Author's Note: Sweet chapters ahead so please be kind and throw in some reviews!
Thanks to the following early reviewers:
Kuga Shizuru. More Shiznat in chapters 12 and 13. I hope you enjoy reading.
torrrn. Thanks for reading the story. I'll try to update as fast as I can.
krugern. What can I say? You're amazing! You review each chapter. Thank you!
. More chapters here! Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Karai-san. I think Takeda will show up in chapters 12 and 13. It's going to be a short appearance so don't worry.
adj128. Thanks for the nice words. Here are more chapters to read and review.
shaynejayell. Yeah you're right, the story is a bit awkward at places. I actually think my first story is better than this but I also think that this one has its own beauty. Please continue reading.
bitchynovich. Here's an update! There are a lot of surprises coming your way so please continue reading.
Demon Cat08. You're quite right in thinking that Hayato is a family friend but something happened…Sorry, I have to shut up or I'll end up throwing a spoiler.
Shiznatyurifan. Hey, thanks for reading One Step at a Time. I hope you liked it. Anyway, just a few more chapters and we'll get to the story of Natsuki's and Shizuru's parents.
kiangs. You can guess how Natsuki would feel after knowing about the real Shizuru when you read chapter 12.
Vaurn. The story about Natsuki's and Shizuru's parents will be revealed in chapter 15 or 16. I'm not yet sure. Anyway, I read your story The New Girl. It's really funny. I'll write a review when you post an update.
Theromaticgirl. Hey, you said you'll write a review for the upcoming chapters. Here are three more chapters to read.
Garrita salvatrucha. Thanks for reading One Step at a Time. I hope you're enjoying this one.
10 The Encounter
Seek and you shall find.
"Let's talk inside Kuga-san." Haruka said. She thought Natsuki was there to advertise a product through The Rising Sun.
"So, how can we be of help?" Haruka said when they were finally seated. Natsuki wasn't really prepared. Yesterday after browsing the magazines brought by Shizuru, she found the name that she was searching – Fujino Shizuru. She couldn't sleep the whole night because she didn't know what to do if she meets the crimson-eyed beauty.
"Uhm, it's about…"
"Advertising, of course" Haruka interjected.
"Yes," Natsuki replied, partly thankful that Haruka was presumptuous and then she suddenly had an idea.
"Here's the rate. It depends on the size, whether it takes a hole page or two pages or a feature. Wait, I'll just call someone to explain it to you," Haruka said and then she left the room.
"Did she just say hole instead of whole? Nah, I guess I just didn't hear her well," Natsuki thought as she browsed the advertisement rates.
"Good morning Kuga-san," Yukino said. Natsuki turned around to the source of the voice and then she was surprised to see a familiar face yet so different. For a moment, she hesitated if it was really her.
"Yukino-san?" Natsuki said with her eyes wide open.
"I'm surprised you remember me," Yukino happily said as she motioned her to sit down. Natsuki took a copy of The Rising Sun on the table and then she saw that Yukino was the managing editor. It didn't register to her system in the past.
"You look so…grown up," Natsuki said.
"Yeah, it's been seven years since we met at the science contest. I still think you just got lucky that's why you won over me," Yukino replied with a smile. Natsuki felt really lucky now that Yukino is here. It means that it would be easier to investigate. She just needed to be tactful.
"It was just fair that I won, our Kaichou lost over your Kaichou remember. I had to win for Nara," Natsuki said. Her insides were flipping since she managed to guide the direction of their conversation. Yukino just laughed at the remark.
"I never doubted Kaichou-san, I mean Shizuru-san. She always wins. She works here by the way," Yukino replied. Natsuki's ears couldn't believe it. She found her.
"Really, I didn't see her around," Natsuki said, "Her eyes have that distinct red wine color, right?"
"Yeah, wow Natsuki-san, I can't believe you'll remember something like that. Did you have a crush on her when you went to Fuuka years ago?" Yukino teased. It was common for Shizuru to attract people. Yukino knew that her eyes are really captivating to boys and girls alike that's why Shizuru started wearing contact lenses when she's out in the real world.
"Eh? Why would you even… Anyway, she's a looker so I remember her," Natsuki finally said.
"Ah, she looks different now. I doubt you'll recognize her if you see her with those big shades that she wore wherever she goes. She keeps her hair hanging loosely now. She used to put it on a tight bun when we were in high school. She's a workaholic so she's actually thinner now. Wait, why are we talking about her again?"
"Because I have a crush on her?" Natsuki playfully replied and they both laughed. "By the way, Yukino-san, I'm surprised you haven't settled down? You're using your maiden name." Yukino chuckled at the remark.
"I could say the same to you. There's a joke here that if you become a part of the staff of The Rising Sun, you will never get married. Here at the Red Ink, they call it as the The Curse of the Rising Sun," Yukino narrated lightheartedly. Natsuki chuckled at the way Yukino emphasized the name of the spell. Haruka then entered the office and smiled at the two. She quickly took her bag and then she walked beside Yukino's chair and touched her on the shoulder not minding Natsuki's presence.
"I have a meeting. Take charge," Haruka said and the she stooped and gave Yukino's forehead a quick kiss before leaving hurriedly. Natsuki was surprised and then she remembered Shizuru. She suddenly missed Shizuru. "What could she be doing in the office now?"
Yukino noticed the shock in Natsuki's face but that's something expected. She decided to get down to business. "So do you have any questions about the advertising rates?"
"Uhm, do you cover events?"
"What kind of event?"
"You see, the Kuga Marketing Corporation is holding it 6th Anniversary celebration next month. We will present our products and we will expand our market," Natsuki explained.
"I see, so you need a package?" Yukino said. "That will cover a lot of pages but I guess money is not a problem here, right. I'll work with my team and then I'll show you our concept. I'll send a correspondent to cover the event and then we'll highlight the milestones of your company and we'll also feature each of your products. If you pay us really nicely, we can actually release a special issue."
"I see. I was wondering if you could send Fujino-san." Natsuki casually replied. Yukino chuckled.
"I'll ask her when she comes back. She's not here right now. Blast that. She's not here most of the time. She just comes when she's bored and when she needs to submit an article."
"I see. Here's my call card. Just give me a ring when you already have a concept. By the way, Yukino-san, it's not yet sure if our company will avail of your services. I'll have to talk to the Director of the Sales and Advertising Department in our company. I'll put a good word for The Rising Sun."
"I understand, here's my call card too so you can easily reach me," Yukino said and then they shook hands.
Yukino watched Natsuki walk away from her. Natsuki's boyish actions didn't go unnoticed. Her clothes too, Natsuki wore slacks and flat boots. "Despite her feminine appearance, why do I feel like she swings that way?" Yukino thought and then she went back to work.