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— Intentions —

18# - Complications

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"Where words are restrained, the eyes often talk a big deal."
— S. Richardson

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— U. Takumi

"Are you done yet, Misaki?"

It was Saturday evening already. The gala was held at night, just like she told me she had feared. I couldn't help it though, and if I could, I'd have changed the schedule for her. Unfortunately, I wasn't the host of the night.

Though I wasn't so far from it.

I had arrived to her door moments ago, all clean, shaven and groomed in my three piece black tuxedo. She appeared to be in a haste, opening the door without even giving me a glance. I briefly saw her body draped in a white and fluffy towel before she disappeared from my sight, rounding a corner into her room.

I really wanted to follow her. I even offered to help her prepare herself.

But without much surprise, she declined.

I was waiting in the kitchen, sipping on a glass of water when a muffled bang caught my attention. A stifled groan followed before sounds of furniture falling resounded. I bolted to her door, whipping it open even though she yelled not to come in.

My heart rate must've shot up at the sight.

She was on all fours, her round ass barely concealed by her gown that was draped over her on one side. Right in this position, it didn't appear to cover much, the blood red fabric clashing with her porcelain skin. Her whole back was bare, the backless gown dipping to her waist, leaving her whole spine exposed. Kindling the fire within me, I slowly sat down on the vanity stool, brushing her shoulder blade on the way.

Her head bumped against the desk and she hissed, her words slurred. "What the hell, Usui! I told you not to come inside..."

I chuckled, the fire brewing inside of me pleased with the innuendo I heard. "Couldn't resist, sorry."

One of her hands was holding her intricate pinned hair up as she turned around, standing up with a bobby pin between her teeth. With a heart shaped neckline slightly straying off-shoulder, Her scarlet silk followed her curves appropriately, leaving to the imagination so much wonders, and yet no respite. It fell along her length, covering the back of her slender legs. The front was shorter, showing from her toes to her mid-thighs. My gaze followed it, slowly making the way up her curves before I caught some nude lace at the hem of her gown; garter laces.

My mouth went dry. Fucking lingerie.

She cleared her throat before I could make use of the full opportunity.

Our eyes met.

A flick of a smile flashed on her face at my reaction. She knew what that would do to me, didn't she?

I certainly didn't want to leave home tonight.

—

— A. Misaki

For any of these people sitting here, enjoying this award ceremony, I was a women who was bright, her smile vibrant and looking at her date with fascination.

Only, my radiant expression was only a facade.

In reality, guilt was seeping through me, filling my empty lungs.

I sat there, staring without focus at his broad back and sliced back blonde hair walking to the light-blinding stage, a modest and yet gorgeous smile plastered on his face. His whole demeanor captured the attention of the guests, and without a doubt, the seductive and yet untouchable aura he exuded only managed to make him more alluring than he usually was. Or perhaps was it the expensive suit he wore, the fine fabric waving smoothly with every steps he made, his pacing alike to one of a graceful and yet dangerous feline.

Although he didn't show it, I knew he was thrilled to be there, receiving the Journalism award he deserved from his incredible work. If my heart wasn't so heavy, my emotions suffocating and making my lungs constrict painfully, I would've been able to enjoy his success.

Sadly, that wasn't the case.

I blinked, trying to swallow down the tears that started to surge my vision. One long exhale, and they drowned back, leaving my vision slightly blurry. The elegant woman sitting on my right side edged closer to me, her eyes worried.

"Are you alright, dear?" she softly asked, her eloquent perfume invading my space.

I sweetly smiled at her, though all I wanted to do was to scream desperately. "I'm fine, it's just... emotions..." I half-lied, my fingertips wiping the tear growing in the corner of my eyes.

Truly believing the reason I gave her, she leaned back, content and seemingly moved by my answer. "I understand, darling," she giggled, alike to an enamored girl, though time was catching up on her former beauty. Despite her elder appearance, it was her youthful heart that fascinated me. The differences with my own composure was a striking picture of our opposite state of mind. Silently, I wished for her fondness to warm my trembling heart.

Acknowledging her answer with a slight nod, I reverted my eyes to the stage.

Deep green snared me. His eyes were narrowed at me, albeit unnoticeably. His gorgeous smile was now lost for an equally dazzling but fake one, stretching unfittingly to my eyes, but ever so delightfully to the public's perception.

What's wrong with you, Misaki?

My heart dropped, my hands moist and cold underneath the table. Avoiding his sifting gaze, I turned to the old lady, hastily excusing myself to the restroom. Everything happened in a haze as I ran away from his sight. Fear kicked in my veins, fuelling my steps even though he ever so slightly shook his head at me, telling me not to do whatever I was up to.

It'd take him just one word to find out everything I've been burying in my mind, and I couldn't let him know by any means.

I reached inside the ladies room, finding it empty. Relief flooded, and I exhaled out, bracing myself against the counter as my reflection displayed in front of my eyes. And what cast back was the gaze of a lost girl. Reluctantly, I understood the look in the elder woman's eyes, moments ago.

I would've been worried too, had I been faced with that much confusion.

—

"Director, you asked to see me?" I politely acknowledged.

He motioned for me to sit before speaking up. "Ayuzawa, certainly are you aware that I hold high expectations in your regards," he softly said, a kindhearted smile stretching his lips.

I only nodded back, my business smile plastered on my face. I was appreciative of the director, and had no doubt he only meant well with anyone here. As old as he was, he always took care of what went on between his employees. Solidarity, teamwork; I respected him for that, and maybe that was what truly attracted me to this firm. Because no matter how modest it was compared to top and elitist firms, honorable valors were what was sought, instead of heaps of experience and famous graduate diplomas.

Nonetheless, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive about this sudden facing.

He took my perplexed silence as a sign to carry on. "Hence why I gave you the Walker case. I was confident you'd brilliantly deal with it," he said, before a slight frown marred his forehead, his eyebrows tugging down. "But you declined the opportunity and handed it away instead."

His voice sounded now doleful with how things unfolded, a hint of sadness flashing through his creased features. I kept my gaze locked on the spot between his eyes, finding myself unable to hold his thoughtful stare.

I replied, but only because he appeared to be waiting for one at this moment, his silence unnatural to the flow of the discussion. "I believe that Shizuko is doing an excellent work, Sir."

He relaxed back into his black leather chair, a pretense of wealth in this modest office. His eyes shortly unfocused, probably considering my answer, before they glinted with his sharp wisdom again. "She is, and undoubtedly is doing well," he approved, a little smile climbing up his face, "but..."

I braced myself for the words that would follow. Suzuna made me watch enough dramas to make me realize that my situation wouldn't end up very well. And this, was the perfect time for my kind boss to turn out to be the devil itself. I shuddered at the thought, feeling my heart sink in my chest.

"But...?" I insisted, believing that the faster he would get the threats out of his mouth, the lower would my heart have to sink in my anxiety.

He deeply exhaled. "I'll be honest, Ayuzawa. I overheard the two of you discuss about the case, earlier in the cafeteria."

Ah... It made sense that he summoned me straightaway.

"And I hoped I could make you reconsider... But I'm not ordering you to, because I know that whatever you might do, it would most likely be the right choice," he tiredly confessed, honesty filling his voice. "Think about it for our firm, it is the first important case that we could secure, I lived to see this for the past forty years..."

We all worked together to maintain the name and the integrity of the firm. Even though we weren't that famous, we still held an honorable place, our hard work noticeable to any experienced eyes.

And that was when I figured out that my boss was truly an admirable lawyer. That he must've been utterly solicited in his young year. And that even after his retirement, he hadn't lose his touch at all.

Because he managed to make my reasons and principles waver without having to threaten me. He simply stated his arguments, with all good graces. And here I was, thinking that I was to be blamed for refusing to help the whole lawyer staff - people I came to love during those few years-, over my own happiness. I couldn't just back out when it smelled trouble and leave them all just like that, after all.

That would be selfish and unprofessional.

... Wouldn't it?

―

Author's note:

I'm afraid school is going to start pretty soon T~T ... I won't be able to keep the 1-week update, my sincerest apologies. :(

I promise at least a chapter per month though!

PS: Really? you guys are such pervy people! Just for that, I love you guys xD!
Soon, soon. And else, I've written a One-shot lemon of this couple. If you really do crave for lemon, be my guest ;) !