Faridah sat at the head of the sleek, glass conference table, her eyes sharp and focused as she glanced at the team gathered before her.
The office's modern design, all clean lines and large windows, reflected the innovative spirit of the company. Her team, a mix of engineers, designers, and marketers, had been working tirelessly for months, and today was the day they would unveil their thoughts on the new product and model.
"Alright, let's hear it," Faridah said, her voice steady but eager. She leaned back slightly, hands resting on the armrests of her chair.
Amir, the lead engineer, cleared his throat. "We've been working on refining the core functionality of the product. This model is more efficient, uses 15% less power, and we've integrated a new sensor system that adjusts in real-time based on user behavior. It's smarter, faster, and greener."
He paused, letting the words sink in. Faridah nodded, impressed, but she knew there was more to it. "And how does it compare to our competitors?"
Amir exchanged a glance with Sarah, the lead designer. Sarah, with her tablet in hand, projected a series of sleek designs onto the screen behind them.
"That's where we believe this model can stand out," Sarah began. "It's not just about the performance anymore, it's about experience and aesthetics. Our research shows that consumers are looking for something not only functional but aspirational. The new design is minimalist but distinct, offering custom colors and finishes, something the competition hasn't quite mastered yet."
Faridah leaned forward, intrigued. "And the feedback from testing?"
Mark, the marketing lead, jumped in. "We ran focus groups last month. The response was overwhelmingly positive, especially about the customization options. However," he hesitated for a moment, "there were concerns about the price point. We're pushing into a premium range, and while the tech and design justify it, we'll need a strong narrative to sell the value."
Faridah looked at Keteki taking down notes on his laptop and Keteki nodded.
The room went quiet as everyone waited for Faridah's thoughts. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought.
'Ahhh I want to eat already, What type of bento did Kyle make for me this time?' Faridah asked herself thinking about the yummy food that she would enjoy with Kyle.
She stopped remembering that she was in the meeting and everyone was waiting for her response. Finally, she spoke.
"Efficiency, cutting-edge design, premium pricing… It's a bold move," she said. "But we can't launch just another product; it has to be a statement. We need a clear story that connects emotionally with our audience."
She looked around the room, her eyes landing on each of them. "Let's build this model around a lifestyle, not just technology. I want every ad, every campaign, to show how this product improves every day, and how it becomes indispensable. If we get the message right, the price will justify itself."
There was a collective nod around the table. Faridah could see the gears turning in each of their minds as they began to think about the next steps.
"We will try to find a suitable model, Ma'am," Mark said as Faridah smiled.
"I have a perfect fit for that role," Faridah said as he looked at Keteki. "Tell Kyle to model for this product," she said.
"Alright then," she said, rising from her seat. "Let's make it happen. You're dismissed."
This meeting lasted a while and everyone was shocked by Faridah's change of emotion since she was not in her usual bad mood.
"Thank you Keteki, you can stay outside. I think I can trust his cooking now after he took care of me last night. You don't need to test it anymore." Faridah said as Keteki nodded.
Faridah was always prone to sickness especially since she was a big rival in different industries. She always gets food poisoning which is why Keteki always handles her food to avoid such things happening again.
"You seemed busy," Kyle said as he was in his uniform. "Yeah, I still have a meeting to catch on after the meeting with another," Faridah said.
Kyle set the bento box in front of Faridah with a soft smile, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride.
Faridah smirked. 'Show off...' she thought looking at him.
The box itself was carefully arranged, each compartment holding something colorful and inviting.
'Now that looks appetizing...' she said to herself.
"I wanted to make something special for you today," he began, taking a seat across from her, watching her reaction as she opened the lid.
Inside, the first compartment revealed perfectly shaped onigiri rice balls filled with salmon, wrapped in crisp nori. "These are salmon onigiri," Kyle explained.
Faridah took a bite of it and it was loads of tons of flavor.
"I seasoned the rice with a little vinegar and sesame seeds, then grilled the salmon with a light teriyaki glaze for just a hint of sweetness," he explained as Faridah nodded approving the flavor mixed in her mouth.
Next to the onigiri was a vibrant section of tamagoyaki, a Japanese rolled omelet, neatly sliced. Its golden yellow color stood out beautifully against the other items.
"This is tamagoyaki, made with a dash of soy sauce and mirin for that sweet-savory flavor. It's delicate but adds a nice contrast to the other dishes."
"It's so soft..." Faridah moaned as she loved eggs. Kyle smiled seeing her enjoying the food he makes.
In the middle of the bento was a serving of karage a Japanese fried chicken, golden and crispy.
"I marinated the chicken in ginger, garlic, and soy before frying it. The coating should be light and crunchy, with the inside still juicy," Kyle added, watching her closely enjoying every bite.
To the side was a small salad of pickled vegetables which are a crisp cucumber, radish, and carrots, lightly dressed in rice vinegar. "These pickles are to cleanse your palate between bites. They're simple but refreshing." He said and tried to feed it to Faridah using his chopsticks Faridah ate it without thinking.
'An indirect kiss...' Kyle whispered blushing.
Lastly, a small portion of fresh fruit sliced strawberries and kiwi sat at the corner, providing a sweet end to the meal.
"I tried to balance the flavors and textures," Kyle said, his voice soft. "I wanted it to feel light, but satisfying… like something you could enjoy after a long day."
Faridah smiled, touched by the care he had put into every detail. "Everything tastes amazing, Kyle. I can't wait to finish it." Faridah said as she remembered their meeting.
"Oh, can you take off your uniform?" Faridah asked as Kyle nodded and didn't ask any questions as he took off his polo and showed Faridah his muscular body.
"I see, For a kid, you really had this nice build," Faridah said as she ate looking at Kyle's body.
"Did your injury make a scar?" She asked looking at the patch on his side as Kyle shook his head.
"No, it didn't." He answered. "Why do you want to see my body? Do you want to mess around with me?" He asked as Faridah looked at him.
Kyle walks over and leans on her making their faces closer together.
"The company was planning to take you as a model for a certain product." She said as Kyle smirked.
"If I accept the work and I did a great job then can I get more than a kiss from you?" He asked as Faridah smiled.
"You want to fvck?" She asked as Kyle's face went red. "What the hell are you saying? I just want us to have a proper relationship!" Kyle said looking flustered as Faridah couldn't help but laugh at Kyle's reaction.
"Pfftt I'm sorry you were leaning on me like an animal who's willing to mate," Faridah said as Kyle shook his head.
"No, I won't ask such a thing! I-I want my first to be my wife." Kyle said as Faridah looked at him.
'Is he a maiden in a man's body? Very demure.' Faridah thought as she looked at Kyle.
"Hmm, so you're a virgin?" She asked as Kyle slowly nodded.
"Well, I'm not," Faridah said as she finished her meal.
"Why is it wrong if you're not a virgin?" Kyle asked as he packed the bento boxes. "Wouldn't that be too unfair for you?" She asked.
"Besides you can meet other people your age and marry them. It won't be too much of a problem for you and-"
"I don't want other people! I am dedicated to you and I want you to be the person I'll spend the rest of my life with!" Kyle shouted.
"Kyle..."
"I WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY SO PLEASE BARE WITH ME!" He shouted as he kneeled down in front of Faridah.
The door opens revealing Faridah's parents with Mrs. Gabriella looking shocked at Kyle kneeling down in front of Faridah it seems like she's been bullying him a lot lately causing him to bow down on his knees.
Faridah glared at Keteki who smiled at her like he was saying sorry.
'DAMN IT KETEKI!'