It was not often that I lost my temper.
…especially to my right hand person.
Having grown up together, my faithful secretary would be always waiting on me hand and foot, able to predict my needs, handle my day, and ensure things are in proper order before my arrival.
Nonetheless, there are times when things simply are not up to my expectations.
In my defence, I was particularly stressed over a failure of the other party to keep to their contractual obligations, which has repercussions further down the chain.
We are talking about losses that would severely affect the EBITDA margins that will have to factor in the next annual earnings call.
Hisako had handed me the draft numbers that did not factor that adjustment and in a flash of frustration, I…
…was only human when I noticed that error.
It was only when I noticed her eyes watering as she picked up the scattered papers and leaving hurriedly that I caught myself.
Of course, I felt bad that I lost my composure. Much worse, to my long time friend.
However, it was not my fault that the act of unlocking the binder had slipped my mind. It was a muscle memory thing, like how I upended a bowl of noodles on the head of someone who served me subpar food. There were still lingering traces of my father's training impressed within me. I got so many things on my plate for this kind of thing to register.
Besides, she should have checked the document before handing it to me…
We both should learn something from this and we can pretend it never happened as a favour to her.
In the meantime, I could get some work done.
I crossed paths with the First Seat after I emerged from my office an hour later.
He was carrying a basket of groceries. A quick scan through the items had dark chocolate, masala mix, vegetables and beef.
Someone is making curry.
What I curiously noted was the lack of a greeting and the usual enthusiastic invitation for a taste test.
Instead, I got an icy look.
"What?" I decided to spare him a few precious seconds of my time.
"I've been wondering," he shifted the basket of groceries in his hand, "do you pay your staff?"
That was an odd question. I would guess he was considering flexing his status as the First Seat to engage assistance to cover his duties?
Fulfilling First Seat duties? Yukihira Soma?
Ha! That will be the day... He is lucky we have a reliable Second Seat to cover.
Nonetheless, I told him to direct all payment matters to the finance department who will also brief him of the budget he is afforded in view of his status.
"No, no, I mean, do you pay all your staff?" He read my deadpan expression before getting to the crux of the question: "Is Arato on your payroll?"
Hisako? What does he have to do asking about her?
"Safe to assume she isn't, is she?"
"That is between me and her." I huffed, folding my arms, not particularly appreciating the conversation. In truth… that topic of pay had never never come up. Hisako had simply slipped into that role as the requests for my talents grew and it got troublesome to speak to such requests in person. She just carried out her duties without complaint nor prompting.
Not that I will admit that to the redhead in front of me.
There were a few beats of tension between us. My mind raced through a myriad of scenarios of how this topic came about and settled on the likelihood of both of them bumping into each other or something when Hisako rushed out the room with her arms full of loose papers.
It would not take a genius to connect the dots.
At least, I doubt Hisako is the type to tattle on what happened in the privacy of my office.
What is he driving at?
"You're right." He blinked, "that is between both of you."
My lips pulled to a smirk at that, glad that he saw sense-
"Then again, IF there isn't a salary, this means she's assisting as a friend, isn't she?"
Those words brought a sudden jab in my ribs.
"Friends may not always see eye to eye, and I may not fully appreciate the scale of stresses that you go through as Headmaster." He continued, "however, I would think that no matter the form of help, paid or otherwise, it should be treated with respect."
He… does have a point: Hisako was helping me, and to take out my frustration on her… what I did was unconscionable.
"I doubt Arato is the kind that will hold a grudge. I think both of you can talk things over."
"...Why are you telling me this?"
There was a pause as he thought of an answer.
"I'm just hoping to bring two friends back together. It would seem odd without both of you beside each other. And," he leaned forward, looking straight into me, "You looked like you needed a prompt to make things right."
I snorted at his reply, while turning away to hide a blush that came upon hearing his concern for me as well as his close proximity.
"Talk with her, alright?" Yukihira said, giving me a final nod before heading off.
A grudging admission: He could look cool if he chooses to.
A little later back in my office, Hisako returned, eyes looking like she had been crying a while back, and presented the amended numbers with both outstretched hands, apologising for the error.
Of course, as suggested by Yukihira, we touched on what happened; I even muttered an apology, to which Hisako broke down with tears of relief, pledging her continued loyalty.
As if it was ever in doubt.
In return, I made a promise to make efforts in keeping my composure around her. "I'm glad that we can put this behind us." I remarked, closing the matter.
"It's all thanks to Yukihira." My guess that they had met was right.
Yes, all thanks to him. "Well, I have not had dinner." I was not hungry before, busy thinking of what to say when Hisako returns. "Shall we head to the kitchens?"
"Thank you for the suggestion, Erina–sama, but I had already eaten. I shall accompany you, nonetheless."
"Hmm." Considering the late hour, it would not have been odd for her to have a bite before meeting me. "By the way, where's your blazer?"
"It got stained while I was having dinner. I had to act fast or it may be permanent if not removed quickly."
I thought of what might have caused her to change, "What did you have?"
"I had curry." Hisako replied, opening the door for me.
"Is that so?" It is the second time today that curry came up….
Perhaps I should make some too.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into giving feedback that will help shape my interpretation of the character!
taiwoeretan1: Yup it will be. I was doing an analysis of her character and how someone like her would note and interpret actions by others.
anon92: I understand where you're coming from. We agree on the point that knowing one thing is different from actually doing it. It's not just about etiquettes, manners and knowledge, there are many other experiences that cannot be told but have to be personally involved in to fully appreciate the repercussions of their decisions as the person in charge of a professional school with a long history. There may very well be layers of contracts (likely literally grandfathered in) that complicated the games that a person in that role has to play with stakeholders. Then there is also the stresses involved in it... Thanks for the feedback, I do appreciate alternative view points and I will put that in considerations as the story goes by!