His name is Igarashi,
Igarashii Yuuto.
I know him from years ago, actually I still have his business card.
I was this new-nervous-clueless girl in the office being introduced to really tall guy with glasses from the parent company.
Years past...
We were walking our own path.
Things got worse for me,
tested me, almost broke me.
There were days when my mind were blank, lost few stops of train, lost hope, cried, giving up and gritting it through, while saying to my self, it can't be that bad. Until now I don't now if what I had back then was really bad for me mentally, or did my courage of not wanting to be oppressed and knowing my right and self worth just help me pushed all through it with a total IDGAF come-what-may attitude.
Those hard times taught me to look for chance, no matter how bleak, no matter how small, and to seize it. Cause nothing felt as horrible as having lost of hope.
I just kept pushing through with all kinds of way and imagination running wild, practically fake it till you make it. Trying to get back on track. Trying to earn my title back.
When I finally picked my confidence up, little by little, I did run to you once in a while. Mostly on the hall. Just a simple "Good morning" or "Good afternoon". Nothing more.
But, there was this, one occasion, you were walking with one of the managers, who stopped me while saying,
"Now, now, you with that attire looking too cute, is this allowed Mr. Director?",
and I think it was the first time I saw you giggled while answering, "Yes, it is fine :)", to my rather puzzled response of "Thank You!", while bowing in glee and walked away.
We were officially reintroduced, the beginning of this year, when I was asked to get some documents from you. When my Director introduced me again to you, he asked "Is this your first time meeting each other?", both of us just smile to each other, looking into each others eyes, like two child keeping the same secret while saying "Nah, we've met".
I was on the top of my confidence the second time I was introduced to you. I was no longer the timid girl who didn't dare to look at you when we exchanged business card. But I guess you know, I have always had that timid side of me. Was that your consideration as you proceed carefully?
You gave me your email. And you visited me on my desk. Catching me unalarmed. Saying sorry for coming from my back as I jolted in surprise. Were you entertained?
I thought it was easy to talk to you, without me having to feel intimidated. Not that I don't have knowledge of your position on the hierarchy. Your smiley, welcoming and warm personality made it easy for me to express my self, sending emails after emails. The difficult position I was in, made me not want to loose your attention. You were and are my only hope.
These were the beginning of it all.
Your kind & understanding words. I genuinely, sincerely would like to thank you for that. It made me shed tears to reminisce that kindness in you.
When we rode elevators together, we talked longer than we usually do. We talked about things other than work. You always seem to follow the movement of my hands. Distracted by them?
And on the hall. You praised me for one of the reference document I made and I jokingly said "I wanted to have these feeling conveyed". Then, you walked up to me, and what was supposedly to be a short meeting on the hall, turned into conversation of us two without a care in the world.
Few days ago,
we had this meeting, where I had the chance to see other side of you.
I was rather surprised to find strict stern tone in your words, thankfully those words were not meant for me. I unconsciously compared the ever low soft tone you use when you talk to me, and that scary one I heard just now.
And I realized again, how kind and fluffy you've been to me :)
That did it.
That made me think.
And that brush of hand as you pointed something on my laptop screen.
I think that triggered me.
In my helplessness, as you were explaining that draft, I was following your hand, scrutinizing the pores on your hand, wondering why they look so cushy. Huge hand, but cushy.
God forbid.
During that explanation, I carelessly blurted your name amidst the chaos and hopelessness in my soul, breathlessly in the sweetest manner, that is almost considered inappropriate for working environment,
"Igarashii saan...".
Did you pause a moment before responding, "Yes..."?
***