The Force of Gravity ✅

Chapter Fourteen

June 18th, 2027

Amai Nyūsatsu felt...quieter to Junichiro than it usually did. He knew that everyone had to have heard not only about his affair with Miori (which had led to her speedy termination) but also his speedy divorce from his now ex-wife. Who had also been cheating.

Father did everything he could to squash a scandal before it could reach our employee's ears, but it reached them anyways.

Junichiro reclined in his seat and closed his eyes. Miori's blacklist had been lifted; he had checked with Human Resources and saw that her file had been modified to remove the negative reference. But there had been no phone calls from potential employers asking for information on Miori. Miori had never had a strong social media presence (and the last time she had made a blog post had been six years prior) so Junichiro had no idea where she was. He only knew that she wasn't in Tokyo, and Tsumugi was not giving him any information on where she was.

"Your family has caused nothing but trouble for Miori."

She was right of course, and in a way Junichiro was moved by how defensive Tsumugi was of her daughter-in-law, especially since when he tried to reach out to Miori's parents they were largely indifferent to the whole situation. But he felt lost regarding the situation, not knowing where she was, made Junichiro feel...lost.

I've tried to call her but her phone goes to voicemail. I don't know if she's blocked my number or if her phone was disconnected. How is this possible that someone just disappears like this in 2027?!

He wanted to see her. The last time he saw her was after Kenshin had struck her. It made him feel sick that his family continued to ruin Miori's life like this for reasons that were not her fault. He wanted to make sure she was okay. He wanted...

I want to be with her. Forever.

Junichiro scoffed and stood up from his desk. He snatched his cell phone and his briefcase and left his office. "I'm taking a leave of absence effective immediately, Doi. Please let Shachō and Human Resources know."

"Fuku-shachō?!" Doi exclaimed, but Junichiro didn't even pause. He entered the elevator and pressed for the garage level. He called up Kusshin. "I need you to pick me up as soon as possible. Pick me up from the garage and not out front, please."

"Y-Yes, Sir," Kusshin responded. "I should be there in twenty minutes." He sounded flustered and Junichiro felt terrible about putting him on the spot, but he was desperate.

I'll go and see Chibana-san again. I'll convince her to tell me where Miori is.

The elevator stopped, though Junichiro didn't bother checking to see what floor it stopped on. The doors opened to reveal Hiraku Taniguchi. Junichiro noticed the frown of  contempt when the older man saw him, but Taniguchi covered it up with a bow. "Fuku-shachō." Then he entered the elevator.

"Taniguchi," Junichiro greeted him as the elevator closed.

"Ah, you remember my name?" Taniguchi said to him.

"You were one of the new hires who is currently outperforming many of our veteran employees," Junichiro said. "I have heard that you are a candidate to become a Section Chief after Bando-san retires." Finally, he added silently.

"I don't anticipate getting the position, as I have only been here for two months."

"I have heard that you spent 26,000 yen yesterday on an outing with your department. That will get you notice."