Diane was extremely dissatisfied with Haruka to the point where Diane called in another model to replace Haruka for the day's photoshoots.
"You're usually not like this, Haruka. You're stiff, your expressions are fake, and your eyes have no spark. Is something bothering you?"
"Oh...it's nothing."
"Are you sure?"
Haruka sighed and flopped onto a nearby chair.
"It's Masami. For the past few days, she's been avoiding my calls and my texts. I don't mind that she's hanging out with other girls from our class but she's been leaving whenever I'm near her. She's been treating me like I've committed a huge sin or something."
"Sounds like you've been blacklisted. What did you do?"
"That's the thing! I've been thinking of all the things I've done for the past few weeks and I honestly cannot think of anything I've done to upset Masami. I swear that I'm not lying."
"Hmm...that is quite a problem. No wonder you were terrible today. Let's go into my office and talk a little more about this."
So they went into Diane's office on the thirty-fifth floor and Diane had her assistant bring some snacks and drinks.
As soon as the assistant left, Diane immediately began the interrogation.
"When did Masami start treating you differently?"
"About a few weeks ago when we went to go watch a movie that just came out. I even bought tickets online because Masami was dying to see it."
Diane nodded and she leaned back in her chair, drumming her fingers on the desk as she thought of numerous scenarios.
"What did you do on that day?"
"Well...I woke up and had breakfast-"
"After you left the house."
"Oh. Well, I went to the Yagami Bakery because they were having a sale. I ran into Tomoe there and we hung out for a little bit before I met up with Masami."
"I see. Doesn't Masami like Tomoe?"
"Yeah?"
"Maybe your little interaction is what set her off."
"But we just talked. I mean, he did mess up my hair but he fixed it afterwards."
"Haruka, dear, when a girl is in love, everyone can be a threat. Even you, as Masami's best friend, can't escape from that."
Haruka was in disbelief,
"Wait a second, when Tomoe and I were together, Masami was nowhere in sight so it doesn't make sense that she would be angry about that. Maybe I did something else?"
"You have a point but the possibility is still there. Maybe she saw from a distance? You won't know unless you ask her."
"I've been trying to ask her but she always manages to escape."
"Corner her. Trap her. Make sure she can't escape!"
Haruka frowned as she let Diane's words sink in. If Diane was correct about the situation then Haruka had her work cut out for her. The whole thing was a big misunderstanding.
"Thank you for your advice, Diane. I'm sorry I sucked at today's photoshoot."
"As long as it doesn't happen again. I'm always here if you need me, though."
Haruka hurriedly left the office. She needed to sort out the situation before things got out of hand.