Me and My Manager!

Chapter 3: A Friend in Need

Meanwhile, in the bustling heart of Japan in KIDZ Studio, a hive of creativity and animation, Ryu, the assistant manager, stood poised before the imposing "Meeting Area" door.

A file, brimming with important documents, was clutched tightly in his hand.

The studio was a whirlwind of activity, with employees engrossed in their tasks – sketching, animating, and strategizing.

Amidst the chaos, two young female employees, Uma and Yuma, were engaged in a hushed conversation.

"I think I saw that guy somewhere before," Uma mused, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"You mean the hot guy in the reception area? I remember we saw him last week with Ryu," Yuma replied, her voice filled with a hint of admiration.

"Oh yeah, I remember now. What do you think he's doing here?" Uma wondered aloud.

Ryu was grappling with his own dilemma. His phone buzzed insistently, the screen illuminating with a barrage of missed calls and messages from his friend Natsu.

"I want to meet you," one message read. "Pick up the call," another demanded. "Okay, I'm coming to your studio," the last message stated.

With a sigh,  intending to call Natsu back. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. His phone battery died. "Not now," Ryu muttered under his breath, checking his watch. The meeting was about to start in a few minutes.

Yuma and Uma approached Ryu. "Hey Ryu, ready for the meeting?" Uma asked.

"Yeah, about to start in 10 minutes," Ryu replied.

"10 minutes and you're already standing in front of the door, man. You're really scared of that old man, aren't you?" Yuma teased.

Ryu chuckled nervously. "That's not... I mean, I don't want to be late like last time, so I came early. By the way, don't you two have work to do?"

"We do, but first, tell us what your friend is doing here," Uma insisted.

"Who?" Ryu asked a little confused.

"Your hot, tall, black-haired, serious-looking friend. He's standing in the reception area. We saw him just a while ago," Yuma replied.

Ryu's eyes widened. "Natsu!?" he exclaimed.

"He really came here to meet me? That means something serious." Ryu thinks to himself.

Ryu rushed towards the reception area. "Hey, the meeting!" Uma called out.

"I'll be on time, don't worry," Ryu replied, his mind racing.

Upon arriving at the reception area, Ryu found Natsu seated on the couch, a serious look etched on his face.

Aya, the receptionist, was attempting to persuade Natsu to return later. "Sir, it may take some time for Mr. Ryu to come. Why don't you come later?" Aya suggested.

"I can wait," Natsu replied, his voice steady.

Ryu's arrival seemed to break the tension. "Oh, Mr. Ryu, I thought you would be in your meeting right now," Aya exclaimed.

"No worries, I have some time before it starts," Ryu assured her. He joined Natsu on the couch, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Never thought you would come here," Ryu said.

Natsu simply replied with a noncommittal "hmm."

Ryu sighed. "So, what brings you here?"

Natsu remained silent for a moment before responding, "You didn't pick my calls or messages."

"I didn't realize, and then my phone battery died," Ryu explained.

"So, anything important?" Ryu pressed.

Natsu hesitated before answering, "I need work."

Ryu's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Don't tell me you got fired again."

Natsu didn't respond.

Ryu placed a comforting hand on Natsu's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll help you look for a job after the meeting."

Natsu nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.

Aya, sensing the tension easing, offered a suggestion. "Hey, Mr. Ryu, why don't you talk to the manager? He might be able to help. There could be some jobs in the studio, but we know our manager isn't the friendliest person."

Ryu looked at Natsu, who seemed lost in thought. A glint appeared in Ryu's eyes. "Well, at least I can try. There's no harm in it, right?"

Natsu looked at Ryu, a glimmer of hope appearing in his eyes.

Ryu smiled reassuringly. "Chin up, your friend is here. So, no need to worry."

Natsu nodded, a sense of relief washing over him.

Aya's voice cut through the quiet. "Mr. Ryu, you're going to be late. Hurry up, the meeting is about to start."

Ryu checked his watch. "See ya later, Natsu. You head home, I'll call you after."

With a final pat on Natsu's shoulder, Ryu stood up and hurried towards the meeting room, leaving Natsu alone in the reception area.