AN: I actually had this done before Valentine's Day (wanted to upload it ON v-day as a sap-fest special) but didn't have time to type it up and upload it. Well actually, that last statement there wasn't entirely accurate since this isn't sappy at all. Satoshi isn't a sappy person. At least not here. Anyway, I think chapters 4 and 5 are the best out of them all simply because they have a plot and continues right off from where I've left you. (I mean, office pranks have to come to an end eventually.) I thought my jokes here are pretty funny, but I have a strange sense of humor so I don't think anyone would actually get them. Anyway, I won't bore you all to death. Let's get it on!

Fired IV: The Girl who Broke the Rules

"I can't believe her…wearing something so scandalous!"

Scandalous. What were they talking about? She showed a little skin below the knees. What, may one ask, is scandalous about something so undoubtedly innocent? Sure, the skirt was siren red but it was just a colour so it doesn't mean anything.

Besides, what about Suki, who wore a yellow mini skirt and matching heels the other day? Nobody seemed to mind then.

But the worst thing had yet to happen.

"Harada san."

"What."

The look of exasperation was permanently etched onto her face.

"Did I tell you how good you look in that skirt?"

What a total loser… !

Yet, Risa retained her composure as she answered coldly, "I don't think such a comment is appropriate here."

"No, you're right. So why don't we take this outside. We can chat all we want there."

Risa peered through her lashes at him, looking incredulous.

"Please excuse me. I've a tight deadline to meet."

Satoshi had left her after that.

(divider)

The next day, he appeared at her desk in much the same manner, this time commenting on her hair. "I like the colour brown on you."

The day after that, Risa showed up at work with blue hair. "We match today," he didn't fail to say.

Risa didn't even look at him.

Defeated, the blue haired one returned to his office feeling slightly pissed.

He didn't want to take the aggressive route (again), but the situation looked bleak. If he didn't do something soon—he snuck a peak out the frosted windows of his room—those other men might do something. Speaking of which, Hayasashiri san had practically flew over to Risa's desk after Satoshi had left. He was talking to her now. He saw her smile at him, then nod.

He was losing.

In business, failure to promptly identify and then neutralize threats led to economic failure. He pulled out a piece of paper and divided it into two columns, one for strengths and the other for weaknesses of competitor. This was a SWOT analysis and is a precursor to the plan of action.

(divider)

"Good morning, Harada san. I'm your compliance officer."

"Excuse me but did you say compliance officer?"

The man continued, as if he'd read her thoughts. "A code of conduct has been issued this morning. I'm here to enforce these regulations. You should read line 52b in the package that was emailed to the branch."

She swiveled around in her chair, clicked on the email and then jumped down to line 52.

"52b, " she read, "Those who violate 52a will be subject to confinement in room 561. 52a. Attire that is purple in colour and ends above the knee is deemed unacceptable." Risa glanced briefly downwards. "…that jerk!"

Risa stood up abruptly.

"Let's go," she said to the officer.

(divider)

He was relaxed, half-hazardly signing documents he haven't read.

'Proposal for company pet.'

'A llama or ferret bred in the office would increase morale.'

Outside, thunderous footsteps could be heard.

'Room 561. President: Satoshi Hiwatari' the gold plated name flashed arrogantly.

Risa pushed the door open without hesitation.

"Code of conduct? Compliance officer? I don't want to be involved in this garbage anymore! Why don't you go and hassle somebody else?"

Satoshi blinked. Five seconds later, he said simply, "I can't do that."

"Look. All I want is to be treated like a human being, not played like some kind of twisted business game. If you're not serious about it, then leave me alone."

"Is this about Hayashashiri san?"

"No." she said with a dangerous edge to her voice. "He has nothing to do with this. And no, I'm not impressed by the power you hold over the corporation. I'm sorry for being so stupid as to thinking you cared. But I can see that this is just a game for you."

For once in his life, he had nothing smug or cruel in mind.

"Well? Can't you tell me what you really feel?"

'I like you.' He failed to say. 'I like you because you're not like any of those cheap, phony women out there falling all over themselves like idiots trying to get to my money. You're not some brainless twit with horrible fashion sense. But since I'm such a coward and have no common sense, I can't tell you the truth.'

But the above wasn't coherent in his brain. They were more like a jumbled mess of noodles that he could barely make sense of. Instead, he looked at her with a blank expression that he will come to regret later on.

"Alright. I understand."

She left the room, walking briskly past the compliance officer who was standing very near next to the door and looking somewhat flustered when she had appeared all of a sudden.

"Excuse me, ma'am but according to the code of…"

"I don't think this is a good time to enforce the code."

She refused to cry in front of everyone. But when she had sunk into her chair, a feeling of despair washed over her. Hayasashiri san flew over to her desk.

"You okay?"

"Yeah…"

"In that case, do you want to have dinner with me tonight?"

Risa perked up slightly but then visibly drooped. "Thanks, but I am going to have to say no to that."

Inside, she seethed like never before. Bastard! Look what you made me do! I turned down a date, it's your fault and you don't even care. I can just imagine you, sitting smugly in your leather chair, lazily signing off documents and scheming up ways to hassle me. If you liked me, why can't you tell me? Or do something normal to convey that message at least? Why can't YOU ask me out instead?

Hayasashiri san smiled good naturedly, "Okay, maybe some other time then. See you."

Risa buried her head in her arms.