❈𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐦𝐚'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕––𝟒:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞❈

𝐁𝐙𝐙𝐙

𝐁𝐙𝐙𝐙

𝐁𝐙𝐙––

❝Shut uup!❞

❝God. Stupid . . . Alar––ACH!❞

Oh . . .

That's just . . .

Great.

Isn't that just a perfect way to start off my Monday. Falling off my bed.

A tired groan echoed throughout the walls of my small, empty apartment.

I hate Mondays.

This was just a preview of the grueling week ahead––a repeating, monotonous cycle of work. One I dreaded every Sunday, every Monday morning, and every night of the week.

I reached up to grab the top of my bed, hoisting myself up. I took a small look around my dark room. My limbs felt like lead as I picked myself up to my knees, letting out a long, weary sigh. I shifted my gaze to the alarm clock's red, bold numbers, and sighed once again.

𝟒:𝟑𝟏 𝐀𝐌.

I shook my head and leaned forward, letting my forehead rest against the edge of the bed, staring down at the dull, black of my carpet.

I could barely move my arms, already so settled in this sitting position, my eyelids growing heavy once more.

Calling in sick sounds like a good idea right about now.

The thought was tempting, but I knew I had responsibilities. Besides, if I didn't take a day off these next two weeks, I'd earn a week's vacation––one I've been looking forward to for three months.

The thought of that small respite gave me a sliver of energy. I slowly lifted my head, taking in the bleak sight of my room again.

With one last tired sigh, I used my bed to help me stand. A sharp pain in my back made me stretch, arching and extending my arms, a soft groan escaping my lips. Finally, I trudged around my bed toward the bathroom.

I flicked on the bathroom light, squinting against the sudden brightness. Shuffling over to the shower, I passed the mirror and sink, turning the handle to let the water stream out.

As the light became bearable, I stood upright, watching the water cascade onto the white tiles. Spinning on my heel, I started to leave for some clothes when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

I paused, turning my head to face the reflection. Not . . . I don't even want to talk about it.

I was losing myself. Just a little.

I stared at myself through the mirror, my bright and colorful eyes locking onto the emptiness of them. Though I lifted my lips into a smile, the blankness becoming not so noticeable.

I shook my head, dispelling my smile before leaving the bathroom. I reached my closet, rifling through my limited wardrobe. ❛What color today? Blue? Black? Light blue? Dark blue? Grey? Pink . . . ?❜

I stared vacantly at the sight of my pink suit, worn only once or twice. I stood there for a moment before grabbing my black suit. I layed it out on my unmade bed.

Socks, shoes, tie––all placed in order, except for the shoes, which were placed on the floor. As I walked back in my bathroom, I spotted a familiar photo frame flipped down with a small box next to it, making me frown.

I knew what it was. I knew who it was in the picture. And who that box was meant for.

I put it faced down for a reason so I wouldn't see it every morning, since I don't have the heart to throw it away.

I decided to take a small peak, slowly lifting the frame upwards. I stared at the image for a long lingering moment, my heart weighing heavy in an aching silence.

It pained me to see the old me so happy with the love of my life. With no problems whatsoever. And it pained me to know all of those years and all that money I gave her was for nothing.

I took once last second viewing over it before placing it back down, staring bitterly at the carpeted floor. I felt that familiar feeling of tightness in my chest, along with a choking feeling in my throat.

I missed being . . . Just happy. Just feeling something.

And it sucked to know all of that was taken away the moment she walked out that door.

I didn't mean to rely all my happiness on a person. But since that's all that made me happy, I didn't bother to focus on anything else. And now that she's gone, I forgot what it was like to be just happy with me.

I walked back into the bathroom, the picture unfortunately burned into my memory as I walked to the shower with watery eyes.

❈⁎❈⁎❈

❛Oh god I'm gonna be late.❜

I got . . .

I got so sleepy and tried in the shower I didn't wanna leave because I felt so cozy, I lost track of time.

That's the only reason why I was in there for so long.

. . .

Okay that's not the only reason.

I also lost track of time because I couldn't stop cr–– . . . Being upset. All because I looked at that one picture. Great.

❝Okay, okay, okay! Got this, this, this, I'm set!❞

I mumbled to myself as I fumbled with all my things in my hands, which was my bag, my lunch, my keys, my water bottle, and a donut for breakfast . . . Which I bought yesterday. Yeah I didn't really . . . I physically couldn't . . . I don't need to make breakfast everyday.

I had almost used my foot to open the door to my apartment, though I quickly shoved the donut in my mouth to make enough room in my hands to swing the door open.

I rushed through the door, out to the morning scenery where I could hear the loud sounds of the day.

I slammed the door behind me, locking it before practically––before running as fast as I could to my car.

I could hear the soft chimes of fuurins that had come from the other people in the apartments. My neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, that reminds me usually I'd have a small chat with this sweet old lady before I fled to work, but unfortunately I couldn't because of the time.

❝Oh! There you are! Running late dear! Better get going! Hope you have a nice day!❞

Oh, well there she is.

I let out a slight pant from my running, turning my head over my shoulder to look over at my favorite neighbor.

God she's my favorite. She's literally an angel.

Though, she was practically my therapist if I'm gonna be honest . . . Like . . . Ugh, poor lady. I should be paying her to deal with my emotional shit.

I had almost forgotten the donut shoved in my mouth as I tried to yell back to her, though I couldn't, so I had only waved goodbye with a smile.

I watched as she lifted her gloved hand to wave goodbye at me, before going back to attending her plants.

I snapped my head back over my shoulder, seeing my car come into view. A sense of relief came over me at the sight, immediately halting in front of the door before swooping my hand forward to unlock it.

I scrambled to get the right key, missing the keyhole a couple times before finally getting it in, turning the key, only to hear the familiar click.

I took my keys out before opening the car door, getting in the driver's seat hastily.

I finally was able to put everything down, placing my bag and everything else on the passengers seat. I reached over and quickly closed the door, putting my keys in the engine before twisting it to start my car.

I grabbed my seat belt and put it on before grabbing the wheel, putting the car in reverse to get out of my parking spot.

❛I'm getting yelled at today.❜

I thought in defeat as I realized the scolding I'd get, though hopefully it won't be so bad.

Hopefully . . .

I finally was able to take the donut out of my mouth as I started to drive, feeling a sense of ease.

I took a small bite, humming quietly to myself at the taste. It was a strawberry donut.

I smiled a bit at the sweet tase that filled my mouth, chewing slowly as I became relaxed.

That just made my Monday a bit better.

❛I am not looking forward to today.❜

Thankfully, I did not take so long to get to work. Before I knew it, I was already parked in my claimed parking spot and my donut was already finished.

Once I was settled in my parking, I took the keys out of the engine and grabbed all of my things, putting my lunch in my bag and my keys, along with my water bottle.

I adjusted myself, smoothing out my suit before tightening my tie. Once I felt satisfied I opened the car door and got out, locking my car before closing the door.

I took a deep breath of the fresh morning air of freedom before walking out of the parking and to the tall building I worked at.

Though I didn't get to walk much further as I spotted an unfamiliar vehicle in one of the parking spots that was supposed to be empty.

I furrowed my eyebrows a bit, tilting my head at the sight.

It was . . .

It was a black motorcycle.

Strange . . .

I shook my head as I realized I still wasn't completely at work yet, continuing my walk and humming a bit to myself.

❛Is there someone new? Or maybe it's an important person Kibutsujis having a meeting with?❜

I let my thoughts ponder as I finally became in front of the building, pulling the glass door open and walking inside, forcing on a smile.

I was met with the familiar, open space of the bottom floor. I spotted a certain black-haired receptionist straight ahead at her desk.

❝Hey! Nakime!❞ I called out with a wave, watching as she lifted her head from her computer, staring at me with a blank expression.

Once I had made it in front of her little circle of a desk, I lowered my hand and leaned against it.

She only sighed, grabbing something from the side of her desk and standing, seeing that it was a stack of papers.

Before I could ask her what the papers were for, she shoved them to my chest, making me jump a bit from surprise. I stood straight, so none of the papers would fall.

❝You're late. You have work to do.❞ She blandly spoke before going back to sitting down in her chair, her attention going back to her computer.

❛But my papers are always by my desk . . . ❜

I only hummed in response at the large stack of papers, my expression faltering.

Great . . .

I turned around and walked over to the elevator, deciding to just get straight to work without bothering her more. I adjusted the papers in my hand, making them neat and straight.

Well what a warm welcome . . .

I shook my head, feeling a bit disappointed that was the welcome I got. I stressed my hand out to press the button of the elevator, almost dropping all my papers in the process.

I quickly took my hand back to hold the papers, clearing my throat as I waited for the elevator to come down.

Thankfully, again, it wasn't that long of a wait, I was already inside, pressing the button to my work floor and waiting as the elevator went up.

❛I wonder what time it is.❜

I decided to check, seeming I'd be in here for about 30 more seconds. I gently shifted the papers to one hand so I could get my phone.

Once I got all the papers in one hand, I reached a hand down to my pockets.

Though once I felt myself pat my legs down and feel nothing, I felt my heart drop.

You've got to be kidding me.

I let out a groan, rolling my head back in disbelief. I forgot to get my phone from the kitchen counter.

That's just great . . .

I sighed, shaking my head before holding the papers with two hands again, grumbling to myself.

❝What a great start of the week . . . ❞

I pursed my lips in aggravation as I heard the elevator ding, signaling that I was now at my floor.

I shook my head to snap out of my aggravation, quickly curling my lips into a happy smile again as the elevator doors opened.

❛Happy smile . . . Put on a happy smile. You're happy.❜

I was met with the dreadful sight of the familiar offices and co-workers as the doors open, letting out a deep exhale from my nose before walking into the workspace.

I barely got a couple steps in before I was yelled at, making me halt in surprise.

❝You're late Douma!❞

I paused my movements, my shoulders tensing as I felt the eyes of my co-workers shift to me.

I slowly turned my head to the familiar . . . Annoying voice, only to be met with a stoic pale face and a pair of infuriated red eyes.

I sighed a bit, standing up straight and keeping my smile––to seem confident and professional.

❝I apologize sir. I'll make sure to be early next time.❞

Kibutsuji only rolled his eyes at me, lifting a hand to dismiss me. I sighed in a bit of relief, shaking my head before I made my way over to my small office.

❛Ugh . . . Go fuck yourself Kibutsuji.❜ I thought with a huff, frowning deeply.

❝Now, as I was saying––before I was interrupted––I'd like you all to treat Ms. (Y/N) with respect and kindness, just like you already do with each other.❞

I slightly furrowed my eyebrows and paused in my tracks at the unfamiliar name being announced by my boss.

Who . . . ?

I turned my head around to Kibutsuji, my expression confused before turning into shock at the sight at someone new. Someone I've never seen before.

My eyes slowly widened in slight awe, feeling my heart start to pound against my chest, thumping against it so forcefully that I could feel it in my throat.

My stomach felt as if it had twisted and turned light in a sensation as if I was falling.

I felt my face warm, feeling my hands slightly tremble.

There was this . . .

Woman

Standing besides him.

This . . .

This beautiful woman.