Transfer (2)

This night, on request from Seiko, I went to master’s bar. Hopefully this visit would help clear my mind and dispel the doubt that remained and shrouded it. I asked myself why she couldn’t take me with her, but guessed our shifts didn’t align today. …Which turned out not to be the reason. Upon entering, I didn’t only see Seiko, but also my sister sitting at the counter. Master beckoned me over, making me take a seat between those two. The other patrons at the bar were regulars, not not heeding us any mind.

“Hello dear customer, what may I serve you.” I knew she behaved like this towards customers. Heck, I did too. But I knew her for a while, so being treated like this caught me of guard.
And someone else noticed. “What’s with that face? Be happy! You are greeted by a beautiful woman, and surrounded by two more. Which guy wouldn’t be happy in your position?”
“…Seiko, how much did you drink until now?” I felt a headache coming up.
“C’mon, don’t be like that. Kayo, support me there. Misato, give him a drink already.”
Sis smiled wryly. “Excuse her, she was actually nervous about the talk today.”
While Master did so with apologetic intent. “Also, I can only serve you non-alcoholic drinks.”
“Because I have to drive them home?” Master gave a knowing nod. “Then, give me an iced tea.” ‘Could at least look the part.’ I ignored Seiko’s comments as she dragged on my arm and nudged me while my drink was being prepared. Once it was handed it me, I had a moment of respite as I took a big gulp of it. This cleared my head a bit and restored my focus, meaning it was now time to turn to the drunkard to my right. “So, I am here as you requested.”

“Ugh.” She avoided eye contact. But I didn’t let up, and kept my stare. It took a while, but she faltered. Turning to me, she started to speak, as if confessing. “Sorry.”
“… Wait, that’s it?”
“Well, I feel like I had to apologize. And I forgot what I wanted to talk about.” She really looked out of it.
“And that is why I am here.” Sis, to my left, spoke up to help her friend out. “I knew it would turn out somewhat like that.”
This caused an outburst. “You did? Then why did I have to beg you to accompany me?”
“Because you deserved to put on a shameful display of sobbing and begging.” Her voice turned cool. Seiko, who would normally fire back, instead slumped together, head sideways onto the counter. To avoid having to look at us, she looked away.

Having given up on Seiko, Sis decided to take things into her own hands, and completely took charge of the conversation. “You see, this transfer was something initiated by Seiko. She did so without informing you, and, in fact, was something that was planned from the time she had offered to take you into the security job.”
Now that was a shock. Not only that it was such a long term plan, but even more the fact that Seiko, that Seiko, chaotic and disorganized, was able to put something for so long into plan and action. Too shocking to be true, in fact. So, I turned to the two people other than the actual perpetrator, and gauged them.
A few seconds later, master gave small laugh, and with a grin, explained.
“Well, as you probably guessed, it was not Seiko on her own. The three of us had come to this conclusion together and worked on it.”
“Could you explain some more?”
The two exchanged glances, before turning their heads back to me.

“Well, of course we discussed it together.”
“You may not know it, but Kayoko often came here when you were younger and she took care of you.” “Wai-, Sto-” But her pleas went on deaf ears. “Whenever she couldn’t figure out how to solve a problem or approach it, she called the two of us into a meeting.” Master giggled at the memories, while Sis was turning red.
‘That would explain why they were so comfortable with being around me, even when we first met. They had already heard more than enough about me.’ To be fair, I was a bit embarrassed at the thought too.
And someone else had reached her boiling point. “Stop it! That is besides the point!”
“Well, you are right.” Master eased off of her, and continued. “So, the three of us planned it together. Although, it hadn’t been us entirely. We put it together, and had Seiko approach your boss. According to her, it went off very well. Weirdly so. And with what she told us about today, …”
“We know he had planned the same thing from the start.” ‘Although now that I have the complete picture, I don’t think it had been the case. Sure, his intuition might have told him the same thing, but hearing Seiko tell it probably made him draft up the finished idea.’

That explained how it had happened on the work side, however, not their part. And notably, there was one thing missing.
“But, why?”
I knew they cared about me, but there had to be a specific thing that led to this decision
Sis answered first. “Well, for one, we didn’t want you to come into the criminal world.”
“You have told me that many times before.” So much so it had started to resemble a mantra.
Master picked up from there. “I am sure she did. But what she hadn’t said was that you have a talent for it.”
‘Now that was news.’ “Really?”
“Yes. You are strong, can intimidate people, are loyal, can think quickly when needed. All good qualities to get a high rank in a family. Just take a look at Kayoko. She embodies all of that like you, with the added bonus of being able to joke around with the people around her.”
Being reminded of it, her face turned dark. “That is what made me afraid. You would fit right in. And the people would welcome you. So, putting you in a job far away from this was a priority for us.”

I didn’t want to see her grimacing like this. “Yes. By now, I understand that you wanted this for me, and it has become obvious, and you wished the best for me. So, don’t worry about that anymore.” My previous ideas of joining a family were at best part of a rebellious phase, and at worst active delusions. Despite that, it had been an actual option that I could have taken, that might have spelled a very different future for me.
“Thank you.” She patted me on the shoulder.
“But, that was still a bit risky to us.” Master continued. Now, she leaned against the cabinet, arms crossed before her. Closing her eyes to focus on storytelling. “Working in a security job still carries some risk with it. Not only the physical aspect, but in regards to the people around you.”
Sis chipped in. “Essentially, we worried that someone might put your connection to us against you.”
“And it might be cause to concern to people that you worked for. With Seiko vouching for you, they might not look that hard into your privacy. But you can be sure that they do some looking around. If they are smart, which is something I hope, they look into the past of the candidate they wish to hire.”

Which made me remember a question I had for some time: ‘How did Seiko manage to get in then?’ But that wasn’t part of the current conversation, and probably best left to another date.
“So, instead we thought of a frame where it wouldn't matter as much. And thus, we had the idea of a personal assistant. Though, it came more at random one night, during drinks.”
“But it fits you. We know your talents. You can take care of a household, and assist a person as we see from your sister. And I can personally vouch for your cooking capabilities and hygiene, extending to cleaning. You can get emotionally invested enough to really want to assist them in their position, see them succeed, and can follow through on demands. I haven't seen you do paperwork, but I imagine you should do at least a decent job. Furthermore, your genuine support should show them you are on their side, and not still connected to some other people”
“And, it seems like our assessment was true.” Sis nodded satisfactory. “As even a person that knows about the requirements better than us has agreed, essentially making it official.”
“Although, to make use of her contacts and the goodwill around her, a condition was added that you first work in security, even if they knew some of the potential risks. To get to know and evaluate you, making sure you weren’t to close to a key person, and to have you under watch.”

Then followed a moment of silence, where no one spoke. Probably to give me a few moments to let the information settle in.
Still, there was always a need for someone to continue the conversation. “So, what do you think now?” Master asked, trying to add a mocking tone to her voice. “Are you angry at us, for hiding all of this? Disappointed? Maybe even feeling betrayed?”
It was self deprecation, I could tell. Sis’s concerned face just added to it. Also Seiko, who had said nothing and just listened in, was gazing up at me expectantly. Whatever I would say now, would surely have a huge effect. Therefore, I waited a moment, and properly organized my thoughts in a way that conveyed what I wanted to say, making sure to select my words carefully.
“No, none of that. In fact, I have to say, I am happy.” Relief spread through the three people. “You thought up that much for my sake, wanting to ensure I live a good life. How could I ever feel angry, disappointed or betrayed by that? It just goes to show how much you care.”

Smiles were now around me. ‘That’s right, in that regard, they are the same. As they have watched over me, it had always felt a bit like I had three sisters. Or one sister and two close aunts, though I may never say that out aloud. They care about me, and probably more than I could have imagined a few years ago.’

Caring about others. Yes, that is what it was about.
Finally, with that thought, my mind became clear. The new job offered to me would essentially allow me to care for someone. While I didn’t know much about Hanekawa, I didn't hate her, that was certain. And knowing she would be cared for, let me feel easier.
And it would not be just her: I seriously doubted she would ever fight with the idols. And if we came to visit them from time to time, I could continue watching after them. I do not know when it happened that I became attached to them. Maybe it was watching them pour blood, sweat and tears into their work of becoming better. Maybe it was the effect idols are supposed to have on people. I didn't know, and I didn't need to. And it wouldn't end there. The manager I didn’t know would be relieved of some work, lightening their load and having it easier.
Not to mention the people around me right now. Having a stable position like that would surely set their minds at ease.
With just this talk, this one thought, a revelation, the decision became easy for me. And hey, if it didn't work out, at least I would have tried the position in earnest.

“Well, maybe you are right. I will try out the position, and see how it goes. And when I say try out, I mean do my best, so rest assured.”
Now they were smiling. Sis was content, that the plan had worked out, and no bad blood happened. Master smirked knowingly, as if she had known everything would play out this way. And Seiko… well, she had stopped mopping around. Now, she was facing me, asking hopefully “Is it really okay?”
“Yes, so now-” I couldn't finish my reply. Seiko had thrown herself against me, clinging to me in a hug, sobbing and crying.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” It was apparent how much it had weighed on her mind. And I needed to correct my evaluation of her. Despite all this mental trouble it had given her, she didn't show an ounce of it at the meeting with boss today. But, that concern was not of the present. That was occupied by other worries.
“Just how much did you have to drink until now?”
“A lot.” Master answered in her stead.
“And specifically?”
“A whole lot.” Sis replied.
From their answers, I was able to predict how the rest of the evening would play out: me enduring the onslaught of Seiko’s emotional outburst. And it turned out I had been correct.

In between, I had managed conversation with the others when I was not comforting her. Finally with a cleared head, I could put my previously unknown worries into words.
“I guess, I had just been worried I wouldn’t be able to properly fulfill my duties.”
Yes, that’s right. Being a personal assistant meant you were at least in part responsible for a person’s life, their success and wellbeing. I hadn’t been sure if I were able to take in such responsibilities.
However, my finally formulated worries were quickly refuted. “That’s bullshit. You really took good care of me all those years we lived together.” Looking over to her comrade, Sis added. “Not to mention the times you had nursed Seiko’s hangovers.”
“Not to mention how even others less close to you felt. Our customers always had a good impression of you, even if you weren’t out that much. You are serious, and act responsible, taking care of the people around you.” Master recounted the impressions given to her. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t have thought of this.”
What had felt like challenge to me, was quickly debunked by the people around me. Had my own self-perception really been that bad? From their impressions, it seemed to be that way.
Though it also gave rise to another observation. “Wait. Has that been what was worrying you? Come here, you!” I got pulled into a rough hug-slash-headlock, and was roughhoused a bit before being released. Despite all that play, afterwards, Sis said in an incredibly kind tone. “If there is anything ever worrying you, you can talk to us. We are there for you.”
“I mean, he should have known that by now…”
“Seriously.”

In a certain sense, I was the younger brother for all of them, and they all cared about me like family. Which was nice. And I cared for them too. But at times, it turned excessive.
Still, we enjoyed ourselves, to the extend possible.
And the thing I took from this was that, now, with a clearer head, I could continue striving towards tomorrow.

***

And tomorrow came. The next day, I went to see the boss. Without much fuss, I was directly led into his office.
“Already came to a decision?” He kept it short, so I replied in turn.
“Yes. I’d like to try out working as a PA.”
“I thought so." In response to his statement, I was handed additional papers. “We have already done some arrangements. You will have a new designated post. While not an entirely new contract, this amendment to your existing one lists all details of the change. It contains the work we require you to do, and has added clauses for your NDA, among other things. Furthermore, we have prepared a new apartment for you, that is closer to the person you will be working with. As you are already living in one of the apartments offered by the company, it is within our right to transfer you as needed, so the paperwork essentially does itself. A moving truck will be picking up your things the end of the week, although I think there wont be that much, as furniture is provided by us. Aside from that, read through the files, and come back if you have any questions or objections regarding it. If none, just return them signed.”
…Something didn’t add up. "Please wait a moment. Did you prepare all this just in case I would accept?”
Boss shook his head. “No, I knew you would accept the transfer.
“But, how did you know?”
“Boy, how many years do you think I work here?” He stood in front of me, now showing a wide, toothy smile. “I know my employees.”

And so, thanks to the incredible foresight of the boss, my transfer was already well underway, before I had even agreed to it.

And just like this, as short chapter of my life would come to a close, the next one would begin right away.