Day 16 - April 16, 2024
The Weight of Victory
----------------------
I stared blankly at the screen in front of me, the soft hum of the office melting into the background as my thoughts spiraled into a tangled mess. The meeting was over. The contract was signed. I was now, officially, the head of the project. The first rookie in company history to land a high-stakes deal like this.
And yet, here I was, zoning out in the middle of a buzzing workplace, my fingers frozen above my keyboard.
I should be ecstatic, right?
I should be celebrating.
But all I felt was the pressure, a massive, crushing weight pressing down on my shoulders. The cheers, the congratulatory nods, Mr. Shibata's paternal pats on the back, Sasaki Yuna's warm glances, Nakamura's almost shy yet supportive looks, and even Mikami's rare, silent grin, they all felt distant.
Am I really ready for this?
A million doubts echoed inside me.
What if I mess this up?
What if I disappoint everyone who believed in me?
What if... I fail?
I didn't notice someone approach until I felt a soft, warm hand press gently on my shoulder. It was comforting, tender. The hand lingered for a moment, then slowly wrapped around me in a hug.
My breath caught.
I knew who it was before I even turned.
"I'm proud of you, rook," came the voice, soft and melodious.
My eyes widened. I turned quickly, heart racing, preparing myself for the familiar eyes of Fujimoto Airi.
But instead.
"HIROSHI?!" I nearly screamed, practically leaping out of my chair.
He grinned, mischievous as always. "Were you expecting an angel from above? Alas, it is I! The ever-faithful, devilishly handsome best friend!"
My face flushed red as the entire office turned toward us, some covering their mouths, others turning away to keep from laughing out loud.
"You should've seen your face!" Hiroshi clutched his stomach in exaggerated glee. "Like a virgin prince waiting for his goddess but boom! You get me instead!"
I buried my face in my hands. "Please stop. Just... stop."
But he wasn't done.
Hiroshi wiped fake tears from his eyes with grand flair. "My dear Haruki... You've grown so fast! One moment you're a clueless intern, and now... now you're a man! I couldn't be prouder!"
He then grabbed me into another dramatic hug, weeping against my shoulder. "Look at you, making history! Breaking records! Who gave you permission to leave me behind?!"
The office was practically shaking with stifled laughter. I shoved him back playfully, cheeks burning.
"Where were you yesterday, idiot?!" I asked, trying to steer the moment back to something less mortifying.
But Hiroshi's eyes flared up with mock rage. He leaped onto me like a Shakespearean actor in a tragic comedy.
"I searched the lands far and wide! I cried to the heavens, 'WHERE IS MY HARUKI?!' I looked under every desk, behind every cubicle! I even asked the vending machine!"
He locked me into a headlock and ground his knuckles into my scalp. "You disappeared without a word! Do you know the pain of a best friend abandoned?! DO YOU?!"
"I'm sorry, okay?! I had... a lot on my mind." I tried to wriggle free, only making him tighten the hold.
"I should never forgive you," he said, dramatically tossing his head back. "But alas, my heart is too kind. I must!"
He pulled me into a genuine hug this time, soft and real.
"I really am proud of you, Haruki. You did good."
I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest. "Thanks, Hiroshi."
Then, the soft click of heels echoed behind us. We turned.
Fujimoto Airi stood there, a playful smile on her lips.
"You two should just date already," she teased. She looked at me biting her lip, eyes sparkling with amusement.
I froze.
Hiroshi froze.
I turned bright red.
She giggled, gave me a wink, and walked away.
"HAAAAARRUUUUUKIIII!!!" Hiroshi's voice cracked like thunder.
He spun toward me, eyes blazing, but still wearing that ridiculous grin.
"What was that?! What was THAT?! Were you two FLIRTING?!"
"N-No! I mean, maybe? No? I-I don't know?!" I scratched my head, feeling heat creep up my neck.
"Don't lie to me, rookie!" he shouted, locking me into another headlock. "Don't tell me you and Fujimoto are... are..."
I didn't answer.
He paused. Looked at my face. Gasped.
"You're blushing. YOU'RE BLUSHING!"
And then the knuckle attack returned.
"You traitor! You won the war while I was out scouting for snacks!"
He sighed dramatically, placing a hand on his chest.
"Fine. You may have won this battle, my dear rookie. But know this...." he pointed at me, eyes narrowed. "I shall remain your rival in Fujimoto Airi's love, even if I must compete till the end of time!"
We both burst into laughter.
The day drifted on, and soon work hours came to an end. I packed my things, took a deep breath, and walked toward Airi's station. But before I could get there.
"You forgot this."
I turned.
Sasaki Yuna stood there, her usual bubbly energy radiating from her like sunlight. In her hand was a single sheet of paper.
My resignation letter.
My heart sank.
"I saw you that day," she said with a soft smile. "You left it in Mr. Shibata's desk. I might've peeked."
She winked. "Spy instincts. Couldn't help it. But I also saw your sketches. Your notes. You were pouring your soul onto those pages. I could feel it."
I looked down, ashamed. "I was overwhelmed. I didn't think I could do it."
She waved it off. "You're not just a lucky rookie, Haruki. You're a leader now. And I believe... you'll be one of the best we've ever had. Just don't stop putting your heart in everything you do."
My chest tightened with emotion.
"Thank you, Yuna."
She grinned and skipped away, humming to herself.
I turned back toward Airi's station.
This time, a warm, soft hug found me from behind.
"Hiroshi, not again.."
But it wasn't Hiroshi.
It was her.
Fujimoto Airi.
I turned, and before I could even speak, she kissed me. Softly. Gently.
Our eyes met, and she blushed as much as I did.
"Let's go home," she whispered.
And just like that, the weight on my shoulders lifted.
Maybe I wasn't alone in this after all.
To be continued...