Love Across Universe

A New Boat

Soojin

The morning sun shone bright as people woke up and headed to work. The streets were bustling with children giggling as they went to school. Waiting for the metro at the station, I chewed on a piece of half-grilled bread, savoring its soft texture. As the metro arrived, I stepped in and set off to my new workplace.

A natural, yet professional smile crept on my face as soon as I stepped into the building.

"Good morning. You're Miss Soojin, right?" A man spoke with a delicate Japanese accent.

"Good morning, sir. Yes, this is Soojin Min."

"Glad to meet you. I am Daichi Sato, the H.O.D of our Robotics and AI Department, and we are glad to have an expert like you in our field," he spoke gently, choosing his words carefully.

"Glad to have such an auspicious opportunity to work with you all," I bowed.

As we were in the lift, I had the feeling that he might be the same Daichi whom Mr. Nakamura was mad at, the other day.

We arrived on the 6th floor, and he took me to our research center. It looked just like my US office but smaller. Some people were wearing lab coats, while others were in professional office outfits. Seeing the attire of the female employees, I felt relieved knowing that I had dressed according to J-fashion.

"Good morning, team," he said, and everyone stood up to greet us. "Miss Soojin Min, who has come from the US, will be joining us today. Give her a round of applause and a warm welcome. Miss Tanaka, please assist her with the workload."

I bowed to the team, and they welcomed me as Daichi left.

"Hi, newcomer. I am Yuki Tanaka, and you will be under my gentle guidance," she smiled, a testament to her gentleness.

"Hello. I am Soojin Min. Glad and excited to join your team," I bowed, making her chuckle.

"No need to be so formal with me, dear. Given your qualifications and experience, you should be our senior. Work hard, and you will get higher positions here too. We are currently researching AI in collaboration with our inventors. We hope to make a revolutionary impact in this field," she said as she handed over some project files to me.

"Japan has always earned its fame through technology, and I will strive to help continue this tradition," I said, following her to her personal cabin.

"All the H.O.D.s here have their own personal cabins. Work hard, and you'll get yours one day. Soojin, don't mind me asking, but what you said about Japan made me question your origins," she asked solemnly.

"About that..." I paused, debating what to tell her. "I was born in Korea and later moved to the US. My cousins lived here, so we often visited them during Seollal," I faked a laugh.

"If you need any help settling in, just ask," she bowed and left.

The Kind lady, I remarked to myself and started my work.

After a while, I was interrupted by a man and a woman who appeared to be in their late 20s.

"Hello," they chorused, bowing. "You must be Soojin Min from the States?"

Was I that popular here? I chuckled. "Thankfully, it's not my ghost."

"See, I told you! Not all American brunettes are nosy," the man playfully hit the girl's arm, making her flustered.

"She heard us! Gosh, stupid ass!" she covered her face with her palms, feeling embarrassed.

"We apologize! There was once an American lady who worked here, and she was nosy and rude. Her friends were the same, so we assumed..." he said, scratching the back of his neck.

"Haha, I spent my childhood there. I know some neighborhood aunties and rich kids are like that. No worries, don't count me as one of them. May I have your names?"

"My name is Ren Adachi, and she is-" he introduced himself, but the girl cut him off.

"I can introduce myself. I am Sakura Chisaka."

"And we are glad to have you here," they chorused again and extended their hands for a handshake.

I chuckled and used both hands for the handshake. "Sakura Chisaka, nice rhyme." My comment lit up the girl's eyes, while the boy made a puppy face. "Ren sounds westernized," I remarked, making him blush.

"Are we in the same department?" I stood up as it didn't seem nice to sit while others were standing.

"I am a geologist, and Ren is an oceanologist."

"Wow... the diversity of the departments amazes me," I said, making a small 'o' with my mouth.

"There are many others, not in this office, but ours is the most important and powerful one," Ren said, checking the time.

"Credits go to Mr. Nakamura. Miss Min, it's been a pleasure to meet you. Hope you enjoy it here. We must leave now," Sakura said.

"Nice to meet you two. The people here are nice," I bowed as they left.

They were cute, but they reminded me of my past with Alex. We were just like this. I wouldn't lie, I miss them. Yes, they lied and played a dirty game, but I was the one enjoying it the most. I felt like a fallen leaf burdened with the snowy cover of winter.

Time passed, and it was finally departure time. I knocked on Mrs. Tanaka's office door, waiting for her to let me in.

"Come in," came a voice from inside.

"Good evening, ma'am. It's Soojin Min. I have inputted my ideas and research. Sorry, I was delayed as I had trouble understanding things," I said, forwarding the file to her.

Her glasses fell on her nose bridge as she quickly read the first two pages. "I am impressed, Soojin. You are indeed talented. Take your time and no need to apologize for the delay. We understand your situation. Get home safely," her smile was warm, reflecting the aura of a wise, gentle lady.

Clutching the handle of my bag, I stood at the bus stop and reminisced about the time I had a car to commute. Now... no one can change the past, right? I rubbed my hands for warmth and felt someone tapping my shoulder.

"Where do you stay, Miss Min?" It was Sakura with her graceful smile.

"Currently staying at a hotel in the heart of Tokyo."

"The last metro will be coming within an hour. Go by that, and you'll get home early," Ren pointed toward the metro station.

"Oh, thank you. Goodbye," I waved at them.

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Please bear with this office matter, I know such offices may or may not (most probably may not) exist in real life 😫

What do you all think about Ren Adachi & Sakura Chisaka?