing a finger at her. "You , Takamaki-san. Not her. Why didn't you do that?"

"But…" she said, her voice growing meeker, "...s-she told me—"

He raised his hand. "I don't want to hear any more excuses, Takamaki-san. You screwed our deal with the client. And now we all look bad. All because you didn't follow one simple thing I asked."

"I…" Her voice shook, her cheeks hot and vision cloudy. "I'm so sorry, Shachou… I—"

He stood up from his seat, walking toward the wide window. Contrary to the dark tense atmosphere in the room, it was a bright radiant day outside, the sunbeam through the window illuminating his perfect features on his beautifully toned face.

"You best get it together, Takamaki-san," he said, sliding his hands in his pockets. "Otherwise, we'll have to consider other options for you."

Ann said nothing, grasping the fabric of her long skirt as hot tears welled up in her eyes.

"Words cannot express how disappointed I am in you," he told her, his gaze still transfixed at the window. "You let me—the company down."

Silence lingered for a moment. And then…

"That is all. You may leave now."

"Ann?" Makoto stood up from her seat as soon as Ann barged into the office to grab her coat. "What happened? Is everything—"

"I need a breather. I'll be on the rooftop for a bit," Ann told her shortly before darting outside, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone she passed by or bumped into.

Looking up at the clear blue sky, Ann felt the warm gentle breeze on her face from the fresh air, but it did nothing to alleviate the plethora of heavy feelings that burdened her.

She cried for several minutes before finally gathering herself back together. Wiping her eyes, she sniffed, anger now beginning to course within her veins. This man… this man was the bane of her existence. Always blaming her. Picking on her. Never satisfied with her. How much more was he going to give her?

She couldn't take it anymore.

Not knowing what else to do, Ann pulled out her phone, and began typing:

Subject: My Boss

Did I ever tell you how much I hate my boss today?

All he ever does is criticize me… UGH! Is this guy EVERsatisfied with anything I do!?

I've had enough of this, Shiho! I can't take it anymore! I swear I'm just going to march into his office tomorrow to tell him I quit and that he can kiss my ass. KISS. MY. ASS!I can't wait to see the look on his face when I finally tell the little shit off. God, would it feel SO good!

Anyways, I'm done. I'll tell you more about it later.

Ann

PS - Please tell me your day is going better than mine.

After all was said and done, Ann pressed "send", sliding her phone back into the pocket of her trench coat.

She still couldn't believe she fell for Mika's lies. What was she thinking in entrusting something so important to someone she barely talked to? Someone she barely even knew? But... maybe Mika wasn't all to blame, Ann was incredibly stupid for being so damn gullible.

Perhaps... Mr. Amamiya did have a right to roast her for what she did. Jumping to conclusions that he was just picking on her and pointing the finger at her was foolish in that regard.

But still, he could've reprimanded Mika too! Ann wasn't the only one at fault here! Right? Right!?

Ann sighed, leaning over the railing that surrounded the rooftop. Could this day get any worse?

The gentle breeze touched her face once more.

She hoped not.

Having not heard from Shiho in a while, Ann sent another email to her.

Subject: My email

Did you get my email from this afternoon?

Ann

There was an immediate response.

Subject: Re: My email

No… what email?

Shiho

Strange. Did the email not go through? Or did Ann accidentally delete it instead of sending it, being so caught up in the emotions?

Ann typed:

Subject: Re: Re: Re: My email

The one about my boss and the shit he reprimanded me for today D: Maybe I accidentally deleted it instead of sending it to you because I was too pissed to pay attention to what I was really pressing.

This is so ridiculous, Shiho. But… it's my fault too for being so damn naive.

I'll call you about it when I get home. Talk to you then.

Ann

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: My email

Of course! Call me anytime! :)

Shiho

Ann slumped into her office chair as soon as she set her phone aside on her desk, feeling hopeless. It was already seven in the evening, and everyone except her had already left the office. She couldn't wait to get home, take a long well-deserved bath, pour herself a glass of that expensive wine she got as a "thank you" gift from Mr. Watanabe, and call Shiho to rant about her horrible day.

When Ann finally found the strength to sit back up and gather her belongings, a ping from her phone caught her attention—a new message in her inbox. She opened it, expecting to see something else from Shiho, but the second she saw the subject line and sender, her eyes went a mile wide.

Subject: Re: My boss

No, you haven't told me how much you hate your boss today. But seeing how you sent this message directly to me, I know now.

I'm your boss, I'm supposed to criticize you. When you do something right, I'll praise you. Seems fair enough, right?

You don't have to wait until tomorrow to see the look on my face when you tell me you're quitting, I'm standing outside the office right now. So, open the door.

No comments on your speculations of my intimate affairs. But, I can assure you that my "size" isn't an issue, since you cared enough to wonder.

Your boss,

Ren

PS - Why, yes. My day is going FAR better than yours.

She dropped her phone on the desk, the color on her face draining.

Oh. My. FUCKING. GOD!

End A/N: Still in the early stages of planning. Maybe it will continue, maybe it won't—we'll see how it goes. As for character ages, most of them are in their mid 20s here. Ann is 25. Ren is 29. Four year difference. Not too much of a difference.

Anyways, thanks for reading if you got this far! Until then...

RVK

*Went back and edited some roles of the characters.*