11 The Channel
It's only natural to seek for a way out when you are suffocating.
"Kuga-sama, there's something I need to tell you," Shizuru said with her resignation letter in hand.
"If it isn't Shi-chan. Is Nat-chan working hard?" Hayato said humorously and then she noticed the seriousness in Shizuru's countenance. "Is she going to tell me?"
"I need to let this out. It's the first time it's happening to me. My assignments are not supposed to be this difficult to carry out," Shizuru blabbered.
"Calm down Shi-chan. I guess it's better to talk with tea in hand. Take a seat," Hayato said. He motioned his secretary to prepare tea. A few moments later Shizuru was sipping the tea served before her. The secretary eyed Shizuru for a while before she left the room.
"Promise me you won't judge me after this," Shizuru said. "I'm sorry Kuga-sama, I just don't want to hurt Natsuki that's why I'm telling you." Hayato nodded.
"I wrote the article about Nature's Best on The Rising Sun," Shizuru started like a child confessing to a parent. She was pressing her palm with one thumb to relax. She looked at Hayato as the latter sipped his tea.
"Okay, but that was Fujino Shizuru," Hayato said.
"That's my mother's surname. When I was in high school I used that name because my my Grandpa financed my education at Fuuka Academy," Shizuru continued. "We were on a tight budget that time because my father died so my mother asked her parents for help."
"I see. Fujinos are a rich clan in Kyoto. Your grandparents didn't approve of your mother's marriage with your father so when your father died, they wanted you to be a Fujino." Hayato calmly said.
"Yes, how did you know that?"
"I've seen cases like that happen before my eyes," Hayato replied.
"Wait, but that's not the point Kuga-sama. The point is I'm a writer of The Rising Sun," Shizuru tried to emphasized.
"Why did you go back using you father's name? I imagine your grandpa got angry at you for doing that," Hayato replied.
"Yes they did get angry at me and my mother. While I was in high school, my mom decided to continue running the flower shop business on her own. I knew she was trying to save money so we don't have to live by grandpa's conditions. Grandpa wanted me to take Business Management but my mom knew that I wanted to be a writer. I found a scholarship grant from a foundation so I went to college on my own."
"I see. So that was the reason why you chose the scholarship over the financial support of the Fujinos," Hayato replied with a nod. Shizuru was confused. She felt like the man doesn't understand the point and they always take a sidetrack to the story of her family.
"Uhm, Kuga-sama, please have Natsuki sign this on Tuesday. I won't be coming on Tuesday anymore. I'll go back to Red Ink to work for the next issue of The Rising Sun." Shizuru finally said.
"Are you sure?" Hayato asked.
"Yes, and I'm sorry. I'm happy I met you Kuga-sama. I'm beginning to wonder why Natsuki isn't as calm as you are," Shizuru said with a small smile.
"Ah, she got her mother's temper," Hayato casually replied.
"Aren't you mad at me Kuga-sama?"
"No. I'm not. By the way, did you find any interesting scoops?"
"I did not. I came at the wrong place. But if you want gossips, I learned a lot." Shizuru replied. She didn't expect Hayato's open-mindedness but she felt relieved. Hayato chuckled at the remark.
"Don't forget about my resignation letter, Kuga-sama. And as an additional favor, please explain things to her," Shizuru said with pleading eyes.
"Okay but not for free. Remember this Shi-chan. In the future, I'll ask for your help too." Hayato seriously said. Shizuru thought about his words for a moment.
"Okay, it would be my pleasure to help you as long as it doesn't involve anything illegal," Shizuru replied. Hayato smiled at her wit and then he placed the letter in his desk drawer.