Good Success, Good Parties, Good Conversation

After dozens of hours panicking, rushing around, and nearly tearing hair out from all the stress, the deadline passed with a successful issue ready to publish. With the rising age of the internet and the decline of print, they were one of the few fashion magazine companies left that released issues monthly. It had more to do with maintaining the interest of their loyal subscribers than anything else, but they had managed to keep a steady flow in both single and digital sales as well. Fashion with Passion was normally floating around the top five fashion magazines in the country, which was impressive given its over thirty-year run.

Good news followed shortly after, reaching Alex's ears through discussion beyond desk walls. To celebrate sales going up and a job well done, her department decided they were going to have a little party. With permission, of course, as well as being after hours. Alex hadn't had an opportunity to socialize much since starting her new job, so she couldn't wait. Plus, if a few certain people dropped in on the party, she could see about rubbing some elbows to push towards that promotion.

Then again, that was most people's reason to even attend one of these social events. Office party today, red carpet tomorrow. That's how networking was supposed to work, or at least that's what they teach you.

To her surprise, they had a room for these kinds of occasions. It was a ballroom with half the room cut off, likely all they could get for permission since this wasn't for a holiday, yet the remaining size was more than enough to accommodate everyone. They had plenty of food and drink out for everyone on nicely clothed tables, and Alex was quick to help herself to the little finger food. Despite being basic, something about cheese and crackers always tasted better at parties.

As she nibbled at her plate, she scanned the crowd of people who had already settled into their own groups. There were certainly some unfamiliar faces at the event, many of them standing out as being the most beautiful people in the room. Makeup radiant and applied evenly, gorgeous outfits on point with the latest trends, and expensive accessories flaunting status without seeming overdressed. The fact that these people could pull off being both casual and extraordinary was a feat that Alex admired, yet she had to make sure she didn't stare for too long. A judging stare or small sneer sent the message that she shouldn't bother them. They were too busy chattering with people they considered to be important and worthwhile, not some young assistant who just started here.

Nami couldn't come due to an issue at home, leaving Alex alone to fend for herself. Just as she was starting to reconsider her life choices, she spotted someone she recognized not too far away. He had been talking with all of the beautiful people earlier, models he knew if she had to guess, yet now he was also by himself. Mr. Hironori looked like a chaperone at prom with how he was watching over the crowd, leaning back against the wall with a stern face and his arms crossed. Well if nothing else, she could score some brownie points with the editor-in-chief. Trading her plate for some water, she tried to smoothly scoot her way over there without trying to make it look like she was approaching him directly.

"Oh, hey!" Alex said, feigning surprise. "It's good to see you, Mr. Hironori. I'm glad you came to the party."

"Of course I would come," he said, briefly giving her a glance. "It was my idea after all."

Alex quirked an eyebrow, confused. "Really? I thought it was one of the heads."

"They simply gave the approval."

"Huh..." Alex shifted her gaze down and sipped her water to bide time while she thought of what to say next. "So... do you like parties then?"

Mr. Hironori gazed out towards the crowd and shook his head. "No, not particularly."

"Then why have one? I mean... we've dealt with deadlines before. And it's not like we hit a new record or anything."

"It's good for morale to do it once in a while. It puts people in a positive mindset if they work in an equally positive environment. The constant pressure could have a negative effect after some time if left unchecked."

Alex smiled, impressed by how considerate he was. "Well even if it's not special, I think it's nice."

"Thank you."

They stood next to each other in silence for an unknown amount of time. However, it didn't feel as weird as Alex would've thought. Maybe it was because she had interacted with him a few times already, so she was beginning to get comfortable around him. That should be a step in the right direction, but what direction did she want to go in exactly? The same one that lumped her in with the models? That would be a losing fight.

Eventually, she decided to resume with what was on her mind. It hadn't failed with him before, so why stop now?

"I knew we had a lot of models, but I didn't think they would come," she said.

Mr. Hironori didn't bother looking at her this time when responding. "They're nice people who like to interact outside of work."

"Right..." Alex wasn't sure what to make of that. "I can't see myself talking with them though. Not because of anything wrong with them! They're just way out of my league."

"How so?"

Alex's hands idly fiddled with her drink. "Well... they've got a lot more going on, you know? I never know what to say to people like that."

"I don't either."

Alex turned her head to look at him. "Really?"

He finally broke his focus on the crowd to look back at her, his expression softer than usual. "Really."

Feeling her cheeks heating up from suddenly having his full attention, Alex went straight back to sipping her water, which had run empty quite some time ago. "Ah, I see! Good to know I'm not the only one! Haha! Shows how big they are. So what's your trick?"

"I follow along with what they say," Mr. Hironori answered, his calm eyes still on her despite her reaction. "Their gestures, expressions, things of that sort. I try to stay focused on the conversation and be engaged as much as possible. Repeating what they say can help sometimes."

"That sounds like work!" Alex blurted out loud, then quickly tried to backpedal. "I mean... you sure are mindful! I bet they appreciate it."

His head lowered, and Alex began to worry she might've offended him. "Yes, it can be a lot of work. Much like everything else. I'm always working, even when I'm at home."

Now she found herself worrying for another reason, moving to face him completely. "Don't you get tired after a while?"

"I do," he said while moving to do the same, lowering his arms in the process. "But it's important that I maintain appearances. People have expectations after all, and I can't afford to disappoint them."

"I know exactly what you mean," Alex said as she bashfully rubbed the back of her neck. "We all have something to hide because we're afraid of what will happen if people find out. So we gotta just... fake it 'til we make it."

"Hm... yes." He paused to think more about what she said. "I suppose that's one way of putting it."

Alex initially thought she was being the odd one for comparing her troubles to his, yet she might have been on to something. However, before she could pursue this further, another group of people began to approach with the clear intent of talking with Mr. Hironori. She panicked, their innocent laughter filling her with dread at the mere thought of a possible misunderstanding. She can't make her boss look bad!

"Okay, great!" she said as she started backing away. "Thanks for your time, sir! I'll see you on Monday!"

Before he had a chance to reply, Alex had darted out towards the exit and out of the ballroom. Once outside, she placed a hand on her chest as she took deep breaths, trying to ease her anxious heart now that she was out of there. She'd had enough excitement and partying for one day. It was time to go home. On her way there, her anxiety was soon replaced with glee as she thought back to her conversation with Mr. Hironori. For the briefest of moments, it felt like they had a connection. Part of her wished they could've continued, yet another part of her was eager to see what he could say next time they spoke. Would it be the same? Would it be business as usual? Most likely the latter, knowing him, but who knows! The possibilities were endless!

She was so giddy she ignored everything else around her as she returned to her apartment, including her confused roommate who noticed she was giggling to herself. The giggling lasted until she finally went to bed, hugging her pillow as she begged her eyes to close so it could be tomorrow already. Maybe she'll have a fun dream too while she's at it. Nothing too spicy, she hoped! It was too soon for that!

Overall, today was a good day. The first of many to come.