The chatter around the grand office building echoed from one side to another. Energetic but warm greetings of juniors drowned the sound of footsteps in the morning rush. Windows panels made of violet-hue glass reflected a sphere of yellow back to the now-risen sun.
A pair of office workers there accidentally bumped into each other and apologized awkwardly, a pair here boarded the lift together and exchanged wishes wholesomely. Corridor couples consoled each other with courage and support. A single mother gave instructions to her kid at home while climbing up the stairs. Superiors yelled at trainees for being late. The clock ticked every second.
Among all this chaos, a tall lady emerged from the entrance. As soon as she walked in, the fragrance of jasmine wafted in the air. Nothing seemed to bother her. She walked with ease, without a worry in the world. The lady's black heels clicked on the floor and produced a rhythm of repetitive beats. Her chocolate brown hair flowed down to her lower back, contrasting with the pastel blue color of the blouse she had worn. The blouse was secured with a well-fitting pencil skirt, enhancing the length of her passively long legs.
Everyone in the lobby set their eyes on this young lady. They all had different looks in them. Some looked over flirtatiously, some with admiration, some with respect, some in jealousy; and among them, there was someone who had an infatuated look.
This 'someone' was sweating from head to toe, unlike the lady who appeared to be quite fresh. This 'someone' was dressed in light formal attire. Not as flashy or elegant as others present with her in the lobby.
Someone very easy to forget. Someone who blends right into the background. Someone living an average life with an average salary. This someone was named 'Mousumi Nakayama'.
An ordinary name.
Everything in her life had been ordinary so far.
But when she saw someone who lived a completely different life from hers. It made her life's story turn into something not so ordinary.
It started with jealousy.
Now, she can't tell how she fell in love with such an extraordinary person.
She watched this person for a year. This period resulted in something unimaginable to Mousumi. Looking in the mirror, she couldn't tell when was it that she started to blush bright red over such a trivial thing.
She was bathed in jealousy, hatred, denial, longing, love, and in-
Despair.
The ordinary can never get along with the extraordinary. The earth can never be with the Sun. They can coexist, but not close the distance between them. Doing so would only invite a disaster. Is what Mousumi had been thinking all along...
However,
"Have you heard? Kanae-san is resigning."
"Huh? Isn't she already the head executive? I thought she would at least continue working for a few more years and climb up the hierarchy. Kanae-san is the youngest to have made it to that position after all."
Two women, namely Shirotani-san and Narumiya-san who worked with Mousumi on the operations team, were discussing the young lady. Mousumi couldn't let go of any information that concerned this elegant figure called, 'Kanae'. So, she stepped in to quench her curiosity.
"Um, excuse me."
"Yes, Sumi-chan..? Good Morning!"
Mousumi never stood out in the crowd but this senior of hers occasionally greeted her, asking how her day at work was. This person was Shirotani Suika, a regular employee. Mousumi held this person in high regard.
"Good Morning, Shirotani-san and...Narumiya-senpai."
"Good Morning." The other woman was thin, with dark circles visible on her eye bags. She shivered and yawned, clearly displaying that she was indeed, sleep deprived.
"Shirotani-san, is what you said true?"
"Well, I asked Horishiki-kun in the Recruitment Team. He said Kanae-san is already in her notice period."
"Ugh, don't tell me you believe him." Narumiya retorted in an instant.
"I mean sure, he is the type of person who spreads nothing but rumors...this doesn't seem to be completely untrue."
"Eh- In what way?" Mousumi could feel her heartbeat fasten up.
"Think of the superiors in our department, they're old and unruly. Now think of Kanae-san, she's young and kind-natured. Someone as youthful and gentle as her~ should be working in a company that matches her energy~ The workplace or the environment here is not very enjoyable. Above everything I'll be glad to hear that she's escaping this hell of a place!"
Narumiya nodded weakly and responded, "I cannot argue with that."
"Right! It's too unfortunate." Shirotani sighed deeply with regret.
The minute hand was over twelve, and the hour hand was right on top of nine. The clock chimed a little melody. Thereafter, a message was heard from the intercom connected to the main office.
"Today's radio broadcast will feature the Chinese novel 'Heaven Official's Blessing' written by author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.
'To me, the one basking in infinite glory is you; the one fallen from grace is also you. What matters is you, not the state of you.'
I wish everyone a pleasant morning, don't forget to get energized with a cup of joe and french toast to the side!"
Narumiya glanced at the clock on the reception area wall. When it came to work, she had no compromises. One could say that she was too much of a hard worker.
"We should head to our desks already.''
And thus, Narumiya tugged on Shirotani's clothes and pulled her towards the lift.
Although looking pathetic while being dragged away by a coworker, Shirotani motioned Mousumi to go along with them.
"Let's go, Sumi-chan."
"Ah...I've already reported to the shift supervisor. I'm currently on an errand so, I hope you have a good day at work."
Shirotani pouted sadly at her response, "Is that so? Fight on then, Sumi-chan."
"Yes." Mousumi bowed as she felt the energy in her body dissipate. Hearing about Kanae Itou had made her demotivated enough when soon more was added to her misery.
A notification popped up on the LCD screen of her mobile phone. She clicked open the message that redirected her to the 'Operations Team 08' group chat.
LIST OF EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO DOUBLE SHIFT FOR 05/14-15
Sagawa Ino
Kaede Mitsuba
Yamaguchi Naomi
Tanaka Asahi
Mousumi Nakayama
....
MOUSUMI NAKAYAMA.
"...."
This marked an ominous start for the day.