Chapter One: Small Heartbeat

Maybe i should fake my own death and run off to the countryside.

A simple thought.

A recurring one.

But an old promise held him back.

“Okabe-san, you’re exactly who i was looking for!”

His boss hurried toward him, brimming with enthusiasm.

Too much enthusiasm.

Definitely not a good sign.

“ A major corporation has requested our support. I want you to handle this important project.”

Somone start laughing from nearby desks.

“At ten am. At the Aoyama group headquarters.”

Of curse.

The risky project goes to the least-liked coworker.

“ I understend” Kei replied evenly.

He took the documents and walked past the rows of desks.

“ Only the best can fix the mistakes of the incompetent.”

A few people stopped laughing.

With a faint smirk, Kei walked out.

Destination: Aoyama Group.

…

Kei arrived ten minutes early.

The conference room door opened.

Expensive watch. Impeccable suit. Unmistakable air of superiority.

Aoyama Sora – Vice president of the group and, of course, the CEO’s son.

His reputation preceded him.

“S-Sorry i’m late! I got off on the wrong floor!”

A girl rushed in, nearly tripping at the entrance.

“ Hana-chan. As beautiful as ever!” Sora chimed in, taking her hand.

Great start.

The meeting began.

The mega-corporation’s delegation wa clear:

They wanted a streaming service capable of competing with the American and European markets.

Three companies.

Three weeks.

One proposal.

Finding the One Piece might’ve been easier.

Kei, bored, lifted his gaze.

Hana was listening attentively.

Sora kept jumping in before the questions were even finished.

As expected from someone at his level.

And Kei remembered.

Kobayashi Hana.

They had attended the same High School, before he transferred away. They’d talked a few times.

The meeting dragged on until lunch.

Sora stood first, shaking hands with the delegation and escorting them to the elevator.

Kei walked over to Hana.

Being rude wouldn’t help, especially now that they’d be working together.

“Kobayashi-san. I didn’t expect to see you again.”

He held out his hand.

Hana finished placing her documents into her brifcase and looked up.

“OH. Okabe. It’s been a while. You look weel. I’m glad.”

Cold like an iceberg.

He didn’t remember her being this serious.

She used to stay up late watching movies.

Sometimes they’d talk about them the next day.

She’d been bright. A little clumsy.

For a split second , a faint smile touched her lips.

She didn’t seem nearly as cold with Sora.

Was there something going on between them?

“Well then! We have three weeks to create a masterpiece!”

Aoyama burst back into the room, full of energy.

“The Aoyama Group is at your disposal. I’ll have security passes issued so you can move freely during our meeting.”

The project leader had been choosen.

“ For today, let’s call it here and grab lunch together.”

“I’ll pass. I have work to take care of back at the office” Kei replied.

“ oh Unfortunate” Sora said, not sounding disappointed in the slightest.” Guess it’ll just be you and me, Hana- chan.”

As she walked toward Sora, Hana glanced back at Kei for just a moment.

The two of them left the room.

Just another project.

Stay detached.

Three weeks.

They were going to be long.