CHAPTER 3
CONCERNING
The office buzzed with the usual blend of coffee-fueled chatter and keyboard clicks, the symphony of a bustling workplace. Amidst the organized chaos, Rin immersed herself in the day's tasks, moving with a quiet efficiency that didn't go unnoticed.
Kagome, her cheerful demeanor a constant presence, leaned over, marveling at Rin's multitasking prowess. "You're like a whirlwind, Rin. How do you manage it all?"
A soft chuckle escaped Rin. "Organized chaos, Kagome. You learn to navigate it." Her fingers danced across the keyboard, swiftly tackling each task with practiced ease.
Jaken, ever the skeptical one, cast a curious glance in Rin's direction. "You're not going by the book, Rin. It's a wonder how your methods actually work."
Rin flashed a quick grin, unfazed by Jaken's skepticism. "Results speak louder than conformity, Jaken. Besides, innovation is key."
Kanna, with a smile that was a blend of admiration and surprise, chimed in. "I must admit, Rin, your approach is refreshing. Not everyone here dares to go off the beaten path."
Rin's methods were unorthodox, but undeniably effective. Her ability to streamline processes and implement innovative strategies had garnered nods of approval from the most discerning colleagues.
As the day progressed, Rin continued to navigate the maze of responsibilities, each accomplishment adding to her growing reputation. Her impact wasn't just measured in completed tasks; it was in the way she seamlessly merged proficiency with ingenuity, leaving an unmistakable mark on the office landscape.
Kagome peeked into Rin's workspace, a friendly smile gracing her face. "Rin, do you have a moment?"
Rin looked up from her desk, offering a warm smile in return. "Of course, Kagome. What's up?"
"Let's take a break and grab lunch together. I have something I'd like to discuss," Kagome suggested, her tone inviting.
Rin's curiosity was piqued. "Sure, I'd love to. Any place in mind?"
"How about the cafeteria? It's quieter around this time," Kagome proposed, gesturing for Rin to join her.
Amid the dwindling lunchtime crowd, Kagome and Rin sat at a quiet corner table in the office cafeteria. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on their conversation. Kagome leaned in slightly, her voice tinged with pride. "You've made incredible progress, Rin. I think it's time."
Rin's eyes widened with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Already? But there's still so much to learn," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Kagome smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, you've surpassed expectations. You're more than equipped to take the reins as Sesshomaru's primary assistant." She took a sip of her coffee before continuing. "You've absorbed everything like a sponge, and your intuitive skills are top-notch. He'll see that soon too."
"I hope so. I just want to do the very best I can," Rin admitted, her determination evident.
Their conversation flowed, and Rin discovered more about Kagome's life beyond the office walls. "So, how long have you been dating Inuyasha?" she inquired, curiosity piqued.
Kagome's smile widened, a fondness in her eyes. "A little over a year now. He's an incredible guy, though things can be complicated."
"Complicated?" Rin questioned, intrigued by the glimpse into Kagome's personal life.
"Well, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru have a strained relationship," Kagome explained, a hint of concern clouding her features. "They're half-brothers, but their paths have diverged over the years. It's caused some tension."
Rin nodded understandingly, sensing the weight behind Kagome's words. "That must be tough, navigating between them."
"It has its challenges, but we manage," Kagome replied, a note of resilience in her voice. "Inuyasha is handful but he's wonderful as well. It's just a matter of time before things settle." Their conversation continued, interspersed with stories and laughter.
As Rin and Kagome stepped into the elevator, the hum of conversation tapered off, replaced by a soft murmur. The enclosed space seemed to echo every word exchanged among its occupants. A middle-aged man in a tailored suit caught Rin's attention. He was animatedly discussing recent business trends.
"...Naraku's latest venture? Pure brilliance. The man knows how to make a splash," the man was saying, his voice a mix of admiration and respect. Rin glanced at Kagome, noticing a flicker of recognition in her friend's eyes.
"Naraku?" Rin inquired softly, leaning in as if sharing a secret.
Kagome's gaze lingered on the man speaking. "Naraku Kugisaki. They say he's a game-changer in the industry," she murmured, her tone tinged with intrigue.
Kagome nodded knowingly. "He's got that effect. Even when he's not around, his influence is everywhere."
Rin's interest piqued further. "Naraku's making moves without being here," she remarked, her intrigue evident.
Kagome nodded in agreement. "He's managed to create a buzz even when he's absent. That's the mark of someone influential."
The elevator chimed, signaling their arrival at their floor. Rin's mind buzzed with questions, her curiosity piqued. Who was this Naraku, and what made him stand out in a world dominated by corporate titans? As they exited, Rin mulled over the mysterious reputation of Naraku, a man she was yet to meet, and the palpable impact he seemed to have within the industry.
Sesshomaru walked through the main floor of the office looking out the windows as he passed each desk. Coming to a halt unwillingly memories of a time long past ebbed and flowed like the shifting currents of the river winding through the urban landscape.
His thoughts drifted back to a woman from his past, a figure intertwined with the corridors of his professional and personal life—Kagura. Theirs was an engagement orchestrated by circumstances and familial expectations. He recalled the days when they moved in synchronized steps, navigating the intricate dance of elite society.
It was at the annual summer charity ball which glittered with opulence and grandeur. He could almost feel the pulse of the music, the gentle murmur of conversations that swirled around the ballroom. Amidst the sea of elegantly attired guests, he spotted Kagura, radiant and poised, her laughter like the tinkling of crystal.
"Incredible turnout tonight, don't you think?" Kagura's voice echoed, vibrant and filled with enthusiasm, as she approached Sesshomaru.
"It's indeed quite splendid," Sesshomaru replied, maintaining his courteous demeanor but emitting a slight chill in his tone. He turned to face her, the faintest smile gracing his lips.
Her sleek, ebony locks cascaded like a midnight waterfall down her back, framing a face that could have been carved from marble, its elegance matched only by the vivid crimson of her eyes. Her statuesque figure commanded attention, exuding the confidence of a runway model, every step she took a testament to her poise.
"Yes, absolutely splendid! I knew the ball would be magnificent; as it always has been." Kagura enthused, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Their courtship had begun in the midst of such gatherings, a dance orchestrated by their families. He remembered moments amidst the glamour, promises of success and alliance shared in secluded alcoves, and the anticipation of a future they were expected to embrace.
But even amid the splendor, doubts lingered, whispers of dissent that found refuge in the quiet recesses of his mind. There was an invisible weight to their union, a burden born from expectations and traditions rather than genuine affection.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself, Sesshomaru," Kagura's voice cut through the crowd, bringing him back to the present.
"The evening is delightful, thank you," he replied with a practiced charm, his mind briefly lingering on the past before returning to the present conversation.
The recollection flickered like a fading photograph, the vibrancy of the gala dimming into a sepia-toned memory. With a soft sigh, Sesshomaru shook himself from the reverie, returning to the present, the echoes of the past still lingering like wisps of a fading dream.
The office had fallen into a serene hush, the hum of bustling productivity replaced by a quiet, calming rhythm. Rin gathered her belongings, her long brown hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders, a gentle contrast to her beautiful brown eyes that shimmered under the soft office lights.
Nearby, Sesshomaru's long silver hair shimmered faintly under the office lights, framing his tall, elegant figure. His amber eyes, sharp and perceptive, seemed momentarily lost in distant thoughts, only to focus as Rin's steps drew closer.
A faint trace of regret colored his recollections. His musings painted a complex picture of entangled relationships. The echoes of their fractured bond lingered, a testament to the complexities that shaped his journey in both business and matters of the heart.
"Another late night," Rin remarked, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Sesshomaru glanced up, his amber eyes catching the shimmering light, the faintest hint of concern laced within their depths. "Seems to be a pattern," he replied, his voice a composed symphony that mirrored his well-dressed demeanor.
Rin chuckled softly, adjusting her eclectic yet professional attire. "Nothing I'm not accustomed to," she said, trying to sound assured.
The concern lingered in his gaze, an unspoken echo of the thoughts that had crossed his mind. He wondered if she was still trying to prove her worthiness as a employee by staying late. "Still, it's late, and the streets at this hour…" His words trailed off, a subtle undercurrent of care woven within.
"Take care on your way," Sesshomaru said reclaiming his calm demeanor, his gaze lingering on her as she moved to leave.
"Really, I'll be fine, I swear." she reassured him, her pretty features softened by a grateful smile. "Take care, Sesshomaru."
With a nod, he watched her depart, his amber eyes fixed on her retreating figure until she disappeared from sight. His thoughts were consumed by an unspoken worry, a subtle weight that settled upon him. As he prepared to leave the office, he found himself lost in thoughts of her safety, a lingering concern that lingered in the shadows of his mind.
A/N: I hope you're enjoying if you're reading. I have this entire story fully planned out. Let me hear your thoughts. I use italics a couple different ways. Sometimes for inner thoughts. 'I usually do it like this' if I have someone actively thinking during the scene, I haven't done this yet in this story. I also do all italics for memories or for author's notes which are only at the end of the chapter. In addition, my favorite format to read here is 3/4 margins, 1 up in font size, and 1 in spaces. I read in dark mode. Let me hear your thoughts.
