Plans and Secrets

"So?" Kenta raised an eyebrow to Akio. "What brings you here?"

Who is this guy? Why does he seem familiar? Akio quickly pushed the thought away with an easy smile. "I could ask you the same thing. You don't normally eat with these two either."

Kenta's jaw tightened ever so slightly. "I asked first. But if you must know, I was wondering who you were and why you were here."

Akio chuckled slightly. "I get the sense you don't like me very much, but I'll have you know I was invited to sit here, which is more than I can say for you."

Shinichi shifted slightly. "You were invited?"

"By Miyo." Akio glanced towards her.

Miyo nearly choked on her drink. I did what?

"I see." Kenta leaned back, eyes flicking between the three of them.

"Miyo was telling me about the marketing research team's new project. The one with the spa client." Akio explained. "I thought I'd join you with your work."

"Huh?" Shinichi's voice lowered. "Why?"

"It just so happens that I've been assigned to that project too." Akio continued. "Since I'm the one that'll be reviewing the final outcome, I figured I could review your drafts and give you tips."

Shinichi's brows furrowed. "Why would you do that?"

"To save us all some trouble." 

Miyo tilted her head. Huh?

"If I weigh in on your draft then we can save the hassle of reviewing and rejecting reports multiple times." Akio continued.

Kenta's jaw tightened. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Of course I do." A smile tugged at Akio's face. "But it would be nice to spend more time with Miyo." His eyes flicked briefly to Shinichi. 

With me? She glanced at Akio, catching the look in his eye. Ah. I see now. This is part of the plan.

Shinichi looked between the two of them and let out a sigh. "Look. You're in a different department and we don't need help. Miyo and I are perfectly capable of testing the products, doing the research, and writing the report." He met Akio's gaze. "Are you trying to imply we aren't capable?"

"No. Of course not." Akio waved his hand dismissively. "Think of it as quality assurance. And if it gives me an excuse to stop by more often... Well then I can't complain. It's a win for everyone."

Shinichi's eyes narrowed. "Seems like it's just a win for you."

Akio's foot subtly nudged Miyo's under the table. 

She startled. "Huh? Oh. Uh... I-I would appreciate the extra assistance since it's such a big project." 

Shinichi blinked. "You would?"

"I-I mean if he's not busy and offering, then what's the harm?"

Akio smirked. "See. Even Miyo agrees."

"Well, if he's joining, then I will too." Kenta chimed in.

Shinichi slowly turned to Kenta. "Kenta... What are you-"

Akio raised an eyebrow. "Isn't your focus on the client, not product testing or the report?"

"If you get to join under the guise of 'quality assurance', then so should I. Don't you think it makes sense that I understand the report and planning better to communicate with the client?" Kenta mocked.

Akio's jaw tightened. He got me there. He forced a smile. "Well, then if we're going to work on this project together. I suggest we all test the products together."

"T-Together?" Miyo glanced at Akio. "I usually do the product testing myself."

"It would be easier to write the report... and communicate with the client if we're all aware of the products." Akio met Miyo's gaze. "How about we test them at your house?"

"M-My house?" She fidgeted with her fingers. My first time having people over... This is not how I expected it. But... Shinichi will be there.

Shinichi's voice tightened. "You can't just invite yourself over to her house." 

Kenta glanced over at Shinichi, not understanding his reactions.

Akio leaned slightly closer to Miyo, his gaze holding hers. "Would you be okay with it?"

She could feel warmth behind her cheeks. "Y-Yeah. It's okay with me."

"Miyo, you don't have to agree. Don't let someone pressure you. " Shinichi's tone was firmer than usual.

Miyo noticed how genuine Shinichi's eyes looked. "N-No. It's okay. I don't feel pressured."

Akio smirked subtly. I guess he does have feelings for her after all.

-

After a lunchtime full of awkwardness and tension, Miyo and Akio found themselves on the balcony.

Akio leaned on the banister, taking in the view. "Are you really okay with having us all over at your house? I didn't mean to back you into a corner like that." 

"I've never had people over before, but it's something I've always wanted to do." Miyo let out a breath that might've been a laugh. "Not exactly what I envisioned but maybe this will be good for me to get used to people."

He glanced at her. "You worry about being good with people?"

"I've never been very good with people. I don't have any friends besides Shinichi. I've spent a long time trying to fit in, but it never seemed to help." Her eyes lowered. "Sometimes I wonder if something's wrong with me..."

Akio's gaze softened. "There's nothing wrong with you. You're a lot easier and more fun to be around than you think. People just haven't seen it yet."

Miyo felt her cheeks warm slightly. She wasn't sure if it was from the compliment, the close proximity, or the act of talking to someone who seemed to understand.

"But like Shinichi said." Akio continued. "Don't let anyone pressure you. Not Shinichi. Not me. You deserve more than that and so do the people who want to be close to you."

"So do the people who want to be close to me?"

"I don't know about you, but I much rather know the real version of someone than the version they make to fit in."

Miyo felt a warmth spread through her chest, a small smile tugging at her lips. Is this what it feels like to make friends...?

Akio let out a dramatic sigh. "But seriously. What is that Kenta guy's problem? Him butting in ruins our plans."

-

"What is that Akio guy's deal?" Kenta groaned. "Who does he think he is?"

Shinichi grabbed two mugs from the break room's cabinet. "Something about him doesn't sit right with me."

Kenta crossed his arms. "You seemed awfully interested in him."

Shinichi chuckled. "It's not like that. I just worry for Miyo."

"They seem... close." Kenta grabbed the coffee supplies.

"Do you think he's interested in her?" He handed Kenta the mugs.

Kenta glanced at him. "Why would it matter if he was?"

"Miyo is a sweet girl. She deserves someone kind, someone that will treat her well. Not sure I can stand by and watch this guy get so close to her."

Kenta frowned slightly. "I don't think you should get involved." He stirred the coffee. "Actually... I rather you don't get involved personally."

Shinichi closed the space between them. "I understand your concern, but I assure you there's nothing to worry about."

"You know I trust you." Kenta's voice lowered. "I just don't want our secret getting out and causing us trouble at work."

Shinichi's hand lightly brushed Kenta's, brief but deliberate. "I know. Don't worry. You know I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize us."

Kenta's expression finally softened, meeting Shinichi's sincere gaze. "If you really feel like you need to step in then I won't stop you. I know how she is a good friend to you."

"I just don't want her getting hurt."

Kenta handed Shinichi the cup of freshly made coffee. "I know you will be, but just... be careful."

Shinichi took the cup with a smile. "I will."