Ryoko and I ascended the concrete steps to the imposing office complex that housed our workplace. It was a corporate monolith that loomed as the tallest cluster of buildings on the entire island, and its sleek, futuristic architecture was undoubtedly a highlight in the cityscape. As we made our way up, we strolled past the grand Ceal Corporation's corporate statue and the glistening fountain that adorned the front plaza courtyard. The space was teeming with identically dressed employees, the women in their figure-hugging pencil skirts or pencil dresses, a stark contrast to my attire, while the men all mirrored Ryoko's professional look.

Amid the bustling morning crowd, I abruptly halted in the middle of the plaza, a move that quickly captured Ryoko's attention. He halted beside me, turning his gaze in my direction.

"What's going on? We still have plenty of time to grab some coffee before our shift," Ryoko remarked.

I leaned in closer and whispered, "Promise me you won't mention what happened at the bus stop to anyone."

Ryoko arched an eyebrow, puzzled. "Why on earth would I bring that up?" he inquired.

"Just... trust me, okay? I've got enough on my plate dealing with Mister Strickland," I replied, my tone hushed.

Ryoko rolled his eyes but ultimately relented. "Fine, I won't bring it up. Now, let's not waste any more time and grab that coffee before the lines get too long."

Part of me wanted to say more, to delve into the unspoken tension that seemed to linger between us, but I bit my tongue. It was just coffee, after all. It wasn't as if Ryoko had asked me out for lunch or anything more significant. Once we clocked in, we'd be immersed in our respective tasks, only to reunite during the daily bus ride home or the following morning.

With a resigned nod, I decided to accompany Ryoko to the coffee shop. The caffeine boost would undoubtedly come in handy today. As we entered the office complex, the mall-like interior was precisely what one would expect from a Ceal Corporation property. It was a self-contained world, a microcosm that catered to every need of the employees. Stores, shops, restaurants, and even hotels were all conveniently located within the complex. These establishments were exclusively reserved for Ceal employees; even those who had left the company were permitted to shop or do business here. The convenience of such a complex was undeniable. Prices were typically more affordable than at external locations, and everything was perpetually well-stocked. There was even a public version of this mall-like complex scattered throughout the city for non-employees, where we could enjoy discounts as well.

As we stepped into the bustling coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air, mingling with the chatter of employees starting their day. Ryoko and I joined the queue, and I couldn't help but glance around. The place was bustling with activity, and conversations buzzed in the background, a mix of work-related discussions and the occasional personal banter.

We finally reached the counter, and I placed my order for a cappuccino. Ryoko ordered his usual black coffee. As we waited for our beverages, I stole a moment to observe the people around us. Ceal Corporation had a diverse workforce, and employees hailed from various backgrounds and walks of life. It was fascinating to witness the array of personalities and dynamics that existed within our corporate bubble.

"Jane, you look like you're in deep thought," Ryoko commented, breaking my reverie.

I turned to him with a faint smile. "Just taking it all in, you know? It's interesting to see how different everyone is, yet we're all part of this massive machine."

Ryoko nodded in agreement. "True. It's like a microcosm of the city itself."

Our conversation flowed naturally, and we found ourselves discussing the intricacies of our workplace. The coffee shop buzzed with activity, and it was one of those moments when the mundane aspects of our daily lives took on a certain charm. It was a slice of our shared reality, a reality that was both complex and unpredictable.

As we collected our coffee and headed toward our respective workstations, I couldn't help but reflect on the enigma that was Sekuro Ryoko. He was more than just a co-worker or a neighbor; he was a part of my daily life, a presence that had become increasingly difficult to ignore. The web of connections and relationships in our world was intricate, and I had a feeling that our paths were destined to intertwine in ways we couldn't yet fathom. The Ceal Corporation complex held many secrets, and I had a hunch that we were only beginning to scratch the surface.

"Hey, don't work too hard today, plain Jane," Ryoko's voice carried a hint of teasing as we prepared to part ways for the day.

I couldn't help but bristle at the nickname he used. "Watch it, Ryoko!" I retorted sharply. "You know I don't like being called plain Jane."

A playful smirk danced across his lips. "Yeah, you're right," he conceded with a sly grin. "Don't work too hard today, Miss Jane Sutton."

I sighed, rolling my eyes. "Don't call me Miss either... Ge'ez,," I countered, exasperated. "We're the same age, Ryoko."

His attempt at chivalry, always present, never failed to irk me. "I'm just trying to be respectful," he explained with a disarmingly charming smile.

Ryoko's niceties only fueled my irritation. 'What is he trying to do? Kill me with chivalry?' I thought, rubbing my forehead and frowning.

"You need to take it easy, Jane. This job isn't the rest of your life. You won't be an intern forever," Ryoko pointed out, his tone genuinely concerned.

'God, this guy is driving me nuts!' I couldn't help but shrug my shoulders in reluctant agreement. "Fine, I'll take it easy today," I whispered.

"See, that wasn't too hard," Ryoko whispered back, still wearing that enigmatic smile. "Have a good day, Jane."

With that, he turned and walked off towards his department, leaving me perplexed. We had spent most of our time here at Ceal Corporation avoiding each other and maintaining the bare minimum of contact. There had been a palpable animosity between us, at least from my perspective. Ryoko was one of the 'Big Three,' alongside Trent Dalton, who was the most arrogant and obnoxious of the trio, and Bishop Hawthorne, the hulking hunk. I couldn't quite figure Ryoko out, and at this point, I decided to banish the train of thought from my mind.

I had barely made my way to the time clock, slipping my card into the slot with the practiced ease of routine, when a sudden touch on my shoulder made me start. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat, only to find myself face-to-face with Yoshifumi Hitomi. She stood there, the very image of serenity amidst the morning bustle of the office, her presence like a calm in the storm.

Hitomi's beauty was the kind that didn't just turn heads; it paused conversations mid-sentence. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her back in a sleek waterfall, contrasting sharply with her fair skin. It was as if she had stepped out of a painting, one where the artist had taken extra care to highlight every exquisite detail. Her sparkling Celtic blue eyes were windows to a soul that seemed to dance with hidden depths and stories untold.

The morning light filtering through the large windows of the office lobby played on her face, accentuating her oblong face with exotic cheekbones that gave her an air of elegance and mystery. Her nose, daintily upturned, complimented her full lips, which were curved in a gentle, knowing smile. Her elegantly arched eyebrows added an expression of poised curiosity to her features.

But it wasn't just her face that captivated; her figure was a study in grace and strength. Her bountifully bulbous-sized breasts were ample, a subtle echo of my own, creating a silhouette that was both commanding and inviting. Her rear, a rivaling sight, added to her striking figure. Her hips and thighs were the epitome of lushness, curvaceous and rich, like the fertile lands of an untouched paradise. Her legs, slender and svelte, carried her with the grace of a ballerina, each movement fluid and precise.

The corporate uniform, which on anyone else would have looked mundane, seemed tailored just for her. Her black pencil skirt hugged her form perfectly, its fabric stretching just enough to outline her curvaceous figure without losing an ounce of professionalism. The sheer black pantyhose she wore added a layer of sophistication. At the same time, her classic closed-toe high heels gave her an added height that accentuated her slender legs. Her ID, swinging gently from around her neck, was a reminder that, despite her ethereal appearance, she was as much a part of this world as I was.

The lobby of Ceal Corporation, where we both worked, was a hive of activity, but in that moment, it felt as if time had slowed down. The chatter of our colleagues, the clacking of keyboards, and the occasional ring of a phone faded into the background. Hitomi's presence seemed to create a bubble around us, a space where the mundane realities of our corporate life were momentarily forgotten.

As I stood there, slightly dazed by her stunning presence, Hitomi affectionately thumbed my forehead. "Girl! Get yourself together this morning!" she scolded gently. "Mister Strickland wants you in his office as soon as you're on the clock."

I couldn't help but groan. "What does that sleazebag want now?"

Hitomi shrugged, a knowing look in her captivating eyes. "Don't know, but I hear your ass is in hot water again with him," she divulged.

"Figures, of course I am," I scoffed bitterly. "See you later, Hitomi."

She flashed me a warm smile and patted me on the back before moving on. At least I managed to hide the fact that I was harboring a crush on her again. I couldn't believe I had been so obvious this early in the morning. Now, I had the unenviable task of reporting to Mister Strickland. It was too early in the day to face the notorious Floor Manager, Humberly Gibbs Strickland, and my stomach churned with a mixture of dread and anticipation.

I knocked on the door with the Floor Manager, Mister Strickland's name on the title plaque. His raspy voice echoed through the thick door. I opened it quietly and shut it behind me. Inside, I found myself face to face with the overweight supervisor, Mister Strickland. His pungent body odor mixed with his greasy, slicked-back black hair was an assault on my senses. The Beady Hazel's eyes stared back at me from a round, pudgy face adorned with thick eyebrows, a wide nose, and duck-like lips. His appearance alone disgusted me. Humberly Gibbs Strickland was the embodiment of a lazy corporate shill, his blubbery chest and stomach dominating his oversized figure. His hips and thighs were so wide it was a wonder he could fit in his recliner chair, and his short, stubby legs only added to the caricature.

Yet, despite his appearance, rumors had circulated that he was a champion boxer, capable of knocking a man out with a single punch. His massive hands certainly looked capable of such a feat. He was dressed in the standard Ceal Corporation black suit and red tie, sitting at his desk with his elbows propped up and his hands forming a triangle.

As I stepped further into the room, I noticed a third person present. Ryoko was seated in one of the three chairs in front of the imposing black desk, and Mister Strickland gestured for me to take a seat as well.

"First, Miss Sutton, starting tomorrow, you'll have to wear a skirt or dress per company policy," Mister Strickland declared, locking eyes with me.

His obsession with getting me to wear a skirt or dress had persisted since my first day, and now he had the company policy on his side. I had a feeling he had a hand in implementing this change just to irritate me. Suppressing an outburst, I reluctantly agreed, "Yes, Mister Strickland."

Ryoko surprised me by coming to my defense and interjected, "Mister Strickland, she doesn't have to wear a skirt or dress in her department. Miss Jane Sutton is in security, and it's not a requirement for her role."

Mister Strickland raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Ryoko's unexpected support. He was aware that, for the most part, Ryoko and I had been avoiding each other at all costs. However, the floor manager wore a sly smirk as he responded, "Well, that might have been the case yesterday. But as of today, both of you are on my personal staff. Jane, you're wearing a skirt from now on."

My protest was interrupted as Mister Strickland continued, "Next, I've got an assignment for you two. I owe another supervisor a favor in Yokomaki City, so I'm sending you both to cover a full day's shift plus overtime if necessary. Leave as soon as possible."

My shock was palpable. "But that's a ten-hour drive, five hours each way!" I exclaimed.

We were already working ten- to twelve-hour shifts, and this assignment meant we'd have no sleep tonight and would still be expected to work tomorrow.

Ryoko chimed in, "Isn't this against company policy?"

Mister Strickland's response was frustratingly confident. "Well, it's in a gray area, and who's going to care if two interns file a false report about policy violations," he countered dismissively.

'Shit, this asshat had already covered all bases,' I thought angrily. This was completely unfair, and he knew that nobody in the HR department would care. Even if they did, they wouldn't have the time to investigate it properly.

"All you have to do is fill in for some special work my friend has today. I mean, you've done photo ops together already, so this shouldn't be a problem for you two," Mister Strickland added, leaning back in his chair.

Ryoko's curiosity got the best of him as he asked, "What exactly are we doing?"

"You'll find out once you get to the studio in South Yokomaki City. Now get going; you're on the clock," Mister Strickland said, reaching for an envelope on his desk and handing it to me. "I've got two round-trip tickets for you."

The feeling of being trapped in a situation beyond my control gnawed at me as we left Mister Strickland's office. Ryoko and I exchanged glances, both knowing that this assignment was anything but ordinary. Our journey to Yokomaki City was about to unfold, and neither of us could predict the twists and turns it would take.