The following days, as the new week began, Takahashi and Chihiro's lives flowed gently, quietly, like a soft background melody.
Every morning, Chihiro prepared neat bento boxes for Takahashi to take to work. She simply stood in the kitchen, adjusting her hair and smiling softly when she saw him receive the lunch box and greet her warmly.
Instead of feeling awkward or embarrassed, Takahashi began proactively helping her explain the trickier parts of her work.
He would point at something on his phone or computer screen, speaking in a tone both serious and lightly humorous, causing Chihiro to smile quietly to herself.
On the morning subway rides, they sat side by side, sunlight glinting off Chihiro's hair.
"I think this marketing strategy should target the 20–25 age group, and for the 30–35 group, we might need a slightly different approach," Chihiro said, calm yet focused.
Takahashi nodded, listening carefully, then smiled softly:
"Yeah, that makes sense. But I think if we add a bit of humor to the ad clip, it might grab more attention."
Chihiro looked at him, furrowing her brow briefly before letting out a small laugh. That moment, friendly and quiet, carried a warmth between them amid the bustling crowd.
Days of peace and routine passed, until one Friday morning.
Chihiro was working diligently when her department head, Hana, called her into the office.
Chihiro stepped in and asked, "Is there something you need, ma'am?"
Hana, with a serious expression, said, "I want you to come with me to meet an important client."
Chihiro blinked. "Who is it?"
Hana replied, "A famous male model. I want you to persuade him to sign a contract with our company to promote our new product!"
Chihiro was slightly surprised. Only two weeks into her job, and she was being entrusted with such an important task. She felt nervous.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it!" she admitted.
"Why not ask Aoi-san?" she suggested hesitantly. "She has much more experience and is better at communication than I am!"
Hana laughed reassuringly. "Don't worry, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Even if he doesn't sign, it's okay. It's only considered 'important' because he's famous, which draws attention."
"But I think you have a lot of potential," Hana continued. "You should challenge yourself a bit—maybe you'll learn something important."
Feeling encouraged, Chihiro brightened. "Yes! I'll do it!"
"Good. I'm counting on you," Hana said.
"I'll return to my desk now," Chihiro said, turning to leave.
As she stepped out of the office, she immediately texted Takahashi:
"Can I ask you for a little help?"
---
Back in the executive office…
Takahashi was fully focused on playing a game of Jenga during his lunch break.
"...!"
He held his breath, carefully removing the last block, when suddenly Chihiro's message arrived. Startled, he accidentally toppled several stacked pieces.
He opened his phone to see her message.
"What's up?" he replied.
"I need you to suggest some effective customer approach strategies," Chihiro wrote.
"Ehhh?"
He thought to himself: She really values my input, huh?
"Got it! See you tonight," he replied.
Seeing his response, Chihiro felt reassured and returned to her work.
---
That afternoon, as they walked home together, Chihiro shared her worries about the upcoming contract meeting.
While she talked, they passed a shop selling freshly steamed buns. Her stomach growled loudly.
Takahashi laughed. "Want one?"
Chihiro blushed at his laugh, pretending to refuse. "No, I'm not hungry."
Yet she stayed there, waiting for him to buy one.
"Here, take it!" Takahashi said, handing her the hot bun.
Chihiro's face lit up like a child's as she bit a big chunk, chewing eagerly.
Soon, her cheeks puffed out from eating so greedily.
For the first time, Takahashi noticed her cheeks puffed like a little hamster. Playfully, he pressed one gently with his finger. Chihiro froze, then scolded him:
"Don't touch a girl's cheeks without permission, got it?"
"I… I'm sorry!" he said.
Still, her cheeks flushed pink like a tomato soon after.
After a while, they got back to business.
"Hey Takahashi, how can I talk to clients in a way that makes them feel comfortable?" Chihiro asked.
Calmly eating his bun, Takahashi replied, "Always talk about benefits!"
"Ehhh? Why?"
"Who would want to sign a contract with a company that doesn't make clear what benefits they'll get?"
"Oh! I see!"
"Hey Takahashi?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you stammer so much when you talk to me, but now you sound so confident and smooth?"
Takahashi choked on his bun.
"Well… it's different between work and everyday life!"
Chihiro squinted her eyes and laughed. "Really?"
"Mm…"
"Good then."
"Hey!!! What are we eating tonight?"
Chihiro pretended to be stern: "Nothing!"
"Ehhh??"
The setting sun quietly lowered, and the distance between them seemed to shrink along with it.
---
On Saturday morning, Chihiro went with Hana to the Show Biz TV station to meet the male model.
Clutching her portfolio, she walked briskly, heart racing. Her wrist felt slightly damp from nervousness.
Sitting in the waiting room, Hana leaned over, her voice warm:
"He's coming soon. Get ready."
Chihiro took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and nodded.
Soon, the meeting room door opened. A confident man stepped in, smiling charmingly.
Chihiro stood, reaching out for a handshake. But looking closely…
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Rei…?"
She froze. Memories from high school flooded back—the smile, the shared classes, the awkward words, and all the embarrassing moments she had tried to forget.
Rei was also startled, eyes wide, surprised:
"Chihiro! You're Chihiro, right?"
Chihiro quickly withdrew her hand, stammering:
"N-no… you must be mistaken…"
She tried to maintain a calm tone, but her face burned with embarrassment.
Hana noticed, slightly furrowing her brows, but quickly guessed the situation:
"Ah… I see, you must know him from before, right?"
Chihiro stayed silent, focusing on the portfolio on the table.
Rei kept sneaking glances at her, eyes deep as if trying to analyze her, yet remaining polite.
They stepped into the negotiation room. Hana began presenting the contract, her tone professional and clear:
"We want to collaborate to promote a new product targeting customers aged 20–35, and…"
Rei nodded, his gaze fixed on Chihiro.
Feeling the pressure, Chihiro kept her face serious, avoiding his eyes.
Every word Hana spoke seemed to float past her ears, yet her heart raced whenever he smiled lightly.
When Hana finished, Rei picked up a pen and signed the contract.
"I agree to collaborate with your company, Hana-san!"
Hana beamed with delight.
"Thank you for collaborating with us!"
"We promise you won't feel at a disadvantage!"
Rei nodded slightly, then after a moment looked at Chihiro:
"Ah… could I meet you privately later, Chihiro?"
Chihiro almost froze, heart pounding, eyes wide.
Hana, sitting nearby, maintained her professional smile, but her eyes flickered with understanding of what was happening.
END
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