A/N This chapter contains some expletives.

My boss was happy today. She gets happy on days of staff get-togethers and company events. Miss Sakurai has a jovial personality but when people put her under pressure she gets edgy like most people would do. I have been working under her for about 5 or 6 years. She's about 9 years older than I am. She has a light tan and keeps her brunette hair in a bun. About the event, I would say it's a large meeting where staff from all sections gather bi-annually and they announce any new developments for the company, who were promoted or will be promoted, and the winners of employee of the month awards etc. After the meeting, everyone is treated to free lunch. Today is that very meeting that so many employees look forward to and prepare for months.

I enter the conference hall. It's packed like I expected. I try to see if I can make out Elma or Kobayashi but I can't see neither of them. They're probably in front. I take a seat in the back, like I always do. But the seats at the front are all filled.

The CEO Mr Magatsuchi takes the podium and does the opening speech. He mentions the company's profits and he thanks the staff for all their hard work. Everyone cheers when he announces everyone will be getting 5% raises.

My boss who was my section's manager takes the podium next. "Thank you for that lovely presentation Mr. Magatsuchi. Now I'm pleased to announce the employees of the month for the past six months."

"Give them 50% raises" Akio calls out from the crowd. His male friends all back him up and similar shouts are heard in the crowd.

"Ahaha I see we have a lively crowd here today" Miss Sakurai comments through the mic. Everyone was so lively and enthusiastic today whereas on normal days, we're all so robotic. For some reason, this meeting always brings back memories from high school assemblies. Bursts of laughter and chatter emerges from the crowd.

"Ok please quiet down everyone." In five minutes the crowd is quiet awaiting the announcement we're all so hyped for.

"For October, we have Miss Tachibana from PR." Everyone cheers for her. The short blonde goes up on stage and collects her award money, token and plaque. She gets her photo taken as she receives her award.

"Next we Mr. Komiyama from Sales for November's Employee of The Month and I am also happy to say Mr. Komiyama has been promoted to Senior Sales thank you for your hard work and dedication, Mr Komiyama."

The same process is repeated for December.

"And I would all like you to give a round of applause for my own outstanding employee who has proven to be a great worker. I could always depend on her. Please come to the stage Miss Nayura Nishigaki. You're employee of the month for January of this year. Additionally Miss Nishigaki has proven herself to be promoted to the position of Senior Supervisor effective today."

My heart is thudding in my chest. I wasn't expecting this in the slightest, seeing as I got Employee of the Month a few years ago. But a promotion? I thought I would have been stuck in the same position for all my life in the company. My hands are clammy. I hear applauses. Dumbfoundedly i go up on stage and collect my award.

"GO NAI! CONGRATULATIONS!" I hear Elma;s voice from the crowd. She stands up clapping for me which attract some gazes. I give her a smile. I'm glad my efforts have been recognized.

Miss Sato then collects her award for February.

"Finally, for March's Employee of the Month, it was a tough decision but after a fair voting process, it was decided that Miss Elma Joui from System Engineering clearly deserves the award. All the nominees are very outstanding employees too. Thank you all for your hard work." I'm more happy for her than myself. My heart is bursting with pride for her like a parent who is proud of their child when they bring home good grades. She started in this company cleaning toilets and making tea for coworkers apart from her programming tasks. She takes her job very seriously and works hard. Despite coming from a wealthy and prestigious family, she still managed to do unappealing tasks even humans hate and that's something truly commendable.

I stand up and cheer her on. "Congratulations Elma! You did it!" My voice barely reaches the entire room. She sees me. "YEAH!" she puts her plaque in the air. All eyes are on her. The crowd goes wild for her. She's what you would say the 'office mascot'. Most people like her and get along fine with her. Her achievement is no surprise to me because Kobayashi collected Employee of the month awards about 4 times in the past and so has Mr. Takiya. I heard those two are some of the most competent System Engineering staff. I don't really know much about their section because Elma and I work in different sections and we report to different people.

"Oh dear. I'm sorry I forgot to mention that Miss Joui's contract will be renewed. She will no longer be an apprentice. She will now be a permanent employee here. Thanks to her hard work and her colleagues' recommendations, Mr. Magatsuchi has decided to promote her to Junior Intern Supervisor effective today. Congratulations! Can we get another round of appl-" Miss Sakurai's voice is drowned out. The crowd shouts cheers for her.

"Elma-senpai Senpai!" the interns who were seated right behind me were cheering for their new supervisor.Elma has upgraded to senpai, huh? Every year our company would take on interns who were college students and train them for a while until the company decides which interns they want to keep as permanent staff. She had been working closely with interns, helping them out with the basics and monitoring them. They seem to like her a lot. They take her to lunch sometimes and brings sweets for her. She's gotten increasingly good at her job too.

I'm glad the CEO decided to confirm her. She wasn't an apprentice any longer.

…

"Nai I have upgraded to the rank of 'supervisor. What do you think?" she cuffs her fist in the air.

"I'm so proud of you. Guess I'll have to treat you then."

"Nai I want to hug you and kiss you so much. I'm also happy for you too"

I blush. "Maybe when we go home" I say in a low tone.

We're at lunch with Takiya and Kobayashi.

Kobayashi warmly looks at Elma. "Don't let it get to your head, ok Elma? You'll have more responsibilities now."

"I'm aware and I'm prepared for it!" she responds enthusiastically.

Takiya chuckles.

"Congratulations Nai." Takiya tells me.

"Thank you."

"So Kobayashi how are you and Miss Tohru and little Kanna too?" I ask the redhead.

"They're both Tohru would ask me about how you are too, Nai."

"Is that so? Well isn't she a nice girl?"

"And what about Mr Fafnir, Mr Takiya?"

"Oh Fafnir- dono is usually at home playing RPG's. I guess he's grown addicted to games and anime."

As we chat, Elma is happily chewing her grilled squid.

"Oh? I like anime too. I used to watch a lot when I was a student." I say.

"Tohru just texted me. I told her about Nai and Elma's achievements and she asks if you all want to meet up at our place tonight for a little get-together?" Kobayashi asks us.

I turn to Elma who probably hasn't heard a word Kobayashi just said. When she's deeply focused on eating, she blocks out everything else.

I place my palm in front of her face and make a waving motion. "Hey want to hang out at Kobayashi's place tonight? Tohru is throwing a party for us."

"Huh? Did I hear right? Tohru is celebrating my victory?!"

Kobayashi nervously laughs. "Ever since she got a phone she would normally send me texts during my lunch break. So I told her about what Elma and Nai had achieved. She said it's been a while since we all have gotten together and she thinks tonight will be a good opportunity."

"Well if Nai wants to go, I'll follow her too." Elma says and continues eating away happily.

…

Everyone resumes the day as a normal workday after lunch break. I push the door of the office washroom.

"I don't even know how someone like you even got promoted. I work my ass off here everyday and never get I have been working here longer than you have. My uncle is on the Board too! I am seriously beginning to consider the fact that either you or your girlfriend are sucking the CEO's cock. Or maybe the both of you are sleeping with him. No wonder they promoted the two of you." I am peering through the crease in the doorway. I haven't fully opened the door but I could barely make out the back of a woman. I realize she's talking about me and Elma. I'm so pissed. I push the door quietly.

I clench my fists.

"How dare you speak to my wife that way? Have you any idea of the time we've overworked until one of us passed out on the train or when we have to work late until we barely catch the last train? I'm sure you must have worked hard but we didn't decide the candidates for award so please don't accuse us of something you don't know about." I stare at the woman. She's Itsuki from Purchasing. I didn't want to hit her. Elma has a dumbfounded look on her face. It's like she couldn't believe what she had heard.

Her face becomes more tense as it sinks in. She's glaring at Itsuki seriously. The air is heavy. Elma is first to break the awkward silence. "Please leave now before I do something you will regret." she says in a very stern voice. I'm panicking. I hope she doesn't do something stupid like kill Itsuki.

"Are you fucking threatening me, bitch?" the woman replies, pushing Elma into the wall.

"Watch your mouth!" Before I know it Elma pushes Itsuki into one of the bathroom stall doors. She falls inside the stall.

"You have the audacity to accuse me and Nai of something that low. No one shall speak ill of her in my presence." Elma marches to where Itsuki is still recovering from her fall.

I run to her. I place my hands on her shoulder. "Stop!. Please don't do anything to her. She's not worth it."

This is enough to calm her down. She sniffles and begins to tear up. "Nai!How could you forgive someone who said those terrible things about you and I?"

I pull her into a hug. Her trembling body feels so fragile and it's strange even to me. "Don't cry. I know those things aren't true. Let's show her we're the better persons here and make peace with her ok?"

I go to where Itsuki is rubbing her head. She looks kind of dazed. "Do you want me to take you to the nurse?"

"I don't need your assistance!"

"Fine."

"Come on. Let's get back to our work stations. It's already 1:30"

"I'm coming" Elma replies giving Itsuki one last glance. She's still on the floor.

Ever since that day I never heard from Itsuki again.

…

7 pm at At Kobayashi's apartment

"Welcome everyone! Please come in" Tohru says in her cheerful 's attired in her usual maid outfit.

"Thank you for having me Miss Tohru." I say.

"No need to be so formal. We're friends" she replies.

My nostrils inhales the scent of something very delicious on the stove. Tohru really went all out.

"Please make yourselves comfortable." Takiya, Kobayashi, Elma and I enter the apartment. Lucoa is in the living room and so is Fafnir. He is playing video games. The green-haired dragon is having a drink on the sofa.

"Miss Kobayashi, I forgot to tell you that Kanna is having a sleep over with Saikawa tonight."

"Ok" she replies. Kobayashi sits on the couch near to Takiya and they are both enjoying beers. They get along so well. Elma and I are sitting at the breakfast table because the couch is fully occupied.

"Guys, dinner will be finished in five minutes" Tohru calls from the kitchen.

"Yay I'm so hungry" Elma chimes in.

"You always study your stomach, don't you Elma?" Lucoa teasingly asks her.

"I don't!" she hastily responds however her stomach gives her away with an audible 'growl'. The entire apartment erupts in laughter. Even I am laughing.

"Nai, even you?" she looks at me.

I playfully pinch her elbow. "Well,it's not like it's not true." We all laugh again.

In a matter of minutes we're all savouring Tohru's delicious omurice, cake, and lamb.

"The food was delicious Tohru" I compliment her.

She says proudly "I used the recipe Miss Kobayashi gave me."

After dinner we are all catching up and making jokes. It's like I've found a new family. Looking at their faces, I couldn't help but feel grateful that I have become part of their family.

"Hey I have an idea for something we can do seeing as we are all together like this" Elma says.

"Hm? What's that Elma? Don't tell me it's an eating contest." Tohru says.

"Not quite. I have researched on the various means of entertainment at human social gatherings like these. There is a game called 'Spin the Bottle' which is very popular with humans."

"That sounds great" Takiya adds.

"Yes. Let's play it!"

Elma explains the instructions to Lucoa and Tohru.

We all gather in a circle in the living room. On my right is Elma and on my left is Kobayashi. Near to Kobayashi is Takiya and near to him is Fafnir and near to Fafnir is Tohru and Lucoa.

"There will be no kissing or sexual contact" says Kobayashi sternly, looking in Tohru's direction.

Tohru blushes as if she was planning on doing that. "Mmh Miss Kobayashi, it's like you thought only I was thinking about doing that."

"Well we know you Tohru" the redhead shoots back.

"No fair"

Lucoa starts to giggle.

"Hm? Lucoa-dono, what's so funny?" Tohru asks.

"I was just thinking if kissing was allowed and Tohru spun the bottle and it landed on Elma. HAHAH..Sorry Nai but it's funny to think about." Lucoa continues laughing like a mad woman. She clearly must have had a few beers before before we arrived.

"I'd empty my guts if I have to kiss her!' Tohru says, glaring at Elma.

"So will I!" Elma retorts.

"Ok who will spin the bottle first?" Takiya asks.

"I guess I will go" Lucoa says.

Lucoa spins the lands on Takiya.

"I-I guess I will have to ask Takiya-kun a question."

"You can also ask him to do a dare" Elma adds with a hint of pride in her voice that she's memorized the rules.

"Um I guess something simple then. What is your main hobby?"

"Hm let's see. That would be challenging Fafnir-dono in whatever game we're currently playing"" the programmer replies.

"Seeing as Tohru is near to Lucoa, Tohru can go next and then we will continue like that" Kobayashi says.

Tohru spins the bottle and it lands on none other than Kobayashi.

She grins. "Guess it's fate. Alright. Miss Kobayashi, do you like me?

The redhead sighs. "Yes Tohru but not in the way you're thinking."

She tries to hide a naughty grin. "Tsundere as always."

Next Fafnir spins the bottle and it lands on me.

"Hm. Sell your soul to me, you mere mortal!"

He has a dark aura about him as he says that. "Fafnir! Nai, don't say 'Yes' because he can actually take your soul if he wanted to" Elma advises.

"No" I tell him.

"Hm. It's not like it's worth anything anyway. Let's continue this pathetic game" he sulks.

"Guys, please forgive him. He's only joking" Takiya says nervously.

"It's ok" I say to console Takiya.

Takiya is next to spin the bottle. It lands on Lucoa.

"I guess I will ask you something simple like what's your favourite past time?"

"Eh? Spending time with Shouta-kun is my favourite thing to do."

Kobayashi goes next. The bottle lands on Elma.

"Hmmm I don't know what to ask her. Maybe she can do a dare. No one has done a dare since we started playing. Let's see. Maybe you can empty the contents of your handbag in front of everyone."

"Ok" She takes her brown leather handbag from the chair she placed it on and opens it. She begins emptying the contents. Lots of wrappers and snacks are in her purse along with a few business cards and coupons which is no surprise to anyone.

I spin the bottle next. It lands on Tohru.

"I dare you to peel a potato using only your teeth" I tell her.

"Fufu that's easy." She goes to the kitchen and collects the potato. Tohru skillfully peels the potato in front of everyone using only her teeth.

"Wow. That's impressive Tohru" I comment.

"EHH? I could peel three potatoes with my teeth" Elma adds. Tohru give her the potatoes and Elma skilfully peels all three potatoes at the same time using only her teeth. "Praise me too Nai! I'm better than her!"

"Hah pathetic" Tohru says.

I clap. "Nice work, both of you"

Elma spins the bottle next. It lands on Fafnir.

"Mr. Fafnir, is it true you have been practising your dance routine in front of the school and scaring the children?"

"Hm. It's only because I was upgrading my moves for the concert."

We play three more rounds and without realizing it, it's 9:30. Lucoa leaves first and then Elma and I get ready to leave.

"I had fun. Let's do this again" I tell Tohru and Kobayashi.

"Yes, let's. You guys get home safely."

"See you in the morning" Kobayashi tells us.

…

At our apartment, we take our baths and head for bed. I notice Elma gazing at the ceiling.

"Is something bothering you?" I ask her.

"Not really. I was just thinking."

"You;re remembering the thing about Itsuki right?" I ask her.

"Ye-how could you tell? Are you reading my mind?"

"No I just know you. You don't have to worry about her ok? Between you and I, she's just jealous. Some humans can get that way when we see others have something we want. But I could be wrong too."

"It's the same for dragons."

Her facial expression is still solemn. "Hm what's with that face Elma?"

I lie next to her and tickle her ribs. She's laughing. "Nai, cut it out. I-"

Without realizing it Elma gets up and climbs atop my body, pinning my arms to the bed. "Consider this payback." She then begins to tickle me. I laugh uncontrollably.

A/N: This chapter was in my backlog. I'm finally uploading it. I kind of wanted Elma to get some recognition for what she does so I wrote this :) Sorry if the spin the bottle game was not as exciting as you probably thought it would be.