…
beep
A notification popped out from the right corner of the monitor. It was our team-manager. I clicked on it and read the message.
I felt an immerse happiness coming out of my throat right ahead. It is impressing how a mere message can change someone's attitude at once.
I looked at the chatroom once again, to verify what my eyes had seen a moment ago.
…
@UmeharaChisaki
> Hello, darlings! As you all know, Friday is a dayoff for all of our department. Thankfully, the branch manager accepted my request and gave us a day off on Thursday too!
I wanted to inform you to not plan anything for Thursday, as I prepared a trip and dinner in the end for all of us! Please inform me in advance if you can't attend our trip and party.
See you all on Thursday!
…
Great! Awesome! What a relief to have something like a fest just at the start of the weekend! Moreover, it's basically a mini vacation!
I looked at Tachibana who was sitting next to me. She also seemed to be happy.
"Did you see the message? A party! For all of us!"
Tachibana turned to me.
Of course, I heard! What can be even better? Especially if you don't have to work the next day!
I nodded.
"That's flabbergasting news."
Tachibana's eyes widened. She seemed to be surprised by something. What was she about? Was something on my face?
I was waiting for a response. Instead, she just raised her hand and told to our coworker who was sitting next to us.
"You see? Even Yukiko is excited!"
Wait, why do you say "even"?!
***
"So, your team-manager plans to organize a party?"
I nodded.
Yamazaki sighed. We were sitting in the smoking room.
My mentor shrugged his shoulders.
"I see. Have a fun" — he said, after releasing cigarette smoke out of his mouth.
Such an… empty response. I could feel nothing, but disappointment. He didn't even try to hide his disinterest! That's… that hurts…
I looked down, flicking ash off a cigarette. Anyway, that wasn't the reason for the talk.
"Why did you never try to do something like this? I guess the boys would be excited, wouldn't they? That's a great method to encourage them, in my opinion."
I looked at him through the smoke of the cigarettes. I was really curious. Yamazaki never tried to encourage his men, yet, I could say that his subordinates are very cooperative. Much more than in my own department. It is impressive, if you ask me.
"They would not…"
Yamazaki took a drag.
"And that is how it works."
What does it mean? I stared at him.
"They always choose to deal with problems together. They are united by fear and hate to one single person. Me."
"…"
Pardon? Did I understand him right?
However, until I could say anything, my mentor grinned and smoked a cigar.
"Just kidding. How was my acting?"
"That was… impressive."
I totally believed you for a moment… That expression on your face, that voice, those words… ah… Just… why, Sir Yamazaki?
"Hah. Nice to hear it. Especially from a former professional film director."
Looks like Yamazaki was pleased by my assessment. However, there had to be a remark.
"Former beginning professional film director, who failed."
That is how my title is supposed to be told. However, Yamazaki shrugged his shoulders.
"Anyway. Wouldn't you take me into a cast?"
"Maybe, if I filmed something like a noir-criminal drama. You could be a fine actor playing an old-school detective. At least, if you weren't afraid of lost time and a miserable salary in a failed movie" — I smirked.
Yamazaki didn't comment on this. Thank God. It is always sad to remember my previous life. I was running after the dream, but had nothing in the end. Was it my bad talent or the good old misogynistic stereotypes? I'll never know.
This is why, right now, I won't miss my second chance! I will become a team-leader, the head of the department and then… once I will enter the highest office in our building! That's my goal! I will direct my own film, my life, and be the protagonist!
"Well. You came here just to let me know?" — Yamazaki put out the cigarette and threw it into the bin. Then, got up, looking at me. Please do not tell me that I bothered him!
"Not really. All the meeting-rooms on our floor were occupied, so we had to book one here. To let you know, I came here, to the smoking room, to smoke."
Of course, I thought of the possibility to meet you here. It is always nice to speak with someone clever. Especially, if you can call him your mentor and smoke together.
Besides, there are no rules that forbid us to visit other floors.
I also got up. I guess Yamazaki will head back to his office. If I go with him, I'll be able to say hello to the boys. I hope today they are not as grim as usual …
***
"Ms Fujiwara!"
Oh, no, dear heavens. That voice…
If there can be at least one reason to not come here, it would be him. The reason is called Akashi Masaru. The owner of the nickname "Saru", that boy could be a good clown or comedian antagonist in the children's movie. However, I'd like to see him in "In the animal world" or something like this. He… isn't a good actor.
Masaru rapidly went to me as fast as I entered the office. With a wide smile, he looked straight at me. Please! Not that close! Social distancing, social distancing!
"How was your day?"
"Fine." — searching for an escape, I looked somewhere else. There is a table just behind me. Oh, crap! There is no escape route!
Sorry, Masaru. You may be a nice guy etc., but I know what you want. Our intentions don't match at all. I just want to build a successful and enjoyable career. Moreover, aren't you too loud? Like, please, don't bother everyone else/
"What is your plan for today? If you don't mind, wanna join me in cafe-"
"Excuse me, our team won't be at the office today."
"He~?!"
Masaru… please, stop embarrassing yourself. You are overreacting!
"Stop it."
That's a pain. Every time Masaru does an expression, any expression, it always looks so unnatural, like someone who never acted and thinks he has a hidden talent if he makes grimaces and overreacts. It can be everything! That is even talent in its kind! A talent for failure!
However, nor happiness, guilt, fear, despair or disappointment, like now, you just do it in such a disgusting way! I hope I could hide this feeling of mine, couldn't I?
However, I had to watch another reaction. That time, it was a despair. Did I hurt him? Poor boy. Well, I had to feel ashamed. However…
"If you let me…"
I just went next to him. It is very complicated… I want to run off here.
However, my goal was just two desks to the left.
"Kazuya."
Hello, cutie! Oh! That face! Just as I expected! If Yamazaki could play the role of an old-school detective in that theoretical drama, Kazuya could play a beginning one or a journalist who stood up against mystery! That was my feeling. Kazuya is a hidden gem, and if I can polish it, he might become a gorgeous diamond.
"What do you want?"
To see you? What else? Tell hi? Aren't we friends? What's with that reaction?!
I stared at him, trying to understand why he looked at me with such contempt. Kazuya makes such a face to everyone, but Kasumi.
"We have a day-off. Tachibana and I won't be…"
"I know. What else?" — he put his fist under his cheek and released a sigh.
Eh? He already knows? Well, if that so…
"Just don't say to me that you are here for that. What do you want?" — he looked with eyes of despise.
That is the ideal expression of annoyance! Tell me, Kazuya, what in the world did you forget here? You had to be on the stage, trying your best! I know that acting is more difficult than real emotions, still you had a chance!
However, why does he look so? Maybe it is time for some good old friendship teasing?
"I see. I thought you wanted some pictures of happy Tachibana. That's a shame" — I covered my mouth with my palm and smirked.
I turned back to him. The next moment, he will…
I heard the sound of a moving chair and a standing man. That's right, Kazuya! Now, voice!
"Khem…"
You don't have any words, do you? Heh. I wish I could see his face. However, that's time for voice acting. Someone had to film that...
"What do you want in exchange?"
Exchange? Hm…
I slowly turned to him. He looks serious, waiting for every possible wish. His hands clenched into fists, his eyes burning with cold determination. Saru, please, look at Fukuhara-kun! That's how real men look! Oh, if I were a simple girl, like Tachibana, I'd immediately fall in love with such a hero!
"Exchange, you say?"
What can I ask him? I don't need anything particular.
"Show this face of yours to Tachibana."
That is the only thing I could wish for. For him to finally make the first move. Then I can finally take notes on how to improve my romantic storytelling!
However, instead of a nod — "begone, demon" — I got a cold rage.
Eh? That wasn't in the scenario! Anyway, why are you so mean? It was a compliment, you know!
I stared at him, without any idea what to say next. Such a sudden change totally threw me off the race.
"Aren't we friends? Just one look, that's all."
What is wrong with this wish? I wanna help you! Please! Stop looking at me with such a disgust! That is really painful! Hyah…
I haven't cried since kindergarten. I don't know why, but tears just don't run. However, sometimes I just want to. Kazuya can be scary, you know?
"Yeah, friends, my ass."
Hey! You whispered the last part but heard it!
"Maybe one day, fine?"
Why are making such a fuss out of it? I am trying to help you, to help! Argh… anyway, it's your loss then.
Disappointed and confused after the talk with Kazuya, I went to the desk of the last but not the least interesting person here.
I took a deep breath and revoked my negative facial emotions.
"Hello" — I greeted him, trying to give a smile.
Ogawa slowly moved his head to me. I am not sure about his acting talent. It may require some work, I suppose?
"Do we know each other?"
"…"
hak-hak
I think I coughed blood. At least it felt like that.
What do you mean "do we know each other"?! We are friends! We all go together to the cafeteria, occasionally, we went to that pastry-shop and saw each other many times! W… what's wrong with you?! Boys… am I… that bad as a friend?
I heard that men don't like to be just friends with women, but it to be to that extent… Am I that unpopular for you?!
I failed as a film director, as a friend and as a woman.
I slowly turned around. I need a place to recover. I want to cry. I can't cry. Why…
I walked away, looking down at the floor, when my eyes suddenly caught a waving puppy tail.
Oh! Has someone forgotten a puppy here? I looked at it and the tail disappeared. An illusion?! After I slightly raised my eyes, I saw Nakamura sitting there.
Is it a talent? Or am I just going crazy?
"Hello."
Inumaru, who was looking at me with clear interest, greeted me with a friendly, warm smile.
"Hello, Ms Fujiwara!"
Does he… remember my name? Sadness was washed away immediately! Such a nice guy! The only here, who nor loves me, nor hates me and remembers about my existence.
"Good boy."
I couldn't stop myself and stroked his head. Nakamura seemed to be confused, but enjoyed it. Dogs and doglike creatures are the best friends of a people.
…
"Oh, hi there!"
I met Tama-chan at the elevator.
"Hi."
Hm? Weird, she usually greets me like "Wassup, Fuji-tan". What is going on with her?
I pulled her to the wall of the elevator and put both of my arms next to her head.
"Confess, what's the matter?"
"I-it's nothing!"
"I can hear how your voice accords are lying, like you can hear equipment breaking from 200 meters. Now, tell me everything."
"Alright, alright!"
It worked! Heh.
"So, you know that I am a member of the Technician's Union, right?"
"Technician's Union? Ah, the bunch of lazy morons who keep destroying and rebuilding tech stuff and call it an occupation?"
"Hey!"
"Yes, yes, I am sorry. So?"
"They organized an event for the members…"
Nice to hear, you can go and have fun with other maniacs, right? Where is the problem?
"The thing is… they said everyone should come with a partner."
"Huh? What kind of event is it? A ball?"
"I don't know, but I had never missed a single event. I want to go!"
"But you got no partner? Poor you. Should I accompany you?"
"…"
Hey! Say something! Why does everyone dislike me?
"The partner should be of a different sex…"
I stared at her for a bit.
"This event of yours, is it an orgy?"
"What?! N-n-no!" — Tamayo's face flushed.
Sigh
"And what are you going to do now?"
"I… don't know."
I thought so. Ishida doesn't talk to men usually. She has some weird aura that scares all men. Except for my mentor's men, they are all odd. Wait… bingo!
"Tama-chan!"
She tilted her head.
"What if you ask Ogawa."
"Ogawa? Who's that?"
"…"
You both have plenty of things in common…
"Long black hair, glasses, poker face."
"Ah! The coffee dude!"
Coffee dude… cute.
"Hm… why him?"
"Eh? I thought you chill together a lot?"
"Not really. Anyway, I don't think he will agree."
"Right… say, Tama-chan, do you still have that coffee machine in your storage?"
"Hm? Oh, the big one? Yes. I don't know what to do with it. I repaired it, but no one wants to buy it."
"Of course… it's hell of expensive…"
"Nothing I can do about!"
"What if you bribe Ogawa with it?"
"Wha… why? No! I won't give it away for free!"
"The coffee machine or the event, decide for yourself…"
"…"
"Well, have a pleasant day, I have to go, bye."
"Okay! Okay! I'll ask him and promise him the coffee machine…"
Success! He-he. Finally, new notes on my scenario!
…