Alec saunters over to Ryuuji, his trademark smirk in place, already knowing Ryuuji's likely reaction to his presence. He leans against the bar, just close enough to intrude on Ryuuji's space, and taps the counter casually.
"Well, well. Didn't expect to see you here,
Tanaka Alec drawls,his voice dripping with condescension.
"I thought your company would send someone... a bit more distinguished for an event like this.
Ryuuji's eyes narrow, his jaw clenching.
"And I thought Hasegawa Industries could manage a CEO who doesn't feel the need to be everywhere," he fires back, tone laced with venom. "Or do you just have a thing for making yourself the center of attention?
Alec's smirk widens.
"What can I say?I don't have to try, people seem... drawn to me"
He gives Ryuuji a once-over, letting his gaze linger Unlike some people who blend right into the crowd.
Ryuuji's fists clench by his side, but he maintains a tight-lipped smile.
"Bold words for someone who hides behind their father's company,
" he says, his tone a low growl.
"Tell me, Hasegawa, do you ever work for your success? Or do you just float by on a name?"
The Flashback to Their Initial Encounter
It all started a year ago, at a tech conference where Ryuuji presented a cutting-edge software model. He had poured everything into that project, only to have Alec step in at the last moment with a similar pitch-using his family's connections to steal the spotlight. Ryuuji's presentation had been all but ignored, dismissed as "interesting" after Alec's charm captivated the audience.
Alec had gone as far as pulling him aside afterward, giving him a cocky grin.
"Nice try,
Tanaka, Alec had said, clearly enjoying himself. "But in this world, presentation matters.
Maybe if you'd smiled a bit, they'd remember your name."
It was the smugness, the way Alec had looked down on him without even trying to understand Ryuuji's work, that ented Ryuuji's resentment. From that moment on, every success Alec achieved felt like a personal affront, and every time they crossed paths, the tension flared.
Back to the Present:
The Spark of Tension Standing at the bar, Alec relishes Ryuuji's irritation. His red hair catches the lights, making his presence almost impossible to ignore. Ryuuji's eyes stay locked on him, refusing to give Alec the satisfaction of looking away.
"I see you're still holding a grudge,
" Alec teases, his voice light.
"Can't move on? Or am I really that unforgettable?"
Ryuuji scoffs.
"I don't waste energy on people who don't matter. You're just another corporate shark with more charm than substance."
"Oh?"
Alec chuckles, leaning in slightly, his blue eyes glinting with mischief.
"Because last I checked, I was winning, and you were... struggling to keep up."
Ryuuji's temper flares, but he knows better than to let Alec win so ey. He simply leans closer, his voice low and mocking.
"Keep telling yourself that, Hasegawa. But the higher you climb, the farther you'll fall. And trust me, I'll be there to watch when it happens."
Just as Alec opens his mouth to retort, Mika, one of Alec's assistants, appears with a clipboard, clearing her throat nervously. She looks between ther, ensing the tension.
"Excuse me, Mr. Hasegawa, Mr. Tanaka,"
she begins, fidgeting slightly.
"You're both scheduled for the briefing tomorrow... for the new project."
Alec frowns. "What new project?"
It's a joint venture between your companies,
" she explains, glancing at Ryuuji.
"Your teams have been assigned to work together for the next quarter."
Ryuuji's face darkens, his gaze snapping to Alec.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Alec's smirk reappears, though there's a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.
"Oh, believe me, Tanaka, I'm not thrilled either. But I suppose you'll have to get used to me being around."
Ryuuji glares.
"If you think for one second I'm going to make this easy for you, you're delusional."
Alec chuckles, looking entirely unfazed.
"Good. I'd be disappointed if you didn't try to fight me every step of the way."
Mika
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