Previously: Kai takes Hilary home from the dinner. Though it was only a short time, the ride was nice and he fed her, so because of this, Hilary feels indebted towards Kai. It's literally the bare minium, but the girl's been deprived.

I'm just trying to do my job

I sleep in Saturday morning before gathering my dirty clothes to go to the laundromat a few blocks away. While I wait, I scour the internet for appropriate gifts to give a man who you're close to but not that close to.

Believe it or not, items aren't listed under that category.

Saturday afternoon I call Emily. She's pissed that I left her there alone without telling her, taking her dress, her shoes, and her bag, and also not eating the dinner she paid for.

I listen to her rant for a while, until she finally tires out.

"I was worried about you," she says as a way of punishing me.

"But...why?"

"Why?" She starts winding up again. I'm not a doctor, but that can't be good for the baby. "You disappeared, that's why."

"But you knew I was with Kai, so why were you worried? What did you think was going to happen?"

This stops her. Of course, she wouldn't imply that anything bad would happen to me in his company. I know she'd simply forgotten that I was with him because she still can't believe I'm dating him.

"Well," she sighs. "I guess you were safe then,"

"Right,"

"I still want my stuff back."

I cackle. "You can have it. That dress caused me enough trouble as is. It's the reason we had to leave last night."

"My dress?" She's offended. Good, so am I.

"Yeah, that photographer called me a prostitute because of it,"

"I don't think you look that good in it,"

Does she hear herself when she speaks? Didn't she compliment me before we left?

"Regardless, he called me a prostitute, and then we had to leave. I don't - " I break off, trying to find the right way to phrase the next part so that it's believable. "I think Kai's rethinking everything."

There's a pause on her end. "What do you mean?"

"I know I'm not exactly in his league, but we were sort of ignoring that while getting to know each other. But with everything that happened last night, I think he's... He's probably going to find someone more like him. It's too difficult for him to date below his status. I should've known."

I try to sound as pathetic as possible to really sell the woe-is-me mood. And also, to make her feel guilty because last night never would have happened if she hadn't meddled. If this had been a real relationship, I'd set that stupid dress on fire and mailed her the ashes.

True to Emily's nature, she brushes off any responsibility she might have had in ruining my night with her antics and just says that if he isn't man enough to face the uphill battle that is a real, working relationship, then he isn't the man for me. Good riddance.

Again, I doubt she hears actually hears the words she says.

We agree to meet up soon to trade our clothes back but we're both busy so it isn't a priority. At least that's what we tell each other. Truthfully, I don't want to see her and she has no need to see me now that she's seen the end of my so-called relationship.

Saturday night, I email Kai to let him know the deed is done and he's officially no longer my fake boyfriend, and I even made it within the deadline, insert winking emoji.

Delete winking emoji. We're professionals.

I keep checking for a response and telling my heart to not hurt so much when there isn't one. He doesn't owe me anything.

On Sunday, I put my feelings away. Whatever sort of buddying friendship I thought might be evolving from our funny situation, it has clearly run its course. Kai Hawatari is too busy to bother with a little nobody, so low on the ladder of success that I could safely jump off.

To distract me, and hopefully get it through to my heart that things are over, I hit the town determined to buy him something to show my thankfulness. It has to be something that doesn't stand out too much, isn't too pricy, but isn't cheap either. Something that makes him remember the kindness he showed me, but not slow him down any.

Amazingly, I don't find something right away. Who'd have thought? From store to store, I'm picky and indecisive, holding up and comparing one gift to the next.

A pillow for his office? No, that's girly.

A pen! But all the good ones are really expensive.

Nothing that makes noise, I get the feeling he'd hate that.

I pass by an aisle of candles and think, Candles are nice. Who doesn't like candles? They warm a space, make it smell good, and are quiet. I can find one with a subtle scent, that won't be too distracting.

All the furniture in his office are tan neutrals, so maybe something light in color. I find one that smells like a beach on a cloudy day. Not sure how the bottled that one, but even if he doesn't like the scent, it could sit on his shelf and blend right in. Only he would notice it.

It's perfect.

By Monday, I'm ready to go. My feelings have officially shifted into gratitude, I've got my candle and a go-getter mindset. I've safely navigated through a mess and come out the other side unscathed. Well, mostly.

Emily will just have to forgive me someday.

I try to get to work a little bit earlier than usual so that I have some time to go up to Hiwatari Enterprises and give Kai his candle before the start of the workday. I know I told him we were through with everything, but I don't think he'd mind this.

The elevator opens on the Hiwatari floor and a receptionist greets me kindly. I guess this is what happens when you take the elevator.

"Do you have a meeting," she asks. She's looking at my hair and attire and probably noting that I don't look like I'd have a meeting with anyone here.

I've put the candle in a leftover gift bag so that I'm not just carrying around a plastic shopping bag. She eyes that, too, and I remember Rick saying something about me not being the first girl to try and sneak into Kai's office.

"I'm a friend of Mr. Hiwatari," I smile, hopefully sounding like someone who would just be visiting an old friend on a Monday morning.

Somehow, those are magical words. She nods. "Right this way,"

Wow. That was actually surprisingly easy. She's not as vigilant as Rick and while I'm thankful for it, I hope it doesn't get her fired.

She leads me to Kai's office, knocking gently on the glass door. Rick answers, his eyes darting to me quickly and rolling to the back of his head. "What do you want now?"

"Who is it?" Kai shouts from inside. I almost jump back. Despite all the inconvenience I've caused him, I've never heard his voice that gruff; that seething.

Rick reaches out and grabs my shoulder while telling the receptionist to go back to her desk, and drags me in the room. Kai is leaning against his glass desk, arms crossed. Another man is in the room, one I haven't seen before. He lounges in one of the tan chairs, fingers folded over his stomach and even though his legs are crossed, they are undeniably long. However, the most distracting thing about him is the brightest red hair I've ever seen. He puts Emily to shame.

"Who's this?" He asks, eyes the color of ice chips examining my person. I'm suddenly thankful I'm not wearing Emily's dress, though I don't think he'd be impressed regardless. His voice, slightly accented, carries the tone of bored and yet also disgusted.

"Whatever it is," Kai says looking at me and ignoring his friend, "I don't have time. You said we're done, so we're done."

"We are!" I agree quickly. "We totally are. This is for you."

I hold out the gift bag that contains the candle. The three men in the room eye it precariously, none moving forward to take it.

"Why is she bring you gifts?" The redhead inquires, sneering, "You didn't take her virginity, did you?"

"Hey!" I protest, "Have some class,"

"Who are you to talk about class?"

"No," Kai answers, rubbing his temples.

"Good. She looks like a real clinger."

I suddenly want to throw the candle at his head. Instead, I take a deep breath and let it out. I'm here for Kai and not his obnoxious friend.

"I just wanted to thank you for your help," Stepping closer, I take the candle from the bag and present it to him.

He gently takes it from me, twisting it around as if he's never seen one before. I can feel Redhead's eyes on me like a hawk.

"It's a candle," I say, watching Kai.

He looks at me, eyes drawn. "I know. I hate candles."

I crumble. "How do you hate candles?"

"I just do,"

"Not that this isn't one for the ages," Redhead interrupts my response, "but I'm reminding you that we have bigger problems at the moment. You're hatred of candles, and whatever this is" - he motions at me - "can be addressed later."

"He's right," Kai says. He sets the candle down on his desk. "Hilary, you'll have to leave us now."

"Oh, okay," I say, the empty bag dangling from my hand. Pasting the smile back on my face, I turn with a wave, "It's fine. I've got work to get to anyway,"

Rick opens the door for me and I know by the smirk that he's happy to see me go. I can't even be mad at him for it. I have caused a lot of trouble lately.

The receptionist from before comes rushing up, brushing past me.

"Mr. Hiwatari. You're 9:00 a.m. meeting is coming up the elevator!"

"No," he says slowly, "I have a 9:15 conference call with Zagato."

"I know. I think someone double-booked you."

"Someone?"

She doesn't answer, twisting her fingers.

Kai sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Okay. We're going to have to figure this out. Which one can we stall?"

Rick starts rattling off facts about those he was meeting with, but I have a different idea. Slipping back into the office, I go over to Kai's computer open on his desktop. Thankfully, his schedule is already up and I can see the appointment that Kai has scheduled, including a name and number.

I pick up the desk phone and dial the number, smiling when the other companies receptionist picks up.

"Hello," I say after they go through their introduction. "This is Hiwatari Enterprises. I am calling to confirm the phone appointment with Zagato for tomorrow morning"

Her voice pitches. "No, we have it scheduled for this morning, in fifteen minutes,"

"Oh no," I tsk. By now, Kai and his companions are staring at me. "Looks like there was a miscommunication. Whoever scheduled the appointment on your end must have made a mistake because President Hiwatari was very clear. But don't worry, we can fix it."

"How do you know it was on our end?"

"It doesn't really matter. If we don't get this handled, both of us can kiss our jobs goodbye, right?" I laugh as though we're all in the same boat – working for tyrants. "If you don't tell, I won't. I can move the appointment to today. Does 1:00 p.m. work for your schedule? If we need to adjust further than that, I'll need time to explain it to Mr. Hiwatari." I glance at Kai's perplexed facial expression. "Doesn't look like he's in a good mood. Probably won't send the right message."

"No, we'll make 1:00 p.m. work." She's irritated with the interruption and accusation.

I put on my happy-employee voice. "Perfect. Thanks so much."

I hang up and put my hands on my hips. "You're phone conference has been moved,"

They're all silent until the redhead breaks down in quiet laughter. It's deep and sounds like he's got gravel in his throat.

"How did you think of that?" Kai asks. "Why would you just do it when no one asked?"

I shrug. "I worked as a receptionist when I was in college and sometimes if we messed up the schedule we just had to rearrange. Most people understand. I figured it'd be less embarrassing for you if they can't prove who's at fault."

"But why?"

"Think of it as my thank you gift since the candle failed," I walk back around the desk, heading for the door. "But I should go. I've caused enough problems as is and you've got another meeting to take. Thanks again."

With one final smile, I leave, happy I was able to use my skills to help him, even if it doesn't measure up to all he's done for me. Normally, I'm not that good of a liar, but it seems that all my practice lately has paid off.

When I reach my own desk, I'm only a few minutes late but it's the first time since I've started working here. As I wait for my computer to power up, I sit with my head on my fist. Even though nothing's really changed, I feel like my life is about to get a whole lot more...empty.

I work and I work and I work and what do I have to show for it? Friends? No. Successful relationships? No. An impressive position to show for my efforts? No.

Maybe everyone else is right and I need to make a change.

At 10:30 my phone rings. I groan, not really in the mood to help anyone.

"Hilary," I answer.

I hear a throat clear. "Hilary, hello. This is Kai...Hiwatari. From the elevator."

I sit up. As unexpected it is to hear his voice over the phone – my work phone at that – does he really think I wouldn't know who he is by now.

"Yes. Is something wrong?"

"No. I wanted to thank you for your quick thinking earlier,"

My panic immediately lessens and a soft grin tugs at my lips. "It was the least I could do after everything you've done,"

"There's more. In the time I've known you, you've shown quite a bit of initiative. A quality like that is very welcomed at Hiwatari. I would like to meet with you to offer you a position within the company."

"Oh?" This comes as a complete surprise. "I don't know what to say,"

"I assure you that you'll be compensated nicely."

"I'm under contract here,"

"We can negotiate that with your employer."

"What would I do there?" I can't believe I'm even entertaining this idea, but wasn't I just thinking that I needed a change? At the same time, could I work for Kai Hiwatari and hope to get over my crush? There's so many questions, I can't keep up.

"We can discuss salary and title during the meeting." Of course, he has an answer for everything.

Another thought bothers me. "Wouldn't be weird for my family if they thought I was working for my ex-boyfriend?"

He doesn't answer right away and the silence rings loud. But then, he comes back, voice softer than before. "Who cares if it's weird for them? If it's what you want, why would you let anyone stop you?"

There's a truth to his words that I don't want to dwell on at the moment.

"Okay," I bite my lip, "we can meet." It's just a meeting. It doesn't mean anything.

"I'll email you the arrangements,"

There are no fussy goodbyes with him. He's said what he needs to say and ends the call. The dial tone rings back in my ear. What have I just agreed to?

I look around the cubical space, where I've spent the past five years, and think, my time here is limited. Because of this, my work is slow for the rest of the day. Every time I start to dig into something, a thought pops up.

Why bother, someone else will do it?

This won't be your job anymore.

No one will notice.

It shouldn't matter. I don't have a job at Hiwatari Enterprises. I'm simply going to talk about one. With the CEO. Who specifically called me to offer me a position. So, I basically do have a job. But that doesn't mean I can give less effort here.

At lunch when I open my email to see if Kai has emailed the arrangements, I see an email from him but instead of a time and date, all it says one line.

"Meet me upstairs at 5."

So, I guess the meeting is soon then. This makes my stomach flip and I'm not able to finish what I'd brought for lunch.

At 4:55, I pack up to leave. It's the second workday in a row and I notice some strange looks. Instead of wasting time with the elevator since everyone is going down, I take the stairs up to Kai's offices.

Rick is waiting for me when I open the door. How he knew I was coming up this way, I don't know, but he doesn't look happy to see me. By 'doesn't look happy' I mean that he looks downright antagonized that I'm here. Maybe he doesn't want me as a co-worker, it's not like I want him as one. But I can't imagine that I'll be offered a position that close to the CEO that he'll be seeing me every day, so Rick can just chill for a moment.

Kai's on the phone when we reach his office. His suit jack is off, his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and his tie is loose. His hair looks like he's run a hand through it about a thousand times.

The redhead is gone, but in his place is another man. Another attractive man, his shiny blonde waves curling around his ears. Where is Kai getting these people? This one is accompanied by two women who immediately flock to my side when I enter the office.

"Your hair," one says, lifting a sad strand.

The other takes my chin and rotates my face. "Your make-up,"

"Woah," I say, dancing out of their grasp. They reach for me again and I put my hands up to block them. I'm not a fighter but I'll knock someone out if I have to. "Back off,"

"Gian," Kai snaps his fingers and points at me.

The man rolls his eyes and comes up to me as well. What kind of interview is this? Kai continues to be on the phone and while I can't tell what he's talking about, he's clearly disturbed about something.

"Not bad, not bad," he says, "but can be better."

"Hilary," Kai calls. He's holding the phone to his shoulder to block out his voice while he speaks to me. "I'm sorry I can't explain, but let Gian do his work."

"Do what work?"

"We're just going to fix you up a little," one of the girls says.

"A little?" The other laughs.

I sneer. I've known girls like them all my life. "I don't get the joke," I say, begging for them to say to my face that I'm ugly. I'll really let them have it then.

"Girls, girls," Gian claps. "Let's get to work."

They push me out of Kai's office and down the hall to a smaller one where a make-up station has been set up. Rick follows me, and I send desperate looks in his direction while they poke and prod.

Kai asked for this and I know I owe it to him, but the least he can do is explain what's happening. Rick's expression softens from pissed to mildly annoyed as he watches. The only time he's not allowed to watch is when Gian closes the door so that I can change my clothes.

"No way," I hold my shirt closed as they try to unbutton it. I twist and turn to stay out of their reach, but they've got six hands to my two, and eventually, they win out. I'm stripped down to my underwear, which also earns me a few laughs, and slipped into a dress.

The familiarity of the situation isn't lost on me and I'm really getting tired of play everyone's living doll.

This dress is a deep blue and has a respectable hemline to my knees. The neck is high and shoulders square. It tightens at the waist, emphasizing curves I don't normally display while at work, while still being modest. I look dignified as long as no one notices the crazed look in my eyes.

The door opens again and Rick is there, standing with his arms crossed. Gian and his girls push me out.

"What do you think?"

Rick eyes me up and down. "It's an improvement,"

"Well, I don't like you either, jerk." I stick out my tongue. Call me childish, I don't care. I was just treated like one, so I might as well play the role.

I regret it a second later.

"Come on," Rick says, walking down the hall toward the elevators. I follow, leaving the laughing trio behind.

I have to struggle to keep up with his wide, purposeful gait. "I think there's been a misunderstanding," I say, "I was just supposed to meet with Kai about a possible position within the company. All this for an interview?"

Rick laughs at some inside joke he's not sharing with me. "Yes, you were. The position's changed. Consider your interview over."

I don't know what that means, and I tell him so. Rick doesn't answer. Our elevator ride is filled with me demanding an explanation and him ignoring me. When we reach the bottom, I refuse to move until I get an answer. Undaunted, Rick pulls me from the metal box even with me fighting with all my strength. I know I'm obviously no match for him, but I didn't think he'd manhandle me like this.

I stop fighting when I hear Kai's voice echoing off the walls in the lobby. A podium has been set up to one side and reports gather around it in a giant hoard of cameras and microphones. Flashes constantly going off as he speaks. He's eloquent and precise in his word choices, and I have to really try to focus on what he's saying or I get lost in the sound of his voice.

"In my course of life, I've had many highs and lows, but overall I've seen great success. Of course, I don't regret any decisions I've made. I see them as being the right decision at the right time. And now it's come time to make another decision that will have a great effect on my life. It will alter it in ways I can't predict but I look forward to discovering."

I have no idea what he's talking about. He doesn't really seem to be saying anything. The words are generic and sound like they could have been pulled from a number of greeting cards. But his voice is so captivating. I don't really care what he's saying, as long as he keeps talking.

"Recently, I've met a person who has taught me the joy of sharing my life with a special someone. Someone who is a best friend and companion, as well as a competitor with certain games that are now forbidden in the Hiwatari household,"

Pause for perfunctory laughter.

"I couldn't be more ready or happier to share the next stage of my life with you. I am pleased to introduce to the public for the first time, my fiancée, Hilary Tachibana."

Rick nudges my numb body forward. "That's your cue."

So we're finally here! I've been sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to share this chapter. Thanks for everyone who has read up to this point and keeps reading. You guys make my day. If you're willing to share any thoughts, I'm all ears.

Have a great week, see you next time. - Konix.