Yokozawa Takafumi's Mistakes (Sekai ichi Hatsukoi fanfic)

Mistake #11

                   Coming back from an exhausting and amusing day at work, Yokozawa's thoughts turned to the planning meeting. A bold new emerald editor, Akio, thought he could hold his own in arguments against the printer employees and himself.
                  It's a rare that people jump into the heated and cutthroat discussions during their first time experiencing a planning session. Akio managed to last longer than most new employees when they first experience the hell and tongue lashings that ensue during these meetings. However, by the end Akio was shaking humiliated. 'Well that's what he gets for speaking up in an unfamiliar territory. Some people learn the hard way that shutting up is the best option.'
            Yokozawa dropped his briefcase on the floor and haphazardly hung his coat on a chair.  After removing his shoes, The salesman flopped face first into the couch. Within minutes Yokozawa's eyes began to shut. Belatedly, he realized that Hiyori would scold him for leaving his work items on the floor. Yokozawa had seen her lecture Kirishima quite a lot now. He would like to avoid facing the same situation himself. Yet, Yokozawa couldn't muster up the energy to get back up. 'I will have to wake up before Hiyo gets home. For now....a few minutes....
____________Dream/Memory_____

             Paper work covered Yokozawa's desk.   He started his new job as a salesman for Marukawa Publishing about three weeks ago. For some reason they thought it best for him to sell manga. While Yokozawa much rather be selling literature, he wasn't going to complain. After all, not only did he get his planned job as an office worker, but he also got his preferred job as a salesman. His first attempts at reading shojo manga did not go that well. However, Yokozawa was determined to read any works he would be selling. How else would he persuade bookstores they should use some of their precious and limited shelf space for Marukawa's manga titles? Focusing on entering the sales data, he stopped as he heard footsteps approach his desk.
           Moving his gaze away from the screen, Yokozawa noticed the company president and his boss. Wincing internally, Yokozawa silently hoped he wasn't going to be reprimanded again. Lately, quite a few employees have been annoyed with his brash and sharply spoken words. Personally, Yokozawa thought that they deserved to be reminded that they had a job to do. All the editors didn't appear to care when their relaxed attitudes with the authors they were in charge of caused unnecessary trouble in the other departments. Exchanging a few quick last words, the company president left.   My boss turned to look at me. He ran a hand through his already messy short, black hair.  He had an air of someone struggling with making a decision. Sighing, my boss appeared to have given up.
             "Is something wrong, Taniyama-san?" Yokozawa asked, unable to completely hide his worry.
             "No nothing is..well Isaka thinks that it is time," Taniyama-san responded, his expression neutral.
               "Time for what?" Yokozawa asked, frowning.
                "It's kind of late, to be honest. However, we have been quite busy here, so I haven't been able to go myself. Generally, it is expected that a superior accompanies a new worker the first time. Then, they know what to expect when it's their turn," Taniyama-san continued nodding, oblivious to Yokozawa's growing agitation.
             "You do realize that you still haven't mentioned what you are talking about,"Yokozawa forced himself not to snap at his boss.
             "Ah I haven't. Sorry I guess I got ahead of myself. Isaka-san wants you to sit in on a planning meeting," Taniyama announces, before continuing to speak. "Come on, we have to get going. Everyone is already waiting for us."
           "What? I haven't even read over the details for this meeting," Yokozawa protested.
             "Yes, you have." Taniyama handed Yokozawa a folder. "There is nothing new from the last time you looked it over. Now, let's go."
         As Taniyama headed out the door, Yokozawa scrambled to catch up. They walked down the hall. Yokozawa tightened and loosened his grasp on the file. A lot of rumors and chatter drifted around the office about how vicious printing meetings could be. Having never participated in one himself, it was impossible to judge how true anything he heard was. However, right now he had to admit he felt excited as well as nervous. Looking over to Taniyama, Yokozawa found that the man was watching him with an amused smile.
               "What?" Yokozawa asked, harsher than he meant to.
                 "Hmmm. Oh nothing," his superior responded, while his earlier tenseness and anxiety disappeared.
              Despite really wanting to figure out what his boss was found so entertaining, Yokozawa held his tongue. Arriving at meeting room 303, Taniyama opened the door. As stated previously, the chairs at the table were full as everyone else was already there waiting for them. Not at all surprised, Taniyama took a seat and motioned for Yokozawa to take the seat next to him. Hesitating briefly, Yokozawa sat down and placed the file on the table in front of him.
            Eyes moving from one side of the room to another, the dark haired salesman took in the occupants of the room. There was ten people in the room including his boss and himself. The company president Isaka, his secretary Asahina, two people from the printing Shinra and Rean, and two people from the shounen editing department  Kirishima and Keita. As he started turning away, Kirishima met his eyes. A short period of time, no more than 10 seconds passed, with Yokozawa unable to look away. During this time Kirishima appeared to be examining him. 'What is going on? What is he doing,' Yokozawa thought to himself. Sighing in disappointment, Kirishima turned away losing all interest in Yokozawa. 'How boring. I thought this new salesman was supposed to be bold and hard headed. I had high expectations, but looks like he is his as anxious as any of the other new workers when they enter a printing decision meeting.' 
               Narrowing his eyes, Yokozawa let out an inaudible growl. 'Why does it feel like this guy just dismissed me? I have a feeling that the two of us aren't going to get along very well.'  Yokozawa tipped his head to the side. 'Now that I think about it. The name Kirishima is very familiar to me. I wonder why?' Focusing back on the the file, Yokozawa frowned. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was forgetting something important.
              "Now that we are all here, let's begin!" Isaka cheerfully said, sweeping his eyes around the room.
               "I'll begin. The manga Hunters of Darkness may be a new series, but the author's other works have reliably sold quite well. We are requesting that 220,000 copies are printed," Keita firmly stated, keeping his shaking hands folded.
             "Are you freaking kidding me?! That would be wasting a whole lot of paper! It's a new series. It should start with no more than 125,000," Shinra protested, while Rean nodded his head in agreement.
           "That's too low. We are trying to avoid to avoid having emergency reprinting, not set ourselves up for it! 175,000 copies would be ideal," Taniyama countered immediately.
            The arguments were going back and forth while Yokozawa listened. A bunch of ridiculous numbers were being pushed from both the printing and Shounen editing side. Things couldn't have been settled a few times, if Kirishima would quit opening mouth and antagonizing the other departments. 'As if that isn't annoying enough, that Shounen editor keeps throwing me these shit eating grins. In addition, he raises he eyebrows at me silently challenging me to speak up.' Defiantly, Yokozawa turned his head away. 'I am not going to rise to Kirishima's bait.'
              Growing impatient, Kirishima clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention. 'That's enough prodding and poking. I wasted enough time. Apparently, the rumors about this salesperson were a bust. Oh well, better luck next time.' All of the workers in the room had their eyes on Kirishima. Folding his hands under his chin, Kirishima had an easy going smile on his face. However, his next words were spoke in a no nonsense tone.
             "All of are aware that this mangaka produces works that are a hit with the readers, especially males in the age range of ten to eighteen years of age. There is no reason to expect that Hunter of Darkness will be any different," Kirishima spoke while looking around at the others in the room. Opening his mouth to speak again, Kirishima immediately got cut off.
              "So you think that Keita was right? That we should we print 220,000 copies?" Rean asked, making an annoyed face. "That's too big a risk for such an unremarkable, new series. It's the first volume for the series! There is no way that number makes sense."
               "This mangaka has admittedly had surprising sales, but the stories are too predictable. In addition, this topic of monster hunting isn't even popular with the audience as of late. The luck that this author's work has been having is most certainly a fluke. If we printed all these copies we would have a bunch of extras. There is absolutely no way you agree with such number, right Kirishima?" Shinra piped up, meeting Kirishima's eyes.
                Irritation built up inside of Yokozawa. 'Those comments were all assumptions. It's not like Rean and Shinra's department actually pay attention to the trends. Salesmen are responsible for that and even they have trouble predicting what the customers interests. After all, customers can be as fickle as cats. Not that I agree with  the Shounen editing department's number either. Clearly, Taniyama-san has given the most realistic and profitable number.'  Eyes widening, Yokozawa found his attention drawn to Kirishima as he heard a surprising sound. 'What the hell?'
            Chuckling, Kirishima smiled, but he had a serious and intimidating aura about him. "Of course, I don't agree with that number! If anything Keita was trying to let you guys off easy. I am not so nice."
             "Hah! Is that supposed..." Shinra huffed, stopping as hands slammed onto the table. Flinching, Shinra and Rean backed and quieted down when face with Kirishima's intense and unamused stare.
            "All the printing department has to do is get the required amount of copies prepared. I don't expect the two of you to understand all the research and effort that went into creating a work that is thrilling and uses predictability to its advantage. However, I do know that you are aware the sales department is responsible for making sure sales work out," Kirishima explained, a mocking tone evident.
               "So what?" Shinra and Rean question with gritted teeth.
               "You still haven't said an amount," Taniyama pointed out, hoping to speed things up. Yet, the head of the sales had an apprehensive look on his face.
             "300,000 is the only number of copies I am willing to accept. Both past sales and potential sales figures support this series doing well. Our sales department is full of competent workers who are good at their job, which includes doing whatever it takes to make a book sell. I trust that they will continue to make this mangaka's work draw in new and faithful fans. In doing so this volume will not only prove that such a big printing was worth it, but bring a decent profit to Marukawa Publishing," Kirishima smoothly presented his case.
           Pausing to allow the others to process his words, the golden haired editor took in the disturbed atmosphere of the room. Gazes of panic and disbelief were accompanied by unsettled grumbles. No one had spoke up to the whole room as Kirishima was known to be a talented speaker. Carelessly, spoken words could backfire and unintentionally benefit the Shounen editor's case. 
             Satisfied, Kirishima leaned back in his chair. 'Good, I have everyone's attention now.'  Closing his eyes briefly, assured of the agreement that would be coming at any time now.  An unexpected intrusion into the conversation, had Kirishima sitting up straight instantly and completely engaged.
           "You can't be serious, bastard! How dare you push this off on the sales department like it's only our fault if the work you edited doesn't sell well. Getting a bookstore to accept a new series is difficult. We are competing with a bunch of other publishing companies that have the same goal. Even if they put our manga on the shelf, there is no guarantee that customers will pick it up. New series need some sort of advertising and that is the editor's job. Do you have any proposal ideas for this? Or were you planning on sitting on your ass and doing nothing?" Yokozawa released his rant as all the earlier pent up frustration came bursting out. Throughout his speaking he had a fierce glare and his speech was obviously directed at a certain smug looking, golden hair editor.
                Breathing hard, Yokozawa's wordswere met with silence. Seeking out Kirishima's eyes, Yokozawa felt an immense pleasure at the startled expression on the man's face. 'This is what you get for underestimating a salesman.' As quick as it came, the sense of victory the dark haired salesman was reveling in had dissipated. Steely gray eyes traveled the room and observed mixed looks of horror, shock, and disapproval. Minutes of awkward silence passes by. Yokozawa shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
           "Ahem. I think that this has gone on long enough. After hearing what all of you have to say, I have decided that we will print the 300,000 copies. Thank you for you hard work," Isaka announced, as he stood up. He exited the room.
             "Tch. This is a mistake," Shinra claimed, standing up and heading out towards the door.
              "I know, but the company president's words are final," Rean agreed, while filling after his coworker.
              "This worked out great! I can't wait to tell the mangaka! He will be so happy," Keita chirped, making his leave. He stopped at the door as he realized Kirishima wasn't following him.
           Tipping his head Keita called, "Aren't  you coming?"
            "I will follow you soon. I believe Taniyama-san needs to talk to me first," Kirishima told him.
           Nodding, Keita returned to the Shounen editing floor.
            'Well that didn't work out for us.' Distracted by his thoughts, Yokozawa doesn't realize that Kirishima and his boss remained seated and had their gazes fixed on him.  A shiver went down his spine. 'Is it just me or did it get chilly in here all of a sudden?' Confused, the dark haired salesman investigates by turning to the left where the thermostat is located.  Swallowing thickly, Yokozawa notices that Taniyama is glaring at him. 'Huh?  No way. Am I in trouble?'
                Taniyama hastily stands up, knocking over his chair in the process. He bends over in an apologetic bow. Reaching over, the sales boss grabs Yokozawa by the hair and practically slams the dark haired salesman's head into the table as Taniyama forces Yokozawa to bow as well. Grunting in pain, Yokozawa focuses on listening to the conversation between his boss and Kirishima.
              "I am so sorry. I didn't expect that my subordinate would be so rude," Taniyama apologized, sounding flustered.
                 "Please, lift your heads. Im not angry or offended. We all realize that sometimes the new members of the company can get too excited sometimes. You appear to have a real troublesome one on your hands though," Kirishima dismissed the apology and smiled amused.
             "Ah, you have no idea. Thank you for being so understanding. You really do live up to your reputation as the patient and admirable editor in chief of Japun," Taniyama said, straightening from his bow. Anger at his subordinate remained.
           "You are too kind." Kirishima commented with his usual gentlemanly smile.
            "I have to go. Thank you again. Yokozawa collect the sales data sheets before returning,"Taniyama spoke, sending a warning look in Yokozawa's direction.
              "Yes sir," Yokozawa politely answers and straightens back up himself.
               His mind was elsewhere. Words from the earlier conversation consumed Yokozawa's thoughts. 'No wonder the name Kirishima sounded so familiar. I can't believe I didn't recognize him.' Heat rose to Yokozawa's cheeks. 'I let my hot headiness get the better of me. I'm going to get lectured by Taniyama-san, again.'
              Making no sound at all Kirishima got up. When he was close enough he moved in front of Yokozawa. He positioned his face a few inches away from Yokozawa's.
                "Are you okay? Your face is really red?" Kirishima inquired, placing his hand on Yokozawa's forehead.
               Jolting in surprise, Yokozawa slapped Kirishima's hand away. "I'm fine."
               "That's good. Don't push yourself too hard. You have a good amount of spirit. It would be a shame if you got sick," Kirishima said, in a caring tone.
            Directing his gaze at Kirishima, Yokozawa frowned. 'Is he concerned about me? Why? Even though I don't really know him and I'm sure I didn't make the best first impression. Also, some of his words sounded like he was encouraging me. Strange, during the planning meeting it appeared that Kirishima had been provoking me.' Brown orbs once again met his own steely gaze, however Yokozawa found his face to be unreadable. 'Maybe I was wrong. He might actually be kinder than I gave him credit for. '
              "Oh, I almost forgot. There is no need for you to be embarrassed. That is why your face was red, wasn't it?"  Kirishima asked, his lips curled and had an innocent look in his eyes.
            "No! Why would I be? I haven't done anything wrong," Yokozawa answered, as agitation hit him full force. He clenched his teeth knowing that it would not be good to give Taniyama-san anything else to be mad at him for.
            "There is no need to be shy. I appreciate your challenge,"
Kirishima responds standing up.
         Walking over to Yokozawa, Kirishima turns the chair so that Yokozawa is facing him. Kirishima leans over placing one hand behind Yokozawa on the table. Using the other hand, the editor in chief griped Yokozawa's chin forcing the salesman to look at him.  Inches separated their faces.
          Frozen at the unexpected action, Yokozawa felt his breath catch. For some reason he was hyper aware of the fingers on his chin. Blinking, he waited to see what Kirishima was going to do. 'What is this? Why can't I react like normal?'
                'Hmmmm? I assumed he would roughly push me away. Instead, he appears to be completely caught of guard. This is interesting.'  Kirishima had a plan, but it was thrown out the window as he examined the man in front of him.  A new, albeit not necessarily good plan came to the golden haired editor.
              "I have faith that you are at some point going to be a worthy opponent in the planning meetings. However, you a long way to go. Don't go losing your spirit anytime soon. After all, I look forward to our next battle in determining the numbers of copied to print. I want to see your frustrated face when I get my way," Kirishima explained, a devilish smirk on his face.
              Closing the space between their faces Kirishima almost kissed him, but managed to stop just in time. Eyes widening, Kirishima frowned. 'What am I doing? There is a limit to teasing him. I don't want to scare him off.' Focusing his gaze, Kirishima found  Yokozawa had closed his eyes. 'Eh? Could it be he would have let me kiss him. No he is just shocked by actions.'
            Backing off, Kirishima gently ruffles Yokozawa's hair. "Stay out of trouble and try not to cause your boss too much stress."
              Raising his hand, Yokozawa knocked Kirishima's hand away. "Don't touch me! And I don't need your advice!" His heart was racing.
               "Of course. I look forward to our next meeting, mouthy newbie of the sales department," Kirishima replied as he exited the room a cocky smile on his face.
                 Curling his hand into a fist, Yokozawa slammed it down on the table. 'Making a fool of me like that. I'm not going to let the guy get anything he wants! I will make sure to wipe that confident smirk off his face.' Covering his face with his hands, Yokozawa shook his head. Underneath those hands, hid pink tinted cheeks. 'What happened? What was that man planning? More importantly, what was I expecting? No! I don't have time for this! I have to return to the sales department.'
              Outside the door, Kirishima had been peeking in to watch the dark haired salesman. Kirishima felt his heart speed up at the sight of the salesman rapidly hidden blushing face. 'I bet no one would believe how easily this feisty newbie blushes. Not that I intend to tell anyone.' Kirishima folded his hands together. 'Why am I still watching him? I have other things to do. However, all I want to do is go back in there and see what other reactions my words will cause.' Reluctantly the editor left, yet he could hide his sudden good mood. 'I can't wait for my next encounter with Yokozawa. It is sure to be a fun time.'
____End Dream/Memory_________

           "...fumi. Wake up, Takafumi," Kirishima whispered into his lover's ear while gently shaking him.
                Heavy lidded steely gray eyes locked onto tender brown eyes. Kirishima smiled sweetly at him. Yawning, Yokozawa sat up stretching.
               "I'm sorry. I would have loved to let you sleep more. However, Hiyori and I, both agreed that the position you were sleeping in would cause you pain later," Kirishima stared a little apologetically as he was aware that Yokozawa had a tiring day.
              "I appreciate it," Yokozawa sincerely replied, looking around. "Where is Hiyo?"
              "I put her to bed thirty minutes ago," Kirishima answered. When faced with Yokozawa's raised brow, the older man gave a sheepish grin. "I was slow to wake you up. You looked so peaceful."
              "Really? I can't say my dream was entirely relaxing," Yokozawa said, heading toward the bedroom. 
             "Oh, what dream?" Kirishima asked, interest clearly written all over his face as he followed his partner to the bed.
               Crawling into bed, Yokozawa was unaware of the logical side of his brain screaming at him to say that he's forgot. Yokozawa responds, "I dreamed about the first planning meeting I attended."
                 "Ah, that was the first time we met wasn't it?" Kirishima asked, joining Yokozawa in bed. "How did it go in your dream?"
            "The same as the real one. I opened my big mouth and got in trouble. You were a teasing asshole. There was nothing new, except...." Yokozawa's voice abruptly stopped, as he hesitated. He rolled to face away from Kirishima.
               Propping himself up on one arm, Kirishima looked over at his lover bewildered. "Except for what? Why are you facing away from me?"
             "No, it's nothing important," Yokozawa said, quietly pulling the covers up a tiny bit more.
                "Your words are always important to me. So humor me. What is on your mind, Takafumi?" Kirishima coaxed, while reassuringly rubbing Yokozawa's shoulder.
             "It's...well I think that.....I actually started....to fall in love with you at that meeting,"Yokozawa stuttered through the words.
            Shock flooded through Kirishima. A blush covered his face. His heart had started thumping in his chest at the out of the blue confession. Wrapping his arms around Yokozawa, Kirishima pulled him into his embrace.  Tenderly, the golden haired lover kissed his dark haired companion's head.
           "I did too," Kirishima whispers as he feels Yokozawa snuggle closer to him. However, there was no response to his words. Peering at Yokozawa's face revealed him to be fast asleep. 'I wonder if he will even remember what he said. Well it doesn't matter if he does, I certainly will never forget.'
             "Make sure you get plenty of sleep tonight my love. You are going to need it for tomorrow," Kirishima states, before being lulled to sleep by his adorable lover's steady breathing.
              Despite being asleep, Yokozawa managed to catch Kirishima's last words. He shrugged them off as part of a dream along with the rest off the last few moments. Little did he know, his few words would be his downfall the next day. As Kirishima fully intended to use this situation to his advantage.

                    Random and a little harder to write than I thought. Sorry I haven't been updating. School has been draining my soul. Hopefully, I can get the inspiration to write more for my other stories. I mostly wrote this one so I could use the AMV I made up top XD. Thank you to everyone who reads and the support. As always italics represents character thoughts. Sorry for any spelling and grammar mistakes. See ya next chapter, wherever that may be.