Work Text:
Senior Year, Early October
After inviting Tazuna to a day out together over the phone, her reply comes in with the telltale chirp of my phone notification. I reach for my phone, hand ever-so-slighty trembling from the trepidation of her reply. Reading through the message, my expression drops a little.
Thank you for the invite, Trainer! Regrettably, I’ll have to take a raincheck on those plans today. Lately, my work’s been piling up, so I don’t think I’ll be able to step out of the office today... But we should definitely go out the next time I’m free!
“ That’s a shame…ah well. “ I inwardly sigh, letting my arm holding my phone drop defeatedly.
Sakura Bakushin O’s training for this week’s already done, but in the interest of not idling around at home, I head to the academy anyway. Perhaps there’s some event going on which can inspire me for Bakushin's training, or some work I can catch up on.
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As I walk past the statue of the Three Goddesses, someone calls out to me. “ Oho! Target sighted! “ A familiar, almost cat-like voice rings out from my side. A quick glance over, and a light dip of my head shows Director Akikawa, briskly walking towards me.
As she flicks her fan open, Attention! is proudly emblazoned on the Director’s fan. I’m momentarily taken aback.
“ You are just the person I was looking for! It seems to me that you and Tazuna seem to be getting along quite well as of late! “
I sheepishly scratch the back of my head as my cheeks are dusted pink. “ Ah…I suppose that’s not entirely wrong… “
Akikawa beams at me, lightly suppressing a laugh. “ How nice! She always seems to enjoy talking about you! “ It makes me content to know that I’m a topic of conversation between the Director and the Secretary. “ Therefore! I require your assistance. Lately, it seems Tazuna’s been overworking herself to the point of exhaustion! “
“ That’s not good. “
“ Correct! “ She flicks her fan closed, and once more open- and it now reads Action!. “ In summary! Tazuna Hayakawa needs a break! You shall assist me in this endeavour, Trainer! Now then! Come, follow me! “
“ Wait, what? “
Without knowing where exactly we’re going, the Director whisks us off…
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…to the hallway outside her office. I shot her a puzzled look- what were we doing here exactly? As if sensing my confusion, Akikawa merely nods. “ You’ll understand once you go in. But you must do so stealthily. As quiet as a Snake in a box! “ As she explains, her expression morphs into one of seriousness, so I nod my head in understanding and tiptoe into the room quietly. Every small sound made feels impossibly louder as a result of trying to make as little noise as possible…
And once inside, I notice a familiar somebody laying down on the sofa, breathing quietly. It’s Tazuna…that definitely explains why the Director wanted me to be quiet. A quick glance at her, and it’s not hard to tell that she looks utterly exhausted. No doubt, she’d been working herself to the bone for the sake of the academy and its students. I sigh softly. Her dedication and drive to see the academy succeed truly is one of her finest points.
I peek back at the ajar door, seeing Director Akikawa flash me a knowing look; Leave her duties to me! I return her gesture with a curt bow, as she gently closes the door behind her, leaving me and Tazuna together in the room. Hastily, I move to cover her with my coat as she sleeps. Watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathes brings me a sense of tranquility.
…The more I look at her face, the more I note just how attractive she is. Even as she sleeps, she keeps her hat on- it keeps her brown hair in place just enough to allow them to perfectly frame her facial features in a positive light. Honestly, having gotten to know the Secretary over our past few dates, I find myself wanting to see her more and more. I’d love to get to know her better. A part of me even wishes for something more.
Ah. I feel my thoughts beginning to stray a little, so to keep myself focused, I pull out my phone, ensuring that the ringer is silent, and begin doing some electronic paperwork. Doing it from my phone diminishes the working efficiency, but it’s better than letting the mechanical click-clack of keystrokes disturb her slumber. As I lean back softly in the Director’s comfy chair, the only sounds now are the subtle breathing of Tazuna and the light chirp of birds outside.
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“ Mn… “ A light stirring sound emanates from the couch- I momentarily look up from my Umastagram to find Tazuna waking up. I pocket my phone and bring a stool next to her. I figure even if she was aware that she was taking a rest in the office, it’s definitely the early evening by now; she’ll definitely fly into a panic if she realises how long she was out.
She mumbles something, her half-lidded eyes landing on my face. After only a brief moment of eye contact, she closes her eyes again, returning to her laying position on the couch. “ Ah, it’s only you… “ She lets out a dreamy sigh as she relaxes again, her head sinking back into the square pillow she’d been using.
“ Ah- Tazuna it’s…come on now, it’s getting a bit late. “ I lean forward, lightly shaking her shoulder as delicately as I can to coax her awake, and she seems to grumble a bit at the action. I certainly feel a bit bad taking her out of whatever dream she’s seemingly having right now, even more so if she of all people would decide to eschew waking up for it…I guess she’s only human, after all.
My insistent shaking continues, and Tazuna’s brow furrows slightly, before it relaxes and her arm snakes around my neck, pulling me down slightly as she leans up to plant a kiss on my cheek. The interaction stuns me- I have no idea how to react. “ …good morning to you, too… “ This close, I can clearly make out the secretary's mumbles, as her brow begins relaxing. As she begins leaning back down, though, as a result of her arm around my head, I’m involuntarily lurched forward- my hands shoot out to the couch to stabilise myself and avoid falling, but in doing so, made an amount of noise that was enough to finally knock Tazuna out of her stupor.
“ …that was a nice dream. “ Seemingly unaware of the previous events that transpired, her eyes open fully- revealing nothing but her arm coiled around my neck, and my body leaning over hers. “ …Huh?! Trainer!? Wh-what are you doing here?! “ At a record speed, she untangles her arm from me and moves to sit up, allowing me to finally reorient my balance and sit back down on the stool. All the while, Tazuna’s appearance is aghast, but her cheeks are undeniably flushing. She turns to look at me once more, and my hand unintentionally goes up to touch the area that she kissed. It’s confirmation enough for her.
“ Ack…I, uh…Trainer, listen… “ As she begins explaining herself, I can’t suppress the chuckle that comes out of me. I was initially shocked at her bold display, but seeing Tazuna try to explain herself is really humorous for some reason. Hearing my laughter, though, Tazuna simply groans and buries her face in her hands. “ Uh, hey, no harm done, right? Tazuna- “
Her head turns slightly- looking out the window. Perhaps noting the warm amber glow of the eventide, she seems to revert to the secretary for a moment. “ Wait- it’s this late already?! Ahhh, this is bad! I’ve still got so much left to do! “ She begins scrambling to get up and get to work, dragging the coat covering her aside.
“ Oh! Actually, the Director said she’d take care of it. “
“ The Director? But… “ She hesitates, wondering if I was telling the truth.
“ She said you needed a break, Tazuna. I’m inclined to agree. I’ve never seen you take one before- let alone taking a nap in the office. You looked exhausted when I first got here. “
“ ‘When you first got here’? How long have I been asleep? “
“ For a couple of hours or so, I guess. You were already asleep when I arrived. But don’t worry too much about it! The good thing is that you managed to get some rest. “
Finally, Tazuna sighs, sinking back into the couch as she adjusts the position of her trademark cap. “ …Well… I suppose I do feel more refreshed now. “
I feel an urge to tease her; mixed in with a sense of curiosity. “ Had a nice dream to go along with it too, huh? “
“ Wh- now listen here, Trainer! “ She stumbles over herself trying to scold me, but I give her the most understanding look I can. “ Hey, I’m really happy that I've managed to be the subject of your dream, honest! It’s..you know…really…uh, nice. Yeah. Nice. “ My cheeks flush pink as I realise I’m the one stumbling over myself.
Tazuna rotates on the couch slightly, and leans forward, tentatively placing her hand over my own. The gentle contact between our hands acts as a reminder that grounds us both in the moment. “ …Trainer. Do you like me? “ Her words carry with them an immense weight, and she almost imperceptibly holds her breath. I look back at her, locking eyes with her. Her emerald green irises are reflected in my own, and I can feel my own breath hitch as I try to form a reply.
I must’ve been trying to form a reply for a while, because her fingers flex slightly- bringing me back to reality. “ I…yes. I, uh, like you. More than just my coworker. “ The burning shame rolling across my face only slightly subsides knowing that I’ve said my piece- shame is quickly replaced with unease. Was this a test? Mercifully, Tazuna simply giggles, and her hand moves up to cup the side of my face. Alarm bells that had been blaring in my head are silenced as she gingerly pulls us together…
And our lips meet. The moment is fleeting, but I’ll never forget that feeling for as long as I live. I find myself hesitating to separate from her, wanting to savour this moment forever. In the end, a lack of oxygen forces us apart.
“ ..hah…I’m in your care, Trainer. “
“ L-likewise. Where do we go from here? “
I don’t have time to ponder the question, because the door opens with a loud clatter, and in walks Director Akikawa, ‘fufufu’ing to herself while she flaps her fan at herself. Tazuna and I practically trip over each other trying to separate from each other, but the action is moot, and we simply sit on the couch and look at her in unison.
“ Hohoho! I see the lovebirds have finally closed the distance! “ With a flick of her wrist, her fan closes and reopens- now proudly giving Congratulations! to us both. “ Why, it was only a matter of time! “ To say the colour had drained from my face would have been an understatement, but with the Director’s Approval, I guess it wasn’t too much of an issue.
“ Hyah?! Director Akikawa? How long have you been…hey, why does it seem like everyone’s been orbiting around me today?! “
Closing her fan, and pointing the end to just under her chin, Akikawa turns to me. “ Trainer! This is an executive order! Your mission! Take Tazuna out for a nice, relaxing date! “
“ Y-Yes, ma’am! “ What the hell am I saying?
“ Wh-what?! “ Tazuna voices her confusion, but before she can protest, I tenderly grasp her hand and whisk her away for our date.
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Over the next few days, I noticed Sakura Bakushin O’s been in higher spirits than usual. Figuring something was up, I tried asking her about it during her training.
Bakushin places her hands on her hips and leans back slightly, sporting her signature smile. “ Oh ho, The Class Rep must simply give it her all during training! Plus, now that my classmates know of your legendary exploits with the Secretary, I must strive to uphold your legend as your trainee! It’s the only acceptable course of action! Even- “
“ Wait, hold on. What…what do you mean your classmates know of ‘my exploits’? “ I have a bad feeling about this. There’s not a chance that Bakushin didn’t tell everyone and their mothers about this.
“ But of course! “ Confirmation. My head sinks into my hands involuntarily. “Naturally, I had to ensure that you were properly respected, so I let my classmates know! Now that everyone knows my trainer managed to sweep the secretary off her feet like the gallant hero and the beautiful princess, I have ensured that…Trainer? “ I’ve tuned her out halfway through. It’s gonna be a long few weeks.
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