A/N: Thank you for the response so far! I don't really like this chapter but whatever. Here you go. Take your share of the fluffiness and the lovesick CEO of Kuran Inc.
Chapter 2: Dress Codes
"Rule number one; don't ever say you like her."
"I…" Kaname blanched. "Well, I suppose that's do-able."
Ichijou hit is cane against the blackboard. "Rule number two; don't compliment her unnecessary."
Kaname twined his fingers together. Leaning forward, he wore a guarded expression. "What kind of compliments do you deem unnecessary? I can't say she's done a good job?"
"Of course you can, as long as it's within the realm of professionalism. Remember that word, Kaname," Ichijou pointed at him. "Burn it into your soul!"
"I'm the CEO of a multi-million dollar company that's ranked number one in the country, and you're trying to teach me about professionalism?" Kaname hissed, gritting his teeth.
Ichijou raised his chin and narrowed his eyes. "Two words; Kurosu Yuuki."
Butterflies fluttered in Kaname's stomach as he sighed dreamily, cocking his head to the side as he replayed their conversation the day before, zooming in on the details; how cutely she smiled, how lovely her laughter sounded and how sinfully delicious her body–
Kaname bit his fist to suppress his groan. "Okay. I get it."
Ichijou nodded his head, stalking around the conference table. "This woman is your kryptonite, Kaname. She can either make you or break you. Now, you've gone ahead and hired her without thinking of the consequences, and you'll have to face them for the next year at least. As your vice president it's my duty to counsel and lead you when you are in trouble, and my advice regarding Kurosu Yuuki," green eyes narrowed as Kaname's eyes softened at the mention of her name, "is that you keep your distance. Even though she is your secretary and she'll be attending to your professional needs, you are not allowed to bring her any closer to you."
He slammed his fists onto the table, bringing his point home. "You cannot, under any circumstances, get into a relationship with her."
Kaname nodded quickly. "Of course."
"Remember, the number one rule of a CEO is to never sleep with your employees."
"That's not true, the company guidelines advice the CEO to be hardworking, pers–"
"THIS IS THE UNOFFICIAL RULE!" Ichijou bellowed, his face turning crimson.
"You underestimate me." Kaname folded his arms over his chest, turning his head indignantly to the side. "It's not like I only want to sleep with her. I want to hold her hand and walk through the park with her; take her out to dinner, wine and dine her; snuggle together under the stars one cold winter night; invite her to exhibitions, discuss the art; show her the beautiful streets of Paris, buy her cakes and macaroons and wipe her mouth when she gets glaze on her lips…. I want to do everything with her."
A secretive smile claimed his lips as his eyes softened. "She's the one."
"Awww," Ichijou held his hands together at his chin, his long lashes kissing his skin as he blinked, looking like Amor himself. At once, his blissful expression disappeared and his face turned red. "Knock it off! Put a lid on those thoughts and shove them far, faaaaar away!"
An uncharacteristic pout made itself onto Kaname's lips.
Ichijou pinched the bridge of his nose, a sigh leaking out form his tired lips. "Ahhh, what to do with you… This is so unlike you, Kaname. You've never showed this level of interest in a woman – no, actually, I don't think you've ever shown this level of interest towards anyone before! Did she bewitch you so easily? How can you just say that you're in love after only having met her once?"
Kaname folded his hands on the table, studying the intricate pattern on the wood. "I don't know why I am this way now, but I can't help it. I go into overdrive whenever I think of her. The moment I saw her… something just clicked inside of me. The planets aligned. Birds sang. Fireworks erupted. Every cliché ever known to man transpired in that one second. I suppose… sometimes you just know." He stared out the window solemnly, lost in his thoughts.
Ichijou ignored the lump in his throat. "While I'm happy you're finally showing interest in someone," he croaked, "this… this can't go on like this, you understand that, don't you? You entire career and future is on the line here. If the investors are notified about a potential scandal then…"
"I know." Kaname replied quietly.
"Tell you what, we'll make a compromise; you'll be on trial for the next three days. Unless Yuuki delivers a sexual harassment complaint within those days, I'll let you work with her. If she does, however, I'll make sure she won't have to work in the main branch with you and somewhere on a lower level in the company. How's that?"
"Se-sexual assault?" Kaname flushed. "I'm not some crazed caveman."
"Trust me," Ichijou smirked, "you are. However, I'll help you rectify your demeanor!"
He moved over to the blackboard and wrote a few more points. Ah, I'm glad I had this blackboard installed… today. Funny how effective workers will be once you mention the Kuran name. Hehe!
Ichijou clapped his hands twice. "Okay! Hypothetic situation number one; your alluring secretary is wearing a skintight dress and the sight is making you think all kinds of raunchy things. How do you complement her without alerting her to the monster in your pants!?"
Sweat trickled down Kaname's temples. Must not imagine her in that skintight dress, must not… must not…
"You look…" Kaname bit his lower lip. "…good today…?"
Ichijou sighed. "Ahh… this will be a long day…"
At ten to eight sharp, Yuuki found herself in the lobby of the Kuran Inc. building. Her eyes traced the fine, architectural design of the lobby as she waited. Glass and sharp edges surrounded her, however there was a softness and antique feeling to some of the interior design. Small bonsai plants lined the desks, while the use of earth-toned carpets and furniture added to the antiqueness of the rather modern building in the heart of Tokyo.
The Kurans were synonymous with royalty in the finance world. They were the esteemed family behind Kuran Inc., which had been an important staple in the Japanese economy for the past decades. Family-run with an international reach, Kuran Inc. was the closest thing Japan came to a dynasty these days.
"Yuuki-san?"
Yuuki turned in the direction of the voice. A blonde man smiled at her, his green eyes sparkling kindly.
"Yes?"
"My name is Ichijou Takuma," he bowed. She returned the bow. "I'm here to escort you up to begin your training. You are Kaname's new secretary, no?"
"Y-yes," she smiled, "pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," he smiled. "Right this way," he pointed towards the elevator. She followed him into the elevator, watching as he pushed the button the 105th floor. Her eyes widened at the number. She hadn't really thought about how high up she'd been two days ago when she'd arrived for her interview because of her nerves.
"It's a little high up," Ichijou smiled, "but you'll get used to it quickly. Actually, everything about Kaname is a little bit… ah, what's the word, elevated? He has high standards for everything. Don't worry though, he doesn't bite." Unless you let him, of course… He added mentally.
"Ah," Yuuki smiled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, "he actually surprised me. I hadn't expected him to be so nice. There wasn't much info to find on him online, so I didn't really know what to expect. By far, this was the nicest interview I've done."
Ichijou nodded. "Yes, he can be quite elusive and secretive if he wants to. He prefers not to share his personal life with the media, that's just the way he is. He might seem nice now, but… trust me, you'll hate him towards the end." He chuckled.
Yuuki's eyebrows rose. "Really? Well, I guess everyone ends up hating their bosses in the end, haha! Why, Ichijou-san, do you hate him?" She teased.
Ichijou was momentarily lost in her pearl-white smile. True enough, Yuuki possessed a gentle beauty that shone from her features. He could see why she had intrigued his boss…
"Uh," he cleared his throat, "no, no, I don't hate him. It's just that he can be very demanding and exasperating sometimes." His hand found his tie, loosening it slightly. Had the elevator become hotter?
"Oh," Yuuki laughed, "well I'm sure I'll learn to manage. If he misbehaves, I'll just start bossing over him!" She joked.
Ichijou held back his snort. I think he would actually appreciate that…
The elevator released a 'ding', signaling their arrival. Ichijou let her walk out first, keeping his eyes strictly ahead.
"I know you were here not too long ago, but you're probably looking at this with different eyes knowing you have the job, hehe!"
Yuuki nodded, eyes bright and clear as she took in the details. The floor had champagne colored walls and cream-coated furniture and decorations. There were several big offices, shaded by grey curtains through the glass right in front of her. She knew from memory that the hallway down to the right would lead to the biggest office – the CEO's.
"You can just hang your coat here," Ichijou instructed, pointing to the wall where some coats were already hanging loosely. She followed his instructions willingly, returning to his side as soon as she'd hung up her coat.
He gave her a peculiar look as she neared him. It was almost like he was measuring her, trying to decode her like she was a foreign object to him. His expression quickly melted into a reassuring smile when she stopped next to him. Maybe she would just have to get used to being constantly measured the first few weeks here. After all, she was now working at the biggest company in the country; her efforts would have to be top notch all the time; perfection should be the only standard she delivered.
"I'll escort you to Seiren so she can start your training," Ichijou murmured. She nodded, following him like a little duck.
Seiren's desk was outside of the main CEO office, almost directly connected to the office if not for the door and the walls of glass separating the two.
Seiren waited by the desk, her swollen stomach protruding slightly from her pencil skirt, her arms crossed. Her expression was blank and neutral – Yuuki had no idea what she was thinking, though she could guess she was measuring her as well.
"Pleasure to see you again, Yuuki-san," Seiren bowed her head. Yuuki bowed in return. "You as well, Seiren-san."
"Well," Ichijou cut in, "I'll be in Kaname's office. If there is anything you need, ask Seiren, and if she is unable to assist you, don't hesitate to ask for me. Kaname is rather b–"
"Seiren, would you mind getting a cup of coffee when you deliver today's report, as well as – oh."
Kaname's eyes widened as he halted, one foot outside the door of his office. There she was again – his new secretary – the woman who haunted his dreams and every thought – in the flesh, staring at him with an innocent look. She smiled and bowed, greeting him.
"Good morning, Kaname-san."
Not being biased at all, Kaname could've sworn her voice was a soothing remedy to every dreadful early morning.
But that was just his unbiased opinion of course.
A lazy smile stretched over his lips despite himself. "Oh, hey, Yuuki. You've begun your training?"
Vaguely he could feel Ichijou staring a hole into his back.
"Yes," she blushed, "well I just arrived so my formal training haven't begun yet. Though I'm sure we'll start soon."
He sensed Seiren shoot him an odd look as well. Did he not train his employees to be discrete?
"That's good," he hummed, "I'm sure there's a lot to learn and remember. Don't be afraid to let me – eh, or Seiren know if you're feeling overwhelmed okay? Also, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me personally so I can answer you que–"
"Tick, tock," Ichijou interrupted, pushing Kaname backwards through the door. "We have a looong day ahead of us, CEO, better get started!"
"Yuuki, do your best, ne?" Kaname managed to squeeze in before Ichijou finally pushed him into the office and closed the door, leaving a confused Yuuki and Seiren behind.
"You…" Ichijou seethed.
"I didn't overstep any lines!" Kaname defended. "I simply asked her about the training."
Ichijou sighed. "Just… make it less obvious in the future, okay? Or I'll call in the company shrink for an assessment of your mental health."
"I'll fire you for sure if you do."
"Sounds like something a crazy person would say."
"Ichijou…" Kaname growled. He sensed that his boss' temper had reached its limit, so he backed off. A furious Kaname was something to fear; he didn't throw tantrums or yell, but he turned stone-cold and quiet; worked behind your back to see his revenge go through.
Those who opposed him, or ruined things in the company for him, always disappeared somehow… And Kaname was none the wiser.
"Fine, fine," Ichijou held his hands up. "You did well. And I think I see what you like about Yuuki. She seems kind and diligent, and yeah she is really pretty…"
"Indeed," Kaname replied. He rested his face in his hands as he smiled. "Doesn't she seem like a saint to you? She's just so sweet and ap– wait, you think she's pretty?" He narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped significantly and Ichijou felt a chill run down his spine.
"Relax, Kaname," he held his hands up in surrender, "I won't steal your secretary away, okay?"
Kaname relaxed back into his seat, his face expressionless as he regarded Ichijou.
"So what do you have for me?"
Ah… time for business. Ichijou let his shoulders relax from their tense position. Quickly he began summarizing his report and the current status of the firm, and the two settled into their usual workflow.
Seiren showed Yuuki around the office facilities, taught her the computer programming and how to organize the files in her office. Yuuki listened tentatively and scribbled down notes on her notepad, trying to get every detail. Seiren commented on how easily she adapted to the programs and the system, which secretly delighted Yuuki. Turned out the little experience she had from the small law firm helped her a lot in adjusting and learning.
"It seems that you won't have any struggle without me, Yuuki-san," Seiren crossed her arms. Though her face was expressionless, Yuuki could sense a hint of a pleased smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
"Oh, I probably will, but I'll do my best!" Yuuki answered, sipping on her tea.
"Good." Seiren replied, rubbing her stomach. "Kaname might seem a little high maintenance and difficult sometimes, but once you get past that, he's not that bad."
"Everyone keeps saying that," Yuuki blinked. "But I think he is super nice. Or well, he has only been nice to me ever since I met him."
For the first time, a smirk glazed Seiren's lips. "I bet."
Before Yuuki could inquire further, Seiren sighed. "Ah, I'm feeling so nauseous… Well, since it is your training day, why don't you make a cup of coffee for Kaname and deliver it to him? You should know what type he likes by now."
"Yes!" Yuuki shot up form her seat. "Black, no sugar and no milk."
"Correct," Seiren nodded.
"Shall I bring a cup of rose-tea as well?"
"Yes," Seiren said, glancing at the clock, "around this time he likes having a cup of rose-tea to stress down and even out the taste of the coffee."
"All right," Yuuki turned on her heel and marched to the small kitchen area. "Do you need something for your nausea perhaps, Seiren?"
"No, I'm fine, thank you," Seiren replied, easing back into her seat.
Yuuki quickly got to work, and soon she was standing outside his office door. She timidly knocked with the hand that was holding his tea, waiting for his reply.
"Come in," she heard him call. With some difficulty, she managed to open the door and stepped outside. "A cup of coffee and some rose-tea for you to stress down, Kaname-san." She announced, smiling.
Kaname shot up from his seat in surprise. All day he'd waited for her to finally come to his office, and he'd been repeatedly disappointed when it was only Seiren delivering reports and notes. Though it was to be expected – it was Yuuki's first day after all.
Yet there she was, the goddess he called his secretary, offering him coffee and tea like it was the most natural thing. He noticed her struggle a little with balancing the hot cups.
"Oh, let me get that for you." He rushed over to her and grabbed the cups from her, almost fainting when her hand brushed against his, and placed it on his desk.
"Thank you, Yuuki," he smiled, settling back into his seat.
She bowed and turned towards the door.
Not so fast! "So, how is the training going?" Kaname inquired gently, twining a pen with his fingers.
Yuuki turned back towards him. She pursed her lips in thought before answering. "Quite all right," she smiled, flashing pearl-white teeth, "Seiren is a good teacher and the other co-workers have treated me very nicely so far. I'm doing my best."
"That's good," Kaname nodded, running out of questions to ask her. He was supposed to be discrete, but the need to just have her near, hear her voice and just talk to her was nagging at the back of his head all the time, disrupting his workflow. He did this for the job, so he could concentrate… not because he just wanted to see her. Not at all.
Professionalism at its finest.
"We should have dinner sometime," he blurted out.
"Uh…" Yuuki stammered, "sure."
You dumbass, he chided himself. "I mean… we're going to have dinner soon. Or well, we'll have lots of dinners with potential buyers and investors. So… be prepared… for that."
Stop acting like such an idiot, he could've sworn it was Ichijou's voice echoing in his head. Professionalism! Remember!
"Oh," Yuuki smiled, somewhat relieved, "yes of course. No problem."
Did she always have these cute dimples when she smiled? Kaname wanted so badly to reach out and touch them, feel her soft skin, brush her supple lips, and caress her…
"Can I get your number?" He blurted out. He wanted to smack himself for slipping up so easily. Everything that came out of his mouth sounded like he was asking her out on a date. "Or do you have mine already?
"I already have yours, but I don't think you have mine," Yuuki frowned. "Oh!" She held one finger up, "I can just text you later and then you'll have my nu–"
"I'd prefer it if you wrote it down," he quickly cut in, pointing to the notepad that was next to him. "I'm old-fashioned."
"Oh, sure," She acquiesced walking towards his desk.
As she came closer and closer, Kaname's heartbeat sped up, faster and faster until it drowned out everything else. As she stepped next to him and bent over, he swallowed deeply, wondering why his mouth was so dry. She was so close to him, standing right next to him as she scribbled down her number, her long hair falling over her shoulder. Kaname couldn't help but inhale her perfume; fresh and rosy, like summertime and early spring mornings. So good.
"There," she dropped the pen and got back to her normal height. "Anything else you need, Kaname-san?" She gazed down upon him.
Kaname tried his best to ignore his sweaty palms and raging heartbeat. "Not for now. However, please call me Kaname. I've reminded you a few times already but it seems like you've forgotten."
He didn't mean to come off so stern, but what was a man to do? He was practically drowning in desire, overwhelmed by her proximity, pushed to the point of lust and attraction. He needed some semblance of composure.
Yuuki's face drained of color. "Of course! I'm sorry, Kaname, it won't happen again," she promised.
"It's all right," he soothed. "Go, Seiren probably needs you. I'll send for you if I need anything."
She bowed and exited the office quickly.
Kaname sighed, loosening his tie and using his handkerchief to wipe off his perspiring forehead. What have I gotten myself into? Just a simple visit and she'd already flipped his world upside down. Hiring her was a crazy decision, and actually having her around him everyday, pretending like he was her platonic boss and nothing more served as a reminder of his questionable sanity. Was Ichijou right? Had he overworked himself? Was that why he did crazy things like hire the girl he had a crush on?
The paper she'd written her number on caught his attention. He grabbed it and held it front of him, studying the way she'd written her name and her number. She'd drawn a small, cute smiley next to her name. He smiled and rubbed his finger against the smiley. At once he was reminded of her smile and vibrant radiance; warmth spread in his chest as his heart fluttered. He'd forgotten this feeling.
It was the loveliest feeling in the world; everything around him shone brighter, scents were magnified, and sounds were clearer. Ichijou could yell at him that he was crazy as much as he wanted; Kaname would still swear every love song they played on the radio was about him and her. At the same time, it was the worst form of torture. Made him stutter his words, clam up his hands, look like a fool in front of the girl he was in love with.
Yet, as he thought about her, he couldn't bring himself to regret it.
Insane or not, hiring her and keeping her close felt right.
On her second day of working at the Kuran corporation, Yuuki was sent out to gather the CEO's breakfast and coffee. After that, she began organizing the current requests from reporters and news agencies, putting the highest ranking first, and the lower ranked ones last. Then, she prepared Kaname's schedule for the next day, organizing it so it would be the most time-efficient. He hadn't been joking when he said he was a busy man; from interviews to meetings to events, his days seemed to be packed. She almost felt a bit sorry for him; after all, could human beings live like that for long? He barely had any free time – how did he find any time to spend with his family, his friends? Didn't he have any hobbies? Anything that was not work-related in his life?
On her third day, Yuuki was already well versed in the office and knew her way around. She accompanied Kaname to a meeting, and later ordered his dinner so it would arrive at his office when he got back, as he would be working overtime. His schedule was heavily influencing her day-to-day life, and she found herself getting home later and later. Still, she worked hard and did her best to show her dedication. The best part of her day was whenever she delivered something to him in the office. He'd always smile at her kindly and ask her how she was doing. It was the little things that made her day better.
On her fourth day, Yuuki felt true mortification sear through her bones.
She'd been in his office, watering the plants when he'd grown quiet. She'd decided not to bother him, so she let him sit and think in silence, keeping herself busy.
"Yuuki… don't take this the wrong way, but… are those the only work-appropriate clothes you own?"
Yuuki froze in place, halfway bent over a plant as the water poured from her canister. She noticed suddenly that the water was almost overflowing. Quickly, she retracted the canister; but as she did so, water spurted onto the floor.
"Oh no!" She gasped, getting down on her knees and using her sleeve to wipe it off. This was just so embarrassing! First he called her out on her clothes, and then she managed to make a fool out of herself. And the day had only just begun…
Suddenly, a handkerchief landed where she was furiously rubbing on the floor. She looked up to see Kaname crouching down, now suddenly eye-level with her, dangerously close. She blushed furiously, flustered by her embarrassing actions and having him this close. Yuuki couldn't help but be struck by his incandescent beauty. Could men really be this beautiful? She idly wondered. It sure wasn't fair.
Smooth skin, a narrow and straight nose, thin but plump lips… He was a god come to life and she was… red like a tomato.
"It's only water," he said softly. "I apologize if you found my question offensive, that was not my intention."
Yuuki's blush intensified. The entire situation was just so mortifying.
"No, no, you are entitled to ask that question. I was hoping you wouldn't notice, but I suppose nothing escapes your attention, hehe," she laughed awkwardly, uncomfortable due to his proximity. His eyes were so expressive and intense; he gazed at her without fear or reservation, garnet hues melting in his depths.
"Yes, this is the only work-appropriate skirt and blouse I have… It's ah, limited, because I haven't really had use for this type of clothing before. They were really casual at the law firm. I was going to purchase more, but at this time I can't really…" She bit her lip in frustration, not wanting to spill her embarrassing secret. "…afford it. So I was hoping I'd be able to put it off until I got my first pay." She closed her eyes, too afraid to look at him.
She'd really gone out of her way to be creative. She'd added scarves and jewelry to mix up her black pencil skirt and standard white blouse, hoping and praying no one would notice it was the same damn skirt and blouse. Her black heels were also starting to falter, so she would need to get ones as well. It was a painful reminder of how out of place she was in the expensive skyscraper that housed the powerful Kuran Inc. She wanted to be right by her boss; dress appropriately so he wouldn't have to be embarrassed that he'd hired a poor nobody like her.
A lock of hair fell forward. Kaname's reached out to tuck it behind her hair, but he stopped midair. Luckily her eyes were closed. He retracted his hand slowly.
"I see," he replied softly. She opened her eyes one by one. "You're not mad?"
"Of course not," he smiled, and got up on his feet. He offered her his hand and helped her up. He shot her another smile before he turned around and walked towards his desk.
Yuuki relaxed her shoulders and inhaled deeply. Thank god he'd been so calm about it. She still felt mortified, and the need to quickly go out and buy some clothes, even if they were cheap.
"Grab your coat," he ordered suddenly, grabbing something off of his desk.
"Why- I mean, okay," she said as he began walking towards the exit.
"We're going shopping," he announced walking past her and out of the office.
"Okay, I'll ca– what!?" Yuuki spluttered. She stared at the open door of his office in shock. Gathering her thoughts, she sprinted out of the office.
I'm insane, Kaname thought to him self, rubbing his chin in thought.
You're also a damn genius, the devil in his head snickered as his eyes flickered over to an alluring underwear set, complete with garters, stockings and a lace-detailed corset. The entire set was rose-red, his favorite color.
He bit his lower lip as he reclined into the chaise elegantly. C'mon, you're her boss. Make her wear the underwear set… and then take it off of her. With your teeth. And then–
"Shut up," Kaname hissed out loud.
"Do you need any help?" A nearby store worker inquired gently, smiling a bit too heavily. She batted her eyelashes at him suggestively. "I hope you're not looking for something for your girlfriend…" Kaname was sure her pout was supposed to be sexy, but to him it was just annoying.
"I'm fine, thank you," he waved her away dismissively. Not that he was some gift to women or anything, but he was used to women preying on him all the time. They were all the same; interested in his looks and money, like hungry sharks smelling blood. It annoyed him to death.
The worker lingered for a while until she finally realized he wasn't interested. She huffed and walked away. In response, Kaname released a sigh.
No, there was only one girl that managed to capture his heart and his interest, and right now she was standing right in front of him, slowly undressing.
Well, it was true, except there was a curtain between them. Because she was in a dressing room trying on clothes. And he was her professional and platonic boss. And he would never, ever imagine her undressing. Uh huh.
He wasn't really a religious man, but right now he felt like praying for the strength to get through this situation.
The curtain flew to the side as Yuuki stepped out, self-consciously adjusting her skirt. "Uh…" She blushed, not meeting his eyes. Totally unbiased, Kaname thought she looked magnificent. Like she was born to be a secretary. His secretary. The way the navy blue skirt hugged her hips made him crazy with want. The alabaster blouse contrasted wonderfully against the skirt, and… Kaname's eyes widened slightly. A white, lacy bra peeked through the opening of her shirt.
She'd forgotten to button the lower buttons at her cleavage, exposing the swell of her breasts.
In his mind he was already in church, begging for mercy.
"I'm not really comfortable doing this. I mean… you shouldn't have to pay for my clothes, that's… ridiculous, really! I can borrow money from my father or something in the beginning now, it's okay."
Kaname quickly peeled his eyes away from her cleavage as she looked at him. She was just so… beautiful. Everything about her, from her flushed cheeks and swollen lips due to constant lip biting, to her figure and her earnest gaze...
How'd he get so lucky to meet her?
"Nonsense," he brushed her off, re-claiming his height as he got up on his feet, "as my secretary it's important that you dress the part. Company rules, I'm afraid; image is everything. It's not uncommon for companies such as ours to pay for our employee's expenses. Really, it's just a part of working for us. I wish you'd told me sooner that you had difficulty with acquiring these kinds of clothes, and I would've helped you out immediately. I want full transparency with you, no matter what. Please don't be embarrassed."
He was standing in front of her, keeping his eyes on her face as he spoke. He was so tempted to brush her red cheeks, if not only to feel her warmth, but to feel the softness of her skin.
"I… understand that the company requires a certain dress code," she admitted, looking down on the floor, "but still, it makes me feel uncomfortable leeching off of you like that. I don't want to be a nuisance. Can't you… withdraw this from my next pay?"
Kaname sighed.
As if.
"If it makes you feel better…." He trailed off, watching as she furiously nodded, "I can do that."
"Yes, it does. Thank you, Kaname!" She smiled happily, flashing her teeth. He smiled automatically in response, happy to see her frown fade away.
"Next time, don't hesitate to tell me if there's something bothering you, okay?" He said.
"Of course. I promise," she nodded.
He winked and turned, walking towards the counter. Midway he stopped, and turned his head slightly, still with his back to her. "Oh and next time, remember to button all the buttons on your shirt. It might be… distracting for your boss."
"B-buttons on my shirt? What…" Yuuki glanced down at her cleavage, eyes widening as she finally realized how much she'd exposed to her boss. Sure enough, her breasts were jutting out proudly from her bra, and her shirt had magically fallen to the sides and exposed them. She gasped in horror and fled into the dressing room, quickly drawing back the curtain.
Kaname resumed walking as he chuckled to himself.
He handed his black credit card to the woman behind the register.
"Are you paying for everything?" The woman gasped as she glanced at the total.
"Yes," he answered simply, flashing her a pleasant smile. To her, he was probably a very dedicated boyfriend buying his girlfriend clothes.
He liked the sound of that.
As the woman worked behind the register, he glanced quickly at the underwear set from hell. Maybe he could just… sneak it in? And when she asked why there was an insanely sexy underwear set in her bag, he could just say the saleswoman had suggested it, and him being a man who had no idea about clothes had just went along with it.
Perfect! He opened his mouth, and was about to order when the woman asked him to sign the bill. Next time, he promised himself as he signed and handed over the paper.
A few months later, Yuuki asked him why he hadn't cut the cost of the clothes from her check. He explained that he'd simply forgotten about it, and would make sure he did it on the next paycheck.
He didn't.