Whole

Chapter 3

.The picture is Asumi =)

Katsuko's POV

"What the hell are you so happy about?" Asumi looked at me with an accusing expression.

"What do you mean?" I asked, looking at her astounded by her sudden question.

"You haven't stopped smiling since you got here almost two hours ago. Who's the guy?"

My jaw dropped as I looked at her in horror, "There is no guy!"

"Liar! You just went completely red in the face. Plus, although you've only just moved here, I've known you for years. So, I ask again, who's the guy?"

"No one, seriously. Did I meet a cute guy today? Yes. Was he sweet? Yes. However, nothing is ever going to happen, it can't, so there's nothing to tell. Now can we please figure out this presentation?"

"No, I need details! Come on; my love life sucks. I need the details, now give them to me. What's his name? What does he look like? All those things."

I rolled my eyes as my head shook, "Nothing to tell, he's a friend of Ryo's; that's all I'm saying. Now seriously, we need to figure out this damn thing."

Asumi slumped as a pout spread on her lips, "I love you, Kat, but you're no fun. All right, you win, let's get back to this thing. I think we need to throw a little gimmick into this; it's boring as it is. It gets to the point, but the people we're presenting this too, they like their quirky gimmicks."

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief that she'd dropped the subject. I was no fool to believe anything could ever happen with Masato and me. Our goodbye had been nothing short of awkward. I'd wanted to hug him; however, I didn't know whether I should, or even if he wanted me too.

I stood there feeling the most awkward I'd felt in a long time as I waited for him to show any signs, but he didn't. He just stood there with a small smile on his face, shuffling a little on the spot.

I gave it the talk when the suggestion was made about hanging out with Ryo and his band Saturday, but I was nervous. Masato was going to be there, and there was going to be drinking, and I was a little loose-lipped when drunk.

No, I'll have to watch my drink. I can't afford to make a fool of myself. I thought as Asumi started rambling on in Japanese with ideas for a catchy gimmick.

Ryo and his three other band members would be there too. I could busy myself getting to know them all the while watching I don't do anything stupid around Masato. Just because I thought nothing could ever happen, or would, didn't mean I wanted to look like an idiot in front of him.

"So, what do you think?" Asumi looked at me with a deadpan look.

"I like the first idea, with the pun's, let's give that a try." I nodded, bringing myself out of my head and back to the project.

------

"I'm going to lunch. I'll see you in an hour." I smiled at Haru as I got myself up from my desk.

"Sure, and well done on your presentation, I think you blew it out the water. Those jokes and puns were brilliant."

I chuckled, "Thanks, those were Asumi's idea's though, I just pieced it together. I'll see you shortly."

Thankfully the presentation had gone down a treat at the company who were rallying behind us for Sony's next big step in cell phones were delighted. They agreed on the spot to incorporate my team's idea into the next project and left with high praise. My team, Asumi, Haru, and Katashi, left feeling elevated and over the moon.

I was walking down the busy street, minding my own business, when abruptly, someone collided into me, causing me to drop my folder. Thankfully I'd organized it a couple of days ago, so none of the papers came flying out. Still, it caused me to let out a groan of frustration as I bent down to pick up the folder.

"Oh, god, I'm so...Katsuko?" A masculine, but sweet voice spoke my name in question.

I peered up at the man in front of me, and for a split second, my heart stopped, "Masato?"

"I didn't realize that was you, are you okay?" He asked sweetly as he held his hand out to help me up.

"Yeah, I'm fine, it was my fault. I was in my own little bubble." I chuckled, taking his hand and standing myself up, "Thanks."

"Yeah, me too." He chuckled, standing there, scratching the back of his head. "So, I'm guessing with the attire and folder; you're working?"

I looked down at my wardrobe, an all-black suit with red trims, a skirt, and shoes with a small heel. My hair left in loose waves and minimal make-up, I was never one to wear a lot of make-up on any given day.

"Yeah, we just finished with our presentation. I'm just grabbing lunch quick before I get back to work. They accepted our idea so, loads to do."

"That's awesome. Congratulations. Ryo said you were pitching to be behind the next Sony cell, right?"

I nodded, "Yeah, and they loved it, so now we have to make a working prototype for them. We only made the shortlist, we don't have the deal just yet."

"Well, I'm happy for you, think I may have to get the next Sony phone if you're the genius behind it. I'm sure you'll knock them off their feet with the prototype."

"It's mostly Haru's work; honestly. I just helped tweak the specs and some minor design flaws, then presented it with Asumi."

"Still, I'm sure it will be the best one yet. Did Ryo text you about tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I should be there about seven. You're still coming, right?

"Of course, after all, you'd come to drag me kicking and screaming either way right?" He grinned widely at me. I loved his grin, it was beyond adorable and made my heart melt. "Anyway, I'll let you run and get back to work. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Sure." I bit down on my lip as I tucked a side of my hair behind my ear. "Sorry for you know, bumping into you."

"On the contrary, I'm glad you did. Bye, Kat."

"See you." I shied away from him as I felt my cheeks flush and quickly walked off. Tomorrow was going to be interesting.