A Romantic Comedy that started with an overcrowded train. If only it hadn’t...

Side Talk Part 3: From Past to Present, the end of all perfect people.

“Boss, this work is also done.”

“Boss, the part over here, I would suggest we do it like this.”

“Boss, the presentation of this project is done.”

Several months passed since then.

Even though I though I got the elated by my accomplishment. It did not last long.

I thought, he would also crumble. So I increased his work load.

But he didn’t.

I gave him my own work. So much so that I could lazy around in that mean time.

But he didn’t crumble.

His achievements were going overboard. His training period should be long over, but I kept him in the pretense of training still. Since I want to train him about the most important aspect of life. Yes, this is also a training.

But, he didn’t learn. He grew so much that he was now giving me suggestions on my own work!

There has to be a way.

To crumble that perfect-man.

No one is perfect.

There can never be.

Unless… He is made to realize that he hadn’t worked for an entire year after joining.

Yes, that can be the only way.

But, that will have the company throw him out. But, given my connections, I can somehow bypass that.

As the goal was set, I turned towards accomplishing. One checkpoint after another.

The project I was working on, due to his contributions from behind, under my name, I was lifted to the position of leading the project.

Truthfully, somewhere in my heart. Sometimes, I feel something is wrong. But, I knew, at the end, it will only help him.

The pretense of Perfect will only be a shackle. He must let go of it.

And so, when the day came, after a year of his joining.

Based on Merit and the level of work. The sheer impact from the accomplishment given through the project, on finding huge investors.

“And the best employee of the month goes to the manager in chief, Sena-san!”

“Thank you!”

“It could be no one but you, Sena. I also heard how you were behind the uncovering of a huge hospital racket that was going on within the country, possibly even the world.”

“That was just luck.”

“Then by this luck, let’s go strides forward!”

“Yes!”

As I was receiving my reward. Everyone else had their recognition papers in their hand.

The sight of Nagi crying for the first time shook me, as he turned his head back and go to his seat.

“(in soft words)Did I do—-“

“Is something the matter Sena-san?”

“Ah —no, nothing.”

“Then, be sure to attend the after party.”

“Yes!”

————————————————————————————————-

That night, I coudn’t sleep.

I came to office before time.

But before coming to my own desk. I visited the desk of Nagi.

“He… He cried that day. Maybe, he understood after all. But… Why do I feel like this.”

“What is this heavy feeling.”

The way he looked when he cried.

“Come to think of it, did I ever look Nagi clearly?”

In my memories, he was still a blurry existence.

And then I saw his desk.

“Maybe, his parents? Is she his girlfriend, no considering the way she looks, probably sister. So even he has a younger sister. Just like me.”

Somehow, I felt like we both were similar in some aspects.

“But he is a perfect guy. So, that can never be.”

Yeah, it can never be.

I came back to my desk. My own designated place where only I sit. People under me are to come inside my place for attendance. That is the system I always kept.

———————————————————————————————————

He didn’t arrive yet. Will he be taking the day off? Or will he be late.

I look at the clock in anticipation. There was only 3 minutes left.

In the progress section yesterday, I made sure that he is only given so much so that allows him to stay in this office.

He probably learnt that I leeched his work for myself.

(Only 2 mins left.)

And on learning that, he got traumatized. So, he will surely be late today. I need to properly enjoy today. Since with this, I will be able to destroy the only perfect person in my life.

(Only 1 min left)

But, all was for naught.

He arrived. Although out of breath.

(50 seconds left)

Will he come within time over here?

(40 seconds left)

He sits at his own desk and starts talking.

I guess I can mark him late. He became complacent at the last second. After all, no one is perfect.

(20 seconds left)

Hmm? He suddenly looked at this side. Wasn’t he talking and drinking water? Wait. Why are you getting up immediately! Take some rest!

(15 seconds left)

Oh, he was called back and given coffee.

(10 seconds left)

He took it and returned to his desk and starts coming here again!?

(9, seconds left)

Given the steps he is taking

(8, seconds left)

It would at least take

(7 seconds left)

…

(6 seconds left)

He will be just on time!?

(5 seconds left)

Ah! no no no no.

(4 seconds left)

All my work! My plan!

(3 seconds left)

Ugh. I guess… It was

(2 seconds left)

My defeat after all

(1 second later)

But to my surprise, he took some time before coming in due to which, his attendance was one second late.

“It’s unusual for you to be late.”

“I apologize.”

“Don’t worry, so can you do this wor.——…”

“Yes?”

The way his hairs were. Water/sweat dripping down into his shirt. The look of exhaust in his face, but that instead outlined the manliness of that face.

Now that I see, did he always looked like this? His body, O—ohhh.

No, wait, I got to say something!

“Ah… Umm, your hairs, and, sweat… It’s falling down your shirt. We—were you in a hurry while coming he—re?”

Was that the only thing I could ask!?

“Ah yes, it was too hectic inside the train as well… I didn’t get enough space to stand as well. Should I get myself arranged inside the washroom?”

Don’t try combing your hair like that right now!

“N..no —-no need. Fu—-fu~uun. I see.”

I see, so the perfect guy… He was … Hmmm, I —- I see. Wait. Did I win or lose then?

Eh? I feel like my face is getting hot suddenly.

Eh? Don’t tell me! For him!?

This is just not true. It can never be!

But…

“Is that so? So, umm, I will be going to my seat?”

Which seat!?

“Fue? Ahh, umm, yes .. Ah, no… Wait… Who was that guy.. Ah, yeah, can you call Hiroto for me instead?”

“… Sure.”

But come to think about it, won’t he have a grudge on me? I used the legal terms as best I could to drop his perfect-ness out of him. But…

I should properly say it before it’s too late.

“Just so you remember, I just wanted to make you accustomed with your work as fast as possible, that is why I had you handle all my work until now. I hope you understand.”

“Y—YES!”

“Good then, you can leave after calling Hiroto then.”

I will give Hiroto just a small amount of work, just so he can see that what I did to him was actually for his good.

“Yes, I understand ma’am.”

“Do you really?”

Do you really understand how much I thought for you? How much I came to like you in the process?

“Yes! I learnt a lot under you.”

“Fumu. Ok then. I hope we are good with each other then. Since you look good with your work now, yes, your training is now over. I will mark you present as well. But remember, if there is trouble in your work, I can even put you under my wing for training once more.”

He left.

He left. But what is this feeling.

It’s like, I am letting go of something so close.

Will he look back?

Please look back.

Please!

I started praying and fidgeting in the process.

Please!

If you understand how much I did for you.

How much … It was probably that crying which triggered it, but!

The way I started looking at you.

I … I never felt like this before. I want to explore it!