Saturday's Master

Volume 1 - Chapter 2

I had just left home about an hour earlier than usual, but the subway on the way to work, which was crowded like a market every day, was quiet. The original figure of the long transfer corridor, which was hit by a bag and hit by a shoulder, was cool and desolate like an airport in an unfamiliar city. Like baggage waiting for its owner, if you stay still as the conveyor belt carries you, you feel as if you will arrive at a completely unknown place. Standing on the handrail of the moving walkway, I did not rush my steps.

When I took the elevator to the third floor, I saw PCs that were turned off in each partition, only the power switch glowing red. I removed the chair from my seat and undid the sleeves of my shirt and rolled them up to my elbows. I brought a box of appropriate size containing copy paper from the supply room and began to sweep the books on the shelf.

There was an endless amount of odds and ends in the drawers. Things like pens, folded receipts, and crumpled notes were rolling around. From the pencil holders, things like loose pencils and dusty erasers spilled out. I separated what to throw away and what to take, and eventually tossed it all into the box. After using a pack of wet wipes to the inside of the desk drawer and wiping it off, the black window outside was brightly white. I could hear footsteps far away from the landing in the hallway to see if anyone had gone to work upstairs.

Still, the hallway outside the supply room was dark, so I was relaxed even on the way back with an empty trash can. I have to say goodbye to my teammates, but when will we be able to simply wrap it up in a place where everyone is gathered? It was when I put on my backpack, slung my coat over my arm, and lifted a fairly heavy box while thinking about that.

"... ah."

There was a thud, the sound of something heavy falling. I almost missed the box I was holding. Our eyes met without a moment to prepare.

Clear files and pens fell from the large box that Assistant Song dropped. For a while, I stared at the white hand that was squatting and frantically picking up a pen. He put down the box belatedly and reached out. The back of my hand collided with the pen I was trying to hold. Assistant Song removed her hand as if it had been touched by an insect.

"Oh, sorry."

"No, I... ."

The hand holding the edge of the box was white with strength. I breathed in, but the words didn't come out. I couldn't help anymore, so I squatted awkwardly next to Assistant Song until she finished organizing the box.

After picking up all his belongings, Assistant Song kept her head down and tucked her flowing hair behind her ears several times. Brown nail polish was painted on her fingernails. Its surface glistened under the white light. I spoke first because I couldn't stand the silence.

"Looks like you'll be back today."

It was a voice I could hear. Assistant Song's hands, which had stopped for a moment, began to tidy up the hem of her skirt this time.

"Yeah, it happened... ."

"Congratulations on your return."

"... thank you."

Crumple, stretch. Crumple, stretch. After repeating it a few times, the crumpled traces of the skirt remained even when the fingernails were swept away. I forced my eyes open and stood up first. When I stood up, Assistant Song followed suit. The box she was holding was bigger than mine, so I couldn't see her face properly.

I opened my mouth, but Assistant Song was quick.

"This time, I heard that you have been selected as a project team. congratulations."

"ah... thank you."

My cheeks suddenly burned as if I had been hit by a blow. Assistant Song didn't notice my expression and lowered her head while holding the box.