Office Diaries - Chapter 125

“What are you smiling at?” Yanee asked with a pout.

Tohru raised a brow in her direction but he didn’t look angry. He however, looked very much aggrieved. “What? I already can’t tell others about my girlfriend and now I can’t smile when I’m happy too?”

Yanee raised an eyebrow back. Although she felt a bit sorry for him, she didn’t want to compromise on the topic of their relationship being known to other people. Before arriving at the office, she had already told Tohru about it.

It’s not that she totally didn’t want others to know that they’re together. It’s just that aside from Chummy, she didn’t want the rest of the people at the office to know about them— at least, not yet.

“Are you complaining?” she asked him softly and almost immediately, he shook his head.

He stepped closer and pulled her in his embrace. “I’m just teasing you, honey. I really understand your concern.”

She didn’t want other people from their office to know that they’re dating so they wouldn’t misunderstand. Competition within the company was nasty and some people, even if there were no proof, as soon as they see something, they could easily create trouble. Yanee worked hard even if she didn’t like the task given to her. It would be tragic if some people would reduce her hard work into something unpleasant as her playing in the backroom.

Besides…

“I’m totally fine with it. It’s not like I like sharing my private matters to everyone. I haven’t done that before so why would I start now? Also, these people are not important to us to let them know about our personal matter,”Tohru told her and she relaxed.

“I told Chummy, though,” she said and he brightened up.

“You did?”

“Yeah. Why do you think she bullied me to high heavens earlier?” she retorted blandly and he laughed.

“I’m glad then,” he said as he hugged her again.

“Why? I thought you said you don’t care?”

“I don’t care about others,” he answered. “But Chummy is not “others” isn’t she? She’s your best friend. It’s why I’m happy that you told her.”

Hmmnnnn…

The potato really was a smooth talker.

“Did you already book my tickets?” she asked and Tohru nodded.

The smile of his face vanished then and Yanee wondered why.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nixie called and she asked if you’re free to interview her as well. She’s with Jena right now. She flew there to stay with her,” he reported and Yanee nodded.

That’s good, wasn’t it? It’s like killing two birds with a stone.

“I see. I can do that,” she said and Tohru looked hesitant.

“Are you sure? You wanted to take a break after Jena’s interview but it seemed you will have to wait,” he continued and Yanee laughed.

“You mean you want me to take a break after Jena’s interview,” she reminded him.

It was he who was very worried that she’d exhaust herself and suggested she’d take a rest after Jena’s interview to compromise. He looked aggrieved again as if telling her that he only did that since he’s worried about her health.

Yanee laughed, but she didn’t want to tease him anymore so she patted his arm. “Don’t worry. What’s wrong with interviewing Nixie too? They’re in the same place and it’s not like it’d take time for me to interview one person.”

Yanee decided to record both her interviews this time so she didn’t have to take time absorbing their stories. She would just listen to them again when she took her rest.

“I’ll go and change your plane tickets then,”he said as he let her go to go out to his desk, but she stopped him.

“Why?”

“I only got you three days in Seoul. If you’re doing Nixie’s schedule as well then shouldn’t staying longer be better?” he asked and she shook her head.

“I’ll be fine. I can have the interview on the same day. I don’t have to stay there longer. The earlier I finish their interview the earlier I can start working on the initial outline,” she said and she told him of her plan to record the interviews this time.

“Fine, let’s do that. If you’re sure you’ll be okay,” he said as he handed her an envelope that contained her flight tickets to Seoul.

That day, Yanee cleared her desk with the things she needed for her research along with the writing materials that Tohru made her borrow. She already had everything in a bag when Chummy came bouncing to her table.

“Yanee,” she called and Yanee looked up from her things. “Boss told me I’ll be your ȧssistant with the book,” she said, obviously thrilled.

Yanee smiled. “You look ecstatic,” she commented and the other nodded.

“Are you kidding me? Of course, I’m ecstatic! I’ve never worked on a novel before but I’ve always wanted to work on one.”

This was of course known to Yanee. It was why when Tohru suggested that it was her who he would ask to ȧssist her, she had no problems. Not only was she comfortable working with Chummy, the latter loved the work description as well so she knew they would be fine. She and Tohru were her pillars of support on this project.

“Yeah. I already have the notes but haven’t decided on which approach I will use for the story itself yet,” she admitted but Chummy shook her head.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about that for now. I will try and write notes for you as well while you do your interviews. Alright?” Chummy asked her and Yanee was relieved that she had someone who’d work with her closely with this book. At least, she wouldn’t feel so lost when she’s with her.

“Okay. I’ll see you in three days then,” she said before leaving.

“That’s everything?” he asked as he helped her with the small box in her hand and placed it in the car. Her luggage had long been taken there so she didn’t have any other thing to carry.

“Yeah,” she answered, and soon they were driving back to Ami’s apartment.

Tohru carried the box and they trudged towards the unit together. Yanee was a bit nervous since it’s the first time she brought someone in the apartment. She’s conscious because it’s her boyfriend and also if Ami was at home, she’d be teased to death.

Fortunately, Ami was out so she was saved.

“I’ll see you in a few days,” Yanee said as soon as they arrived.

Tohru looked sad and Yanee almost laughed at his sulking face since the reason why he’s acting like a little kid was because he couldn’t go to Seoul with her this time. He held her tightly before placing a kiss on top of her head.

“Take care, okay? Send me a message as soon as you arrive. Big Sis Jisoo already arranged for someone to pick you up at the airport and you will be staying in the same room where you stayed previously at the Grand Blue Hotel,” he said and Yanee smiled.

A worry potato…

Yanee fought the urge to laugh as he reminded her to be careful at least five times before he was satisfied and left. Alone, at last, Yanee prepared her luggage for her trip the next day and then took a long hot bath to relieve her fatigue.

Soaking in the hot water made her miss Kyoto suddenly, and a smile played on her lips. She didn’t forget to send Marian and Mama James a message saying they had arrived in Tokyo earlier. Now, she informed her that she’s bound to Seoul.

At seven in the evening, she had a very light meal and was preparing to go to bed early when the potato called. He didn’t make her stay up long though.

“I’ll let you rest now. Good night,” he told her and she almost laughed.

It was only half-past eight in the evening and her sister was not even there yet. She wanted to show Ami the kimonos she bought but at nine when she still didn’t arrive, Yanee decided to put the kimonos in Ami’s room where she carefully hung them.

She then walked back to her room, and as soon as her back hit the cool sheets, she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, she was surprised to see a message from Tohru. He still felt bad since he couldn’t come and pick her up and bring her to the airport. He had a meeting today since Daddy James was still on leave. But she didn’t mind.

She called a taxi and went to the airport on her own like she usually did. She boarded the plane on time and even arrived in Seoul ten minutes ahead of schedule. This time, she was no longer surprised to be picked up by the hotel’s manager in a limo like before. She already understood what’s going on this time around and this made her smile.