An Uncommon Office Romance!

Chapter 1

One year later.

Tuesday

Hana's Apartment- 8:30 a.m.
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Hana

I've been at my job for about 6 months now after Souta's passing. I'm currently working as tech support in the company and I'm happy with my job. One morning, however, I was called into work earlier than usual. I put my work clothes on, something that consisted of a light t-shirt, sweater and black jeans. I ran out of my apartment and hurried to work.
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Takamoto Tech- Ikebukuro Branch- 9:47 a.m.
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I walk in to my job and I'm pulled by a co-worker almost immediately. She's grabbing my arm singing, "Someone's getting a promotion~" Confused, I ask "What's going on? Seiko, if you don't stop right now-" Seiko stops at the CEO's door, turns to me and smiles. "Good luck in there!" She playfully shouts.

I look down at my self, realizing that I could have put on more formal clothing. I brush the thought away because there really isn't any way I am getting a promotion, right?

I open the door and am greeted by fellow co-workers and a cake that says 'Happy promotion!' on it in red icing. Mr. Takamoto, an older man, looks up from his phone and smiles. He starts "Hana, you've been doing exceptionally well in your job. I'd like to congratulate you for doing your best, even when life threw absolute shit at you. That's why I'd like to promote you to the executive tech team at the Tokyo Branch."

I was stunned. Me? Getting a promotion? I never expected to receive one so quickly.

As I pondered in thought, Mr. Takamoto looked back down at his phone and asked someone to call Seiko back in. We all turned to the door as we heard it creak open and saw Seiko enter. Mr Takamoto began again, saying "Thank you Seiko for returning. Hana, on the topic of promotion, Seiko has also been chosen to be promoted to an overseas position to help college students learn computer science in America."

Seiko was moving? That hit me like a ton of bricks. No longer would we have our outings of getting caramel lattes with extra whipped cream and caramel, or have our 5 a.m. drunk voice calls. It was just going to be me, alone in the Tokyo branch.

Seiko smiled at me and waited for my response. I mustered up the words and finally replied "Yes, I accept the promotion. Thank you so much." As I began to bow, Mr. Takamoto stopped me and said "It was my pleasure having you on this team, Hana. Go forth and do great things. Not just for this company, but for your life. And you as well, Seiko. Now go. We will let you girls pack your stuff and have an early day. Just a reminder Hana, meet me so we can discuss the clauses and contracts and important things."

I walk outside, and hurriedly walk to my desk. A box is placed neatly on the side of the area by my desk, and I sit down to not only calm myself, but to start packing. I try to ignore it, but other workers are glancing at me occasionally and muttering under their breaths.

I finish packing, and as I do, Seiko places a light, gentle hand on my shoulder. "Mr. Takamoto is ready to discuss the contract with you now, if you're ready." Standing up, I straighten my shirt and walk back to his office door. I knock once and he opens it, almost as if he's giddy. "Come in, come in." He closes the door behind me and returns to his seat. The height we are at suddenly hits me from the window, and my stomach lurches.

"Now, now, no need to be nervous! It's just a new area you'll be working in." Mr. Takamoto says, as if he reads the nervousness in me like a book. Getting serious, he motions for me to have a seat, and he begins,

"The contract is simple. You will be transferred over to the Tokyo branch with a new apartment closer to the offices. You will work there for as long as you would like, but being on the Executive Team means that there is more expectation placed onto you. Are we clear? If so, sign here." He places a stubby finger by a line for a signature. I pick up the pen and sign, feeling a wave of calm suddenly wash over me.

'Hm, maybe life won't be so bad after all. Maybe I don't have to be lost anymore.' I think to myself while shuffling the forms back to the CEO. As soon as he puts them in his drawer, his serious demeanor dissipates and he is back to being all smiles. I stand up, and as I'm getting ready to leave, he says once more "Good luck on your journey Hana."

With those parting words, I leave his office, feeling freer than ever. I pack my stuff into my car, listen to a few goodbyes from coworkers and head back to my apartment to start packing.