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「Anonymous」Chapter 4
A/N: Welcome to Chapter 4! Right text is Aiba. MOBILE VIEW RECOMMENDED. As indicated above, this fanfiction is mystery genre. THE PAIRING WILL NOT BE SPECIFIED IN THE FANFICTION DESCRIPTION, EVER. If you want to know the mystery, you must read. I want you to have fun with it. Thanks! I hope you enjoy! I don't own them, sadly.
Chapter 4
‘It’s a lovely night.’
‘Did you saw the moon?’
‘I don’t think I’ve seen it so close before.’
‘It’s shining so brightly makes me think of…’
‘I think I’ve had enough drinking for tonight.’
‘Aiba?’
‘Are you still out?’
‘Be careful on your way home.’
‘Good night.’
~
‘Good Morning.’
‘I suppose you had a long night?’
‘Yeah… sorry I didn’t see your messages.’
‘No worries. You had fun?’
‘I guess. Morning sickness is protocol.
And you? Did you have a good night?’
‘Surprisingly, I did.’
‘Why are we trapped in this laboring system?’
‘I ask myself the same thing.’
‘I’ve never yearned for a free day more.’
‘What does Aiba Masaki do on his free days?’
‘Everything I can’t do over the week.
Groceries and cleaning. I’ll go out if I have to
but I don’t like moving around much.’
‘So you would just stay at home and do nothing?’
‘I deserve to do nothing occasionally.
It’s better than the office, at least.’
‘What about you?’
‘I do my own things.’
‘Such as…?’
‘The usual.’
‘For example,…?’
‘I get things done, I guess?
What do you want me to say?’
‘Sorry if I’m being so straight forward, but
I feel I’ve been very honest with you and I thought
maybe I could talk less about me and learn a bit
more about you for a change.’
‘Why would you want to know about me?’
‘Well you did ask me to be your friend.
It is only fair I get to know you too.
It would make me quite selfish if I didn’t.’
‘So tell me about yourself.’
‘Who is Anon when he is not in the office?’
‘Fine… It’s more of the same. Responsibilities,
running errands, going places. Boring adult stuff.’
‘That’s not bad.’
‘I don’t think I can rest without feeling the least
bit accomplished.’
‘That’s nice, I’ve learned something new about you.’
‘I think I’m getting too carried away.’
‘No, it’s fine! It’s not like your telling me your life story.
This is nice.’
‘I guess.’
‘I think… you should open about yourself a bit more.’
‘I really shouldn’t.’
‘Anon, it’s okay. You don’t have to hide from me.
You know you can trust in me.’
‘…’
‘I think it was very brave of you to start talking to me
like this. It must have taken a lot of courage and I
really appreciate it. Truly, I’m flattered. You don’t have to
be afraid of me now.’
‘All I’m saying is… I want to try.’
‘Try…?’
‘To get to know you.’
‘If you allow me that is.’
‘This is unfair.’
‘?’
‘You know I can’t say no to you.’
‘😊’
‘Why don’t we play a game?
To make things fair.’
‘Game?’
‘You know… like the ones you ask a question,
I answer and then I make a question for you.’
‘Taking turns?’
‘Exactly!’
‘I don’t know…’
It’ll be fun!’
‘I guess, we could try just a little...’
‘Fine! I’ll start!’
‘But… didn’t you propose the game?’
‘Yeah… so I start the game!’
‘No. The person next to the one who shuffles
the cards start the game, which, in this case
I’m the only candidate.’
‘No. In this case, I’m pretty sure you’re not next
to me (unless you’re riding my train) and if
I look to my left I can see my reflection so, yes. It’s still me.’
‘Now stop typing, I’m trying to write a question.’
‘…’
‘Okay… Do you have any pets?’
‘Pets? Is that really your first question? Out of all
thing?’
‘Hey! You’re not following the rules! If you
want to make a question you have to answer
mine first.’
‘Okay… No, I don’t have any pets.
I don’t really have much time to take care of animals.’
‘I see. I understand.’
‘And, to answer your question, yes, pets.
I’ve heard they’re quite a good
conversation starter. Now it’s my turn again!’
‘What? That’s not right! I answered you, it’s my turn!’
‘You already asked me a question and I
already answered, so it’s my turn.’
‘That can’t possibly count as question! I demand
a revision of the rules.’
‘Fine… request granted 😒.’
‘Thank you.’
~
Aiba typed into his phone, crumpled in a corner of the silent elevator along with several other employees that came in that morning. If it were rude to be that engrossed in his conversation while in a public place, it didn’t occur to him, but he was determined to get as many answers from Anon before the workday would officially begin.
The elevator made a stop on a floor preceding his, when another employee suddenly shouted a firm “Good morning, director!” while the rest of them repeated the greeting. Aiba’s attention had been drawn away from his phone acknowledging when the Sakurai's figure was revealed at the elevator's opening. He joined the rest as they offered apologetic bows to Sakurai while everyone stepped out of the elevator, allowing him to get in once it was emptied.
Even when granted the luxury to ride the elevator on his own, the director refrained from showing gratitude towards his employees. Each time they were abstain from any sort of comment and watch silently while the doors closed on the almost empty elevator as it set off to Aiba’s floor. The employee’s frustration was clear in their groans as they called for the next one, but regardless of finding it just as tedious as the rest, Aiba preferred not to manifest his complains so publicly and put on his best smile. It was his boss after all. Who knew who could be listening.
~
‘When is your birthday?’
‘Going personal?’
‘Just a little.’
‘December 24th.’
‘How convenient.’
‘Not when your parents use it as an excuse to
give you a single gift for the whole year.’
‘I see why that would happen.’
‘Believe me, it is not the most fortunate for a child.’
‘I never took you as greedy.’
‘Well, not right know of course.
We grow up eventually.’
‘Are these revelations from your childhood?’
‘Most likely.‘
‘Alright, your turn.’
‘You did two in a row, so I get
to make two.’
‘That last one doesn’t even count!’
‘Are you allergic to anything?’
‘No…’
‘Are you even taking your game seriously?’
‘Hey! It’s still my turn!’
‘I’m only saying, you can take your time to
think of your question. You don’t have to ask
me right away.’
‘But you type so fast! And if I take any more
time, I might get scolded for using my phone during
work hours. Now, shh!’
‘…’
‘Actually…’
‘There is something I’ve been meaning to ask.’
‘I don’t know how to say this…’
‘Ask and I’ll take care of the rest.’
‘Alright…’
‘Are you a man?’
‘Not the only one who is going personal.’
‘You gave me the idea.’
‘So?’
‘… Yes, I am.’
‘I thought you would hesitate.’
‘I thought about it.’
‘But you would’ve found out sooner or later.’
‘I can’t hide everything from you.’
‘You’re right. I suppose I’ve known for a while.’
‘Guess I wasted my two questions.’
‘Still, I wanted to be sure.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘It’s been on my mind.’
~
Aiba’s phone rested on his desk at close range, going off with a constant buzzing that’d captured even Jun’s attention. Aiba would look at each incoming message with great regret, unable to answer them right away. Conscious of the work he still had to do, he tried to fix his attention on his monitor before realizing he couldn't fight back the urge to look at his new messages. Slyly, he hid his phone under his desk, and hiding a smile that tried to escape his lips, he proceeded to answer them one by one.
“Excuse me,”
Masaki froze by the sudden intrusion of another’s voice behind him. Slowly, he turned towards the secretary as he slid his phone under his body.
“May I have a word with you?” Ohno half-asked, half-commanded.
Aiba exchanged a look with Jun before realizing it had been him who Ohno spoke to. Jun gave Aiba a questioning look, wondering if this meant he had gotten in any trouble, to which Aiba simply didn’t have an answer to. Without an option, Aiba got up from his chair and followed a stiff looking Ohno, walking through the office and towards the much-avoided door by the end of the room; the director’s office.
Masaki’s steps got smaller, holding his breath, almost refusing to approach the door any further, but eventually walking through as Ohno allowed him to go in first. The rest of the office had somehow grown in murmurs, as the two men disappeared through the door. Soon, comments and speculations began to rise in the silence of the office, all wondering what the director could possibly be planning now.
But Masaki’s nerves calmed when he realized the empty silence extending beyond the door. It hadn’t been many the times that Aiba had walked into the director’s office, and even less the opportunities he had been there without him present in the room. But if it wasn’t the director that wanted to see him, then…
“Ohno…?” Aiba turned to the secretary who still faced the door, staring down on his hand holding on to the door knob. He sighed deeply as he let his shoulders loosened and his head banged against the door.
“I’m sorry…” His voice was small and almost pitiful. “I shouldn’t be doing this…”
“Is… everything okay?”
Ohno faced Aiba, or at least he tried to as his eyes were still glued to the ground. “I don’t’ know how to say this,” Ohno stalled. Aiba didn’t realize what was going on until he noticed how Ohno’s hands gripped on the rim of his suit jacket. Could this… finally be it?
Ohno’s body arched in a bow. “Please!” His voice almost cracked with the suddenness of his gesture, which took Aiba unaware. “I’m begging you! Please forget everything that happened!”
“I-I’m sorry?” Said Aiba, confused by Ohno’s gesture.
“Last night… I was really drunk, I barely remember what I spoke about and I deeply regret it! I shouldn’t have done such things in front of you. It was simply not professional. It was my mistake so please... I’m asking if you could kindly forget about everything.”
“Ohno… It’s okay-“
“I don’t want you to have a wrong impression of me. I’m not like this, I swear-“
“Ohno!” Said Aiba, firmly, cutting the older’s words. “It’s fine. I understand. You don’t have to worry. I will not speak a word.”
Ohno sighed anxiously, realizing he’d gotten too carried away. “I’m sorry,” the secretary repeated. “I was such an idiot. I mustn’t have bothered you. I really should have been more careful.”
“N-No! It was nothing, believe me. Besides… it sounded like you needed to let things out a little.” The secretary’s pitiful look returned. “But you shouldn’t feel bad about it. You can trust me. I promise, I wont say a word.”
“Thank you…” His body finally relaxed.
“If I may suggest, you should be careful to whom you talk to next time. You wouldn’t want to get in trouble.”
“Yeah-“ Ohno paused as if he was hit with a sudden thought that only got confirmed when he raised his sight to Aiba. “Say…” his voice became smaller. “Did I… perhaps, say something about the director?”
Without a doubt, Aiba remembered the few curses the drunk secretary had let escape in his momentary rampage, but they weren’t things he necessarily had to worry over. At some point, everyone in the office may have thought the same way he did.
“You don’t have to overthink it. It’ll be fine. He won’t hear a thing.” Aiba promised him.
~
Jun observed his cubicle partner since the moment he saw him coming back from the director’s office in one piece. There was nothing shaken in him to be worried about nor was there a sign of a disaster having taken place. Aiba had simply sat back on his desk, proceeding to continue his work and answer his emails.
“Is everything okay?” Jun approached him over the silence of the office.
Aiba turned to the younger whose worry was very clear in his eyes. “Yeah. Just fine.” Aiba’s reassuring smile was not enough to convince Jun.
“What did they want with you?” he tried again.
“Nothing.” His words seemed so empty, Jun couldn’t put a finger on what may had happen, but regardless of Aiba being a bad liar, he knew he was not going to get an answer out of him.
For a moment, Jun decided to drop the matter and let Aiba return to his work. It was probably none of his concern nor anyone else’s. Yet, Jun couldn’t ignore the constant whispering of his co-workers when Aiba walked into the director’s office. Half of them saying Aiba was approaching the secretary more than usual, the other half asking what Aiba could possibly be plotting with the secretary again, all remembering their previous evening and the moment the two of them had shared at their dinner the night before.
Jun refused to believe their speculations. If anything, Aiba was only trying to make the secretary feel included and less of a stranger to most of them who only saw him as an extension of the director. Unfortunately, they didn’t know Aiba the way he did.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you…” Jun turned to Aiba once again. “What are you doing for lunch today?”
~
‘Half a day done. Going for lunch?’
‘That’s correct.’
‘Really? You’re eating?’
‘I don’t know what you think of me, but I DO
eat. Some days more than others. The office
has me stressed all the time so my appetite
usually dies down.’
‘Regardless, I enjoy a good meal.’
‘You should have told me sooner!’
‘And here I thought you were starving yourself.’
‘You worry too much about strangers, Aiba Masaki.’
‘At any case, the stranger makes me worried.’
‘I’m flattered.’
‘And what’s with this Aiba Masaki treatment, Anon?
I told you to call me Aiba.’
‘Sorry…’
~
“You wanted to talk about something?” Both co-workers sat at the café sharing a small meal over cold drinks.
Matsumoto leaned back on his chair, relaxing his body with a sigh, thinking of where he should start. “I don’t know why but, I feel I can open up to you better than others.”
Aiba left his food untouched to listen to the younger carefully.
“I’ve been kind of troubled lately, outside the office I mean. I don’t know how to bring this up…”
“Is there is something you need help with?” Asked Aiba, before Jun realize his stalling was only making the other worry.
“Actually it’s… my mother. She has been sick for some time…”
“Your mother?” Aiba repeated, certainly not waiting for such a conversation to take place.
“She’s been hospitalized for several weeks, waiting for recovery, but things are looking rough lately. I can’t look after her all the time so I’ve been asking for help from some relatives but… other than that, we’re on our own. She needs surgery very soon, but I haven’t been able to give the doctors an answer because our situation isn’t the best. Or… at least it wasn’t until I got promoted to our department. I have a better salary now, and I think it might just be enough to make the first payment to the hospital. That means she will have to be rushed to surgery as soon as possible, maybe next week...”
“That’s good news, no?”
“Still… What I meant to ask you… I don’t know how to approach the director about this.” The worry in the younger’s eyes glowed genuinely. “I keep hearing things about him, to not let my guard down or to not be fooled by him, but I don’t know what else to do. I need to be with my mother. I can’t let her do this alone.”
“Then ask him.” Said Masaki. “Forget about what everyone else says and go up to him. Let him know how important this is for you and just be honest. I know he may seem a little cold hearted sometimes but he must understand your situation. No matter how inhumane he may seem, he must have a mother too.”
Aiba’s words allowed a small chuckle to escape from Jun’s lips.
“Honestly, you shouldn’t be afraid of him. Try going in the morning. Right after secretary Ohno serves his coffee and he’s inside his office is the time of the day he’s most likely be in a good mood so he won’t get too rough on you.”
“And you know all of this, how?”
“I’ve had my years of experience working for him so there are a couple of things I’ve learned on the way. If I’ve made it this long, there must be something I’m doing right.”
“In that case… I believe you.” The way Matsumoto’s lips curled for him and the deep look in his eyes he could easily get lost in was enough to send a small heat to Masaki’s cheeks. There was something in Jun’s gaze that Aiba couldn’t seem to look away from, like a natural glow his appearance emitted that was hard for him to understand.
“Your drink, sir.” A new voice between them brought his thoughts back to earth when a cup of coffee was placed in front of them.
“I-I didn’t order any-” Said Masaki before being cut off by his friend.
The barista dragged a chair from another table to sit between the two office men that had seemed to be carried away by the silence of their conversation. Nino took his place rather loudly and laid back on his chair, staring at the two who he’d seem to have been taken unaware with his intrusion.
“Did I ask if you ordered anything?” Nino scoffed at Aiba. “You ought of start calling me next time before you come in here.” He said before turning to Matsumoto and transforming his complaint into a charming smile. “Won’t you introduce us?”
“Oh… Matsumoto, this-“
“Ninomiya Kazunari. It’s a pleasure.”
Jun looked confusedly at Aiba before replying. “I’m… Matsumoto Jun.” He made a small bow in greeting.
“Matsumoto! I’ve heard so many things about you-” Ninomiya’s chair was kicked roughly by Aiba’s foot, making his words fall short. The barista turned to his friend who threw suggestively murderous looks his way. “Anyway… thank you for taking such good care of Masaki. He may have his flaws up there but, I can assure you there is a lot more good in him to go around.”
“Ah, no. He is… very kind indeed.” Said Jun. His words coming in rather timidly.
“Thank you, Nino.” Aiba said behind clenched teeth.
“I mean it! He’s a little clumsy, and forgetful, and needs all the attention he can get, but he has a big… heart.”
“I thought you were in the middle of your shift? ” Aiba signaled him menacingly.
“Yeah, but I needed to take a break away from my manager. He’s been on my ass since this morning and I’m bored out of my mind! Besides, I wanted to come and say hi since you’re too busy to introduce me to your friends.”
“Actually, I think they might be needing you right about now…” Aiba signaled to the counter where a large line of clients was getting formed and there were only a couple of employees working between the register and the coffee machines.
Nino sighed profoundly with great disgust. “Why can’t I even take a minute…” he said to himself, surrendering and getting up from his chair.
“Anyway… are we still up for tonight? I’ve been dying for some ramen,”
“Yes, just… go!” Aiba brushed him off, more concerned about Jun’s impression than the number of costumers pilling up waiting for their orders to be served.
Finally, free from Nino’s overwhelming presence, Aiba felt he could breathe again while Jun remained quite silenced.
“I’m sorry about that.” He said to Jun. After finishing their lunch, both of them decided to make their way back to the office “Nino is a little… meddlesome.”
“He… seems like a nice guy.” Said Jun. Aiba took note to pass on the review to Nino later. He was sure it would make him very happy.
“I swear, he is actually very kind once you get to know him.” Said Aiba as called for the elevator.
“Sounds like he looks after you quite often.”
“He does, even though he doesn’t like to show it much.” A vacant elevator arrived, working conveniently for their conversation to carry on.
“He must be a very caring boyfriend…”
Aiba paused after pressing the button to their floor and the elevator’s door sealed completely. For a second he thought he may have heard wrong, but Jun’s insecure silence only reaffirmed his assumption. Aiba tried holding back his laughter in an attempt to not seem rude in front of Jun, but he had little success as the mere thought came back to him.
“I’m sorry…” Aiba soothed his last chuckles before speaking again. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“No?”
“No, we’re just really good friends.”
“Oh… I see. My bad.”
“It’s fine. We’re pretty close and we’ve known each other for a while. It’s nothing strange.”
“In that case… can I make another guess?” Matsumoto turned towards Aiba as the elevator rode up.
Aiba frowned at him, tilting his head, curious to hear whatever things he wondered about.
“Is… the person texting you all the time your boyfriend?”
Jun could trace each muscle in Aiba’s fetures as the smile he carried on his lips washed away entirely, this time replaced with a look of perplexity. All while Aiba’s hand unconsciously reached for his pocket containing his phone.
“…What-?”
The elevator opened before Aiba could utter a sentence. Jun and Masaki turned in unison to find not only the director Sakurai, but also his secretary and several other of his friends from the accounting management division. Sakurai looked inside the elevator with a frowning look at the two employees.
It wasn’t until Aiba finally found the ability to move and bow apologetically to the director and the rest of them that he was able to excuse Jun and himself, pulling on Jun’s sleeve to walk him out their way, feeling the director’s sight follow them before they disappeared down the corner and into the office.
~
‘Its’ been a long day. I’m glad it’s finally over.’
‘Thank you for your hard work.’
‘What got you so exhausted?’
‘It feels like I’ve been running all over the place,
talking with everyone at the same time.’
‘I get that feeling too.’
‘And when I thought I was going to relax a little
over some ramen, my friend cancels on me.’
‘Sorry to hear that.’
‘At any case, I’m glad to be home. So for the rest
of the evening, I’m all yours.’
‘In that case, I got my next question.’
‘After you.’
‘If you could describe your childhood with
one word, what would it be?’
‘Interesting…’
‘Work.’
‘Elaborate.’
‘My parents own a restaurant in our home town.
It’s been my father’s life since before I was born.
My mother works with him too so I spent most
of my childhood with my grandparents. Even when I
wanted to see my parents they always had the same
excuse. They were at work. And all my life I’ve been
told it was going to be me who was next to take care
of the restaurant. But I didn’t want it. I didn’t want
that work to take control of my life too.’
‘I think I spoke too much…’
‘No, I’m… quite impressed. I had no idea.’
‘I’m kind of curious to visit the restaurant now.’
‘But thank you for sharing that with me. Really.’
‘Well, you got a lot out of that question alone.
You seem to be quite good at this game.’
‘And of course, you should visit us! It’s not too
bad of a place.’
‘Alright, my turn. But what should I say…?’
‘Just think of a good one. Anything.’
‘Alright…’
‘Do I know your name?’
‘When I asked for your name, did you
refuse to tell me because I’ve heard it before or…
is it something else?’
‘Ask me that later.’
‘You’re going to avoid my question?’
‘If you allow me, yes. For now.
Please, ask me something else.’
‘Alright’
‘In that case, tell me about your childhood.
What kind of home did you have?’
‘I was quite the troublesome child, always
seeking for attention. My parents were very busy people.’
‘But I admired them. And I wanted them to see me
as something they could be proud of.’
‘Did you follow any of their careers?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘You could say I’m making my own way.’
‘That’s good that you’re doing something
that comes out of you.’
‘Yeah, I guess it is.’
‘Hey, you made two questions, isn’t that
cheating?’
‘Oops! I’m sorry, I forgot 😅’
‘Go ahead, you can make 2 questions.’
‘Why advertising?’
‘I wanted to be part of the things that gave
life to my surroundings. Advertising is just
another way of expression and the satisfaction
of helping build what a person wants to express
means so much to me.’
‘Have you ever regretted anything in your work?’
‘Regardless of some everyday struggles…’
‘No, not a second.’
‘What’s the first thing you notice in a person?’
‘Dangerous question.’
‘I remembered you said I left a good impression on you.
I wanted to know what it was.’
‘Usually… their posture.’
‘That’s too ambiguous.’
‘I like to see where they stand. How sure
of themselves they are. How much effort
they put into what they believe in. How
they defend their ideals.’
‘Alright, I get it.’
‘Your turn.’
‘Do you have any other hobbies
you always wanted to develop?’
‘In my youth. I was ambitious
and wanted to become many things. I tried sports and
music but nothing really fit with me. I still
have a guitar somewhere back at home but
it’s nothing I’m too proud of.’
‘I would have liked to see that.’
‘Was it your first impression of me what made you
decided to come up and talk to me? In other words,
you spoke to me because you knew, even past
your insecurities, I was not going to reject you?’
‘You’re not wrong. But… that’s not the
only reason.’
‘What is it then?’
‘You will have to ask me when it’s your turn.’
‘Alright then, ask.’
‘…’
‘Anon?’
‘…’
‘Are you busy?’
‘I have a feeling you’re not making your next question
because you don’t want me to ask again.’
‘I’m that easy to read, aren’t I?’
‘It’s okay. It’s getting late so I won’t ask now,
but you have to promise, when I do ask again
you will answer.’
‘I understand.’
‘Promise?’
‘Promise.’
~
When Aiba first arrived at the office that morning, Jun was not at his desk. His things appeared to be in place so perhaps he hadn’t arrived yet. He remembered what Jun had said about his mother and for a moment he regretted not having his phone number to check if everything was okay. But he couldn’t do much for him being in the office, so if anything, he would make a good excuse to the director if it even occurred him to ask about it.
In addition, Nino had also disappeared without a trace after their talk yesterday. The surprise of his message came without an explanation on why he had to ask for a raincheck on their plans, so Aiba had no way of knowing if he should be worried or it was just another one of his false alarms whenever a new video game came out.
The next morning when Aiba arrived at the café for his first doses of caffeine and possibly to get an answer out of Nino, he still hadn’t arrived to work. One of the usual employees there could only answer he was running late, which was something Aiba thought poorly of.
Nino’s absence had also taken away his desire to pay for coffee so he resolved on making his own in the break room at the office. It was not the same if Nino wasn’t there to distract him. Yet he couldn’t help but find it strange that he hadn’t said a word. No matter how much Nino expressed his deep hatred for his job, he wouldn’t miss a day for a penny less on his paycheck.
After starting his computer, Aiba thought of grabbing his phone and resume his conversation with Anon as he had been thinking of new questions for the day. Perhaps if he used the right words, he could know at least what they were up to, or even where. If that would even make a difference, he had to know for sure.
A loud slam suddenly shook the floor, a noise coming from the back of the room in direction of the private office. When Aiba turned to the source of the noise, all eyes were fixed on Jun. The new employee made his way to his desk with a clearly upset look, his hand holding tightly to his papers and his eyes emitting an aura Aiba had yet to experience from him he could only address as anger.
Jun’s papers landed loudly on his desk, refusing to take his seat. Instead his body hovered over his desk for several seconds as he took a deep breath and let it go in a heavy sigh. Some eyes looked away, returning to their previous positions on their monitor, others like Aiba still watched over him with worry.
“Matsumoto-?”
“Can we get out of here?” Jun said before Aiba could express his concern.
Aiba looked at the clock displayed by the wall. It was not yet time for a break but remembering where Jun had come out from, he was willing to risk it.
~
“I don’t get it… I don’t think I’ve ever been this mad about anything related to work. You should have seen the look on his face, hell, he didn’t even look at me in the eye to say those things! All that time he was just on his phone. And his secretary was just… standing there like an idiot not doing anything. I felt laughed at, humiliated! He wouldn’t even listen to what I said!”
“I understand, I really do, but you need to keep your voice down.” Aiba soothed Jun who paced impatiently all over the place. Luckily this time Jun had taken them to the terrace to let himself get some air. Yet Aiba worried of any little number of employees that might be wandering around.
“I’m… I’m sorry. I’m just…. I can believe him.” Jun leaned on the rails next to Aiba, taking in the air that blew against their hair.
“What exactly did the director say to you?” asked Aiba, trying to determine a possible reason.
“You mean other than “No”? … He said he couldn’t give me a day off because I was still under evaluation period. That I had to complete a full 720 something hours in less than a month to pass my trial period and be legitimately enrolled in the office. And if I missed a few days of work, it would be a major setback and I could lose my post or even worst...”
“Then… You’d be risking your job?”
“Yeah… but I asked if there were any hours for sickness to use in that period and he said they only qualified for new contracts and since my case was only a promotion, it didn’t apply. What kind of a nasty joke is that?”
“At least he is being honest. He doesn’t want you to lose your post.”
“Yeah, but at what cost?” Jun brushed back his hair with a frustrating sigh. “My mother needs this surgery now… and I need to work to pay for it. I know I shouldn’t do this but… I don’t want to let her go through this alone.”
Aiba observed the younger with great pity, knowing there was nothing he could do to help.
“At least that Sakurai could’ve offered me an option to make up for those hours. Hell, I’ll come in during the weekend if he asked me to, but he wouldn’t even…” Jun bit on his tongue, not letting his words finish. “He didn’t even care, Aiba… He didn’t even look at me as I spoke.”
“Believe it or not, he is like that with all of us.”
“I’m starting to think he doesn’t care about anything but himself. The way he treats his employees… that’s no leader. He’s just an arrogant jerk.”
“But I’m sure he listens, I mean, he could have let you lose your job if he hadn’t told you about your evaluation period until now and it would have been worse for you-”
“Aiba…” Jun called him making their glances encounter one another under the sunlight. “Why are you defending him?”
Aiba’s words died down, realizing these weren’t the words Jun wanted to hear. Still Aiba couldn’t help but think there had to be a motive beyond his answers and the anger he caused Jun. There was simply no way this would be the director’s answer. Or was it him who had started to underestimate his cold methods? At any case, Jun was right. This was no way a leader would act.
~
‘How many eyes are in the office?’
‘I’m guessing 45 - 50 times 2?’
‘At least a quarter of them have been following
me since noon.’
‘How so?’
‘I don’t know. Maybe because of this morning
and that I had to take a small break before lunch hours.’
‘I hear them talking about it too.’
‘You think so?’
‘It’s starting to bother me.’
‘I just want some coffee but I’ll feel they’ll just start
saying I’m leaving my desk more than usual today.’
‘Do you need to believe any of them?’
‘Guess not.’
‘I think I’m out of it today…’
‘Something bad happened?’
‘Not necessarily but… I don’t know.
I can’t stop thinking about some things.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘What for?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘It felt like you needed to hear it.’
‘You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Anon.’
‘Yeah… I guess.’
‘Unless there is something you want
to tell me?’
‘No. It’s nothing.’
‘Just forget I said anything.’
‘I’m just tired that’s all.’
‘Yeah, I understand…’
‘I just want to go home.’
‘You can talk with me if you’re bored.
It’ll help you get your head off things.’
‘Are you bored too
or am I distracting you?’
‘A little of both.’
‘So you’re putting off your responsibilities to
text me, that can’t be good.
You’re making me look like I’m a bad
influence on you!’
‘Indeed, you are.’
‘😧’
‘Fine then I’ll stop!’
‘Even if you stop, I can still send you messages.’
‘I know you’re reading them so this is really won’t work.’
‘Aiba…’
‘…’
‘I won’t stop until you text me back.’
‘Are you done with your
responsibilities?’
‘No, but neither are you.’
‘At least I’m done with the important ones.
I can leave the rest for tomorrow.’
‘You’re still slacking!’
‘🤐 ‘
‘I don’t want to work right now. I want to
talk to you.’
‘So I’m your excuse to procrastinate?’
‘Not procrastinate but… take a breather
from everything else.’
‘A get away.’
‘My guilty pleasure.’
‘I’m your guilty pleasure?’
‘No! I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to send that.’
‘What did you mean then?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘I have nothing…’
‘Hmm… I see. This is how it is.’
‘In that case, I might as well have
my fun too.’
‘?’
‘Just a warning. I won’t hold back with
my questions from now on.’
‘I… didn’t expect you to?’
‘Shh! Make your question.’
‘Fine.’
‘Will you play your guitar for me some time?’
‘No.’
‘Why not?’
‘Wait for your turn.’
‘Where were you born?’
‘Tokyo.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because you would laugh at me.’
‘What is your favorite food?’
‘Anything eatable.’
‘That’s too ambiguous!’
‘What if I promise not to laugh?’
‘You will! I already told you I’m not good.’
‘It’ll be just for me. Only a little.’
‘I won’t! What will you do in return,
anyway?’
‘I’ll think of something.’
‘In that case, until then, no more questions
about it!’
‘Fine! Then I’ll have to get back
to work.’
‘Fine!’
‘Fine.’
~
‘Hey… I’m sorry about last night. Something
came up.’
‘I figured.’
‘I’m still free tonight if you want to.’
‘Don’t know. I’m kind of tired.’
‘But I feel there’s stuff we need to
catch up on.’
‘I’m out in 15 minutes.’
~~~
“Aren’t you going to tell me what you’ve found so far?” Nino spoke up after his friend had remained silent since they’ve arrived to the restaurant, distracted by the floating noodles in his bowl of ramen.
Aiba looked at the younger in surprise. He had been hesitating to bring up the conversation on Anon with Nino since most of his thoughts disagreed with his actions. Yet, Aiba had nothing else in mind to share over their dinner which resulted in his silence.
“You’re oddly off today. What’s on your mind?” Ninomiya frowned at his friend whose voice was almost too heavy to project. The first thing that came out of him was a sigh. “You’re thinking about them, no?” asked Nino, not at all surprised. “What did they say today?”
“It’s not what he’s saying but… what he’s not saying. I don’t understand why he needs to hide from me.”
“He is probably a creep. Big surprise.”
“Still… he said he wanted to meet me at first, so why is he so afraid to see me in person?”
“If he is hiding, he obviously doesn’t want you to see something. The obvious guess is he’s lying to you.”
Aiba stared at Nino solidly, unable to complete the thought he had started. “Why…?”
“How should I know? Try tracing back his steps. Why do you think all of this started?”
Aiba took several seconds to recollect his mental notes and memories, all the things he had seen, said and done. They were all pilled in drawers with no name, under the labels of something unknown.
“It was just an email. He was helping me with work. It wasn’t their responsibility or anything, but they still risked it to try saving me from an uncomfortable situation with the boss.”
“Then, he knows about your job, meaning he is from your office. So, the question here would be, how would he know how to help you?”
Aiba stared silently down at his bowl. “Jun arrived around that time.”
“Matsumoto? That’s your first guess?”
“I’ve seen him on his phone quite often, although it might not mean much.”
“It never hurts, go on.”
“He just moved into the office, maybe he needs someone he can depend on.”
“But why hide when he can talk to you just fine?”
“Maybe there are things he can’t say to me in person. Maybe he needs to.”
“Even when he sits right next to you? It must be some sort of disorder for him to act like that.”
“They drink the same coffee.” Suddenly said Aiba, his thoughts coming faster than his words. “Anon and Jun, they like their coffee with milk.”
“So, you’re convinced? Even with how ridiculous that sounds?”
“I don’t know… But, even when I read his texts, it kind of sounds like his words. Like it could be him.”
“You like the idea of him being Anon?” Asked Nino, but his effort was vain, for he had lost Aiba to his reasoning.
“Then again… Ohno is so confusing. Why was he at the café that day? And what he said at the party, it made me think like I could have been wrong about everything and I was judging too fast. Lately, everything I hear turns into Anon, even when it’s not meant to. It’s as if… it is all I think of.”
“You’re obsessed with him,” said Nino between a question and a statement, but he spoke with such a small voice, the intentions in his words barely reached Aiba.
“I… I don’t think-“
“What? That thinking about him all the time to a point where everything you hear or say or see is him is not an obsession? Then, what would you call it?”
Aiba was almost taken aback by the forwardness in his questions. “I… I’m just… curious. All we do is talk, it’s nothing serious,”
“And after that? What comes after the talks? And after you tell him all about yourself? What would you do when you find him?”
“I just want to know what I can do to help,”
“Why? Has he asked for your help?”
“N-… No, but-“
“Then, what does he want? You’re giving yourself away to someone you don’t even know, and for what? He’s not even being honest with you, why are you still being baited by his lies?”
“I know he is not being completely honest about himself, but he is not a liar. He is only trying to…”
“To what? Use you? Take advantage of you?” said Nino. Aiba’s words were gone as his thoughts arrived at a dead end. “Masaki… I don’t want to be harsh on you, but… I don’t want you to get fooled by someone like this either.”
“I’m not stupid, Nino.” Said Aiba, trying to hold back the tiredness of his tone. “I want to know. And no matter what you may think, he isn’t forcing me or menacing me to talk to him. I decided to do this. For myself.”
Ninomiya looked at his friend who returned to his bowl of ramen, probably intending to finish it sooner than expected. The younger simply served himself another cup, but before shooting it down his throat, the comment escapes him.
“Why would you give him any of your time when you don’t even know if he’s real.”
Masaki stares at Nino right after the words escaped his lips. The traces of it being choked by the alcohol he shoots down his throat like a pill. But Masaki can replay it in his mind, along with the lost look his eyes avoided to show him. And, as if he hadn’t learned his lesson, Masaki’s mind is put to work again, thinking of reasons, trying to find why, trying to imagine what Nino would be thinking to make him say such a thing, eventually coming to terms that he didn’t know the answer to his mood swing. And new questions kept drawing in, pilling one after another, learning he could have been wrong all along.
“Nino…” Aiba calls him, intending to prove his thoughts wrong. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
But Ninomiya was gone and his voice refused to show itself to Masaki for the rest of their meal, easily pretending he had arrived all alone to their table and possibly intending to leave as so. This was the same attitude he would put up to not be read by Aiba, when the words were too close to his lips he knew he was better off not speaking at all. By then, Aiba had lost to Nino, but he also won something that would follow him all the way back home, even though he felt bad for suspecting on his friend.
~~~
‘You awake?’
‘Can’t sleep?’
‘No.’
‘Me neither.
‘What’s on your mind?’
‘Too much. And too late for me to care.’
‘Feeling stressed?’
‘I feel like I did so many things today and
still ended in nothing.’
‘So, you’re thinking in an existential matter?’
‘Could be.’
‘I talked to you all day, does that
still count as nothing?’
‘Do you plan to talk to me all night too?’
‘Depends on what you’re thinking.’
‘I rather listen to what you have in mind.’
‘Hm… Another round of questions?’
‘Alright then.’
‘You have trouble sleeping?’
‘I don’t know, it’s almost as if I don’t know how
to fall asleep anymore.’
‘That’s the worst. Have you looked up alternatives
for sleep?’
‘Yeah, many. Nothing quite worked. At least not like
the alcohol.’
‘I understand you perfectly.’
‘Have you also had trouble sleeping constantly?’
‘You could say so, yes.’
‘So far I’m already use to it. But mornings
are just awful.’
‘What do you think is causing it?’
‘I don’t know… maybe my place is too empty
and I don’t feel comfortable in it.’
‘And you?’
‘Every time I think of sleep it makes
it harder for me to close my eyes. I think
I’m just so drained from my work I think
it takes away my ability to sleep too.’
‘That’s quite the problem.’
‘In what ways is your place empty?’
‘Since it’s just me around, I don’t feel
completely comfortable in it. Which is weird
I thought I would have gotten used to it by now.’
‘When was the last time you invited
anyone over to your place?’
‘Are you asking relatives? Person of interest?’
‘Like girlfriend/boyfriend?’
‘Neither.’
‘Explain.’
‘Nor my relatives or any girlfriends/boyfriends, nothing.’
‘I don’t like people poking into my life.’
‘Then what kind of permission did
you grant me to poke into your life?’
‘You’re a special case.’
‘I’m special?’
‘By all means.’
‘I thought I was Anon’s distraction.
Or what did you call it…?’
‘Your guilty pleasure?’
‘Yeah… sorry.’
‘You don’t need to. I thought it was funny!’
‘You think I’m funny?’
‘I think you’re a good friend.’
‘What else do you think of me?’
‘I don’t know yet. Ask me later.’
‘Nothing comes to mind?’
‘Just a little confused.’
‘I thought I had an idea but, nothing
is for certain. It’s like I’m back to square one.’
‘But enough of that. It’s my turn and you made
far too many questions.’
‘Sorry… my bad.’
‘Oh! I thought of some good ones in the bath!
Do you like dancing? Or singing?’
‘?’
‘I thought you said good ones.’
‘Hey! 😑’
‘Your answer…?’
‘I don’t know what to think about either but
I like music, does that count?’
‘I’ll take it.’
‘Since something came out before, I was a little curious to ask…’
‘Any bad experiences with partners you would
like to share?’
‘And I do mean boyfriend/girlfriend, whichever you
prefer.’
‘Oh…’
‘?’
‘I’m sorry. I was not expecting this to
come out. I don’t know if I want to
think about it right now.’
‘Is it that bad?’
‘You wouldn’t believe it.’
‘I understand. Don’t answer it. I’m sorry
I asked.’
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘You can make another question if you
want to.’
‘No, you go ahead. I have to think of something else
before I make things awkward again.’
‘It’s fine, really.’
‘Maybe we can talk about it some other time
when I’m less tired.’
‘Only if you want to.’
‘I don’t mind.’
‘Alright... Do you work out?’
‘What?’
‘Do you go to the gym? Regularly or have any
sort of training?
‘Of course. Definitely.’
‘Really?’
‘Every minute of every day.’
‘You’re lying.’
‘I keep a lifting weight under my desk, so when I’m
stressed out, I just take a couple of hits and I’m all better.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
‘You’ve never noticed because I do it under my desk. That’s
where the real party is at.’
‘You can just ask around the office whose
the one who lifts weights around and they’ll
direct you to me.’
‘You’re not even taking my question seriously!’
‘Oh, so you weren’t kidding with that one?’
‘What are you inferring?’
‘I thought we were making an ironic round.’
‘You’re such a douche!’
‘It’s pronounced bodybuilder.’
‘😂 ’
‘And you?’
‘Oh, you think you know me, but you haven’t seen
the real Aiba Masaki yet, Anon! You’re in for a treat!’
‘Haha’
‘Thank you for today, Anon. This really means
a lot to me.’
‘What does?’
‘Well, when I first started talking to you, I was
very unsure of what you wanted, but I didn’t
feel forced to do this.’
‘It’s fun talking to you and getting to know
about you little by little. And even if you
give the impression of not having any confidence
in yourself, you’ve proven to me that you are much
more than what you think.
So, thank you.’
‘Even though you have no reason to?’
‘I think…’
‘Today, I realized I do have a reason.’
‘What’s that?’
‘I could use a good friend.’
‘Does that mean you trust me?’
‘It means I am willing to.’
‘Then… I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?’
‘Can’t I still not see you?’
‘It would be nice if we could have these talks
face to face, I mean.’
‘Aiba…’
‘Will you give me some time?’
‘For?’
‘I want to be ready.’
‘If that’s what you need, then gladly,
I will wait.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Good night.’
‘Wait! I have one last question before you go.’
‘Yeah?’
‘That night, at the party… was it you? Did you
serve my last glass before leaving?’
‘…’
‘I was almost passed out, I couldn’t see who it was,
but I had a feeling it could’ve been you.’
‘Since you promised.’
‘Am I wrong?’
‘...’
‘Please?’
‘I won’t ask again.’
‘In that case…’
‘My answer is no.’’
A/N: That's the end of Chapter 4! A lot of chats have come with this chapter and we keep learning about Anon. Jun is not left behind as he reveals a very intimate situation. But why has Jun decided to relent this on Aiba? It's starting to look like Nino has pretty harsh opinions about this whole situation but Aiba is still determined to continue his search. Thanks for reading and see you next chapter! Comments are very much appreciated~
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Enjoy this fic so far and thank you so much for sharing <3
ps : Aiba is looking really good in the banner <3
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lol he does!
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So Anon was the one who served Aiba a last drink, I was suspecting it but... it's true? And If I was right,whose eyes were watching Aiba and Ohno interaction?
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Next chapter very soon~