The next day, Ms. Nakamura's attempts to get Yuto's attention escalated.
"Yuto, could you check my computer? It's been freezing up all morning," she said sweetly, waving him over from across the office.
Yuto glanced at Haruka before responding. Haruka gave him a small nod, silently encouraging him to handle it diplomatically.
When Yuto approached Ms. Nakamura's desk, she leaned slightly closer to him than necessary as he inspected her screen.
"It's probably just the system running updates," he said, stepping back to create some distance.
"Oh, you're so smart, Yuto," Ms. Nakamura cooed, smiling up at him. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Yuto gave her a polite smile, excused himself, and returned to Haruka's side.
"She's really laying it on thick, isn't she?" he muttered under his breath.
Haruka chuckled softly. "You think?" she teased. But her smile faded quickly. "It's not funny, though. She's clearly trying to cross a line."
Later that afternoon, Ms. Nakamura cornered Yuto in the hallway.
"Yuto, do you have a moment? I was wondering if we could discuss a project I've been working on. Maybe over coffee sometime?"
Yuto frowned, sensing her ulterior motives. "I'd prefer to discuss it during office hours," he replied firmly. "I'm not comfortable mixing work with casual outings."
Ms. Nakamura's smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, of course. I didn't mean anything by it," she said, though her tone hinted at disappointment.
When Yuto returned to his desk, Haruka raised an eyebrow. "What was that about?"
"She asked me out for coffee," Yuto said bluntly, shaking his head. "I told her no."
Haruka sighed, her frustration evident. "This is getting ridiculous. She's not even being subtle anymore."
That evening, Haruka and Yuto decided to discuss the situation with Takumi.
"She's creating a hostile work environment, Haruka," Takumi said after hearing them out. "If this continues, you have every right to report her behavior to HR. I can back you up if you need support."
Haruka nodded, feeling a mix of relief and unease. "I'll give it a bit more time. Maybe she'll back off once she realizes it's not working."
But deep down, Haruka knew Ms. Nakamura wasn't the type to give up easily.
The next few days passed with a sense of tension hanging in the air. Ms. Nakamura seemed to be on a relentless mission to insert herself into Yuto's personal life, and Haruka could feel it wearing on her. Each time she saw the two of them together, even briefly, her stomach twisted with discomfort.
One afternoon, Ms. Nakamura cornered Yuto again in the break room, this time with a cup of coffee in hand. "Yuto, I was just thinking... You've been so busy lately. Maybe I can help you with some of your tasks. I'm good at organizing and—"
Haruka, who had just walked in to grab a drink, immediately felt her blood boil. She stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with sharpness. "Yuto doesn't need help, Nakamura. He's fine."
Yuto turned, a bit startled by Haruka's sudden intervention, but Haruka's presence seemed to pull him back into focus.
Ms. Nakamura, however, didn't miss a beat. "Oh, Haruka," she said, her voice sweet but with an undercurrent of challenge. "I was just being friendly. It's not like I'm doing anything wrong."
"Perhaps you should focus on your own work instead of bothering others," Haruka shot back, her tone more biting than she intended.
Yuto quickly stepped between them. "That's enough, both of you," he said, his voice firm. He turned to Ms. Nakamura. "I think Haruka's right. We need to focus on our tasks."
Ms. Nakamura smiled tight-lipped, clearly displeased, but she nodded. "Of course, Yuto. Just trying to help." She turned to leave, casting one last glance at Haruka, as though trying to silently challenge her.
Once she was gone, Haruka sighed in relief. "She's relentless, isn't she?"
Yuto gave her a reassuring smile. "She's not going to win, Haruka. You don't have to worry about her."
But despite his confidence, Haruka couldn't shake the unease that lingered after every encounter with Ms. Nakamura.
Later that day, when Yuto and Haruka were walking out together, Takumi caught up with them. "Hey, Haruka, Yuto," he greeted them, then glanced at Yuto, his face serious. "You know, I've been hearing rumors around the office... about Nakamura."
Yuto's expression darkened. "What kind of rumors?"
"Nothing concrete yet, but people are starting to notice her behavior—how she's been trying to get close to you, Yuto," Takumi said. "Some think it's unprofessional, especially with everything going on."
Haruka frowned, feeling a weight press down on her chest. "What do you think we should do?" she asked.
Takumi's eyes met hers, filled with determination. "If she keeps this up, it's only a matter of time before she oversteps again. If you want, I'll speak to HR, or we can handle this together."
Haruka hesitated, but a surge of relief washed over her. She wasn't alone in this.
"I don't want to escalate things too quickly," she said slowly. "But if she keeps pushing, I don't think I'll have a choice."
Yuto nodded in agreement. "We'll be ready, Haruka. No one gets to interfere with us like that."
As the three of them parted ways, Haruka felt a little lighter, but she knew the situation wasn't over. Ms. Nakamura wouldn't back down easily.
Still, with Yuto and Takumi by her side, she felt more confident than ever. She wasn't going to let anyone come between her and Yuto.
*Now that I finally have a boyfriend, there's a leech trying to get close to him,* Haruka thought to herself, glancing at Yuto out of the corner of her eye. He was walking beside her, their hands intertwined, his thumb gently brushing against hers as they strolled home together.
Despite her inner turmoil, Haruka couldn't help but smile at how natural it felt to be by his side. Yuto, oblivious to her thoughts, turned to her with his usual warm smile.
"Something on your mind?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
Haruka hesitated, debating whether to tell him about the jealousy bubbling inside her. "Just thinking about work," she lied, her voice light but unconvincing.
Yuto raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've been tense lately. Let me know if there's anything bothering you, okay?"
*How can he be so sweet and still make me feel so secure?* Haruka thought, her heart swelling. But then, images of Ms. Nakamura lingering around Yuto flashed through her mind. She bit her lip.
"I'm okay," she said finally, though her tone wavered slightly.
Yuto stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression soft yet serious. "Haruka, if this is about work—or anything else—you can tell me. We're in this together, remember?"
His words melted some of her worries, and she sighed, deciding to be honest. "It's just…someone at the office seems to be a little too interested in you," she admitted, avoiding his gaze.
Yuto blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "You mean Ms. Nakamura?"
Haruka's head snapped up in surprise. "You noticed?"
"Of course I noticed," he said, his smile widening. "But, Haruka, you have nothing to worry about. I only have eyes for you."
His straightforward response made her cheeks flush, and she looked away, flustered. "I wasn't worried…"
"Sure you weren't," Yuto teased, pulling her closer. "But just in case, I'll make it clear to everyone that my heart's already taken."
Haruka laughed, her earlier tension easing as she leaned into him. "You're too much, you know that?"
"Only for you," he said with a grin, resuming their walk.
As they continued home, Haruka felt a sense of peace settle over her. Ms. Nakamura's attempts might annoy her, but as long as Yuto was by her side, she knew they could handle anything together.
The next morning at work, Haruka walked in with Yuto by her side, their matching smiles a clear sign of their happiness. Their colleagues greeted them warmly, a few playfully teasing the new couple. But Ms. Nakamura stood at her desk, her eyes narrowing as she watched them enter.
Haruka couldn't ignore the woman's pointed gaze, and it sent a chill down her spine. Ms. Nakamura had been relentless with her efforts to get close to Yuto, but Haruka was determined not to let it ruin her day.
"Good morning, Haruka," Yuto said as they reached her desk, placing a warm cup of coffee next to her. "Your favorite."
"Thanks, Yuto," Haruka replied, her voice soft. She noticed Ms. Nakamura subtly watching them from across the room, and for a brief moment, Haruka couldn't help but smirk.
Not long after Yuto returned to his desk, Ms. Nakamura made her move. She walked over, holding a stack of papers. "Yuto, could you help me with the copier again? It's acting up," she said sweetly, ignoring the fact that she had interrupted him mid-conversation with Takumi.
Haruka glanced over, narrowing her eyes. Takumi raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, clearly noticing the awkward dynamic.
"Uh, sure," Yuto said politely, standing up.
As he followed Ms. Nakamura, Haruka's grip on her coffee cup tightened. Takumi leaned closer, whispering, "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Haruka muttered, though her expression betrayed her.
Ten minutes later, Yuto returned to his desk, looking slightly exasperated. "That copier is cursed," he said with a laugh, shaking his head. "She keeps breaking it somehow."
Haruka couldn't hold back anymore. "Yuto, you know she doesn't actually need your help, right?"
He blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Come on, Yuto," Takumi chimed in. "She's not exactly subtle about why she keeps calling you over."
Yuto paused, realization dawning on him. "Wait, you think she's doing all that just to spend time with me?"
"Absolutely," Haruka said, crossing her arms.
Yuto let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I'll handle it," he said firmly.
Later that afternoon, Ms. Nakamura approached Yuto again, this time with a new excuse—asking for help with her computer. But before she could even finish her sentence, Yuto stood up, his voice calm but firm.
"Ms. Nakamura, I appreciate that you've been asking for my help lately, but I think it's best if you reach out to the IT team or another colleague from now on. I need to focus on my own work," he said with a polite smile.
Ms. Nakamura's face flushed, her expression faltering. "Oh…of course. I didn't mean to bother you," she stammered before walking away, clearly flustered.
Haruka, who had been watching from her desk, felt a wave of relief wash over her. When Yuto returned, she couldn't help but smile. "Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?" he asked, sitting down beside her.
"For setting boundaries," she replied, squeezing his hand under the desk.
Yuto smiled back, leaning closer. "Anything for you, Haruka."
Though Ms. Nakamura's attempts might not be completely over, Haruka felt more confident than ever in their relationship. Together, they could face whatever challenges came their way.
The next few days at work passed without much incident. Ms. Nakamura kept a noticeable distance from Yuto, seemingly embarrassed after his polite but firm rejection of her advances. Haruka felt a sense of relief, but she also couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the end of Ms. Nakamura's meddling.
One quiet afternoon, Haruka and Yuto were sitting together in the break room, sharing a lighthearted conversation.
"Do you think we should celebrate surviving the week?" Yuto joked, sipping his tea.
Haruka laughed. "Surviving the week or surviving awkward office drama?"
"Both," Yuto replied with a grin.
Before Haruka could respond, the door to the break room opened, and Ms. Nakamura stepped inside, her expression unreadable.
"Yuto," she began, her voice softer than usual. "Can we talk for a moment? Privately?"
Haruka tensed, her eyes darting between Ms. Nakamura and Yuto. Yuto, however, didn't hesitate.
"Actually, anything you need to say, you can say in front of Haruka," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Ms. Nakamura's face flushed, but she quickly recovered. "I just wanted to apologize. For...well, everything," she said, her gaze flickering toward Haruka. "I realize I may have overstepped, and I don't want to cause any more trouble between you two."
Haruka raised an eyebrow, slightly skeptical of the sudden change in tone, but Yuto nodded.
"Thank you, Ms. Nakamura. I appreciate the apology," he said, his voice calm.
Ms. Nakamura turned to Haruka, forcing a small smile. "And I'm sorry to you too, Haruka. It wasn't my intention to interfere."
Haruka met her gaze, trying to gauge the sincerity in her words. "I appreciate the apology," she said cautiously.
With that, Ms. Nakamura left the break room, leaving an air of awkwardness behind.
"Well, that was unexpected," Haruka muttered, crossing her arms.
Yuto chuckled. "Let's hope it sticks."
As they returned to their desks, Haruka couldn't help but feel that Ms. Nakamura's apology might not be the end of her schemes. But for now, she was content to focus on her work and the person by her side.
That evening, as Yuto walked Haruka home, they stopped by their favorite café for a quick coffee.
"Do you ever get tired of all the drama?" Haruka asked, stirring her drink.
Yuto smirked. "Not when it leads to moments like this."
Haruka rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. Despite the challenges, she realized that their relationship was growing stronger with every obstacle they faced.
The next morning at the office, Haruka and Yuto were just settling into their desks when Takumi walked over, an unusually serious expression on his face.
"Hey, you two," he began, looking around to ensure no one else was listening. "I've got some news—shocking news, actually."
Haruka tilted her head curiously, and Yuto set his coffee mug down. "What's up?" Yuto asked.
Takumi leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Ms. Nakamura resigned. Effective immediately."
"What?!" Haruka and Yuto exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with disbelief.
"Yep," Takumi confirmed, crossing his arms. "I just got the memo from HR. Apparently, she handed in her resignation late last night. No explanations, just a formal notice."
Haruka's mind raced as she tried to process the information. "Did something happen? I mean, she apologized to us yesterday...but resigning?"
Takumi shrugged. "No idea. Rumor has it she's moving to another city for personal reasons, but who knows? Maybe she realized staying here wasn't going to work out after everything."
Yuto glanced at Haruka, sensing her conflicted emotions. "Well, if that's her choice, then maybe it's for the best. It's a fresh start for her—and for us."
Haruka nodded slowly, though she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. Ms. Nakamura's abrupt departure seemed too sudden, almost as if there was more to the story.
Takumi straightened up, his usual playful smirk returning. "Anyway, just thought I'd share the news before the gossip train starts rolling. Don't let it ruin your day."
As Takumi walked away, Haruka and Yuto exchanged a glance.
"Well," Haruka said, leaning back in her chair. "That's one less thing to worry about, I guess."
"Yeah," Yuto agreed, though his tone was thoughtful. "Still, it feels...odd, doesn't it? Like there's something we're missing."
Haruka couldn't disagree, but she decided to push the thoughts aside for now. Whatever Ms. Nakamura's reasons were, they no longer had to deal with her lingering presence.
With a sigh, Haruka turned her attention back to her work, hoping that this new development truly marked the end of the drama.
As Haruka was typing away on her keyboard, a curious voice broke the steady hum of the office.
"Now that Ms. Nakamura resigned, who's going to be Takumi's secretary?" asked one of their colleagues, a young man named Sota, who sat directly across from Yuto and Haruka.
Haruka paused mid-keystroke, glancing up at Yuto, who seemed just as puzzled.
"That's a good question," Yuto said, leaning back in his chair. "Takumi hasn't mentioned anything about finding a replacement yet."
Sota smirked, leaning forward with an exaggerated whisper. "Maybe he's too picky. Or maybe he'll just pick you, Haruka. You're his favorite, after all."
Haruka's eyes widened, and she waved her hands dismissively. "Me? No way! I've got enough on my plate already with my current role."
"Relax, I'm just kidding," Sota said with a chuckle. "But seriously, the way Takumi works, he's going to need someone soon. The guy practically lives in chaos."
"True," Yuto agreed, smirking. "Let's just hope he doesn't try to manage everything on his own. That'd be a disaster."
"Knowing Takumi, he'll probably announce something dramatic at the last minute," Haruka added with a laugh.
Their light-hearted banter was interrupted when Takumi suddenly appeared out of nowhere, his usual confident grin plastered on his face.
"Talking about me, are we?" he said, leaning against Haruka's desk.
"Actually, yeah," Sota replied boldly. "Who's going to be your new secretary, boss? Or are you planning to run the show solo?"
Takumi laughed, shaking his head. "As much as I enjoy a good challenge, I'm not that crazy. HR is already looking into candidates. We'll have someone new by next week, so don't worry your pretty little heads."
"Well, good luck to whoever takes that spot," Haruka said teasingly. "They're going to need it."
Takumi winked. "Don't I know it."
With that, he strolled off, leaving the trio to exchange amused looks. Haruka couldn't help but feel a slight sense of relief—at least there wouldn't be any immediate awkwardness following Ms. Nakamura's departure.
As Takumi walked away, the air around the office seemed to settle, but Haruka couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that lingered. Ms. Nakamura's sudden resignation still felt abrupt, and though it brought relief, it also left an odd void.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see who the next lucky—or unlucky—person will be," Yuto said, turning to Haruka with a grin.
Haruka nodded, trying to push aside her concerns. "Yeah, let's hope it's someone who can actually handle Takumi's chaotic schedules."
The day carried on as usual, with phone calls and client requests keeping Haruka busy. Yuto occasionally glanced over at her, his reassuring presence calming her subtle worries. It was a comfort she'd grown increasingly grateful for, especially after everything they had been through recently.
As lunch approached, Takumi made his way back into the office, a new energy about him. "Alright, everyone, listen up!" he called out, clapping his hands together.
The team turned their attention to him, curiosity sparking in their expressions.
"I just wanted to let you all know that HR has narrowed it down to a couple of candidates for my new secretary. Interviews are happening tomorrow morning. So, fingers crossed we find someone as competent as Ms. Nakamura—minus the, uh… dramatic exit."
A few chuckles rippled through the room, but Haruka felt a twinge of something she couldn't quite place.
"Great news, boss," Sota chimed in. "We need someone who can keep you in check."
Takumi shot him a mock glare. "Watch it, Sota, or I'll make *you* my secretary."
The room burst into laughter, and the tension eased slightly. Still, Haruka couldn't help but wonder if the next chapter at work would bring even more surprises—or challenges.
When the workday ended, Haruka and Yuto walked home together, their hands lightly brushing against each other's.
"Do you think Takumi will hire someone like Ms. Nakamura again?" Haruka asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.
Yuto shook his head. "Doubt it. I think he learned his lesson. Besides, whoever it is will have to impress not just Takumi but the whole team, especially you."
"Me?" Haruka raised an eyebrow.
"Of course," Yuto teased. "You're practically the heart of this office."
Haruka laughed, her earlier unease finally dissipating. "I think you're biased."
"Maybe," Yuto admitted, "but I'm not wrong."
As they reached Haruka's apartment, she realized that, for the first time in a while, she wasn't overly anxious about what was coming next. Whatever happened with the new secretary—or anything else—she felt ready to face it, knowing Yuto would be right there beside her.
The next morning, Haruka's phone buzzed as she was getting ready for work. She glanced at the screen and saw a text from Takumi:
Takumi: Haruka, can you stop by my office during your break? I need to discuss something with you privately.
The message made her pause. What could Takumi possibly want to discuss with her alone? Her mind raced with possibilities, but she quickly shook them off. She knew better than to overthink.
"Everything okay?" Yuto asked, noticing her furrowed brows as they left the apartment together.
"Yeah, Takumi just wants to talk to me during the break. It's probably about something work-related," she said, trying to sound casual.
Yuto gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't stress about it. Takumi's straightforward; whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing bad."
"Yeah, you're right," Haruka replied, though a part of her still felt slightly uneasy.
As the morning passed, Haruka busied herself with calls and client follow-ups, her usual routine helping distract her from Takumi's message. When break time finally rolled around, she took a deep breath and made her way to his office.
She knocked lightly on the door. "Takumi, it's me."
"Come in," he called from the other side.
Stepping inside, Haruka noticed Takumi seated at his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. He gestured for her to sit.
"Thanks for coming," he began, leaning forward slightly. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."
Haruka nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"First, I want to thank you for all the hard work you've been doing, especially during the chaos with Ms. Nakamura's resignation. You've really stepped up, and it hasn't gone unnoticed."
Haruka smiled, feeling a mix of pride and curiosity. "Thank you, Takumi. I'm just doing my best."
Takumi's expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "With that said, I want you to interview some people who are interested in the secretary position. But, of course, I'll be with you during this process."
Haruka blinked in surprise. "Wait, you want me to conduct interviews for the secretary position?" she asked, trying to process the request.
Takumi nodded. "Yes, I think you're more than capable of doing this. It's an important role, and I trust your judgment. Plus, it'll give you a chance to step up and show your leadership skills in a more hands-on way. We'll go over the final candidates together, but I'd like you to handle the first part of the process."
Haruka felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was a big responsibility, but it was also a huge opportunity to prove herself. "I'm honored, Takumi. I'll do my best."
Takumi smiled. "I know you will. Just keep in mind that we need someone who can handle the fast pace of the office, be organized, and have a great attitude. Someone who will fit in with the team."
"Got it," Haruka said, feeling more confident with each passing moment.
As she left Takumi's office, her mind raced. Not only did she have the potential new role to consider, but now she was also tasked with interviewing candidates for the secretary position. She was going to need some time to organize her thoughts and prepare for the task ahead.
She walked back to her desk and glanced at the clock. Her break was almost over. With a deep breath, she sat down and started reviewing the job descriptions Takumi had sent her. This was a lot to take on, but she was ready to dive in.
Later that afternoon, Haruka received an email from Takumi containing a list of candidates and their resumes. She skimmed through the names and qualifications, already trying to picture who might be a good fit. A mixture of excitement and nerves coursed through her as she imagined herself sitting in on interviews.
Yuto noticed her focused expression and leaned over slightly. "What's got you so deep in thought?"
Haruka smiled and leaned back in her chair. "Takumi just asked me to help with interviewing candidates for the secretary position. It's a pretty big responsibility."
Yuto raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Wow, that's a huge step. You've been working so hard lately—I'm not surprised he trusts you with this."
Haruka chuckled. "I appreciate the confidence, but now I have to live up to it. I've never conducted interviews before. It's a bit intimidating."
"You'll do great," Yuto said, his tone reassuring. "Just be yourself, and don't forget—you know what kind of energy works best in the office. Takumi's right to count on you."
His words comforted her, and she felt a wave of gratitude for having someone so supportive by her side. "Thanks, Yuto. I'll try not to overthink it too much."
As the day progressed, Haruka carved out some time to prepare. She compiled a list of potential questions to ask the candidates and reviewed their applications in more detail. Takumi had scheduled the first round of interviews for the next morning, and she wanted to make sure she was ready.
When the workday finally ended, Haruka and Yuto walked home together. The evening breeze was cool, and the city lights twinkled against the darkening sky.
"I think tomorrow is going to be interesting," Haruka said as they strolled.
Yuto grinned. "Interesting is good. Just don't forget to have fun with it. You've got this."
As they reached Haruka's apartment, she felt a mix of anticipation and determination. Tomorrow would mark a new chapter in her career, and she was ready to take it on.
The next morning, Haruka arrived at the office earlier than usual, wanting to go over the candidates' profiles one more time before the interviews began. She found Takumi already seated in his office, flipping through a folder.
"Good morning," Haruka greeted as she walked in, holding her own set of notes.
"Morning," Takumi replied with a small smile. "Ready to get started?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Haruka said with a nervous laugh.
Takumi gestured to the seat across from him. "Let's review the plan. I've shortlisted a few candidates based on their qualifications. Your role is to gauge their personality, adaptability, and whether they'd fit into the office dynamic. I trust your judgment."
Haruka nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility but also a sense of pride. "Got it. Let's do this."
The first candidate arrived promptly, a neatly dressed woman with a polished demeanor. Haruka asked questions about her experience, work ethic, and approach to problem-solving. Takumi chimed in occasionally, but for the most part, he let Haruka take the lead.
By the time the first interview ended, Haruka felt more confident. "She seemed capable," she said to Takumi after the candidate left.
"She did," Takumi agreed. "But let's see how the others compare."
The second and third interviews brought a variety of personalities and skill sets. Haruka found herself growing more comfortable with each session, asking follow-up questions and taking detailed notes.
When the final candidate left, Takumi leaned back in his chair, looking pleased. "You handled that like a pro."
Haruka smiled, relieved. "Thanks. They were all impressive in their own ways. How do we decide?"
Takumi tapped his pen on the desk thoughtfully. "Let's review our notes together tomorrow. For now, go take a breather—you've earned it."
Haruka gathered her things and left Takumi's office, her heart lighter than it had been that morning. As she stepped into the hallway, she saw Yuto waiting by her desk, his face lighting up when he spotted her.
"How did it go?" he asked, standing as she approached.
"Better than I expected," Haruka admitted. "I think we found some strong contenders."
Yuto grinned. "I knew you'd rock it. How about we grab lunch to celebrate?"
Haruka chuckled. "I think I'd like that."
As they walked out of the office together, Haruka couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It had been a long journey, but she was finally finding her place, both professionally and personally.
Later that afternoon, Haruka and Yuto returned to the office after their lunch break, feeling refreshed. As she settled back at her desk, her phone buzzed with a message from Takumi:
**"Good work today. I'll finalize the candidate list tonight. Let's talk tomorrow morning."**
Haruka smiled to herself, proud of how she had handled the interviews. It was a new kind of responsibility, and Takumi's trust in her meant a lot.
Across the office, Yuto was catching up on his own tasks but kept glancing over at Haruka. When their eyes met, he gave her a small, reassuring smile. She mouthed a quick "thank you" before returning to her work.
As the workday ended, the office buzzed with the usual chatter of people gathering their belongings and making plans for the evening. Haruka packed up her things, planning to head straight home to relax after the intense day.
"Ready to head out?" Yuto asked, appearing beside her desk.
"Yeah, just about," she replied, zipping her bag.
The two walked out together, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the city. Yuto fell into step beside Haruka, his presence steady and comforting as always.
"You really impressed Takumi today," Yuto said as they waited for the crosswalk signal.
Haruka shrugged modestly. "It was a team effort."
"Still, you've come a long way since we first met," Yuto said, his tone sincere.
Haruka glanced at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I guess I have. And I think… you've been a big part of that."
Yuto grinned but didn't say anything, letting her words linger in the air.
When they reached her apartment building, Yuto paused. "I'll walk you up."
"You don't have to," Haruka said, though she didn't mind the idea.
"I insist," he said lightly, holding the door open for her.
As they reached her floor, Haruka's phone buzzed again. She checked the screen and saw a text from an unknown number. Her heart sank.
**"You're shining so brightly, Haruka. But stars can fall. Watch your back."**
Her steps faltered, and Yuto immediately noticed. "Haruka? What's wrong?"
She showed him the text, her hands trembling slightly. Yuto's face hardened as he read it.
"We're going to the police," he said firmly.
Haruka nodded, her earlier confidence now overshadowed by a gnawing unease. As much as she wanted to believe the worst was behind her, it seemed her troubles weren't over yet.
And with Yuto by her side, she knew she wouldn't face them alone.
•~• End of 13 •~•