Keigo drudged his way into his office, yawning and still half asleep.

"Mornin', Ryushi," he grumbled.

"Good morning, sir," Ryushi replied, bringing in the stack of paperwork for the day. "Here's today's docket."

"Ugh, gimme a few before you start pushing the paperwork on me..." Keigo sank into his desk chair and groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It's too damn bright in here..." He looked up when he heard the curtains moving, seeing Hanako- dressed in a sage green dress and matching heels- closing the heavy curtains. "Oh, you're here early."

Hanako turned and smiled, presenting him with a large mug of coffee and a plate of warm, freshly made doughnuts.

"She was already here and waiting when I arrived," Ryushi explained, watching Hanako write down on her notepad.

'You did say bright and early, Mr. Hawks.'

Keigo smirked at that. "So I did." He took a sip of the coffee and sighed in content. "Soooo good..." He reached for one of the doughnuts, biting into the warm fluffy goodness. "Holy crap, that's amazing...!"

Hanako smiled and nodded when he asked if the doughnuts came from her family's bakery.

Keigo waited for her to write on her notepad and read her reply. 'The coffee is too. We grow all of our own ingredients as much as we can and coffee beans are one of our largest crops.'

"How is it that your shop is struggling with such high-quality products?" Keigo asked, but he felt bad as soon as he saw Hanako's face fall a bit.

'When my parents died, they left behind a lot of debt. Shihei has worked really hard to pay it off, but the interest is high and the income from the bakery isn't enough to really help much.'

"I see. I'm sorry if I'm prying, Miss Itami."

'It's alright, it just means I'll need to work that much harder to help my brother out.'

Keigo and Ryushi looked at each other, sharing the same thoughts on the matter.

"Well, we're happy to have you here, Miss Itami," Ryushi replied. "Now, before we begin, I'd like to go over the details of your position."

Keigo watched as Ryushi explained what was to be expected of her as his new secretary, making sure to answer her questions as they came up. He had to smile, seeing her absorbing every detail with such excitement.

"Do you have any other questions?" Ryushi asked.

Hanako shook her head.

"Very well. If any do arise, please don't hesitate to ask." Ryushi offered her a smile, then turned to Keigo. "Be sure to finish that paperwork by the end of the day, sir."

Keigo groaned as Ryushi excused himself and looked at the huge stack on his desk. "I swear, he does this to me on purpose." He glanced at Hanako as she giggled. "What's so funny?"

Hanako just smiled and shook her head, then pointed to his empty coffee mug.

Understanding her gesture, Keigo nodded and handed her the mug. "Please? I'm going to need a whole pot just to get through this paperwork."

Hanako's smile grew and she left the office to go make him some more coffee.

While Hanako did that, Keigo took another bite of doughnut and started reviewing the first page of the stack. As he chewed, though, he began to wonder if there was more to why their shop was struggling.

'There must be something more to it...' he mused.

Hanako returned shortly after, a fresh cup of steaming coffee in hand. She set the mug down, then presented her question to Keigo.

"Hmm? Oh, um, I guess I could use some help reorganizing the office?"

Hanako nodded and looked around, trying to find a good place to start.

Keigo watched as she made her way over to the coffee table and started picking up the books laid out. 'She's so focused.' he noted to himself. He watched her for a few moments longer, then turned his attention back to his work.

Outside of Keigo's office, at his own desk, Ryushi was going through the books and making sure all of their expense reports were in order. He hadn't realized how much time had passed before Hanako had come out of Keigo's office with a small stack of papers hugged to her chest.

"Ah, Miss Itami, what can I do for you?"

Hanako handed him the papers, then stepped back and waited patiently as Ryushi looked them over.

"Very good. Thank you for bringing these to me." Ryushi made to return his attention to her, but he noticed the time on the wall clock behind her. "Goodness, is that the time already?"

Hanako nodded and presented him with a question on her notepad. 'It's nearly lunchtime. Would it be alright if I go get something for everyone?'

"Yes, of course, that'd be wonderful." Ryushi pulled out his wallet and retrieved a black colored card. "Here, use this, it's the company credit card. Be sure to get a copy of the receipt, alright?"

Hanako nodded, taking the card and presenting her next question. 'What is the usual choice for lunch?'

"There's a ramen shop just across the street. I'll call ahead and let them know to get our usual order ready, then you can choose whatever you'd like."

Hanako nodded, giving him a small bow before going back into Keigo's office to retrieve her purse and jacket. She glanced over at Keigo, seeing that he was still buried in paperwork. She smiled, admiring how focused he was trying to stay before hurrying out of the office to pick up the lunch order.

"We'll see you back in a little while, Miss Itami," Ryushi said, offering her a smile.

Hanako returned his smile and waved before stepping into the elevator. As the door closed and the elevator started its descent, she heard her phone beep as a text message arrived. When she checked it, she saw that it was from her brother.

'How is your first day so far?'

'It's going really well. I like working here so far, everyone is super nice and very patient with me.'

'That's good, I'm glad to hear it.'

'How are things at the shop?'

'They were pretty busy this morning. After around 11, though, things started to slow down again.'

'I bet it's nice to have a break after a big rush.'

'Yeah, but we need the business. How did your boss like the coffee and doughnuts?'

'He loved them, especially the coffee. I don't think I've seen anyone enjoy coffee as much as he did this morning. He's gone through two pots so far today and it's barely noon.'

'Wow, he must have had a rough night.'

'From how tired he looked this morning, I'd have to assume the same.'

'So what exactly is it that you do for him? I know it's clerical work like you've done before, but that's it.'

The elevator door opened and Hanako stepped out, making her way to the main entrance of the building. When she reached the crosswalk outside, she quickly replied.

'I'm his secretary. I take care of whatever Hawks and Mr. Okita need.'

'And Okita is?'

'He's Hawks' assistant and takes care of the administrative side of things.'

'So you pretty much pick up wherever is left then?'

'Yeah, pretty much.'

'And you're OK with that?'

Hanako looked up as the signal for the crosswalk dinged and the crowd started moving across the way. She hurried across the street, careful not to bump into anyone. When she was safely across, she replied.

'Of course, why wouldn't I be? It's the sort of thing I'm used to doing.'

'I know, it's just... I want more for you, that's all.'

'I know, Shihei, but I like this kind of work. It's not much different than what I do at home.'

'True. Well, as long as you're happy, that's all I care about.'

'The extra money from this job will help us get caught up, I promise.'

'I know, I know. Well, I should let you get back to work. Let me know when you're done for the day and on your way back, then OK?'

'I will :)'

Hanako smiled and tucked her phone back into her purse as she stepped into the ramen shop.

"Welcome to the Ramen Canteen! How can we serve you today?"

Hanako retrieved her notepad and presented the cashier with her prepared page. 'I'm here to pick up an order for Hawks' agency and I'd like to add one more thing to the order, if that's alright?'

The cashier smiled at her, then signed her reply. 'Of course, I'd be happy to help you!'

Hanako looked at her with delight and surprise, signing her reply. 'You sign?'

'My little cousin is deaf, so I learned pretty young.' the cashier replied. 'My name is Suki.'

'My name is Hanako.'

'So, Hanako, what can we add to your order today?'

'Can I get an order of your shoyu ramen and a lychee ramune?'

'Absolutely! Anything else?'

'No, that's everything, thank you.'

'Of course, it'll be a few more minutes to get the rest of your order together.'

'No worries.'

"Adding on one shoyu ramen to the order for Hawks' agency!" Suki called to the kitchen, then reached into the cooler to grab out the lychee ramune for Hanako.

'Thank you.'

'You're welcome. So, are you new to the agency? I haven't seen you before.'

'Yes, I just started this morning. I'm Hawks' new secretary.'

'That's awesome, how do you like it so far?'

'It's great so far, everyone is super nice and has been really patient with me, especially on a communication level.'

'Does no one else use sign language there?'

Hanako shook her head. 'Sadly no, but it's alright. I've always got my trusty notepad!'

"Order up for Hawks' agency!"

Suki turned and placed Hanako's ramen into one of the larger bags before bringing them over to her. "Here you are, Hanako. I put everything into bigger bags for you to make it easier to carry."

'Thank you, Suki, I really appreciate it.'

"Any time. See you next time!"

Hanako waved as best as she could, then started making her way back to work.