Match Made in Heaven

Monster

July 2018
20.00. Shin-Okachimachi, Tokyo.

"I'm Kisaki Tetta, 28 years old. I currently work in finance."

"Hey, you're being humble, Kisaki-kun. You work in TK&KO Corporation!"

"Eehhh, that finance management company?"

"That's awesome!"

"I heard that their interview is super difficult. Is it true?"

Laughter burst and conversation flew under the bright yellow lighting of the low-ceiling izakaya. Fourteen strangers - seven men and seven women - sat around two pushed-together tables, each took turn to introduced themselves.

A graphic designer.
A real-estate agent.
A chef-in-training.

Each came from different paths of life. Each came with polished view of themselves.

At the end of each table was the coordinators of tonight's event: Hanagaki Takemichi and Tachibana Hinata.

Sat on the table not far, closer to the atmosphere filled with grilled yakitori and cold beer, you watched the exchange with amused grin carved on your lips.

This is an interesting view, you thought as you gulped a cup of cold oolong tea. From your seat, you could see the Sixth Division Captain with his civillian persona: beige linen shirt with rolled up sleeve, navy blue slacks, brown loafers, and that charming, polite smile behind a pair of transparent-framed glasses. For some unsuspicious souls, he might look like an average nerdy guy who works at a prestigious company.

Who knew someone ruthless could look very much... ordinary.

Speaking of ordinary, your days as his secretary had been far from one. In particular, after you annouced your first wish.

It has been quite an impenetrable wall, limiting Kisaki's persistently annoying curiousity at 'I refuse to answer'. Being a cunning person, however, the Strategist had tried several ways to bypass your wish, making the whole working hour felt like a game of chase.

When he was direct, it was easy to reject him.

"What have Hades done to you, Hisho?"

"I refuse to answer that question."

But Kisaki Tetta was a cunning person.

"Hisho?"

"Yes, Taichou?"

"This is a published paper on trauma responses to aggressive Alpha pheromones exposure. I need you to read it and share your thought with me."

"Why?"

"The findings contradicts some assumptions I had in mind. I need another perspective on this."

"Why me?"

"Between you, Hanma, or Koko, I believe you are clearly the best option on this matter. Or do you have a reason as to why you would refuse this request?"

"No comment."

"Particularly related to your past, perhaps?"

"..."

"Silence is an answer on its own."

You let out the sigh you'd been holding in your chest. Dealing with the man dubbed as The Strategist of Tokyo Manji Kai was draining. He did not only ask. He observed. He studied his object down to every miniscule detail. You could hide behind those 'I refuse' or 'No comment', but your micro expression? The dilated pupil, the involuntary flinches, the tightened jaw? He watched it all, collecting them like data faster than you could hide them.