Author's Note: It's been a really long time since I've updated this, but there was research involved. I did change Sano's position in the hospital, since I realized this one was better for him and his age in the story. I'll be writing more of this for Women of Ruroken Week in the next few days! Stay tuned, and if you enjoy it, let me know!
The front doors gently slid apart, as Kaoru sprinted into the lobby. She had never been so grateful, that she was already familiar with the pastel blue corridors of the building. She headed for the nearest flight of stairs, glancing at her watch. Two minutes until the meeting starts. Okay! I can make it in time. Never again, I'll never sleep in for an extra five minutes…
The third floor's meeting room was crowded, but she quickly spotted her group and managed to slide into an empty seat among them. She smoothed the front of her white coat, attempting to tidy her windblown appearance. However, she barely had time to catch her breath, before she had to stand alongside everyone else.
"Please welcome the newest residents of Kamiya Kasshin Hospital!"
It wasn't until a few minutes later, that Kaoru realized Soujiro was sitting three seats away. Part of her wanted to groan aloud; she had assumed he was accepted into the main branch. It seemed his lack of emotional intelligence sent him here. But she refused to let the situation affect her. To work here was her life's dream, and not even an obnoxious classmate could ruin that.
Her first rotation was with the family medicine unit, and she would be supervised by her father's old friend, Dr. Gensai. When the welcome meeting ended, most of the residents crammed into the elevators, and Kaoru opted to wait for the next one. As soon as she pressed the button, Soujiro approached her.
"Hello, Dr. Kamiya." She had never liked his smile, which was merely a practiced curl of lip. "You just made it this morning."
"Yes, I couldn't avoid the rush, but I'm excited to be here." His expression didn't change, and she began to ramble. "I noticed our class has an even ratio of men and women too. It's good that Kamiya Kasshin's policies are working, and that the administration keeps its promises."
There was a pause. The elevator was taking way too long, and she seriously considered taking the stairs again.
"You know, Kamiya-san," He said. "Your father may have had good intentions, but you may be unprepared in reality. From what I've seen elsewhere, women in particular don't have an easy time. It's difficult to balance personal duties and work, and there isn't any room for weakness here. You'll probably be seen as less capable, but that's how it is. Kamiya Kasshin is just one exception to the hierarchy of power, and it can't change that. It's best if you don't get too used to the unusual setup here. Of course, I'm not trying to offend you, but I hope you understand, Kamiya-san. Kamiya-san?"
"I heard you." Her tone was frosty, and she clenched her fists, preparing to tell him what exactly she thought. "And by the way-"
"Ah, good." The elevator finally arrived, and Soujiro stepped inside. She didn't move as he gave a carefree wave. "I'll see you around."
As soon as the elevator sank to the floor below, she stormed off to the nearest staircase. She had to burn off the furious energy, before meeting Dr. Gensai.
Another teaching hospital had been needed for a long time, but the concept of Kamiya Kasshin was developed by her father. He had always disliked elitism and petty arguments, so he devised a hospital with as much integration as possible. All of the hospital staff had to work together, he had said. No one was truly alone, and the working environment had to reflect that. For three hours a day, people would work with others, outside of their divisions.
The medical establishment was skeptical of how radical it was, and if not for his friendship with the university president Kido-san, his vision would have been lost forever. Then, the news media latched on, especially since its design was helmed by the genius recluse, Ni'itsu Kakunoshin. It had taken a few years, but Kamiya Kasshin proved to be on equal footing with the more established branches. Kaoru's father had been pleased with the statistics, even until his death. He believed in Kamiya Kasshin.
And she did too.
Even if I'm this tired. Kaoru shook off a wave of drowsiness. Dr. Gensai was his usual kind self, and he had led a discussion of a few cases. It had been a good learning experience, but she had to work with Hira and Sato. The medical students tended to overlook things and she had to give them clear guidance. Helping them was rewarding, but draining.
Now, she had to find her workspace and recuperate. Her assignment was based on a survey of her work habits, preferences, and schedule. It was likely that she would meet friendlier people. The thought hurried her pace up the stairs, and she sharply turned to the next flight. In the next instant, she collided with a blur of white and red on the steps.
"Oro!"
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Kaoru gasped, gripping the bannister to steady herself. The person's hand also touched her elbow. He was a man, she realized, not much older than her. His features were delicate, almost girlish, except for the faint cross-shaped scar on his cheek. His red hair was tied back, and his eyes were a light color, behind his glasses.
"It was this one's fault. This one shouldn't have been reading here." He ruefully looked down at the folder in his lap and closed it. When he stood, he was barely taller than her. He motioned for her to go first. "After you, Dr. Kamiya."
"Thank you…Dr. Himura." She glanced at his name, sewn into his coat. As she continued up the steps, she inquired. "Is your workspace too noisy?"
"Well, the former room was a little hectic, but now, this one doesn't know. There was a reshuffling, so this one has a new workspace on the fourth floor."
"I'm going there too." She smiled, looking back at him. He was rubbing the bridge of his nose, and her expression slipped. "I didn't hurt you earlier, did I?"
"No, not at all. These are reading glasses, and this one isn't quite used to them yet."
She opened the door to the fourth floor. "I understand. My father didn't like his pair at first."
"Was he the late Director Kamiya?" When she nodded, he lowered his head. "My condolences."
As hard as she tried not to think of the accident, faint memories surfaced in her mind. The squealing tires, the crunch of metal. The trembling of her bloody fingers, as she weakly called out for help. And the rattling breaths of Otou-san beside her. She swallowed, rotating her right shoulder out of habit. "You don't have to do that, it's been six years. But, thank you. It's nice, that he's still missed."
Her workspace turned out to be two doors away. To her surprise, he stopped alongside her and remarked. "Oro? Are we in the same room?"
"I guess so." A laugh escaped her. "Then, let's work hard together."
"Yes." He agreed.
The lights snapped on when they entered, and it was a clean, rectangular room. The blinds were shut on the opposite wall, and there were six desks, three arranged on either side. A desktop computer hummed quietly on each desk.
"I guess we get first pick." Kaoru opted for the middle desk on the right side. "Mm, the chair's good."
Himura set his folder on the closest desk, so he was next to her. "You're right. Ah, Dr. Shinomori, come in."
Another man was hovering near the door, and he greeted Himura. Perhaps, they were colleagues, judging by how they seemed familiar with each other. He gave a cursory nod to Kaoru, before settling in the furthest desk on the opposite end. He had a quiet air about him, and he immediately logged on to his computer.
The next to arrive was a tall man, who wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. "Okay, I didn't get lost." He shuffled to the desk across from Kaoru's, and practically collapsed in the chair. After a moment, he squinted at Kaoru and Himura. "I recognize you two. Dr. Kenshin Himura, best surgeon we've got. And Director Kamiya's daughter."
Shinomori glanced at her, but returned to his work.
Kaoru replied to the newcomer. "Yes, I am. I just started as an employee, though. Dr. Himura, I didn't know you were a surgeon. And the best one, huh?"
"This one doesn't know about 'best'." He demurred.
"Come on, don't be modest." The man waved a hand in dismissal. "I'm Dr. Sagara, by the way."
"You're an occupational therapist." Shinomori said.
"Yeah, and I have the doctorate to prove it. I busted my ass for that piece of paper-"
"Ken-san, I didn't know we'd be in the same room! And are those new glasses? They look very good on you." A delighted female voice rang through the air. The owner beamed at Himura, tossing her long hair. They exchanged polite greetings, and she added. "I'm looking forward to this year."
Sagara seemed to know her. "I'm here too, fox."
"Rooster head." The woman tartly acknowledged him, before eyeing Kaoru with trepidation. "I'm Dr. Takani."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Dr. Kamiya."
"Ah, I see." She seemed to make the connection to the hospital, but didn't say anything. Instead, she moved to the corner desk, across from Dr. Himura.
The last person soon arrived, a young woman with a long braid. She popped her head in, flashing a toothy grin. "Looks like this is the right room, and I'm lucky! I get to sit across from Aoshi-sama." She dove for the desk, as if it weren't the only one left. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, while she inquisitively looked around. "So, uh, who's everyone else? Have we made introductions?"
"Not yet." Kaoru answered. "But we definitely should. We'll be together in the same room, for almost every day." She wasn't too sure how to feel about that, although she was glad that Himura sat next to her.
"Let's go clockwise; I'll start." Dr. Takani volunteered. "Takani Megumi. Internal medicine."
"Sagara Sanosuke. Occupational therapist."
"Shinomori Aoshi. Thoracic surgery unit."
"Makimachi Misao. Aoi Laboratory technician."
"Kamiya Kaoru. First-year resident."
"Himura Kenshin. Pediatric surgery unit."
Kaoru startled. She was aiming for pediatrics, and she wondered if she could get any advice from him. But she held her tongue. They had just met, and it would seem pushy. Furthermore, she didn't want to be known only as Director Kamiya's daughter. Perhaps, she wouldn't be friends with all of them, but they were colleagues, and this integration was what Kamiya Kasshin intended. She was curious anyway, since she would be learning more about their departments.
There's plenty of time, and I'll get to know everyone in this room.
Kaoru signed off on a case, leaning back with a sigh. After the introductions, the others had moved on to their own work. It was eerily quiet, except for the sound of constant typing. She had another hour and a half until rounds, but the time was dragging.
Himura stood. "This one is getting drinks from the vending machine. What would everyone like?"
Shinomori cleared his throat. "Green tea."
Makimachi raised her hand. "If there's melon milk, I'll take that. If not, any kind of juice."
"Canned coffee, low-sugar please." Takani requested.
"Alright. And Dr. Sagara?"
"Sports drink, doesn't matter what kind." He grunted. "And can you carry all of that?"
"I'll go with him, I need to stretch my legs." Kaoru left her chair, following Himura into the hallway. Neither of them spoke, until they almost reached their destination. She dug into her pockets, frowning. "Oh, we forgot to collect money."
"Don't worry, it's this one's treat today." Himura said. The vending machine was extensive, but she only wanted water. She inserted her coins, and as the bottle fell, he asked for the same. Then, he had another question. "Are you acquainted with Seta Soujiro?"
"I am. His rotation is in the surgery department, I think."
He nodded. "This one observed him earlier today. You're not fond of him."
She pressed her lips together. "We're not exactly friends."
"He would make a good surgeon, but he lacks empathy."
"Yes! That's exactly it!" She groaned, as she pressed the buttons for Takani's coffee. The morning's conversation spilled out of her, about what Soujiro had said to her. She had to sip from her water bottle, her throat was dry by the end of it. She wiped her mouth and stared at the juice selection as Himura set aside Shinomori's green tea. "You know, he didn't mean it maliciously. That's what upset me just as much. He thought he was giving advice, when he just dismissed Otou-san's legacy and my potential because I'm a woman. And I'm not ignorant, I know about harassment and underrepresentation. Unlike him, I had to fight to be recognized as a medical student, so how can he speak for a woman's difficulties? But still, even if there are challenges, I refuse to give up."
Himura paid for Sagara's sports drink, collecting it from the bottom of the machine. "Dr. Seta was presumptuous, but he was right, in that Kamiya Kasshin's setup is unusual."
"Then, am I overreacting?" She muttered, as she selected an orange juice.
She didn't expect him to say anything, but after a few seconds, he did. "When this one was hired, it was the first job this one had in a while. This one thought Kamiya Kasshin's message was wishful, but not the worst out there. Then, after an incident, this one understood how important it is, that everyone matters. Doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, technicians, directors, residents, men, women. Only by breaking barriers can we see each other as people and not as task performers. And then, we recognize these different perspectives and pave the way for change, in how we treat others. So, this one prefers Kamiya Kasshin's message."
His words touched her, and she blinked hard as they began to walk back. "I appreciate that."
The corner of his mouth lifted. "As for Dr. Seta, he will have to learn on his own, what Kamiya Kasshin stands for. Hopefully, that will also make him rethink how he regards you."
"Oh, I plan to do something about that."
"Oro?"
"I'll prove him wrong and demonstrate how capable I am, of course." She grinned at him over her shoulder, and his own smile was wider, realer. It was a nice expression, she thought, as they returned to the workspace.