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Chapter 15
Takamina had been busy with work the last couple of weeks. She misses the presence of her best friend. The company had been hectic due to its expansion and the two of them decided it'd be more productive to split the work. Takamina stays in Tokyo, while Miichan is out of town taking care of other matters. Sighing, Takamina looks the clock in her office. It's already 12pm and she hasn't eaten yet. Not to mention missing breakfast as a punishment for waking up late. But she wouldn’t trade watching late night movies with Atsuko for the world. With their striving careers, the only escape they have from the world is their late night movies and dinners in each other’s homes. Though the actress hasn’t verbally express her feelings for Minami, the small CEO hopes that with the amount of time they’ve been spending together is taking them into the right direction. Ignoring the hungry noises her stomach was making, she continues her work. Only putting her pen down as she hears the office phone ring.
"You know I'm busy Yui-han" she answers the phone frowning at her assistant even though she knows the younger girl can't see.
"Gomen Takamina-san. But the guards in the lobby said that there's someone looking for you" says the apologetic assistant
"Tell whoever it is to leave a message. I have my hands full” replies the boss sounding a bit irritated.
"erm.. That's the thing. We did. But she insists for you to see her at the lobby. Says it's extremely important" Yuihan informs her boss
"Ugh. Fine. I'll head down "Takamina says hanging up
Minami leaves her office muttering to herself about people just texting her or calling her personal phone if it’s important.
Passing Yui-han’s desk stationed outside her office, she sees the younger girl with an apologetic look on her face.
“Gomen, Takamina-san” says Yui bowing to her boss.
Waving it off, Takamina smiles at her employee “Don’t worry about it Yui. It’s not your fault. In the meantime, you should go grab lunch for yourself. It’s on me. Use the company card.”
“H-hai. Arigatou Takamina-san. I’ll get your favorite for your lunch too.” Yui sounding grateful.
“I’m not hungry. Just treat yourself.” Takamina replies as she closes the elevator door. Reaching the lobby, Takamina feels a familiar arm wrap around hers once setting a step outside the elevator. Looking to her left, "Atsuko?" The smaller girl looks at the actress in confusion.
“Hello. Mi.Na.Mi” the actress greets Takamina teasingly
Blushing at Acchan’s playfulness, “H-hello Atsuko. What are you doing here?” she asks still confused.
“I have some free time so I thought I’d come surprise you. Plus, knowing how busy you are lately and seeing how hungry you are when we have dinner I can only assume that you’ve been missing meals. So I’m here to make sure you get to eat lunch today.” She replies shooting Takamina a knowing look
“He~” Was all Minami could say as she uses her free arm to rub the back of her neck acknowledging her guilt.
Changing the subject Takamina asks “So where do you want to go eat”
“A friend told me there’s a nice restaurant in this area. I’d like to try it.” Acchan replies
Making their way to a nearby restaurant, Atsuko finally releases Minami’s arm as they walk while she animatedly talks about her work. Instantly missing the warmth of the actress, Takamina feels a slight disappointment in her heart.
Knowing that their walk will take another 10 minutes, she watches the actress with a smile listening to every word. Finally mustering up the courage, Minami uses her pinky to catch Atsuko’s. With her heart hammering out of her chest due to nervousness, she finally grabs Atsuko’s hand entwining fingers with her.
The actress suddenly stops talking and walking at the act. Lifting their entwined hands to look at it then at Takamina who is now a deep shade of red. Slightly embarrassed, Acchan who is also showing some redness on her cheeks flashes Takamina her smile showing the ever so famous wrinkle on her nose and continues to walk.
“I’ve been doing all the talking. How’s work going?” Atsuko inquires hoping to ease Minami’s nervousness
“Busier than it’s ever been.” She replies in her professional mode
“That’s good though right? Busy always means good” Acchan asks relieved that Takamina is getting over her nervousness and is comfortable enough to talk about work with her
“It is actually. It’s just I get carried away with work sometimes. I bury myself in it and forget about taking care of myself. If you haven’t come today I probably would have skipped lunch again.” Confesses the CEO
“Ah. It is good thing I did then. So I am NOT sorry for disturbing you at work” Giggles the actress
“I’m glad you did” Takamina laughs
“What’s so funny???” Acchan tilts her head looking at Takamina
“I’m surprised you managed to convince the lobby guards to call up the office. Yui-han thought I was about to kill someone when I picked up the phone” Snorts Minami
Laughing, “I’m stubborn remember? Plus it doesn’t hurt that your guards are Maeda Atsuko fans” Atsuko continues
“Oh I bet they are. Who wouldn’t want to be your fan you’re amazing” Minami replies giving the actress a soft smile making her blush
“Who’s Yui-han?” asks Acchan
“She’s my secretary. Like a little sister more like. She’s worked for Mii-chan and I for a couple of years now. She works really hard and I always have the urge to look over her” Minami says talking about her junior
“You’re always thinking about others. So thoughtful. But..mouuu. Should I be jealous of Yui-han” Acchan pouts at Takamina.
Laughing, Minami lifts their entwined hand to her lips giving the back of Atsuko’s hand a peck. “No Atsuko. She’s like a SISTER remember”
Her pout disappearing, the actress looks into a restaurant. "We're here"
"Eh?" Minami laughs
Looking at the smaller girl "What's so funny?"
"I come here with Miichan and the others all the time" replies Takamina
"Really?? Mariko actually was the one who suggested this place to me" Atsuko informs the other girl
"Speak of the devil" Takamina points at the back corner of the restaurant near a glass window.
Acchan sees Yuko and Nyan Nyan waving excitedly at them while Mariko on the other hand is occupied on her phone.
The couple head to join their friends and sit with them.
"Ohhh Takamina has a girlfriendddddd" the squirrel greets them
A blush appears on both Atsuko and Minami's faces at the comment.
"S-shut it Yuko. What are you guys doing here anyways?" counters the shorter girl
"Well Ms. Work is my life, we your friends would actually like to see if you're alive once in awhile" Mariko says finally putting her phone down.
"Acchan mentioned she was going to bring you here for lunch so we figured why not invite ourselves" giggles Nyan Nyan
Atsuko looking at Minami, "I didn't know they were here. I swear"
"Miichan did say you'd drown yourself with work while she's away" Mariko interjects
"Sorry I haven't been around much lately. And I really do appreciate that you guys worry about me." Apologizes Takamina
"There there Takamidget. At least we know you're okay and taken care of" Yuko says glancing at Atsuko
"Plus we know how you get about work. Just don't forget to take a load off every once in awhile" reassures Nyan Nyan
"Yea. All this work makes all your forehead wrinkles more visible" chirps in Mariko earning a laugh from the others.
Frowning, Takamina covers her forehead with her hand and looks at Acchan "Do I have wrinkles Atsuko?"
Giggling, Acchan removes Takamina's hand and looks at her forehead as if to inspect it. "Just a small line" she says making the others laugh harder
The waiter then comes with their food which they've completely forgotten that they already ordered making them catch their breathes from laughing too hard.
Engrossed with their food, Mariko breaks the silence and asks "What's got your company so busy anyways Takamina"
Swallowing the food in her mouth Takamina replies "As you guys already all know, Miichan and I own quite a number of properties and hotels in Tokyo and a bit in
other parts of Japan. So we decided to expand our horizons and open a hotel in Hawaii that's why Miichan is there."
The word Hawaii seemed to have caught the attention of all her friends.
"Ahem. So Vacation in your new hotel then???" Blurts out Nyan Nyan with light on her eyes
"Mmm Bikinis" was all the squirrel could say imagining the scene with her eyes closed earning a punch from Haruna
"Itai!" Yuko yelps with tears in her eyes "I meant you in bikini. My Nyan Nyan in a bikini" says Yuko wiping a drool off her face.
"That sounds fun! It's been awhile since I've gone on a vacation" adds Acchan as she laughs at Yuko
"And Miichan haven't told me about this why!?!?" Probes Mariko
"This is exactly why" defends Takamina pointing at the other three. “It’s not ready yet. Not for a couple more months.”
“Aw” the other three say in unison pouting at the news
“Don’t worry. After it’s ready we’ll be the first to go there and try the place out. You’re also all welcome to stay there whenever you want and for as long as you want.
By the way. Enough about me. What have you all been up to?” Takamina asks her friends
“Nothing much really. I’ve just been busy promoting a new line of lingerie for Peach John.” Nyan Nyan replies
“In addition to my clothing line, I am in the process of opening a new store in Shibuya.” Marichan informs Takamina
“Mine is the same as always. Always acquiring promising new talents for our agency. Not to mention more work since Acchan is in high demand and Tomochin too now that she’s back to Japan from her tour.” Yuko states oblivious to the stares she’s receiving from the other three girls for mentioning a certain pop star
Although Atsuko has accepted the past between Tomochin and Minami, she shifts uncomfortably in the seat upon hearing the her name
No longer surprised by their reaction, Minami laughs “It is okay guys. Tomochin and I have put the past behind us. So you don’t need to tippy toe around me when it comes to her” grabbing Atsuko’s hand and squeezing it as if to reassure the actress.
“Oi! Takamina. I almost forgot. Miichan told me to remind you that you have some interview thing to go to tomorrow.” Mariko says looking at her phone
A light bulb turns on in Minami’s head. “YABAI! I completely forgot!”
“BAKAMINA!” Yuko points at Takamina laughing
Haruna hits Yuko on the head with the restaurant menu. “Be nice Yuuchan” she says shaking her head
“Eh?? You have an interview tomorrow?!? What for?” says the surprised Acchan
“Yea Takamina. Who would want to interview you?” the squirrel covers her head in fear of getting hit again by Nyan Nyan
“Tell us Takamina” Nyan Nyan looks at her curiously
“Might as well tell them” Mariko says crossing her arms with a smirk
“It’s nothing big really.” Takamina says with a small smile “Miichan and I won Japan’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs of the Year award by some business magazine”
“That’s amazing!” says the other three in unison
“Why haven’t you said anything?” Atsuko asks
With a clueless look on her face, Takamina replies “Well, it’s not much of a big deal really. Miichan and I just do what we love.”
“Being modest as always” Mariko chimes in
“And also, I completely forgot about it,” Takamina adds with a stupid smile on her face
“EH!?!?” the others say in unison
******************
"Thank you for joining us tonight Takahashi-san despite your busy schedule" says Asuka as she greets Minami
"Its not bother at all. Its an honor for me to be invited to your show." Takamina replies bowing slightly
Facing the camera, Asuka says "Takahashi-san here was a frequent visitor to my restaurant but haven't seen much of her lately" with a slight frown.
"Shonichi does have great food." Minami smiles at the restauranteur/host. "But lately, I've been indulging in homemade food" smiling brighter knowing that she's been enjoying it with her Atsuko.
"I see. But do visit me soon. I-i mean my restaurant soon" the host winks at Takamina as she reaches to pat her hand.
Takamina pulls her hand away and rubs the back of her neck. "I will definitely visit soon. I'm sure my friends would like to try the delicious food your restaurant serves" she says with an awkward smile on her face.
Oblivious to Takamina awkwardness, Asuka continues "Let get to the real reason why we invited you here today"
"Ah yes." Takamina nods with relief.
"You and your business partner Minegishi Minami-san had recently been awarded the Top Female Entrepreneurs Award here in Japan. Congratulations!" The host claps for her guest.
"Arigatou!" Minami smiles proudly in gratitude
"We've asked for both you and Minegishi-san to come but she couldn't make it today. Is that right?"
"Yes. Miichan would like me to extend her apology for being unable to be here. She is currently away on a business trip. She really is sad. We all know how she loves to get screentime. " Minami laughs at her last statement
"I guess its what makes you two so successful. The amount of work is divided among you." Observes Asuka
"Yes. You're right. But that's not the only reason so our success."
Tilting her head the restauranteur says "Please enlighten us"
"I think the biggest reason we've gotten this far is because we are friends. We trust each other. Believe it or not, we think so differently that we are constantly butting heads. We have our difference in opinions on how things should be done. But because of our friendship, we've come to compromise on things. And lucky for us, our compromises always end up being better than our individual ideas. We balance each other out. We keep each other in check. Like me who is a workaholic, Miichan always manages to keep me on my toes and balance life with work. Her on the other hand is the opposite. She loves to have fun. So its my job to keep her head in the game so to speak. We will have each others support no matter what. And are not afraid to wake the other up if they're being decisional. Most of all, we are the bestest of friends."
"Amazing" Asuka stares at Minami "I'm sure some of our viewers wishes they could have a friendship like that you two have."
"I am very lucky to have Miichan. She's my oldest friend we've been friends since we were very young. I'm grateful for her" replies Takamina talking fondly of her friend
"With your recent award and success, what is next for you and Minegishi-san?" Asks Asuka
"Well right now, we are in the process of expanding our business" hints Takamina
"That's interesting. What do you two have in mind" the curious host inquiries
"We're still working on it so it'll be a surprise" Takamina flashes a mischievous grin making Asuka blush
"Not even a hint?" Pokes the host
"Nope. My lips are sealed" Takamina says playfully
Giggling, "You're adorable Takahashi-san." Asuka says reaching out to pat Minami's shoulder and continues "We will all definitely be looking forward to what the Minamis venture into next"
"Hai. Arigatou" bows Takamina one more time.
*****
Stepping out of her dressing room, Takamina stretches her arms up relieved that its all over.
Walking down the hall towards the elevator, Takamina's driver is waiting for his boss.
As she passes another dressing room, with the door slightly ajar she hears a familiar voice. Takamina stops in her tracks
"Senpai, What are you doing here?" Says the girl
"I came to visit you" says a man's voice.
"Is there anything I can help you with" the girl asks
"I just wanted to give you my greeting" says the mans voice sounding malicious
"No! the off me!" Screams the girl as the sound of things falling on the ground fills the room.
Takamina burst into the room, seeing the man holding the small girl down on the table
This sight causes Minami to see red. Rushing to the guy, she pulls him off the struggling girl. And with an unimaginable strength, we punches the man on the face causing him to fall on the floor.
Grabbing the crying girls' hand, Takamina leads her out the door.
They quickly run down the stairs. Arriving in the lobby Takamina spots her ride and they get into the car.
Angry at what just happened, Takamina tells her driver to drive.
Trying to hold in her anger and to stop her from turning around to kill the man she takes a deep breath and looks at the singer with worried and gentle eyes.
Hugging the crying girl, Takamina says "I've got you Tomochin. You're safe now."
As the singer sobs in Minami's arms, all Takamina could do at this moment is to whisper comforting words.
Driver-san. "Take us to my place please"
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Topic: You Took Me By Surprise:AtsuMina,KojiYuu,MariMii JUNE 26, 2015 Chap 18 ADDED!!! (Read 44169 times)