1 Chapter 1: The Encounter

Inside one of the most prestigious research labs, Erina Hirota roams the large empty halls with her security badge wondering where she was supposed to be. 'Goddammit! Great. I just had to lose my way to Research Lab 124 right? How stupid can I be? Well, in my defense, this place has way too many rooms. So, I guess anybody could get lost in here.'

Walking around in circles, Erina hears footsteps coming closer to her. As she quickly turns around... BAM! Erina yelps as she was knocked down on the cold floor. "Ouch! What the heck!"

A tall handsome man in a Louis Vuitton black suit reaches his hand out to her and whispers, "Here. Sorry about that. Are you okay Miss?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm okay. Thanks for the hand. Oh by the way, do you know where Research Lab 124 is? I'm new here and I lost my way. Kind of overwhelming being here."

"What a coincidence! I am going to the same place. My name is Kaito Takishima. May I ask for your name Miss?"

Erina's insides churn. She remembers a name that she forgot a long time ago. 'WHAT?! Your name is Kaito Takishima?! Like the guy, I dated back in high school?! Oh god. What have I gotten myself into?'

"Oh, my name is Erina Hirota. Nice to meet you Mr. Takishima."

"That's funny! Someone that I love and will forever cherish has the same name too!"

Erina gags hearing his comment. 'Really. Someone that you will forever love and cherish. Ha! What a joke that is!'

"Well, should we head to the lab now? The staff members must be waiting for us."

"Mr. Takishima? May I ask you a question?"

"Why of course. Ask away!"

"I am going to be very blunt about it. What is your position in this research centre?"

"How very blunt you are. Kind of reminds me of someone. Well, to answer your question, I am the CEO of this research centre."

Hearing those words come out of his mouth, Erina starts to feel lightheaded. 'Oh geez. I think I'm about to have a f*cking panic attack! How can this man be my boss? Let alone, the CEO?! I really should've stayed home today. Oh well. I just have to deal with for ten cruel hours and then I can go home to my fur babies. My two cute puppies!' Regaining herself from her thoughts Erina relaxes. "Now that you have answered my question, I think that we should head to the lab. Right?"

"Yes. Let's go."

Walking side by side the two continue their way to the lab. Somehow time slows down for them. Kaito makes quick glances at Erina without her knowing. 'She is still beautiful as ever. Her small face looks the same as before. Oh god. How much have I missed her.'

Out of nowhere, a young man stars running towards them and screams "Master! Master! You are going to be late for the meeting! Please hurry up! The board of directors will not like this behavior of yours! Please hurry."

"Calm down John, calm down. We are not going to be late. Remember how the meeting was postponed for 15 minutes. We have enough time to spare. Oh, and let me introduce an employee to you. She is new so can you show her around in your free time?"

"Of course I can Mr. Takishima," John turns around to face Erina. "Hello. My name is John Fue. I am the personal secretary of Mr. Takishima."

Paying close attention, Erina responds, " Hi. My name is Erina Hirota. Nice to meet you."

"My pleasure. Are you going to be accompanying us to the lab, Miss Erina?"

"Oh please, don't call me Miss Erina. Call me Erina. And yes. I am joining you and Mr. Takishima."

"That's good. Now, I think we all should really up before we get late. Even if we have time to spare. I mean it's better to be early than late right?"

In a chorus, Erina and Kaito answered yes. Resuming their course, the three walk toward the research lab.