Blurred Lines

Disclaimer: Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine. Credits to the author.

Confrontation

Fukuzawa Yumi…

Sachiko uttered her name inaudibly to herself as she walked out of the Design department, glad that she accomplished the goal of finding out the identity of the mysterious person. The woman seemed so timid and easily embarrassed that Sachiko just couldn't help but tease her when she introduced herself earlier.

The only thing that irritated Sachiko was hearing about the woman's exploits, her apparent escapades with random strangers, which was not so fitting to the woman's image. Sachiko's lips unconsciously drew to a frown at the thought and her mild irritation remained as she boarded the elevator. She was on her way back to the executive floor, which was a few levels up.

At first, she had decided to ignore the woman, but when she overheard the talk about Sasaki Ren, Sachiko just couldn't help but be curious to know more about the woman that had been her first. In her head, that was her justification – Fukuzawa Yumi was the first person she had slept with and Sachiko wanted to know if she was just one of the many whom Fukuzawa had a one-night-stand with. She was still yet to decide what to do if her deductions were correct. It was not that she cared about Fukuzawa's personal life, and more specifically her sex life. Why would she?

Sachiko dismissed their first night as something that was incomprehensible, an incident that she couldn't explain and had given up trying to understand.

She was not attracted to Fukuzawa Yumi.

Definitely not.

Sachiko just found the other woman interesting. That's all.

- - - o 0 o - - -

It was after office hours.

Yumi had just shut down her computer and finished organizing her things when she received a text message from her manager requesting for her to get the documents he had left in the boardroom earlier. He explained that those documents were confidential so it couldn't be left there, lest someone else find and read its contents.

Yumi quickly typed an affirmative response and made her way towards the boardroom, which was on the same floor as the executive offices. The office was almost empty as everyone had gone home for the day, but she had stayed behind this day because she needed to finish a report that was due the next day. Yumi always aimed to submit her work a day early so that she'd still have time to revise, in case her boss came back with review comments.

The trip to the executive floor was quick and Yumi was glad for that as she had plans of meeting with Sasaki Ren later that night. She proceeded to the first room on her right upon exiting the elevator and was surprised to see that the lights were still switched on. Yumi could just see the shadow of someone inside, but because the room's glass walls were tinted gray, she couldn't see who it was. She opened the door, carefully peaked inside and almost jumped in surprise…

'Her!'

Yumi immediately withdrew her head and shut the door. She had not seen Ogasawara Sachiko since the executive visited their department that Monday (to which she was thankful for). Yumi has been wary of the big boss, afraid of what she would say next when they meet. That's how much that last remark by Ogasawara-sama made an impact on Yumi.

'Maybe I can still avoid her…'

So, instead of entering, Yumi decided to come back once the executive had left. She planned to simply find an empty conference room to wait in for the meantime.

'It shouldn't be long before she goes home.'

Yumi got hold of her phone and typed a quick message to Sasaki-san saying she will be late. She didn't put too much detail except that she received a last minute request from her manager. Once done, Yumi locked her screen and was about to walk away when she felt the phone in her hand vibrate.

'That was quick.'

Thinking it was Sasaki-san's response, Yumi momentarily stopped and unlocked her phone. Her brows creased in confusion upon seeing it was from an unknown sender and the message read:

'-I've already seen you, Miss Fukuzawa.-'

Yumi swallowed hard as another message popped up.

'-Ogasawara Sachiko-'

Yumi's eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in confusion, then widened again upon realizing that all employee data is stored in their database. The moment the boss found out who she was, it was not hard to get her contact details.

'Breathe, Yumi, breathe.'

Was she afraid of Ogasawara Sachiko?

Definitely.

Was she intimidated?

Yes.

The night they shared seemed lifetimes away to Yumi now. Upon learning the identity of that mysterious stranger, she had stopped thinking about that incident because somehow, it was so incomprehensible that the other party had been Ogasawara Sachiko.

'-How long are you planning on making me wait?-'

Another message pinged on her screen and Yumi panicked.

Her boss was getting impatient and here she is still trying to decipher the director's behavior. Now was not the time for that, all she has to do is greet her boss, pick up the documents left by Mr. Sawada and leave. She would save the thinking for later.

Knowing she had very little choice, Yumi took one last deep breath and retraced her steps towards the boardroom. She slowly pushed the glass door open and peaked inside for the second time that night. The executive was in the same spot as before, sitting at the head of the table facing her. But this time, the boss had her laptop screen down, on top of which was a stack of documents. She seemed to have organized her belongings and was now just waiting for Yumi. Those sharp blue eyes were directed at her, as if daring her to run away again.

Yumi smiled sheepishly and entered the room.

"Good evening, ma'am." she greeted with a bow.

There was a pin light directly above the executive and for a second, Yumi thought it was so fitting for a beautiful person such as Ogasawara Sachiko to always be put in a spotlight.

'Did I really spend the night with this person?'

Yumi pinched her inner arm to bring herself back to reality, now was most definitely not the time to be having these kinds of thoughts.

"That took you a while, deciding to face me." Her boss responded with an irritated tone, not even bothering to return Yumi's greeting. Though Yumi couldn't blame the executive, her own greeting had been belated…and she tried to avoid her earlier.

"And you did not even reply to any of my messages."

"I'm sorry. I…didn't know how to respond."

Yumi felt a bead of sweat roll down her nape. Her cheeks felt warm and her hands felt clammy at her nervousness. "Manager Sawada left some documents behind and I was requested to get them." Yumi quickly added.

The boss scanned the table for a moment before she turned to look at Yumi again. "Go on, finish your errand."

Yumi smiled, glad that she'd be on her way home once she accomplished what she came here to do. There was a folder on the table a couple of feet away from the executive and Yumi walked over. She was aware that the set of blue eyes were following her every move and Yumi could just feel her hands shaking as she collected the folder. Her nervousness intensified when from her peripheral vision, she saw the boss leaned an elbow on the table and rested her chin to gaze (more) intently at Yumi.

Yumi swallowed hard and bowed deeply once more, "thank you and have good evening, ma'am."

"Come with me to my office, Fukuzawa."

"I…Is there anything you need from me, ma'am?"

Yumi looked at her boss questioningly, meeting her eyes for the first time that night.

If it were any other manager or director, she would just oblige. But this was Ogasawara Sachiko, the president of their office, and as far as she knows she has no direct dealings with the managing director…at least when it came to work.

"Is there a problem?" the executive asked with one perfectly trimmed eyebrow raised.

Yumi was almost certain the executive wanted to talk about personal matters, a topic that she wanted to avoid. It was also possible that she would be asked to not tell anyone about their escapade. If yes, then there was no need for them to talk in the confines of Miss Ogasawara's office. Yumi would just tell her here and now that she has told no one about what happened.

"Are you perhaps meeting with your lover tonight since you can't even follow a simple command from your Managing Director?" Though it was a question, Yumi could just pick-out the firmness in her boss' voice, leaving no room for argument and making Yumi nod her head obediently.

And good thing Yumi did because Sachiko was indeed starting to get irritated. It had been funny at first, seeing the staff peak through the door only to quickly leave upon seeing her. It was the case not only for Fukuzawa Yumi, Sachiko had experienced this treatment many times before. People were wary of her, too afraid to approach nor to speak up in her presence. Her reputation precedes her, and her name – the Ogasawara name – had made her seem unreachable. Not that she did anything for people to change their perception of her, she has even used this to keep people at a distance.

But somehow, Sachiko found it amusing when Fukuzawa Yumi had the same reaction upon seeing her.

"Good."

Sachiko said as she stood up, got hold of her belongings and walked ahead of the brown-haired woman. She took steady strides, her black heeled shoes muted by the navy blue patterned carpet that covered the entirety of the executive floor. She passed by a few offices, those that belonged to her direct reports until her own room came into view at the north west side of the building. A corner office that had a stunning view of the Yokohama business district.

Her secretary had gone home for the night, and so had the other directors on the floor. She was confident they wouldn't be seen or heard by anyone. Despite this, it was best to be cautious, which was why she deemed it necessary to have a conversation in her office.. The topic was something that has been on her mind since the past week, but she was just waiting for the opportunity – the right time – to speak with Fukuzawa Yumi who has been so elusive as of late.

Sachiko knew why of course, she intimidated the woman. At least that woman didn't turn out to be an arrogant person, someone who would blackmail her and use that night as leverage against her.

Sachiko soon reached her office. She stopped by the wooden door, pushed it open and held it for the other woman.

Yumi was still a few paces away and had to rush, embarrassed that her boss was waiting for her. There was no sign of irritation on Ogasawara Sachiko's face…at least not anymore…but she wasn't smiling either.

Yumi bowed in thanks as she went in. She then stood in the middle of the room, waiting for her boss.

Yumi turned to look around, it was her first time to be in this room. Two sides had glass walls, where the night sky and the city below would have been visible if it weren't for the block out blinds. Yumi knew it because their office had a similar view. There was a glass desk in the middle, perched on top of silver bases and behind is a white leather high-back swivel chair. There were low cabinets against the wall on top of which were her boss' bag, a printer, a flower vase and some plaques. There are two white and blue visitor's chairs in front of the executive desk, in the middle of which Ogasawara Sachiko was currently standing with her arms across her chest. She was quietly observing as Yumi looked around the office.

"It's good that you seem to like my office," the boss commented flatly.

Yumi blushed, "It's my first time to enter this office. I was able to keep myself out of trouble for the past years." She responded in a feeble attempt to lighten up the mood.

"Is that so?"

'It didn't work.' Yumi thought and just chose to smile.

"Yes, ma'am. When an employee was called into the President's office, we would often joke that it was because they had committed a grave offense and would soon be terminated."

Ogasawara Sachiko cocked her head to the side and started walking towards Yumi…their eye contact never breaking. It was nerve wracking, but Yumi chose not to avert her gaze. There was no reason for her to be afraid…she had done nothing wrong.

"How sure are you that that is not the case for you?" The other woman asked.

Those blue eyes turned a darker shade as the woman got closer, that for a moment Yumi was unable to hold her ground and she took a thoughtless step back. Slender hands reached out to hold her in place, a tight grip on her right upper arm, preventing her from moving away. Her boss then brought her face close to Yumi's left ear…their position feeling very intimate.

"Do you want me to repeat my question, Fukuzawa Yumi?" She breathes, making Yumi swallow down… hard.

It was the proximity rather than the words that was making her heartbeat speed up. She cursed at how weak her knees were getting with each passing second, frustrated at allowing herself to be affected by the other woman this much.

'Why is she standing this close?!' Yumi shouted in her head.

"Are you sure you have done nothing wrong?"

"No, I have done nothing wrong." She responded firmly.

The hold on her arm tightened still, the other's lips moving much closer so that they touched Yumi's earlobe.

Everything around Yumi suddenly muted. The office around her disappeared, fading into a gray background and all she could see, feel, hear and sense was Ogasawara Sachiko. Yumi stood as still as she could, much too aware of their distance…or lack thereof. Her face was a mere inch away that she could feel warmth emanating from her skin…their chest almost touching with each deep breath Yumi took.

Yumi felt herself shiver as the other woman's breath fanned a sensitive part of her neck.

"Do you even remember what happened that night?"

Yumi wanted to scream. With what Ogasawara Sachiko was doing now - with how close their bodies were – it was doing nothing but remind Yumi of that night.

"Yes…" she whispered shakily.

"Have you told anyone?"

"No."

"No one?"

"I…I did tell my best friend about the incident, but did not mention your name. I didn't know who you were at that time."

…

Sachiko thought about it for a moment, she felt like Fukuzawa Yumi was not lying. Still she needed to ensure that she was telling the truth. With how scared the other woman is, it is not impossible that she would tell Sachiko what she wanted to hear.

Sachiko pulled away and put a foot of distance between them. She then looked at those hazel eyes, wanting to ensure that she was not being lied to.

"I am telling the truth ma'am. I haven't told anyone about you…us."

Those adorable cheeks blushed a deeper shade of red (if that was still possible).

To Sachiko, the other woman's words and expressions looked sincere.

"Good."

Now that she was satisfied with the response she got, she turned and walked towards her desk. While she had her back towards the other woman, Sachiko smirked. She was just teasing earlier, unable to stop herself because she found it so amusing how the other woman seemed to be oversensitive with every little thing she did. It was new to her too…this feeling of finding amusement at how Fukuzawa's body trembled just by being close to her. And right now, with those flushed cheeks, those brown locks that cascaded down her face, those innocent hazel eyes, that slender body…all of it looked so adorable to Sachiko.

But…

The smirk was suddenly wiped from her face.

…she was not flirting when she stood so close to her earlier.

She was definitely not seducing her when her lips touched Fukuzawa Yumi's earlobe. That was unintentional.

Really…Sachiko was just teasing.

"Is that all, ma'am?"

Fukuzawa Yumi's voice distracted Sachiko's thoughts.

"What was that?" She asked as she turned to face the woman.

"Is there anything else you needed from me, ma'am?"

Sachiko eyed her curiously, there is indeed another topic that she wanted to talk about. However, she felt like she needed to step back and compose herself because it was a sensitive topic.

…

"Ma'am?"

…

"Yes, there is." Sachiko answered quietly before looking down, pretending to organize her bag. "You seem to be comfortable sleeping with random strangers."

…

The statement hung in the air and silence pervaded for a good minute. Sachiko started to really arrange her things in preparation to leave, trying to downplay the topic…trying to act as if the subject she opened up was not offensive at all.

"This Sasaki-san for example." she continued.

"With all due respects, ma'am. I do not appreciate being talked down to like this. I have done nothing to be accused of…"

"…of being promiscuous." Sachiko slammed down the bag she was holding.

Her temper suddenly flared up and she was unable to choose her words wisely. Sachiko blamed it on the irritated tone used against her.

When she finally turned to face Fukuzawa, Sachiko saw the anger drawn on the woman's face…the hurt etched in her eyes.

The woman's clenched hands were shaking when she spoke, "I am not someone who sleeps with random strangers, if that's what you want to know. I did not sleep with Sasaki Ren."

They were both angry as a tense atmosphere filled the room.

"Fine. Not him. Maybe the others before him?"

Fukuzawa Yumi looked indignant but Sachiko still continued with her tirade. "Also, what about that night? Am I not a random stranger whose name you didn't know until just recently?"

The woman stomped towards her, placed both her hands on the desk and leaned forward. Fukuzawa looked like she wanted to shout but still ended up speaking in a (barely) controlled voice.

"What is it that you are so angry about, Miss Ogasawara?" She asked, her voice low but trembling. "I thought you just wanted to make sure that I keep quiet about what happened between us? I assure you, I have and I will. Why are you now bringing up Sasaki Ren? He has nothing to do with anything!"

Sachiko knew the question was valid.. It was supposed to be just a confirmation…not a confrontation…so why was it that she felt so enraged? It's not like she cared about Fukuzawa Yumi's personal life, right?

"What are you so angry about?" Fukuzawa repeated.

Sachiko likewise leaned forward, meeting the other woman face-to-face and looking her straight in the eyes. "Why don't you just answer the question?" she responded in gritted teeth, not backing down.

She must have gotten too close…again…because the other woman stepped back. The anxiousness in her expression back, the anger gone. Those hazel eyes softened, seemingly uncomfortable at the words she was thinking of uttering.

"I…"

"Yes?"

…

"Miss Fukuzawa." Sachiko doesn't have the patience right now. "You what?"

"…there was no one else…"

…

Those words were uttered in a barely audible voice.

Sachiko felt her heart thumping against her chest. It was a strange – awkward - feeling.

"…no one else, other than you."

Fukuzawa blushed and averted her gaze.

It was indeed an embarrassing response, such that Sachiko herself felt uneasy. She lifted her hands that were leaning down on the table earlier and she turned around, uncomfortable with meeting those hazel eyes.

"You…haven't slept with anyone else other than…me?" Sachiko whispered. She could feel her own cheeks warming up, a blush that no doubt reached the side of her face and her ears. She rarely (almost never) blushed and she did not want Fukuzawa to see her expression at this moment.

"I do not normally sleep with strangers…have not engaged in any one-night stands…other than with you."

"But you have slept with someone else before me?"

"Yes…I had two previous relationships."

Sachiko was glad to learn that Fukuzawa-san doesn't sleep around, but the admittance that she had spent nights with her lovers was something that irritated Sachiko somehow. The conflicting part was that she really should not care. She got the answer she wanted, what they shared that night was special and she was the only one Fukuzawa-san had a one-night-stand with, so why is it that she is still not fully satisfied?

Sachiko sighed. It was a matter she needed to ponder upon. But not now.

She finally turned to look at the other woman. Fukuzawa Yumi's face was still flushed, but she met Sachiko's gaze nonetheless. "I see. Thank you for sharing your sex life with me."

It was meant to be a joke, something to dissipate the awkwardness between them. But Fukuzawa seemed to be struggling to comprehend what she had just said.

"Miss Fukuzawa…. "Sachiko began, thinking of explaining herself, but it seems like there was no need to as the woman before her suddenly broke into a huge playful smile.

"Well…" Fukuzawa Yumi began. "…you were a part of it at one point."

Sachiko's eyes widened in shock.

Fukuzawa started laughing…and Sachiko just could help but join her in the end.

A/N: Might be a bit OOC, but I think Sachiko really changes especially when she's with Yumi. Hope you enjoyed this chapter dear readers!

Maraming salamat :D