Blurred Lines
Disclaimer: Maria-sama ga Miteru and its characters are not mine.
A/N: This time, it is Yumi is tired and stressed. I am no different, too stressed with work, and that's where I got the idea that even our favorite characters gets tired too.
Stress
Yumi
Yumi was beyond tired. She had little sleep for the fifth day in a row now and she had been relying on caffeine to keep herself awake.
It was Friday night and her colleagues were leaving the office one-by-one, some going home while the others had plans for either dinner or partying. Yumi, on the other hand, didn't have that luxury as her report was due that Monday.
The week before, she was informed by her manager that all her current assignments would be transferred to her colleagues because he nominated her to be part of a special project. Her manager said that this job would be demanding due to the limited time they had to complete their assigned tasks. It was the same thing mentioned by Miss Ogasawara during the kick-off meeting, that this project would be challenging and will require everyone's dedication. But because the demands are high, the transaction price the client would be paying is double their usual rates. This would help greatly in turning the Yokohama office's prior year losses. Yumi didn't understand that part well, so her manager further explained that if they do not succeed in this job, there is a chance that their office would lay-off some people. Furthermore there is a clause that in case of delays, the Ogasawara Company would be liable for penalties…that part Yumi understood completely.
In simple terms, she couldn't fail and she should not risk causing any delay on this project.
Needless to say, Yumi had all the needed motivation – and pressure – to do well in her current assignment.
Yumi's fingers hovered over the keyboard as she remembered the kick-off meeting. It was her first time to see their managing director at work, as most of their prior interactions had been more on the personal side. It was then when Yumi realized just how amazing Ogasawara Sachiko truly is. She commanded a room full of people – most of whom were more senior than her – just by her mere presence. Yumi recalled how the room quieted when Ogasawara Sachiko entered the boardroom, the chatter dying down and all eyes turning to look at the executive who walked in steady strides towards the head of the table. Yumi could still remember the crisp navy blue suit she had on, her expressionless face as she discussed the background of the project, her firm tone when she stressed how important it was to deliver on commitments and her intimidating gaze when she said that if anyone in the room was not ready to dedicate their time fully to this project that they could leave. Everyone remained seated, of course, not one voicing any complaints.
The person Yumi saw that day was so different from the person she had interacted with before, that it reminded her sadly how insignificant she was compared to Ogasawara Sachiko.
Yumi sighed. Now was not the time to be thinking about her. Since the last time they exchanged messages after returning the watch, Yumi had not interacted with the executive. The meeting that Monday didn't count because the big boss did not even spare her a glance. However, that was fine because Yumi didn't want to be on the receiving end of that piercing gaze yet. Just by the look on the executive's face, she could tell that Ogasawara Sachiko was just as stressed about this project as the rest of them.
Yumi stood up to stretch her arms before walking towards Manager Sawada's desk. He was so focused on his work that he did not even realize that she was already standing in front of him.
"Sir, should I get the usual sandwich for you?" Yumi asked. She was at a good stopping point of her work and took it as a chance to buy some dinner.
Mr. Sawada held up a hand, asking her to wait. It took a minute before he hit CTRL + S and turned to look at her. "Remind me again Fukuzawa why we are doing this?" He whined.
Yumi laughed. Mr. Sawada is a family man and had been tirelessly working with her for the past week, sometimes complaining that he literally had no time for his kids since this assignment started.
"Because we will be axed by the big boss if we fail?"
Mr. Sawada gave an exaggerated sigh, "Ah, yes. Now I remember." He then joined Yumi in laughing.
"But seriously, Fukuzawa. I am amazed you are still able to laugh like that despite how toxic our work is. It just makes me think that I made the right decision in appointing you for this job."
"I wish you'd have chosen someone else, sir." Yumi was unable to stop herself from voicing out her thoughts, which made Mr. Sawada to laugh more.
"And you are so honest sometimes, but I just can't ever get angry with you."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Yes it is. Also, I did tell you that you are the best person for this job. You've consistently performed well since you joined this company and you are showing a lot of potential especially with how professional and composed you are no matter how challenging your assigned task is."
Yumi pursed her lips. While she was happy that her hard work was appreciated, she was not sure about that second part. Because so far, her interaction with their managing director was anything but 'professional and composed'.
"Anyway, let's talk about your results when we do your year-end performance review. For now, please get me a club sandwich and some coffee."
Yumi nodded her head in affirmation and left to buy dinner.
- - - o 0 o - - -
Yumi was able to complete her part and spent her weekend catching up on some much needed sleep. Mr. Sawada advised her to rest well because the following week would not be any better, especially once they receive the big boss' review comments.
True enough, they received back their report by Monday at noon and Mr. Sawada told Yumi that it would be better to work together in one of the conference rooms to make it easier to finalize their report.
Yumi ran over the remarks and almost fell off her chair at the number of revisions she needed to make. She felt as if she hadn't done anything right. Yumi already had tears in her eyes as she scanned the document just thinking how much work she had to redo and the time she would need to complete her task.
"Don't take it to heart, Fukuzawa." Mr. Sawada said, seemingly noticing her dejected expression. Her manager was currently seated across from her and was sporting a kind face, "You received a decent amount of comments. It could have been worse."
"What do you mean, sir?"
…
"He means you would have been scolded, if you did a really poor job."
Both Yumi and Mr. Sawada suddenly froze.
Yumi lifted her gaze, her chair was consequently facing towards the door, and saw the speaker by the door, her sapphire eyes looking mildly amused. But as soon as Mr. Sawada turned to look at the executive too, her face suddenly changed to be more serious, such that for a moment Yumi thought she just imagined the expression she saw earlier.
"Isn't that what you wanted to say, Mr. Sawada?"
Now, the big boss' tone sounded so firm that anyone would think she was irritated.
The nervous look on her manager's face was new to Yumi…and she couldn't blame him for she knew her expression was no different.
"In any case, Mr. Sawada is right. You shouldn't be discouraged because you did a satisfactory job for your first big project, Miss Fukuzawa. Have more confidence in yourself."
Again, there was a fleeting shift at Ogasawara-sama's expression as she looked in Yumi's eyes, before quickly looking away and proceeding to enter the room. She then settled herself at the head of the small rectangular table, the seat closest to the door. The conference room was smaller than the boardroom and could only fit six people comfortably, it had glass walls, one side of which had a white board that doubled as a projector screen.
Miss Ogasawara put her things down on the table before facing them, "I came here to inform you both that I will be joining you here until Thursday. It's more efficient to stay together, so in case you have questions about my comments, don't hesitate to ask."
"Ma'am, the deadline is not until Friday, right?" Mr. Sawada, who seemed to have recovered from his surprise earlier, suddenly asked. Yumi was likewise curious – more like worried – so she was glad that her manager inquired.
"No, we need to finish by Thursday." The executive said with finality, before opening her laptop and started working. No explanation was given…which made Yumi and her boss exchange questioning looks. But since no one had the courage to ask further, they both went back to their work.
- - - o 0 o - - -
Sachiko
It was already late when Sachiko went to the conference room Thursday night. She had been joining Mr. Sawada and Ms. Fukuzawa since that Tuesday so she could closely track the progress of the project, especially since the deadline was advanced by a day. The final report from the design team was originally planned for submission on Friday, but Sachiko required the design team to finish it a day earlier.
Sachiko was fairly surprised when she first saw the name of Fukuzawa in the list of recommended team members. She knew the woman had just started working for the company two years ago, but Mr. Sawada justified that Fukuzawa has been performing well in the past and exhibited potential. Sachiko was honestly worried to be working with the woman, thinking that it could ruin…whatever it is that they currently have.
Thankfully, Fukuzawa Yumi was very professional with her work. She was open to criticisms, listening intently as Sachiko discussed the items that needed revision or pointed out those which needed additional information. There was no hint of awkwardness around them as they worked – Fukuzawa was not afraid to ask for clarifications, while Sachiko had the patience (which she usually didn't) to mentor and coach.
The only challenge they had was time, especially since the time allotted to finish everything that needs to be done was shortened. The three of them stayed until morning, only going home to rest for a few hours or change their clothes.
Fukuzawa was the first to fall victim to exhaustion. That Thursday night, her eyes already looked blank and Sachiko knew the woman had reached her limit. Mr. Sawada told Fukuzawa to rest her head for a bit, catch some sleep before working again. Fukuzawa did not decline the suggestion and immediately took a nap. She must have really been tired because it only took a few minutes before Sachiko noticed that Fukuzawa had already fallen asleep.
Sachiko permitted Mr. Sawada to leave as soon as he was done, while she stayed behind to do a final pass of the report. It was close to midnight when she had finished, but Fukuzawa remained sleeping.
'She's really tired.' Sachiko thought. She would have wanted Fukuzawa to have more rest, but they did need to leave. So Sachiko stood up and lightly tapped the other woman's shoulder to wake her up.
"Fukuzawa, it's time to go home."
The other woman slowly raised her head, eyes still closed and mumbled, "what time is it?"
Sachiko smiled at how cute Fukuzawa Yumi looked. She seemed to still be out of it when she spoke, it's as if the woman didn't even know where she was.
"Five minutes past twelve."
"Huh? Then why should I wake up?" She complained before proceeding to rest her head on the table once more.
"Because you need to go home. It's better to sleep in your bed. Mr. Sawada has gone home already."
Fukuzawa then blinked, opening her eyes for the first time and lifted her head back up. She then looked around, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand before settling to look at Sachiko.
"Mr. Sawada has gone home?" She asked with a confused tone and expression.
"Yes."
Fukuzawa Yumi suddenly shot to her feet, obviously just realizing her current situation. "Oh no! Did I sleep through the finalization?"
Sachiko laughed, "It's ok. You were done with your part and I just stayed behind to have a final look at the design work you and your manager did."
The woman before her immediately bowed her head, "I am so sorry, Miss Ogasawara." She looked mortified at what she had (unknowingly) done.
Sachiko was honestly tired. She had a long day filled with meetings, took care of the internal fraud issue, a client visit, and lastly the finalization of the first phase of this project. But somehow, Fukuzawa Yumi's usual antics made her smile – laugh even – that it somehow lessens her exhaustion and stress.
"You've done nothing to apologize for. Let's just go home, I will drop you off at your place."
Sachiko waited for Fukuzawa's reaction to her offer, which she hoped would be accepted. But as expected, the other woman immediately blushed – probably remembering the last time the same offer was made – and gave her an anxious look. Fukuzawa looked unsure as to how she should respond, obviously wanting to decline but was probably worried she would upset Sachiko if she did.
"It's not what you think, Miss Fukuzawa." Sachiko began, "…whatever it is you are thinking."
The younger woman's face reddened even more, the blush extending to her ears and neck. "Ah… no I am not having any indecent thoughts, ma'am!" She defended.
Sachiko stifled her laughter, "I am not saying you are."
"You are having fun at my expense, ma'am." The woman responded with a pout.
Sachiko had wanted to pinch those cheeks, but stopped herself, aware of the CCTV placed at the corner of the room.
"We should go." Sachiko said with finality, before walking back to the other side of the table to get her belongings.
- - - o 0 o - - -
Yumi
Yumi remained anxious as she sat in the passenger seat of Miss Ogasawara's car. She knew it wouldn't be a repeat of what happened before, but she just couldn't stop herself from worrying.
She had interacted with the executive a few times over the past months and until now, Yumi was yet to understand how Ogasawara Sachiko's mind works. There had never been a conversation wherein Yumi correctly guessed the other woman's intention, all their previous interactions took an unexpected route and ending. And surely, tonight would not be an exception.
Her apartment building soon came into view and Miss Ogasawara pulled over. After switching on the hazard light, the executive turned to face her.
"Miss Fukuzawa."
'Here we go again.' She thought just as she felt the usual speeding up of her heartbeat, the warmth spreading on her cheeks, the shaking of her hands…all in anticipation of whatever is about to happen.
"Your birthday's this coming Saturday, right?"
Yumi nodded her head.
"I saw your name amongst the birthday celebrants for the month, the one HR sends every first week. I also heard from Mr. Sawada that you have an approved leave for tomorrow. Will you be going back to Tokyo to spend your birthday with your family?"
Yumi's eyes widened. "Ma'am…" she began, the words were caught in her throat.
"Hmm?"
"Did…did you move the deadline by a day so that I can take my scheduled day-off tomorrow?" She knew it was conceited on her part to think that, after all, why would the managing director of their company adjust the timeline of a critical project just for her?
Ogasawara Sachiko smiled tenderly, an expression Yumi had not seen before...a look that was making her heart melt "Yes. You deserve it, Fukuzawa Yumi."
Yumi took a deep shaky breath and averted her eyes, feeling uncomfortable at the affectionate gaze she was being given. "I don't think I have done anything to deserve your kindness, ma'am."
"But you have. You have no idea how much support you have given -"
"…"
The executive stopped speaking as the sound of Yumi's grumbling stomach resounded in the enclosed space. It lasted for a while and Yumi suddenly covered her face with her hands in mortification…wishing she could dig a hole and bury herself in it.
There was momentary silence, the earlier mood gone, as the executive face donned an unreadable expression.
It took a while before Yumi found the courage to croak an apology, "I am so sorry…"
"…"
"…I haven't had dinner and –"
Ogasawara Sachiko burst out laughing. What Yumi didn't know was that the executive was just as anxious as her and her antic had been effective in breaking the tension that the both of them were feeling.
"What great timing, Miss Fukuzawa!" The executive said in between snickers, "that was totally unexpected. You should have told me you were hungry, I would have stopped somewhere for us to eat."
"I didn't even realize that I was hungry until now." And that was the truth, due to her nervousness, she didn't even notice the 'croaking frog' a second before it happened.
"Where do you think we can get something to eat? I am quite hungry myself." Ogasawara-sama said, her mirth finally dying down…again, at Yumi's expense.
"Well…if you would like, I can prepare something for you?" She whispered.
Yumi didn't want them to go to a public place and risk being seen. For one, she was just a regular employee and Ogasawara-sama is the company president. If any of their colleagues – probably someone who was at an izakaya or a bar – saw them, it would surely raise a lot of questions. Another reason was that she is afraid she would be associated with the heiress, afraid that their little secret will be discovered and not wanting to risk scandalizing Miss Ogasawara.
This time, the other woman's expression suddenly changed and became serious.
"You…want me to come up to your apartment?"
A/N: I just can't help but add bits and pieces of the original anime to this story ^^.