Surprises
The Library Task Force knew there had been a change. Something had happened. They all knew it, especially when Dojo came into work whistling a happy tune.
And Dojo never whistled.
"What's got you all happy?" Komaki asked.
As if realizing he was out of character, Dojo stopped whistling, sending a frown in his friend's direction. "It's a beautiful day out. I'm allowed to be happy."
Komaki glanced out the window, noted the overcast sky, and laughed. "Try again, Dojo."
His friend scowled and sat down at his desk. "You won't get any answer out of me." He glanced at the clock and began working, muttering something about "that blockhead" and "always late."
Twenty minutes later, "that blockhead" appeared, hurrying into the office as if there was a monster chasing her. She stood at attention next to Dojo, saluting. "I'm sorry I'm late, sir! I overslept! Shibazaki kept me up late into the night."
Dojo sighed. "Fine. Try not to let it happen again."
"Yes, sir!" Kasahara moved over to her own desk, a small smile on her face. The others in the office who were paying attention looked at Dojo like he had grown an extra head. Usually Kasahara's tardiness was met with blazing lecture about being punctual. "Morning, Tezuka," she greeted. Her surly coworker across from her looked up from his computer.
"You're a ray of sunshine," he stated blandly. "Have you had one too many cups of coffee?"
"No. It's just a good day!" She sighed happily.
"Even though you were late?" Komaki asked as he walked by them to get to the coffee maker.
"Well, other than that!"
"Don't you all have work to do?!" Dojo demanded. Kasahara ducked her head and focused. It was quiet in the office for an hour or so, until Tezuka leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head.
Across from him, Kasahara ran a hand through her hair, something on her finger catching the light. As she lowered her hand, Tezuka caught a full view of what it was.
A ring, simple but still a ring. He knew Kasahara never wore jewelry – she was way too much of a tomboy to even consider a simple necklace. But here she was, wearing a shining new ring. It meant only one thing.
"No…way."
Kasahara looked up at him. "What's wrong?"
"It makes so much sense now!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Kasahara protested, discretely tucking her bejeweled hand in her lap.
"What is going on over there?" Dojo asked.
Tezuka sobered slightly. "Nothing, sir." He made it look like he was returning to his work, but after a moment glanced at Kasahara. "Congratulations," he said in a soft voice. "Did he ask you last night?"
Kasahara nodded, her face getting red. "Thanks. How'd you know about last night?"
"Shibazaki."
"Ah. Nothing escapes her notice. She grilled me for most of the night, which is why I was late."
"Sharing secrets?"
Kasahara jumped in her seat, knocking over her empty coffee mug. She scrambled to pick it up before it tumbled from the desk. As she moved the mug out of the danger zone, she turned to see Komaki behind her. "Sir! Don't startle me like that!"
"My apologies. Oh?" He gently took hold of her wrist, displaying the ring. "My, my, look at this."
Kasahara pulled her arm back. "Sir, please don't."
"What?" He grinned. "Our little Kasahara is engaged! Dojo, you actually asked her!"
The other Task Force members erupted into shouts of congratulations, while the couple tried to hide themselves by sinking lower in their chairs, faces bright red. It didn't stop until the end of the day. As if they had planned it before hand, both Dojo and Kasahara stayed behind, claiming that they needed to finish their work. When the last man left, Kasahara sighed, slumping in her seat. Dojo, at his desk, heaved a similar sigh before standing and moving over to where his fiancée sat. "That was a long day," he said, pulling out the chair next to her and sitting. "Forgive me if I've caused you embarrassment with the ring, Iku."
Kasahara sat up straight. "Oh, no, not at all. Instructor Komaki caused most of it."
"Yes. He did." He sighed. "Can I walk you home?"
Kasahara smiled. "Of course. Let me just clean up here."
Dojo nodded and stood, going back to his own desk. They quickly and quietly closed up for the day and started out of the room.
Dojo bestowed a kiss to his fiancée, causing her to stutter and blush. They walked back to the dormitory hand in hand.
