Misconstrued Intentions
"Mr. Anzai, if you have something to discuss with me, then say it. I don't have time for your games," Fumiko said curtly.
Hiroto stepped out of the car, towering over Fumiko. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. You have pictures from the night we met, don't you? Are you trying to blackmail me?"
"Blackmail you for what? Kidnapping a child?" Fumiko scoffed. "Look, I know it might be a misunderstanding. He was just a little boy, and I wouldn't stoop to blackmail. I just need an interview with you."
"Oh, so you're that noble now? Don't tell me you wouldn't use any leverage you have," Hiroto said, his eyes fixed on something in the distance.
"Mr. Anzai, what's your problem? Do I seem like I have time for this because I intrude on your territory without permission? Just tell me what's bothering you!" Fumiko demanded.
"Fine," Hiroto sighed. "I just want to settle whatever you have of mine. What do you want? Money? Reputation? Status? Name your price."
"Keep your money, reputation, and status. All I wanted was an interview, and now it feels like I'm not even getting that. My job might be on the line because of this," Fumiko said, attempting to walk away.
"Emotional blackmail now that you didn't get your way? All girls are the same, I see," Hiroto sneered.
"Are you out of your mind? You have no right to accuse me! You lack any sense of responsibility, barging in here for no reason and picking a fight. And now you're calling me a blackmailer? Have you lost your mind?" Fumiko shoved him back towards his car, her voice rising in anger.
"I haven't lost anything. You're just a pain in the neck," Hiroto retorted.
"This is a waste of time," Fumiko muttered, hailing a taxi and heading straight for her office.
The moment she entered the office, she was met with an unexpected scene of chaos.
"Hey, what's going on? Why is everything in disarray? Did something amazing happen? Is the managing director celebrating with sweets?" Fumiko asked a confused colleague.
"How can you ask such a question? You're the reason for all the happiness and celebration at the firm!" the colleague exclaimed.
"Me? The reason? What are you talking about? I don't understand," Fumiko said, completely bewildered.
"What are you talking about, Fumiko? Don't tell me you don't know anything!" the colleague said incredulously.
"I honestly have no idea what you're saying," Fumiko admitted, confused.
"Oh, haven't you seen? You're all over the news with Hiroto Anzai! Because of your dedication, everyone in the firm finally believes you can land that interview with him."
"With Hiroto Anzai? What are you talking about? When? I never asked a photographer to take a picture of us together. How on earth did this happen?" Fumiko exclaimed, rushing towards the desk where photographs were displayed on the table.
As she looked at the picture, she realized it was taken in the very spot where she'd been arguing with Hiroto. "Now he'll definitely think I rejected everything because I planned this photoshoot beforehand. Why do I always get entangled with this man? He's already turning my life upside down!" Fumiko groaned, clutching her head in frustration.
"Fumiko, I never doubted your capabilities for a second, and now you've proven it," the managing director said, approaching her before heading back to his office. "Considering the circumstances, I'm extending the deadline for your interview. Take your time with Mr. Anzai, and we're all expecting good news." He left her standing there, utterly bewildered.
"Extension of the interview? What on earth is happening to me? I came here to submit my resignation letter, but now..." Fumiko muttered, clutching her head in frustration.
"What resignation? You're already doing a great job. Why do you feel the need to quit?" her colleague inquired.
"I'm not doing a great job! Everything happened because I was trying to get an interview with him, but he insulted me! He accused me of ulterior motives when all I wanted was an interview," Fumiko exclaimed.
"Motives? What's with that?" her colleague asked, paying close attention to the situation.
"He thinks I have information about him kidnapping a child, which is absurd! I thought he was helping a lost kid, so I told him. But who knew he'd think I was accusing him and threaten to report it to the firm?" Fumiko vented.
"Don't worry about it, Fumiko. I'm sure you'll get the interview anyway," her colleague said with a smirk. She then approached the managing director's office and said, "Sir, I have information about Hiroto Anzai."
"Hiroto Anzai?" The managing director shot up from his chair, surprised.
"Yes, sir. According to my information, he was with a kid who might have been a potential kidnapping victim. It seems the attempt was unsuccessful. I believe this could be a huge exclusive story for our firm."
"Are you certain this information is accurate?" the director asked cautiously.
"Absolutely! I'm 1000% sure about this. I have a reliable source who witnessed the event," her colleague lied confidently.
"Okay, then prepare everything for a news release tonight," the director instructed.
"Sir, I think it might be best to hold off on releasing the news right away. If Mr. Anzai finds out about it, he'll try to stop it. Why don't we keep it under wraps for now? Then, when the time is right, I can publish an article about it myself," her colleague suggested.
"Alright, do as you wish," the director agreed. The colleague left his office with a triumphant smile, glancing back at Fumiko with a sly look.
"You shouldn't have shared this information with me, Fumiko," she said smugly. "In the media world, every piece of news is a goldmine, and every friend can be a competitor."
"Did you finish talking to the director?" Fumiko asked.
"Yes, I did. And I'm going to be a huge star after today!" the colleague exclaimed excitedly.
"Oh, so what kind of news did you get?" Fumiko inquired, curious.
"It'll be revealed soon," the colleague said enigmatically.