𝔹𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕪 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕖 // 𝔾𝕀𝕐𝕌𝕌 𝕏 𝕊ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕆𝔹𝕌 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 10

Giyu sat at his desk in his study at work, papers scattered before him in a chaotic array that mirrored the turmoil of his personal life. He had always been a dedicated worker, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to succeed. But lately, the weight of his responsibilities felt heavier than ever.

The family business was thriving, a testament to years of hard work and strategic decisions. Yet, as he reviewed the latest financial reports, his mind kept drifting back to the strained relationships at home. He sighed, rubbing his temples in an attempt to dispel the headache that had settled there.

"Giyu, are you alright?" His assistant, Saburo, stood at the door, concern evident in his eyes.

Giyu looked up, forcing a smile. "Just a lot on my mind, Saburo. What do you have for me?"

Saburo handed him a stack of documents. "These are the latest contracts for the new clients. They need your approval."

Giyu took the papers, scanning them quickly. "I'll review these later. Anything else?"

Saburo hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, there's a meeting with the board this afternoon. They want an update on the expansion plans."

Giyu nodded, his mind already shifting gears. "Of course. I'll be ready."

As Saburo left, Giyu turned his attention back to his work, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. He knew he couldn't afford to let his personal life interfere with the business. Too many people depended on him, and he had a reputation to uphold.

The hours passed in a blur of meetings, phone calls, and paperwork. By the time the board meeting arrived, Giyu was exhausted but resolute. He stood at the head of the long, polished table, facing the expectant faces of the board members.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "As you know, our expansion plans are progressing well. We've secured several key locations for our new branches, and our market analysis indicates strong potential for growth."

He outlined the details of the expansion, fielding questions and addressing concerns with practiced ease. The board members nodded in approval, their confidence in his leadership evident.

After the meeting, Giyu returned to his office, feeling a fleeting sense of accomplishment. Yet, as the adrenaline faded, the familiar weight of his personal troubles returned. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called, sitting up.

Sanemi walked in, a casual grin on his face. "Hey, thought I'd see how you were doing. Saburo said you were buried in work."

Giyu managed a small smile. "That's an understatement. But it's good to see you, Sanemi."

Sanemi took a seat opposite Giyu, his expression turning serious. "You've got a lot on your plate, huh?"

Giyu nodded. "More than ever. The business is doing well, but... everything else is a mess."

Sanemi leaned forward, his gaze intent. "You can't let it consume you, Giyu. You're one of the most capable people I know, but even you have limits."

Giyu sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "I know. It's just... Kanae, Shinobu, everything. It's hard to balance it all."

Sanemi placed a reassuring hand on Giyu's shoulder. "You've got people who care about you, who want to help. Don't shut us out."

Giyu looked at his friend, gratitude and weariness in his eyes. "Thanks, Sanemi. I appreciate it."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Finally, Sanemi broke the silence. "You know, sometimes stepping back a bit can give you a better perspective. Maybe take a day off, spend some time with Kanae and Shinobu."