Entangled Fates: SaMo

Chapter 17

Today has been a whirlwind of chaos at the office, and as I navigate through the stormy problems, I find myself yearning for a moment of respite. My team is stretched thin with some members out sick, and the workload is overwhelming.

A soft knock on my office door interrupts the tempest within. "Come in," I say, my voice betraying a hint of fatigue. My assistant enters, holding a bouquet of flowers delicately in her hands. "Ms. Minatozaki, someone dropped these off for you a few minutes ago," she informs me. "I tried asking the front desk if they were given a name, but they left right away."

I express my respect, and once she leaves, I place the flowers on my desk, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the chaotic monotony of the day. A small envelope catches my eye, and I hesitate before deciding to address it later.

The day continues its chaotic march, and during a brief lunch break downstairs, I attempt to find comfort in a moment of quiet. Returning to my office, I finally succumb to the curiosity of the sealed envelope. Inside it reads.

"Dear Ace,

I hope this reaches you in a moment of openness, as I want to express my sincerest apologies for the way I disappeared. It's been weighing heavily on my mind, and I feel compelled to explain my actions.

The time we spent together was genuinely enjoyable, and I found myself unexpectedly scared of the feelings that were surfacing. I regret letting fear dictate my choices, particularly in not expressing the internal struggle I was going through.

Moreover, I deeply regret my decision to address the situation publicly without discussing it with you first. It was a hasty and thoughtless move on my part, and I am truly sorry for any pain or confusion it caused. Looking back, I realized that I denied what could have been something beautiful between us. The truth is, I was scared of falling in love, scared of vulnerability, and scared of the unknown. It was a defense mechanism, and I see now how it hurt you, and for that, I am truly sorry.

I wish I handled things differently, and I wish we could have explored the potential for something more. I miss our time together, and I can't deny the regret I feel for leaving without a word. I understand that my actions may have left you hurt and confused, and I would like the opportunity to explain myself in person. If you're willing, I would be grateful to meet with you and discuss everything openly. Please let me know when and where would be comfortable for you.

Regardless of your decision, I want you to know that I value the time we spent together, and I am sorry for any pain I may have caused. I hope we can find a way to move forward, whether that involves a conversation or simply respecting the space you need.

Wishing you all the best,

Peach

I couldn't believe the length of her letter. I sat there, holding the paper, wondering if her words held the weight of sincerity. Can I really let my guard down again? I tossed the letter onto my desk, propped my feet up, and stared at it. Memories of past vulnerabilities flashed through my mind – moments when I had opened up only to regret it later. I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the tension that had settled there. Momo's words echoed in my thoughts, a mix of regret and longing. It was tempting, but caution held me back. Trust was fragile, and I had seen it shattered before.

Reaching into my purse, I retrieved a small container of medicine. Popping a pill, I hoped it would provide some relief. A few minutes later, I felt a subtle calm wash over me. Deciding to address the situation head-on, I picked up my phone and dialed Momo's number. A few rings later, she answered, but before she could say anything, I cut in. "I'm busy and can't meet you anywhere. If you want to talk, come to my office," I said briskly, then hung up. I needed control over the situation, and my office felt like a neutral ground.