New Year Plans

It was the last day of work before year end when Anita called everyone to the breakroom at the end of the workday.

"I think we should have a team-building meetup," she suggested, much to everyone's confusion.

"We've had Ramona and Miles join us this year. And we should make an effort to do more team bonding outside the workplace."

"I'm good," said Cyrus, starting to head out.

"But you haven't even heard my idea yet."

"I see enough of you guys during work, and I don't need to see you on my day off." And with that, he left, everyone wondering when he sees them in person, considering he was always in his closet.

"Um, well," started Anita, less optimistic than before.

"I think it's a good idea," added Shasta, while Anita was lighting up.

"Really?" Shasta looked away, embarrassed by how close she was getting.

"Yeah, it wouldn't hurt to see everyone one day out of break, right?"

He looked to the others. Sierra and Oliver were smiling in scheming anticipation. Ramona smiled while Miles looked enthusiastic about joining.

"So, where did you have in mind, Anita?" asked Miles?

"I was thinking we could visit the shrine together on New Year's morning."

"Oh," whispered Ramona, as everyone turned to look at her.

"I usually go with my parents a couple of days after New Year's because of the crowds."

"You sure you and your family couldn't join?" asked Miles, looking a little sad.

Ramona fiddled with the pendant on her necklace as her cheeks turned pink.

"I can ask."

"Great." Miles smiled wider. Ramona looked away as she continued to fiddle with the necklace.

"Can everyone else go," asked Anita, looking to everyone else. Everyone agreed in various ways.

"Alright, so we'll meet at the nearby shrine at 9:45." Everyone nodded, Shasta was pulling out his phone to mark in his calendar.

"What do we do about Cyrus then?" asked Sierra.

"I can text him to let him know. Oh Miles, what about your sister?" asked Anita.

"I don't know what her plans are. She's been in and out of the house on a whim, so I should be fine. Plus, she has been sleeping in late." Miles got quieter as he thought more about his last statement.

"What is it?" asked Oliver.

"Leigha never use to sleep late. It's weird now that I think about it."

"You can bring her," offered Sierra with a mischievous grin. Miles' smiling face turned into a scowl as he looked down at Sierra, matching Shasta's intimidating glare.

"I'd rather not."

"Alright, so everyone, we'll meet under the arch at 9:45 for team bonding." Anita clapped, dismissing everyone from the room.

"This should be fun," mentioned Sierra as everyone walked out, leaving her and Oliver.

"We will have two couples, while we are the single exceptions?"

"Yes and no; they aren't couples yet."

"You have fun with that. I'll be there for the cheap food and art inspiration."

Sierra shrugged, wrapping her scarf around her neck before heading towards the door.

"Plus, there might be music," added Oliver.

"Traditional songs, though."

"What's to say your song isn't a traditional song?"

Sierra's eyes went wide in realization.

"I need to look into some traditional instruments on my vacation!" She dashed off into the night, leaving Oliver to lock up. Now for a few days of uninterrupted art after he caught up on his sleep.