One last chance

First day at work

The next day came and Kirishima went to Shirakawa publishing company to begin his job as a chief editor in Shonen manga department. His daughter was at Hasu with Rotoko, keeping him company while he was working, so the dashing editor didn't have to worry about Hiyori. He arrived at the building, showing his ID card he uses at Marukawa Shoten. Even though the card has the name of the other company, they didn't comment about it since Marukawa is cooperating with Shirakawa.

The reseptionists welcomed him while the editor bowed to them with his usual business smile. He walked towards the elevator but then stopped when he saw Shirakawa Hiroshi talking to a young red haired woman. She was wearing a pink blouse with buttons, cream tight jeans, a silver bracelet on her left hand and black 2 inches heels that were opened in front.

Her hair was up in a ponytail and she wasn't wearing a make up. She was a pretty woman and you could understand that men would like to be her partner. However, Kirishima seemed to see her as a pretty girl and not a potential bride. Of course, she has a charm but she seems cold. Unlike Yokozawa Takafumi, who hasn't got off his helmet, so the editor doesn't know his appearance. The curly haired man shook his head and approached the president who called him, waving at him at the same time.

"Kirishima-san, thank you for coming here. I'm glad you take the offer", he said and extended his hand, which the editor accepted wholeheartedly.

"Thank you for giving me that offer Shacho. It is a true honor working with you", he said and then averted his eyes to see the young woman who was tugging a red lock behind her ear.  "May I ask who is this young lady?"

"This young lady is Hakamara Mizuki. She is working in Shounjo manga department as editor in chief. Hakamara-sama, this man is Kirishima Zen, the new chief editor in Shonen department", he said while showing to Hakamara with his hand the other man. The young lady, bowed her head and gave him her business card, who did the same as her. "Shonen and Shounjo departments are in the same floor, so she is going to guide you."

"Aaah, just like Marukawa Shoten, right?"

"Indeed. You see, when we opened the company, Isaka-kun gave us a tip of where the departments should be, my office and where the meetings will be held. I'm really glad I had his help in this and I'm truly honored he gave me some staff, including you Kirishima-san"

"I really appreciate it"

"Well, shall we go?", he heard a female voice say, which made him turn his head and see Hakamara gesturing to him to the elevator. The hazelnut haired man nodded, giving a bow to the president and then following the young woman to the elevator. When they entered inside, Hakamara began to talk

"So, how much experience do you have in the manga section Kirishima-san?"

"I'm working as an editor for 12 years"

"Really? That much? But you seem so young"

"Nah, don't judge the other from the appearance... I wanted to work as an editor since I remember myself. I gave my resume to Marukawa Shoten and they accepted me. I started as a part time employee, then I became a full time and without understanding it, I became an editor in chief. How about you Hakamara-sama? "

"I'm working for 5 years. This is my second year as an editor in chief. "

"You seem young for a chief editor"

"I'm 26 Kirishima-san"

"You ARE young"

"Haha, indeed...", she giggled and then stopped when they arrived at the fourth floor, the manga section. They exited the elevator and went towards to their departments, Hakamara waving at Kirishima telling him that they will meet again. Once he stepped to the Shonen, everyone froze in place. They were sitting on their desks, writing down on their laptops proposals and correcting what it seems manuscripts. Kirishima went to his desk, put his briefcase and they raised his head to see his new subordinates, his hands inside his pockets.

"As you can see, I am your new chief editor. I am Kirishima Zen and I'll be working with you for 4 months. There are some things you need to know about the way I am working: I'll be coming here earlier than you because I'll be leaving at 18.00 in the afternoon due to family matters. Everything you want to ask, don't hesitate to tell me when I'm here or call me when I'm absent. I believe there is a deputy chief editor here, right? ", he said and then a young man rose from his seat, with his hands on his sides and bowing his head.

Kirishima gave him a smile, who then returned it with confidence. It seems that the young man became more comfortable with the dashing editor immediately, something that made the others smile too.

"My name is Morudawa Takato. It's a pleasure to meet you"

"Thank you for accepting me here Morudawa-kun. Now, is something you want to ask me?", he raised his eyes and saw the others shouting 'no'. He gave his business smile and then told then his phone number in case he would be absent. After the introductions, they began working on proposals and manuscripts, with Kirishima working on a new mangaka who seems to have potentials. Hours passed and the time was 17.00.

Even though it was the first day, Kirishima decided to call it a day, giving to his subordinates the ability to return home after a long time of work without breaks. The employees bowed to him and gave him smiles, leaving from the company after they said their goodbyes to the president.

Even though they all left early, Shirakawa didn't seem to be bothered due to the fact that they did their work quickly and they were happy to have a leader like Kirishima, who was helping them every time. The hazelnut haired man exited the building and went towards Hasu to meet Hiyori and Rotoko. After a few minutes, he arrived and entered inside, only to see the Cafe full of costumers and Hiyori was nowhere in sight.

He turned his head right and left and spotted his little girl sitting on a table with another little girl and her mother apparently. He walked towards Hiyori, who saw him and gave him a huge smile, a smile that he had seen the last time few days before they leave Tokyo. He came behind her and gave her a kiss on her head, gaining a slight protest and a chuckle from the woman in front of her.

"Papa, this is Haru-chan. She is going to the school Rotoko-san told us about and this is her mom Sharukai-sama!", she said and the father bowed his head and sat down. The woman gaemve his a bow too and a smile and the young girl with the name Haru-chan was doing the same.

"Hello Hiyori-chan's father. I am Sharukai Haruka and I am 10 years old. "

"And I am Sharukai Okoto. I am this little girl's mom", she said and pinched Haruka's cheek, who giggled by the action.

"It's nice to meet you. I am Kirishima Zen. You already know my daughter, so I don't think there should be introductions", he said, gaining chuckles from the duo in front of him and an embarrassed look from Hiyori. He missed for 8 hours and his daughter finally found a friend. Turns out the day went good for the Kirishimas...