It had been decided, before their daughter was born, that would become a stay at home mother. It wasn’t a problem her husband had a well paying job and he was good at it. Both and Genichirou preferred it this way, no stranger would be watching over their daughter as she grew. No, this was the perfect option; everything was going to be perfect.
Their perfect world came crashing down, as held her confused three year old. ‘No…no…no it’s a lie…please…’ Sitting in the hospital waiting room she tried to process what she’d be just told. Holding Misao tighter she could no longer hold the tears back. “Gen…”
Let Me Wait
‘Cause I’m willing to unless you tell me not too…
For a year after her husbands death jumped from job to job. Trying to pay the bills for the house that they had lived in. Finally landing a job as a secretary for some company, it paid decent and the hours worked. She had to be able to be there for Misao. Misao was all she had left. stood outside of her, and her deceased husbands, dream home. There was only one downfall of taking this job and that was she had to move. Leaving the house that they had searched high and low for. She knew it was for the better any way; the bills were too much for only her. That logical thought didn’t help the hole that grew bigger in her heart. Turning away from the now empty house smiled at her daughter in her car seat. ‘I’m sorry Gen…’
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pulled into a parking spot near work. She checked herself in her rearview mirror. Her normally light brown messily thrown up hair was flat and brushing her shoulders. She was dressed in her best office outfit and her light brown eyes glittered with fake happiness behind her glasses. She had been here about a month and still hadn’t met her boss. It wasn’t really odd, she had to be put through tedious training, seemed her boss didn’t like mistakes. Well, yesterday her trainer told her to be ready to meet her boss today. And while she was nervous, it was more for the fact that she couldn’t afford to lose this job. Sure, she had a side job as a waitress at a restaurant in the evening but that would never hold down her finances. Taking a deep breath she exited her car and made her way to her office. She had to impress him and she had to keep this job.
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“Yukimura-san, your new secretary is here to meet you.”
“Oh, yes.” The rather young CEO looked up from his desk, smiling. “Send -san in.”
The announcer nodded and went to fetch the young lady. “-san…” No answer. He walked up to the sitting woman. “-san, he‘ll see you.”
jumped. No one had called her that in so long. Even her trainer had called her . Everyone always use to call her Sanada. Smiling she stood and entered her bosses office.
“Good morning, Yukimura-san.” tilted her head in confusion, he looked familiar.
“…” Seiichi muttered. He was in slight shock, though he didn’t show it. Yukimura and Sanada might not have been as close as they were in Junior high but he knew who his wife was. He had been to their wedding, been called on the birth of their child, and sadly attended his old friends wake.
looked at her boss oddly; he had a weird look on his face. It was making her slightly uncomfortable. “Yukimura-san?”
Seiichi snapped out of his thoughts. “You don’t remember me do you?” By the look on her face, the answer was no. “I was friends with Genichirou.” He watched as visible flinched at the mention of her deceased husband’s name. He felt no need to mention that they met at the funeral; she was rather out of it then. He sat back and ran his long thin fingers through his hair. Professionally this didn’t really change anything, but personally it might be difficult for her. A few of Sanada’s old friends came by here, for work and personal visits.
went into a slight panic. Her boss looked as if he was debating firing her. Was it because of Sanada? “Don’t fire me…” She whispered as she looked down. She really didn’t want pity, nor did she want to lose this job. She looked up, desperation in her eyes. “Not if it’s because of Gen…”
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ran into the kitchen of the restaurant that she worked at.
“, you’re late!” Her manager yelled from the back.
“I know I know! I’m sorry.” She quickly put on her hip apron and pulled her hair back into a messy bun. “The babysitter was caught in traffic.”
Sighing her manager nodded and patted her shoulder. “Okay, go on and get to work.” He was about to leave when he remembered something important. “Oh! There is a business party in the back, go help out there.”
“!” Another young pretty waitress pulled her aside. “Take these drinks to the back for me. You’re to help me with the business luncheon right?”
The woman nodded before taking her tray and piling the cups and mugs on it. “Sure thing Saya.”
weaved her way through the crowed restaurant. She opened the door to the back room and smiled. “Sorry to keep you all waiting.” She proceeded to list off the drinks and placing them in front of the person who ordered it. There was one drink left and one empty seat… put one and one together and you always get two. She placed the drink there and left the room. Only to find out that Saya no longer needed her help. So went about her normal duties.
Yukimura walked back from the bathroom and into the back room. He nodded to his partners and took a seat in the empty chair, picking his drink up and taking a sip before they continued their luncheon/meeting.
Hours past as scrambled around the restaurant in haste, making sure the customers were happy. She refilled a few empty drinks and was making her way to return them to the table when she turned and collided with another body. The contents of the glasses jumping and splashing all over the mans suit.
“I’m so sorry…” She set the glasses down and began to try to dry the suit with her dry rag. “I…” She couldn’t think of that to do or say.
“-san…?”
She looked up seeing the face of her boss. “Yukimura-sama?” Before she could say anymore the head waitress came up to the two and began to apologize profusely to the man. was lightly pushed aside and relocated to the kitchens while the head woman handled the problem.
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When her shift ended changed and grabbed her things from her locker. She was thankful that Yukimura didn’t seem to upset about his probably ruined suit jacket. At least that’s what her friend had told her, along with a lecture about being more careful.
She pulled her hair up and waved to the remaining waitresses before leaving the restaurant.
“-san?” She nearly jumped out of her skin at the low smooth voice. She whipped around to it, sighing in relief.
“Yukimura-san…” She quickly bit her lips. “I’m sorry about your jacket, I can pay…”
He shook his head and took a step towards her. “That’s not it; I wanted to talk to you about this job.”
Then it hit her. Was he angry that she had another job? Maybe he thought she wouldn’t give 100% as his secretary! “Oh! I didn’t know we weren’t supposed to have other jobs. I can assure you it won’t affect my performance as your secretary, Yukimura-san!”
His eyes softened as he took in her slight panic. “That’s not exactly what I…”
“I promise, it won’t.” She said looking down at the sidewalk.
Nodding he smiled slightly at her. “I understand, how about a ride home then? I will need you at your best, bright and early tomorrow.”
beamed and nodded, “Thank you, sir!”
Escorting her to the car he chuckled lightly, “Seiichi is fine outside of work, -san.”
She climbed into his car, “only if you call me .” He nodded and the two drove off.
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True to her word, never neglected her work while she was assisting him. Sometimes though, he would find himself watching her. Wondering, why she worked two jobs, how her daughter was, how she could always smile so easily? After about a month of having her run around for him, doing what secretaries are suppose to do, he decided. He was finally going to ask her some of the questions that plagued his mind.
“-san…” He gently called her into his office. She stood, putting her work load down and followed him. He gestured for her to have a seat, and she complied. He took a seat behind his own desk and studied her briefly. When he didn’t say anything looked on nervously.
“Yes, Yukimura-san?”
He looked up at her one last time before he sighed. Forget it. “I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work.” He smiled gently, yes he was chickening out. “You have been a great add to our company and I just wanted to personally thank you for all of the work you have been doing this past month.”
seemed a little surprised by his words but ended up smiling softly when he finished. “Thank you…”
He scolded himself, why couldn’t he just ask her? ‘You’re her boss! You honestly have no right to ask her personal questions.’ He nodded and excused her as she stood and went back to work.
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It was Saturday afternoon and was happy she was able to leave the restaurant earlier than expected. That meant she could get home faster and spend some much need quality time with her little girl. As she hurried through the herd of people to get to the bus she felt someone grab her arm. Turning ready to swing at whoever had grabbed her she stopped when she saw the owner of the hand.
“Seiichi-san?” He smiled at her and looked a little out a breath. “What are you doing here?”
He smiled at her as he debated on his answer. How could he tell her he’d come to offer her a ride after her shift? That he had entered her other place of work, only to find she had left moments earlier. Then proceeded to run after her to stop her. No that was just stalker-ish! “I was out and I saw you rushing by. I thought there was something wrong. I hope it’s nothing serious.” He mentally rolled his eyes at himself. ‘Great one, idiot.’
seemed to except this answer though. “Oh, no nothings wrong. I got off work earlier and I was rushing home to spend time with Misao.” She stepped out as some other people rushed past her onto the bus she’d been running to catch.
Nodding in understanding, the male before her watched the bus drive off. “I seem to have kept you from your bus. So, it’s only right that I provide you with a replacement transpiration.” He smiled at her.
“No!” She nearly yelled then blushed slightly. “I mean I don’t mean to waste any of your time, there should be another bus sooner or later.”
Not taking 'no' for an answer he gently took her wrist and began to pulled her towards his car. “Nonsense, and if I can convince you on the way there. I’d like to take you and Misao out to lunch and maybe the playground.” He stopped and turned towards the woman. “She likes those sort of things right? Or maybe we could go to zoo or the aquarium?” Before nodding to himself and continuing their trek to his car.
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“You didn’t have to do this, Seiichi.” whispered shyly as she watched Misao run over to the huge blue tank.
“Mama, look it’s a polar bear!” The little girl yelled happily as she gazed at the huge white bear behind the thick glass.
Yukimura smiled at the girl before shaking his head. “Think nothing of it, . I’ve been meaning to come visit the animals anyway.” He replied as he smirked and stalked up to the little girl. watched from a distance as he lifted the girl and she giggled. She felt her heart ache at the scene. She pushed the pain aside as she rushed to her daughter’s side when the little girl called for her.
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glanced into the back seat and smiled. “Seems you’ve tired her out.” She chuckled as she sat back in the front seat.
Glancing in the rearview mirror Yukimura smirked. “Ah, sleeping beauty, huh. Then I suppose it is okay to assume she had a good time.”
Nodding the woman sighed lightly. “I believe you made her year, I haven’t been able to take her out in a long time.”
Yukimura nodded and stole a few glances at the woman in his passenger seat. He found himself checking her out as he drove home. She was rather cute. Even though she wore clothes that tended to cover up her figure, he knew her body type from work. Plus, he actually thought she looked adorable with her slightly baggy sweater and tied up messy hair. She was pale, but it was attractive, it gave her a delicate sort of look. As they pulled up to a red light he found himself staring at her. When the car behind them honked, as the light had turned green, he silently scolded himself. What was he doing? This was Sanada’s wife! Shaking his head he decided it was best to focus on the road before him.
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After a bit of pressure, Yukimura convinced that he would carry Misao to the twos apartment. had said he had done enough for them but he had insisted. As they rode the elevator the young girl snuggled up to the man's chest, lightly gripping his shirt and sucking her thumb. Yukimura couldn’t help but smile at the cute display.
“She looks just like you.” He whispered absentmindedly. Turning, smiled at her daughter.
“You think so?” The male nodded at the doors dinged and opened. As stepped out an older man turned the corner.
“Oh, -san, I hate to remind you but your rent is late again.” Stiffening a little tried not to blush in embarrassment.
“I’ll have it for you tomorrow.” The older man nodded and they passed each other.
As she opened the door she directed Yukimura to her daughter’s room. Where he laid her into the bed, and tucked her in. The two adults stepped back into the main room before either even said a word.
“Sorry about that. Would you like a drink? I think I might something other than juice.” The woman mumbled trying to make herself busy. She didn’t need him to hear her landlord say that. She made her way to the kitchen, him in tow.
As he entered the kitchen behind her he noticed its bareness. Even more so when she opened the fridge. Of course there was food for Misao, but there was no way could be eating health herself. Yukimura shook his head before stopping the woman by taking her hand. “, are you having trouble?” He said lowly, he already knew the answer.
Slowly closing the fridge door she took her hand from his grasp. “Nah…” Laughing nervously she rubbed her forehead. “I meant to go food shopping tomorrow and the landlord starts nagging even if the payment is a day late.” She knew she was lying but she couldn’t have her boss knowing her financial situation. Not to mention how embarrassed she was that he noticed, if she had known he would be coming today she would have been more prepared.
Yukimura frowned as he looked upon the woman. He couldn’t really offer help unless she asked. So, he just nodded and tried to smile. “I see. Well I best get going. I’m sure you are just as tired as the little princess is.” He gathered his jacket and debated if a hug was inappropriate. Decided against it he bowed his head slightly. “Thank you again for allowing me to take you two out. It was really a fun day. We’ll be sure to do it again sometime, I hope?” He said with anticipation on his tone.
smiled and nodded. “Of course, Misao would love too.” She escorted him to the door before closing it and leaning her forehead against it. Silently thinking that it wasn’t only Misao that would love to get together again. ‘What should I do Gen?’
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It wasn’t until the next weekend that Yukimura had a stroke of genius. Saturday rolled around and he had known that had off from her shift at the restaurant. And, no, he wasn’t stalking her. Wasn’t it logical for an employer to know about his secretary’s hours at her other job? Even if she wasn’t the one who told him, and he had sort of bribed the restaurant manager for the information. It was perfectly reasonable, or so he told himself to keep the creepiness at bay.
He shuffled the brown paper bags in his arms. Using his foot to gently knock on the door before him. There was a bag in each arm and one on the ground by his feet. He heard someone say something on the other end of the door but didn’t really understand it. A moment later opened the door to come face to face with a smiling blue haired bag man.
“Yuki…I mean Seichii?”
The man pointed to the bag by his foot with his foot. “Mind grabbing that one?” He walked past her into the apartment. As she grabbed the bag and followed.
“What…what’s all this?” She mumbled as she followed him to the kitchen. Looking in the bag she realized they were groceries and blushed. “This isn’t necessary, I…I…” Misao came running out of her room and happily greeted her new found friend.
Taking the bag from her after he set down the other two he shook his head. “What isn’t necessary?” He said innocently. “I had planned on making myself a nice dinner and thought; I would like to have dinner with the little princess.” He patted the little girls head before he started taking out the things he bought and putting certain things in the fridge, which was still bare. He looked back at as Misao bounced over, trying to help him. “I hope I’m not imposing.”
The little girl looked back at her mother, not knowing what the word meant. looked at the girl’s happy face and sighed. ‘He’s a sneaky little thing isn’t he?’ She thought as she shook her head. “No, not at all.
He smirked as he realized he had won. walked over and decided to help the two unpack the bags. She was not stupid, nor did he think she was. The bags held much more than what he needed to make a simple dinner. She was grateful for his help, even if she’d never voice it. And the way he seemed to ignore the blatant purpose for his visit made her feel a little less embarrassed.
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Once again Yukimura was in Misao room preparing to tuck the little girl into her bed. Apparently the young girl had taken a liken to him and nearly pleaded that he read her a bedtime story. Seiichi had come to the conclusion that the word no could not be said to such a cute and innocent face. Even though in the back of his mind he knew that if her mother had ask anything of him, he’d most likely have the same reaction.
After he finished the short story, of some cliché prince rescuing a distressed princess who was trapped in some absurdly large tower, Seiichi closed the story book. The little girl yawned and snuggled into her pillow.
“Goodnight, Seii-chan…” The little girl mumbled groggily as she struggled to keep her eyes opened.
The man gently pet her head as he smiled. “Goodnight, Misao.” He mumbled as he waited for her eyes to close before he stood and left the room. When he walked back into the living room he saw no sign of the older woman of the house. His keen ears then heard the sound of running water coming from the kitchen. Following the sound he entered the room. Only to stop at the sight of her in front of the sink cleaning the dishes. He crossed his arms and leaned up against the door frame. Deciding for now he’d just like to watch her.
Not realizing the man had returned stopped washing the dishes. Placing her hands on the edge of the counter her head fell. Honestly, she had nothing, at the moment, to be worried about. She had had a wonderful time tonight, again, in the company of Seiichi. He had not only helped her but he was wonderful with Misao. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder why she felt like her body was a big ball of tenseness. Why did she feel guilty, like she was doing something wrong? Her shoulders slouched down more as she shook her head.
“How stupid…” She whispered. She knew why she felt this way, Genichirou. What kind of wife was she? “It’s only been a little over a year since…” She couldn’t even finish the sentence. What was she thinking spending time with another guy? Was she such a horrible person? She had even admitted, at least to herself, that she was enjoying her time with the other immensely. She held back the tears as she stood there mental tearing herself apart.
Seiichi frowned at the posture the woman had taken and the emotion turmoil she looked to be going through. He had an idea of what those whispers were referring too. Without much thought he took the few steps till he was behind her. He lifted his hands to her shoulders. jumped and went to turn but was stopped by his hands.
“It’s okay…” He whispered as he gently massaged her shoulders. “Everything will be okay.” looked down and allowed a few tears to fall from her eyes. “I’ll be here for you. You won’t have to ask me for help, for anything, because I’ll give it to you without your permission, anyway. So get use to it.” He felt her tremble lightly under his hands as she allowed more tears to fall. “And I’ll wait…” He leaned his forehead on the back of her head. “As long as it takes and even if you never…” He stopped and gulped, knowing she knew what he was suggesting. “I’ll still wait…” They stood there for a few moments, as he took in her scent and she took in his warmth at her back.
Finally he felt the tension seep from her body and he bit his lip lightly. “It’s okay if I do…?” It was only half a question and he didn’t even need her to voice the answer. A simple shake of her head, yes or no, would be enough. He just needed to know that it was okay to dote on the two and to be around as much as he wished.
He didn’t know when he had figured it out, maybe he had always known. Maybe it was since the first moment she had walked into his office. He didn’t know, but he knew now. He wanted this woman to be his. He wanted to be closer to her and closer to Misao. He wanted to spend more time with them both and he wanted to see them both happy. He didn’t know when he had realized he loved her but he knew it was around the same time he noticed she was still in love with Sanada. He hated himself for causing her such pain but he couldn’t help it. And deep down he knew that his old friend would be furious with himself if he knew he cause his wife such loneliness.
wiped her eyes with the back of her hand before she went back to the dishes. At the question she stopped momentarily before she answered. “It’s okay…” It was, if possible, below a whisper. And he was surprised he heard it over the whooshing sound of the water in the sink, but he had heard it. Gently lifting his head he kissed the back of hers.
“That’s good…” Smiling he took a few steps to the side, to stand beside her. Plucking up a hand towel he began taking the dishes she just washed, wiping them dry, and putting them away in the cabinets.
‘As long as you allow me, I’ll be by your side…’
©Wanna.Be