Yuzuriha Kotoko was one of MILGRAM's greatest employees, supporting the company both financially and physically. In contrast to her, Shiina Mahiru was overall mediocre at her job. Mahiru was a total klutz and financially dependant on the company. Some employees looked down at her, including Kotoko.
One day, Kotoko was typing at her desk, working on an assignment when a sudden knock lost her focus. Without sparing a glance away from her computer, the woman called out, "yes?" Mahiru responded with a gentle voice, "We have a new employee, Muu-san wanted us to introduce them." Kotoko still didn't look at Mahiru, "mhm, sure. When are they arriving?" Mahiru pointed out the door, which Kotoko saw through her peripheral vision and looked up at the other.
In the hall, was a young adult who had light brown hair in a jelly fish hair cut somewhat? They looked extremely young.
Kotoko recognized them, they were the child of the company owner.
"Sora?"
Kotoko raised an eyebrow, confused. "What is Sora doing here as an employee?" Mahiru tilted her head, confused. "Who's Sora?" Kotoko pointed at the young adult, "Them." Mahiru looked over her shoulder, "Es?" "Is that the name they are using?" Upon seeing Mahiru's dazed expression, Kotoko figured it'd be best to just drop it and comply with her request.
Kotoko sat up, not bothering to close the computer and whatever she was doing. As she exited the room to greet Es, Mahiru stopped her for a moment. "Senior," "call me Kotoko." Mahiru sighed in relief. Kotoko wasn't big of using formalities, especially with someone older than her.
"Kotoko, are you free in the afternoon?" Kotoko shook her head, unsure where this was going. Mahiru sighed happily, asking "then is it alright if we sit at a cafe near my house? I'm struggling with the work and how to fill the forms correctly..." A part of Kotoko wanted to reject Mahiru, wanting the afternoon to herself, however a glint in Mahiru's eyes told her to not refuse the suggestion.
She didn't know why she had agreed.
Kotoko greeted Es, showing them around the building. It was a standard building in the city, long rectangular tower thing... With many windows... In Kotoko's opinion, the introduction was rather unamusing. Which was standard, but Kotoko found herself dully going through the papers as she welcomed Es.
Kotoko was merely someone playing by the rules, never breaking them before. Kotoko didn't plan to either, preferring a docile and quiet life, rather than an upbeat exciting one.
"Kotoko?"
Es called out, startling her. She replied, "yes?" Es stated, "I believe you were talking about the coworkers...?" They raised an eyebrow curiously, Kotoko paused before sighing, apologizing for spacing off in front of them. Es shook their head, responding to her apologies, "no, no. It's fine." Kotoko sighed, rubbing her eyes, it was a nervous habit of hers.
After Es' introduction, Kotoko took her break in the faculty room, drinking black coffee. Kotoko noticed Mahiru enter the room as well, holding a bag of fruit. To begin a conversation, Kotoko probed, "what's that?" Mahiru looked up, giving Kotoko a long stare before replying sweetly, "work snacks for myself!"
Kotoko didn't come up with what to say next, but thankfully Mahiru had something to say.
"Can I have your number?"
A phone presumably Mahiru's was shoved in Kotoko's face, clinking against her mug. At first, Kotoko thought it was strange by how quickly Mahiru showed her phone to Kotoko, who hadn't even replied yet. Mahiru continued, "so I can contact you with any work related business." Oh, that made sense.
Kotoko set down her mug, reaching into the pocket of her pants to notice nothing was there. Kotoko blinked, confused, checking both pockets. Her phone had vanished?! Ugh, she must've left it back at her desk. Kotoko rolled her eyes at her own foolishness and returned to Mahiru saying, "oh, sorry. I think I left my phone at my desk, I'll be right back." Kotoko rushed out the room, as Mahiru's eyes stared at Kotoko's back.
