Only yours

The Dinner

I set up a makeshift office and spent half the night sifting through the documents Massaru had prepared for me. I studied the figures from the past few months and combed through the minutes of the last meetings. The work in Europe had undoubtedly been demanding, but in a way, it was more relaxing. Now, the workaholic in me was waking up again.

When I glanced at my watch, it was already three in the morning. I needed to get some sleep. Since only Massaru and Haruka knew I was in Tokyo, I could dive deeper into work later.

The sudden ringing of my phone jolted me awake. Who dared to call me at this hour on a Sunday? Usagi.

Instantly, I was wide awake and looked at my display. My finger automatically pressed the red button, sending her to voicemail. My gut told me it couldn't be a coincidence that she was calling me now, but Haruka was always reliable. I refused to believe she had told Usagi anything.

I ordered a large pot of coffee to my room and got ready.

> I'm in Tokyo. I'll join you for the board meeting tomorrow. Is there anything important I need to read up on? <, I sent to Kunzite.

Now the cat was out of the bag. If he knew, it would only be a matter of time before the witch found out too. It didn't take long for him to reply.

> Meeting postponed to Tuesday. No, I've got everything under control. Drink after? <

Even though I wasn't particularly motivated, I agreed and hoped that the witch was still lying on a beach somewhere. He couldn't be blamed for his wife's behavior. At least I didn't have to hide here anymore. I moved into my apartment on Sunday evening, and Monday passed without major events.

Kunzite arrived late for the meeting on Tuesday. We had already covered the first three agenda points when he joined. It actually felt like I had never left, as some of the same points and issues were still being discussed as before I left. I no longer had the patience to dwell on these issues. It was time to wrap things up. We needed to look forward and shed these old burdens.

"We're selling," I interrupted the man explaining the problem. Astonished faces stared at me.

"Yes, you heard correctly. We're getting rid of this project. Too much money has already gone into it, and what do we have to show for it? Nothing but trouble."

"But... Mr. Prince, consider the losses you'll incur if we pull out now."

"And consider how much more money it will consume if things continue as they are for another six months. I don't have the time or inclination to justify myself to you. This project is now in the past, and I want nothing more to do with it. Next point."

Kunzite's eyes fixed on me; I sensed he had something to say but refrained in front of our staff. Admittedly, I may have overreacted. But these constant negative repetitions in my life needed to end. I kept a low profile for the rest of the meeting, and the other board members didn't dare address me directly anymore. Kunzite stepped in at several points, and I had to admit I liked his solutions in many cases. The meeting lasted until early evening.

"What was up with you earlier? I haven't seen you that hot-tempered in ages," Kunzite asked as we walked to the car.

"I don't know, ever since I returned to Tokyo, the past keeps catching up with me, and I just want to move forward. But why were you late?"

A mischievous grin spread across his face; he didn't need to say more. I knew exactly what it meant, and I didn't need the details of his sex life with the witch. I put two and two together.

"So, she's joining us soon?" I asked dryly, knowing the answer already. "She wants to apologize. She realized she might have overreacted. Give her a chance; she even ordered your favorite meal."