It was nearly 8 PM when Tsubaki woke up. She jolted awake when she realised the sky was already dark outside. She quickly got off the couch and switched on the lights inside the resting room. After washing her face at the small sink at a corner of the room, she went outside.
"Why didn't you guys wake me up?" Tsubaki asked Chiyo and Yoshie who were cleaning the bakery. The sign outside had been flipped to Close.
"You looked so tired, so we just let you slept," said Kohana who had just appeared from the kitchen. Two of their part-time workers were already finished cleaning the baking utensils.
"It wasn't too busy today, so it's okay. We could handle the rest." Yoshie continued wiping the table. "Besides, we knew this week has been exhausting for you. You went to visit Satsuki more often this week, right?"
Tsubaki smiled, touched with their understanding. Indeed, so many things happened this week, following last week's business.
From staying up late in order to perfecting their new menu, completing the customer's orders and the frequent visit to the hospital; she couldn't rest well even though her body had been sending warning signals. The situation with Mr. Kitaoji became an unwanted added baggage to her shoulders.
She didn't even realise she had slept like a log for almost two hours!
"Just go home, Sister Tsubaki," urged Chiyo. "We could handle the closing by ourselves. Plus, there's not much left to be done."
"Yes."
"Please go home and have a good night's rest."
Tsubaki could only agree to their continuous coaxing. Finally, she went inside the resting room to retrieve her bag. Before she stepped outside the bakery, she looked carefully at their faces.
"Just go!" Kohana laughed when she saw Tsubaki wasn't making any attempt to leave.
"Are you guys sure?" asked Tsubaki, feeling doubtful. "I think there's still many to be cleaned before..."
"Go!" Chiyo stepped forward and pushed her boss outside the bakery. "Don't make him wait for any longer!"
"Him?"
Before Tsubaki could ask Chiyo, she felt warmth enveloping her from behind. She instinctively turned around and looked up. Her eyes met a pair of obsidian-like eyes.
"Are you done?" The man's mellow voice sounded too close. Her cheeks flushed red.
"Please bring our boss home safe, President Fuse." Chiyo said with a conspiratorial smile. "Thank you!"
"Chiyo..."
Bam!
Chiyo quickly closed the door before locking it from the inside. Tsubaki could only stare dumbfoundedly to the closed door. Chiyo had even lowered the blinds, preventing Tsubaki from throwing a death glare to her. She blinked, didn't understand the situation she was currently in.
Did I not wake up yet, actually? Am I still dreaming?
"Are you okay?" The deep voice asking her, voice full of concerns.
Tsubaki turned around, still trying to take in her situation. She looked at the man's concerned yet confused face. Her mouth twitched.
I'm the most confused one here!
"Mr. Fuse, what are you doing here? I believe we're going to meet tomorrow. It is about the birthday celebration?"
The man didn't answer her. Instead, he just went silent and watched her with such intense gaze. Tsubaki coughed, feeling awkward with his continuous stare as if she was some sort of an exotic creature.
"If you have important work tomorrow, we can reschedule it. You don't have to come here. We could even discuss it through e-mails. Or do you have work around the area, that's why you decided to drop by?"
Tsubaki knew she just rambling without points. But what the man replied shocked her.
"No. I just came to see you."
Feeling bashful, she was locked in his gaze. The serious look on his face made her heart beating faster than ever. There was no deceit behind his eyes.
What's wrong with this man?
"Okay..." Tsubaki bit her lips. "You must be busy. It's night already. We'd meet tomorrow anyway so I'll bring over all the necessary materials to you. And a few samples. Is that okay with you?"
"Alright." Ren nodded. "Let's go."
"Go.... where?"
"Didn't you hear them? Your employees told me to bring you home safe, right?" Ren chuckled, amused by her flustered look.
"You don't have to do that! They were just joking." Tsubaki looked incredulously at him. "I'd just go home from here. See you later."
Tsubaki just took a few steps away before she felt a rough hand touching her arm gently from behind. She turned around. He was smiling at him, captivating her with a single look.
"Come with me."
As if bewitched by his entire existence, Tsubaki didn't even realise that she had nodded, submitting herself to him.