AN: Thank you all for the positive feedback! Just a reminder that I don't own Inuyasha or the characters in the story, nor did I create the story from the Korean Drama this inspired. Enjoy!

Kagome took a deep inhale as she surveyed the street from her seat in front of the cute café. Exhaling, she relaxed her shoulders and released the tension from her body. She noticed two young parents holding their daughter's hands on either side, swinging her up and down. Kagome smiled wistfully, thinking to herself, One day, that could be me. I could meet my husband during our lunch hour and take our little girl to the park, or maybe for ice cream.

Taking a sip of her coffee, Kagome looked up as the waiter brought back the bill for her to sign. Signing without thinking, she handed it back to the waiter.

"Excuse me, miss, your name doesn't match the name on your credit card," the waiter interjected, annoyed. "What, is your name actually Secretary Higurashi?"

Kagome flushed and crossed out her signature, signing it correctly with her name. "Sorry, force of habit," she replied weakly.

If that's not a sign I need to leave this job sooner rather than later, I don't know what is. Kagome sighed as she gathered her belongings. I really hope I can find a replac—

Her musings were interrupted by the shrill of her cell phone. Kagome expertly tucked her items into her bag while answering the call.

"Yes, sir?"

"Secretary Higurashi, meet me out front of the office. We'll be going to my parents' for lunch today," Kouga demanded.

"Sir, I thought—"

"Plans change, don't dwell on the past," Kogua interrupted. "Oh, and meet me in 5," he added, hanging up.

Kagome sighed and looked at her watch. Well it's a 7 minute walk, so I guess it's time to run.

Exactly five minutes later, Kagome arrived in front of the building where Kouga's town car sat waiting. Trying not to visibly gasp for air after her sprint, she scanned the lobby for him. Figures he would be running late. Man, do I need to work out more. When I quit, I'm going to finally have time to work out!

Kagome caught sight of Kouga and immediately opened the car door for him before running around to her side of the car. Yikes, he does not look happy. I'm not even going to ask what is going through his mind right now. Maybe seeing his parents will put him in a better mood.

After 10 minutes in silence, Kouga suddenly turned to Kagome. "Secretary Higurashi, you know I'm not a man who gives second chances, correct?"

"Yes, sir," Kagome replied evenly while continuing to respond to emails on her tablet.

"But I think I will make an exception for you."

Kagome looked up, startled. "What do you mean, sir?"

Kouga smiled, "Look, I know that you're saying you're going to quit so that you can get a raise. Fine, I'll bite."

"Wait, no, that's not—"

Kouga laughed, "Don't worry, I'm not upset. I actually credit myself for teaching you a powerful negotiation tactic. Without having worked for me, you probably would not have learned that, right?"

Kagome paused. "Sir, I don't think that you're understand—"

"Believe me, I understand perfectly. So tell me what you'd like. A car so you don't have to take the bus? More time off? Promotion to a director position? An assistant? What would you like?"

Kagome turned to face him directly. "Sir, this is a very generous offer—"

Kouga smiled and interjected, "I know, I know. Not to mention you'd still get to work for such a perfect boss. Yet another perk for you."

Kagome opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by the driver, "Sir, Miss, we've arrived at the family residence."

"Wonderful," Kouga clapped, "we'll settle your terms on the car ride back. I don't think you'll regret this. And by the way," Kouga winked, "great use of a power move."

Kouga slid out of the car while Kagome sat in stunned silence. The nerve of that man!

"Kagome, you look so lovely today. That shade of blue is very becoming on you," Kouga's mother, Hitomi, complimented while giving Kagome a hug.

"Thank you, ma'am. You're looking as beautiful as always."

"Well," Hitomi blushed, "face creams these days truly do wonders for the skin."

She turned to Kouga and embraced him, "You've gotten thin, Kouga. Kagome, is he eating well?"

Kagome smiled, "Yes, ma'am, his personal chef has been preparing very nutritious meals for him to eat when he is not networking with clients."

"Come, come, join us at the table. Lunch is ready. You know, we were so thrilled you told Kouga you wanted to stop by for lunch! We love to see you, Kagome."

Kagome felt her face twitch as she worked to keep her smile intact. Of course, this was a set up so he could get me into the car and corner me. "Well, you know I love to see you and your husband."

"Kagome, please, call me Kaito," Kouga's father interjected, voice booming. "We've known you for seven years after all. Only girl that my son has ever brought home to us too," he added, nudging Kouga.

Kouga rolled his eyes while taking his seat at the table.

"That reminds me, Kouga, when are you going to settle down? I'm not getting any younger. I want to have grandbabies someday. My health…isn't what it used to be," Kaito sighed, looking at Kouga imploringly.

"Dad," Kouga said between bites of food, "you just did a comprehensive health screening with the company. I don't think there's a 64-year-old in better shape than you."

"Hmph, fine." Kaito petulantly folded his arms. "You got me there. But will you ever get married?"

Kouga set down his fork and knife with a huff. "We've discussed this. There is no point to getting married. I have the perfect job and I have friends. A wife is just added work, added pressure. Besides, I'm an unattainable bachelor, and keeping me off the market has been good for business." Kouga winked.

Kaito and Hitomi exchanged a look before rolling their eyes.

"What about you, Kagome, is there anyone nice you've been dating?" Kaito asked.

Hitomi smacked him on the arm, "Love, that's a very personal question! …But tell us, is there anyone you've been seeing?"

Kagome politely smiled, "I've been really prioritizing my work, so I'm not seeing anyone right now."

Hitomi noticed the stiffness in Kouga's body fade as he took in Kagome's answer. Hmm, interesting. Going to have to ask about that later. She turned to Kagome, saying, "Well that's a shame, dear. A beauty like you with brains to match shouldn't be passed over!"

"I think we've talked enough about our dating lives for one day, mother," Kouga interjected. "Dad, you said you had a file you wanted me to review?"

"Well, that can wait—"

"Let's go." Kouga abruptly pushed back his chair and rose from the table.

"Look what you've done," Kaito whispered to Hitomi.

She gasped, "Me? You're the one bringing up dating! You know that's a no-go."

"Dad, you have 30 seconds or we will be leaving and you can handle this on your own!" Kouga shouted from the other room.

Kaito dropped his napkin on the table and shrugged.

"Now that the boys are gone, Kagome, I want you to tell me…" Hitomi began.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Is Kouga…seeing anyone? You can be honest with me."

"Not right now, ma'am. Of course, there are ladies he takes to social functions, but no one he is in a relationship with," Kagome replied.

"Such a shame. If only he would date you, you would be just perfect for him," Hitomi sighed wistfully.

Taking in Kagome's stunned expression, Hitomi back tracked, "Just a joke, just a joke, dear!" She forced a laugh.

Kagome laughed uneasily, "You are quite a jokester, ma'am."

"But really, maybe you—" Hitomi started.

"We're leaving, get your things," Kouga interjected. "Now. Turns out he wanted to show me a YouTube video of a cat playing the piano."

"You never open the links I send you, I had to show you in person!" Kaito yelled from his office.

Kagome stood, relieved to escape the conversation. "Wonderful to see you as always, ma'am, take care!"

"We'll be in touch, Kagome!" Hitomi shouted as the pair walked away.

The pair spent most of the car ride back in silence, checking emails and processing what took place over lunch.

"I don't think I've ever been more relieved that you prefer to exit social situations swiftly," Kagome told Kouga as they pulled up to the office.

"And why is that?"

"Your mother was telling me that we should date."

Kouga began to preen. "Understandable, I am quite a catch. It must have felt good to have the head of such an auspicious household believe you would be a match for their highly sought-after son, doesn't it?"

Kagome exited the car and walked over to Kouga's side so he could slide out. She tactfully responded, "Sir, while it is undoubtedly flattering that your parents think so highly of me, I believe that this is another sign that the time has come for me to quit."

Kouga paused, "You want to…what? But the offer I made-?"

"Sir, with all due respect, I was not looking for you to up my salary or buy me a car or any of those things. My time as your secretary will soon be over," Kagome replied firmly. She turned on her heel and walked towards the lobby.

AN: Let me know your thoughts!