II - The inscrutable Kang Izumi

Chapter Two

The morning breeze drifted through my open window, crisp and refreshing, a gentle reminder that a new day had begun. I could feel the sun slowly creeping its way above the clouds, painting the sky in soft pastels that promised warmth and light. As a morning person, I cherished these moments when the world was still waking up, and I rolled out of bed, letting the coolness of the floor ground me.

After a quick stop at the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror—pale face, slightly tousled hair, and eyes still heavy with sleep. I didn't linger long; there was coffee to be made, and that's my priority.

I moved to the kitchen and prepared my favorite brew, the rich aroma filling the air as the coffee dripped and bubbled. Once it was ready, I poured it into my usual white mug, savoring the warmth as I cradled it in my hands. With a contented sigh, I made my way to the balcony, eager to embrace the peacefulness of the early morning.

Stepping outside, I took a deep whiff of the coffee, letting the scent mix with the fresh air. The world around me was quiet, the distant chirping of birds the only sound. I glanced around, letting my gaze wander over the familiar landscape of the neighborhood. That's when something caught my eye—or rather, someone.

In the distance, on a balcony to my right not too far from mine, sat a woman in a recliner lounge chair. A lounge chair on a balcony? It seemed odd, but what was even more peculiar was the fact that she was fast asleep. I leaned a bit closer, intrigued by the sight. The balconies of our apartments were not overly close, but they were close enough for me to catch the details of her face.

'She's pretty', I noted, with blonde hair tied up in a bun atop her head. The sunlight illuminated her hair, making it look more like a bright golden halo than just a simple updo.

Her skin was fair, and I found myself studying her features more intently than I intended. Wait---what?

Why was I staring at a stranger?

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thoughts, but just then, I noticed movement in my peripheral vision. The woman stirred, her eyelids fluttering as if she was waking up from a deep sleep. She stayed still for a moment, seemingly dazed. Then, she sneezed.

Oh.

It must've been the cold. I mean, it should be, the morning air was brisk, and sleeping on her balcony in only a white long-sleeve shirt and dress pants and a fleece blanket wasn't nearly enough to shield her from the chill of November. Suddenly, she stood up as if she'd just remembered something important. As she turned to gather herself, that's when our eyes met.

If I thought she was pretty from her side profile, seeing her full face was another thing entirely. I was speechless.

Damn.

She was stunning. I hadn't expected her eyes to be cat-like—those sharp, almond-shaped eyes that stared back at me. They had been closed earlier, so I hadn't noticed. Now, they were locked onto mine, surprised but with a trace of amusement...

Wait. Why am I staring?

Realization hit, and I instinctively averted my gaze, hoping it would somehow absolve me from being caught red-handed, watching her sleep like a total creep.

Who was I kidding? I was a creep! Why was I even staring at a sleeping stranger?

As if on cue, she sneezed again—twice this time. It caught my attention, but I forced myself not to look back in her direction. If I glanced at her again, it would seal my fate as the neighborhood weirdo. So, I stood there, gripping my mug, focusing on anything—anything—but the blonde woman I'd been staring at minutes earlier.

After what felt like an eternity of awkward silence, I realized she had gone back inside her apartment. Just like that. No questions, no remarks about the random stranger who had been watching her sleep. Which I guess is a relief, right?

She probably thinks I'm creepy.

Not that it really mattered, but maybe it did. I guess I care about first impressions a bit. Just a little.

My coffee had gone cold. With a sigh, I walked back into my apartment, setting the mug down and preparing for the day ahead. I'm not big on makeup, but I applied just enough to not look like a ghost—something light to color my pale skin. It's not a requirement per se, but it's something of an unspoken rule for office workers, I suppose.

I glanced at the digital clock on the bookshelf—7:31 AM. The office was only about five-minute walk. I don't mind being early; I just hate rushing. I'm far from athletic, and the idea of running to work doesn't exactly appeal to me. I can't even remember the last time I exercised—months ago, probably.

'I should start jogging again'. I made a mental note.

Heading out of my apartment, my mind wandered back to the woman on the balcony. I'd never seen her before, and I'd been living here for a while.

She's probably new, I thought.

A new neighbor. That made sense.

And I'd completely screwed up by staring at her like that.

Shaking the thought from my mind, I made my way down the street, following the familiar route to the office. The cool morning air made the short walk a little more bearable. As I approached the heavy glass doors, I quickened my pace, just managing to catch the elevator before it closed. Once inside, the usual sterile silence filled the space, and I stood quietly until we reached my floor.

The hallway was just as familiar as the routine itself, leading me straight to the office that will hold me hostage for the day. Pushing open the glass doors, my ears were immediately assaulted by the noises I'd grown to dislike—the chatter of conversations, the clatter of keyboards, the phone ringing incessantly.

With a sigh, I dropped into my office chair. I still had a few minutes before I needed to start, but the day already felt long.

"G'Morning, Hyuna."

Jangmi sat herself in an empty chair she dragged beside me.

"Morning to you too."

"So, I ran into the new manager from the other department. She seems nice."

"Quite a random topic, but okay. You seem interested in her."

There's a playful glint in Jangmi's smile that I don't like. I know exactly where this is going.

"I don't know, she just looks like your type. Y'know, the intimidating ones. Or I think what's more accurate--- one who looks like bad news."

"For real? Why would you even think that's my type?" My eyebrow is raised as high as it can go. "And for the record, I'm not even interested in dating for now—"

"Oh, come on, Hyuna. It's been, what, almost two years since you dated? It's about time!"

She scooted closer before I can even respond.

"But hey, it's not as if I'm selling you to the devil. As a matter of fact, she just 'look' like bad news, but I think she's nice. Just really intimidating though. But you like that anyway. Taming the beasts."

She added while wiggling her eyebrows.

Right and wrong. Yes, it's been almost two years since I joined this company, since I relocated to this neighborhood, since I left my hometown—and all the memories I'd rather not revisit. And most importantly, almost two years since I ever dated---properly. I've been on several blind dates though, courtesy of Jangmi of course. But they all ended faster than I finish reading a light novel.

Jangmi's been on my case lately about this. She keeps tossing out potential date prospects—her gym buddy, a mutual friend, even a barista she barely knew but thought would look cute with me. And now, the new manager from the other department.

And no, 'bad news' aren't my type. I guess I just attract a couple ones who are 'walking red flags', as Jangmi calls them.

"I'm in no rush, so it's fine. Besides, I'd rather not date someone from work. It's just not a good idea. And also, mind you--- 'bad news' are not my type. I just happened to come across a few."

Even if it's someone from a different department, it's still a coworker. There are too many complications, and I'd rather keep things professional. Mixing work and personal life... it rarely ends well.

I heard Jangmi made an audible sigh.

"Well, you have a point there. I think I would rather not have Jiro in the same office as myself. He'll be constantly nagging me about this and that and it'll be tiresome."

"There, now you see my point. I---"

The deep voice behind me startled me, and I almost squeaked.

"Miss Hazuki, can you come to my office, please?"

I quickly turned around and stood up, bowing my head in response. It's our senior vice president.

Entering his office isn't new to me, but it still makes me feel a bit anxious, like being called to the principal's office.

"How are you, Miss Hazuki? Would you like anything to drink? Please, help yourself."

His warm smile reminded me of my father's, and that helped calm my nerves a little.

"I'm good, sir. Thank you for the offer."

He nodded, though I couldn't quite read his expression. Am I in trouble?

"So, Miss Hazuki, you've been with the company for roughly two years now, and I must say, you've been remarkable. Every project thrown your way is delivered with finesse, and that hasn't gone unnoticed by the senior partners. We discussed this briefly last month, but I'd like to bring it up again. There's an open Manager position, and I'd like to see you take over the new team. Please consider it."

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I didn't expect to be offered the promotion once again. I'm flattered to hear such compliments from the senior VP of our department. But more than anything, I'm just relieved I'm not in trouble. I had heard about the new team and the open Manager position for a while now, but I honestly thought they had already found someone for it.

And I'm still not sure if it's something I want right now.

'The salary increase would be nice... and the change of pace, I guess.' Or maybe not?

"I'll think about it, sir. Could you give me until the end of the week to decide?"

"Of course. Feel free to drop by my office once you've made your decision."

I was relieved that he'd give me time to consider it. In the back of my mind, I worried he might just give the position to someone else if I didn't answer right away. Despite his warm demeanor, the senior VP is strict and very particular about how things should be done. I know most of my colleagues are intimidated by him. Having worked on several projects he directly assigned, I suppose it's been an advantage, as I'm already somewhat familiar with how to work under his management. Certainly, I have a lot of respect for the man.

'Promotion, huh...'

Hours passed smoothly, and I found myself at a new diner Jangmi had suggested. It's less crowded, but the coffee is bland. We even decided not to dine inside because it smelled like hamburgers and frying oil. Luckily, they have an al fresco area. Still, the coffee tastes like sugar water. I'll probably grab another cup from our usual café later.

I think I had been staring at my sandwich for a couple of minutes when Jangmi called my name.

"Hey, Hyuna. You've been spacing out since this morning. Did something happen? Did the senior VP give you a scolding?"

"No, nothing bad, actually. He said he endorsed me for the new Manager post. Apparently, it's for the new team." I sighed, finally letting out what had been on my mind all morning. "I'm thinking of going for it. I asked him to give me until Friday to decide, but I think I might take the opportunity."

"Oh my God, that's great! I'm so proud of you, Hyuna!"

I beamed at Jangmi's excited expression.

"I should start calling you 'Manager Hyuna' now! It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Ah! And this way, I can feel my ship sailing!"

Wait, what?

"What are you talking about?"

"Manager Izumi handles half of the new team, so you'll basically be working closely with her. I can just let fate take it from there—"

"Who? Who's Izumi?"

"The new manager, remember? The one I told you about—that new Manager who joined the company a week ago? Oh hang on, let me try again---the one I told you, the intimidating woman who's totally your type?"

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

I'm definitely not going to hear the end of this from Jangmi. She'll be constantly teasing me if I end up working closely with that person. Come to think of it, I've never come across this Manager Izumi, nor do I have any idea what she looks like, and I'm already dreading meeting her.

"Hyuna?"

"Huh?"

I almost spilled my cup of coffee from playing with the stirrer mindlessly.

"Have you met Manager Izumi?"

"No, not yet actually."

Jangmi's smile and sudden silence made me uneasy. What is it now?

"Wanna meet her now?"

"What?"

Jangmi suddenly stood up and ran across the road, waving her hand like a child.

From a distance, I saw her approach a tall woman in a light brown suit. The sun was too bright for me to make out their faces clearly. I watched from afar, not wanting to chase after Jangmi and whoever she had suddenly run off to greet. Please don't tell me it's that new manager.

A minute passed, and they seemed engrossed in whatever they were talking about. On second thought, perhaps Jangmi just saw a friend who happened to pass by. I shouldn't overthink this. It's probably just a friend of hers. She's our social butterfly for a reason.

I glanced at my watch, debating whether to wait for Jangmi or head back to the office first.

'I still have 20 minutes.'

Maybe I should head back first.

Deciding what to do, a shadow loomed over me, making me glance up at the familiar face I had just recently seen.

Oh my god---

"Manager Izumi, please meet Hyuna. She's from the same department as myself. She's the one I told you about."

Jangmi turned to me, continuing the introductions.

"Hyuna, I'd like you to meet Manager Kang Izumi. She's the new manager overseeing the department next to ours."

The blonde woman stared at me as if studying my entire existence. Shit, she probably remembers me.

She looks a bit different with her hair down. More... sophisticated.

Out of all the people Jangmi could match me up with, why does it have to be this person—the sleeping beauty from the balcony.

"You look familiar."

I didn't expect that voice.

"Wha—who—" 'Why the hell am I stuttering?'

"You're probably mistaken." I adjusted my glasses and stood, preparing to make my exit.

She's a foot taller than me, I noticed—and she's wearing flats.

"Oh, am I?"

'Get it together, Hyuna.'

"Yes, and that's an overly used pick-up line."

I shouldn't have looked at her when I said that. I inhaled sharply as I caught sight of her smirk.

Now she really does look like trouble.

I quickly averted my gaze, focusing anywhere but on her.

I need to calm down.

"Right, right. Maybe I am mistaken. Forgive me for the lame pick-up line. I'll think of a better one next time."

What 'next time'…?

"Izumi," she said, extending her hand. Her tone softened to one that was all business. "I'm new here, so I figured I might as well make some acquaintances. If you don't mind."

I reached for her hand, suddenly self-conscious about whether my palms were sweating.

"Hazuki Hyuna."

She nodded, withdrawing her hand briefly.

"You're right. I must've mistaken you for someone else."

Her cold stare made me uneasy. I felt confused and annoyed at the same time. I know she remembers me, yet she's acting like this. I don't understand.

Then again, I did deny it first, didn't I?

"Yay to new acquaintances! Now that you've both met, Manager Izumi," Jangmi chimed in, reminding me she was still there.

"Would you like to join us for a cup of coffee after work? We can show you a couple of places around here since I heard it's your first time in Metro City."

Jangmi's beaming smile almost blinded me. She sparkles like Tinker Bell. And here I am, pulling a reverse card with a scowl on my face.

'I know what you're playing, Sato.'

"Ah, that's thoughtful of you. However, I—"

"She has other plans, Jangmi. Come on, let's go. Break time is almost over."

I took hold of Jangmi, ready to leave, but stopped when a firm yet gentle hand gripped my arm.

"I'm not finished talking."

My gaze shifted back to the blonde woman, her piercing eyes fixed on me.

"What?"

"I said, I'm not yet done talking."

What's up with this woman?

"And like I said, break time is almost over."

"Interrupting someone while they're speaking can be considered a bit rude, don't you think, Miss Hazuki?"  Her grip wasn't painful, but it was firm. Her cold gaze didn't waver. "Allow me to finish what I was about to say, please."

Now that she was a bit closer, I caught the scent of lavender mingled with a hint of something sweet.

"Alright... you can let go of my arm now."

I surrendered, realizing I was acting a bit bratty—and yes, maybe a bit rude. But I'm not going to admit that.

She obediently let go of my arm, still looking into my eyes as if trying to peer into my soul.

"As I was saying, I have matters to attend to today. But I'd like to take you both up on that offer. I really do want to find a good coffee place." It should've sounded like a request, but her tone felt more like a command. Or maybe it's just the way she speaks—monotonous.

She cleared her throat and continued, "I noticed you didn't enjoy the coffee at the diner. I share the same sentiment. It's not great."

She even noticed my coffee, huh.

I sighed internally, cursing myself for empathizing so easily.

"Fine, okay. It's not as if I was the one who invited you anyway, so I don't have much say. Jangmi, you—"

I glanced around, noticing there was no sign of the short-haired woman who started all of this. Did she just leave me here?

"What the—where—When did she leave?"

"I didn't notice."

Right, you didn't. But you noticed my untouched coffee.

I sighed, unsure of what to do next.

I made a mental note to get back at her later.

"Anyway, I'll head back now. I'll have Jangmi message you the details later."

"Hold on a second."

I glanced back, waiting for her to speak, but she simply stared at me, leaving me confused.

"What is it?"

"Miss Sato isn't here anymore, so it's just us," she said, stepping closer than I found necessary. "You're my neighbor, aren't you, Miss Hazuki?"

I knew it—she remembers me.

But… okay, how should I handle this?

I felt panic rise inside me.

"It's not what it looks like," I replied, my voice a little more defensive than I'd intended.

Her expression was unreadable, which only deepened my confusion. I should've believed my friends when they said I'm terrible at reading people.

"Then what is it?"

Alright, here goes nothing.

"I didn't mean to stare. I just happened to notice you, and I got curious since that apartment had been empty for a while. It was… surprising to see someone there."

"So, you are my neighbor, correct?"

"Y-yeah?"

"You don't sound very sure."

"I mean, yes, I am." Jeez, what's with her?

"Alright, alright."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode off in the opposite direction, leaving me standing there, stunned and confused.

Wait, that's it?

I followed, still trying to make sense of what had just happened. My mind raced, debating if I was overthinking things.

She walked quickly, her long legs carrying her effortlessly ahead—not that I minded the view from behind.

We ended up heading in the same direction, even taking the same elevator. The ride was quiet except for the background chatter. She didn't say another word, and I wasn't about to start the conversation either. Maybe that was for the best.

An hour later, I got a message from Jangmi. She suggested we bring Manager Izumi to the café we usually visit on weekends. It's about 15-minute walk from my apartment, and we'd discovered it through her roommate, Inoue, who co-owns the place. They make some of the best coffee in town, and on top of that, it's cozy. Plus, we often get discounts or free pastries when Inoue is around.

I told Jangmi to tell Manager Izumi about her plans herself. I went on with my day, silently praying that later wouldn't be as awkward as it was earlier.

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