Chapter 1: Aloof indeed

With the droplets of rain trickling down the windshield of my car as wipers tried to erase its traces to clear up the visibility, I slowly breathed a deep sigh. Like the breeze carrying the vapors of rain, I felt heavy inside.

As I parked in the underground parking lot, my heart continued to thump vigorously as a sign of nervousness and apprehension. But upon seeing the time remaining before I am assumed as late, I ignored this turmoil and walked to the interior of this building.

If this person was just that, I would not bring my mind into this. But this man, is a knot in my life— one that I cannot untie.

I rambled through the hallway that seems to be in a celebratory yet tense mood.

Everything and everyone is prepared to greet the returning chairman of the board, but for now a vice chairman, who happened to suffer from an accident half a year back— a car collision.

He stepped down due to his current incapacity to lead the company with full vigor. One of the many reasons as well is the fact that he suffers from amnesia; fortunately, only few memories have been "forgotten."

Employees, executives, and board members have gathered in the flamboyant hallway just pass the lobby of the company's building. There, they await for the arrival of that man.

I skipped the lined-up crowd inconspicuously, and headed to the second to the highest floor using an elevator. I clicked the 15th button and let the elevator's door close as it started to lift its carriage.

Once open, I headed to the handful office rooms in this floor— one of which belongs to myself. I rested my suitcase atop the dark mahogany table, and use it as a support with my hands placed above it. I breathed in and out repeatedly trying to calm my nerves.

It has been 6 months, how am I affected with just the thought of him being in the same place. Though we may rarely see each other, I cannot help but feel my heart with my hand. "No, this shall stop. This had long ended," I thought to myself disappointedly.

I shook my head from left to right and finally sat on my swivel chair, leaning to it and making it produce a squeak due to my weight.

I have been in constant debate and contemplation with my mind as to what's next after the accident, but it has always been answerless in a state of dead end.

"Oh! Mr. Ishiro, are you not coming down to welcome the vice chairman?" an employee asked me upon seeing through the opened door of my ofice.

"Yes, I'll go. I am just checking something," I reasoned out, then waved my hand to dismiss him.

As much as I wanted to go there myself, I just can't find the courage to confront him. I mean, not that he will remember me and neither will I converse with him, but --- I don't know.

"These are all worthless whines," I finalized the inner conflict I am having. I grabbed my glasses which was placed in one of the drawers of my table.

I closed the door of my office and walked to the elevator again. I pressed the button where people are expected to gather. A hall where corporate events are usually held.

I placed all my disturbing thoughts at the back of my mind and never attempted to allow them to resurface. I walked with an indifferent expression plastered on my face— as per usual.

I met only the utility workers on my way as I presume that they absolutely gathered for this "welcoming" extravaganza.

As I opened the door to the hall, I immediately blended into the crowd— seeking a space around the corner. Being somewhere far from the limelight, I continued my search for empty tables.

"Mr. Ishiro, here you are! Let's go over the front!" I jolted awake with Ms. Hedrich's — the secretary of the current chairman— invitation.

I looked at her and emotionlessly nodded. She led the way to the front, motioning other people to give way. Having known that she is the chairman's assistant, they quickly stepped aside.

I continued following behind her until we reached the front most table. Mr. Tomanson's - the chairman- waved at me upon seeing my arrival. I walked towards him and slightly bowed my head.

He motioned me to sit beside him, which I gladly complied with. "I have something to ask you for a consult," he added as I sat.

I again nodded at him, indicating that the message was successfully sent across. He directed his head to the side of the other board members sitting in the same table as we do.

They joked around about him being the new head of the group- and even said that this is his long awaited dream though temporary.

"The company is faring well, Mr. Tomanson, I must say. The gap left by the then chairman had been critical. But thanks to you, a helping hand indeed," a sycophant member of the board.

"It was all thanks to the Parkwrights for trusting me with this role," Mr. Tomanson stirred the conversation away. "Just trust in the company, and prosperity will precede," he added.

They are scratching each others' back at the moment. I couldn't care more. I diverted my gaze into the glasses I removed from my face, and fiddled it with my fingers.

I keep on folding and unfolding my eyeglasses while staring at it- completely spacing out. The cacophanies of the hall slowly died down as my concentration just drifted off. I was just focused on toying with this object, then I find myself just thinking of nothing.

A pat on my shoulder awoken me from a trance. I looked to the secretary who was hinting me that the vice chairman had arrived, I abruptly stood up upon seeing other people on their feet. I just regretted going down here with so many nonsensical goings.

The door of the hall swung open with a thud, and all eyes darted towards the figure walking in the middle of a group of guards who are currently entering the door in an aligned formation.

Everyone inwardly gasped to the sight of a man looking in his late 20s. I slowly prompted my line of sight towards that man.

I saw him.

My heart beated faster than usual, but I casually ignored it. He was sporting a black corporate suit - just like what he always wore before the accident.

[Flashback]

I ran through the hallways panting as if there is no tomorrow. I searched every nook and cranny of the business department's building searching for my sworn enemy. I am currently holding a rather scrunched piece of test paper which I plan to force-fed someone with.

The locker room was the only place I haven't looked around just yet. So, I ran through the corridor in the direction of the wing where it is located.

Before entering the room, I breathed a deep sigh to contain my boiling emotions. I kicked the door open, but it failed to produce a terrifying sound.

"Arceo!" I shouted upon seeing him racking his locker. "Why did you incorrectly checked my paper?" I complained with an almost top-of-my-lungs volume.

He looked at me with no interest and emotions. He mouthed "what?" to me.

I showed my paper to him and used my finger to point out which number. "This is considered correct, I have a textbook to prove it," I verbally added.

He looked at me expressionlessly and retorted, "Then ask for recount." He turned his back to me.

"Professor wouldn't allow me. The grades are already finalized," I reasoned.

He didn't face me at that time so I took that as my que to leave. This has been fruitless; if there is someone to blame, it is I. I should have rechecked it long time ago.

I started walking with a crampled paper in my hand. Before completely going out of the locker room, I saw a trash bin. I perfunctorily threw the test paper there and rambled out.

There had been no significant interaction between the both of us after that.

[End of flashback]

That's the first time we talked in college.

The crowd formed an encirclement with that man inside while everybody is exclaiming their welcoming words for his return. But even that, his face is absent of any emotions. Even after the accident, his indifferent personality didn't take much change, I guess.

But despite his lack of enthusiasm, the employees' moods are still unwavering. He walked to the front most table where I stood together with the board of directors.

I felt my heart skipped a beat but was able to almost disregard it. Almost.

My line of sight was completely blocked by the board swarming towards him- their first step for currying favor. I saw the chairman beside me sneered at their behavior.

I coughed to awaken him from his trance and avoid embarassing himself.

The crowd slowly parted as the chairman drew closer to him with me following behind. Mr. Tomanson walked with a warm smile plastered on his face. A good technique of masking his true emotions.

"Finally back! Welcome to your home!" the mister cheerfully said. The both of them shook the hands of each other.

"Thank you for the warm welcome," he expressed his gratitude with a smile. "Do not bother yourself next time," he added.

"Oh please! For you, I wouldn't hesitate to go for an extra mile," Mr. Tomanson winked and laughed heartily. "Come, come! Give the company your most awaited words!" he invited Arceo to the stadium.

After both standing above the platform, the chairman started his introductory remarks and flowery words which I prefer not to listen to.

"Here, we are once again joined by the greatest mind in the business world. And he is once again back in his game. Our company will remain glorious with him. Mr. Parkwright" he motioned Arceo to the podium.

"I, first of all, wanted to express my gratitude for each of you who have given me the honor of attending here today. I'll give you just a few word that bears billions of meanings. The company is now, and will be, in a safe hand for I am here. Work under my wings, and we'll reach the highest feat achievable. Thank you! I'll expect your bravado now that I am finally back." he spoke with authority and sternness. What followed next is a series of applause.

After an hour of more human interaction, the gathering was over and the employees are back on their posts.

"Come to my office Mr. Parkwright if you have some questions or difficulties! My doors are always open," the chairman showed his good attitude.

"I appreciate that and I'll take your words for it!" Arceo thanked him. "I must get going, piles of paper are also welcoming me at my office," he excused himself.

"Oh, go on! Goodluck on your first day!" the chairman bid his goodbye to him.

After leaving the hall, Mr. Tomanson turned to us, his team. "We'll be having a board meeting in 2 days time. Prepare all the major projects we approved," he commandereed us and left the hall.

I followed behind him still until we got to our offices' floor- which is exclusive to him and a few of his trustees— which I am a part of.

"Take a look at Devin's Construction Company and see if it's worth investing at," he instructed me a job.

"I already did that, sir. I'll be scheduling a meeting with their CEO if you wanted to push through this investment," I informed him.

"Good! Keep me posted. I have many things at hand to resolve, I must disappoint you to handle this on your own devices," he said.

"No problem, sir!" I assured him.

We parted ways after that. As soon as I returned to my office, I slumped myself in the swivel chair and started typing on my keyboard.

I addressed an email to the secretary of the client-CEO. The chairman wanted to purchase stocks in that company personally, and I, as his Financial consultant/assistant, will run this kind of errands for him.

"Hello! This is Mr. Ishiro Wakatoshi from the office of the chairman of Parkwright group of companies," I introduced myself upon knowing that the call was picked up.

"Good morning, sir! This is the secretary of Mr. Ethro; I have already heard about it. The CEO has also approved of the deal," she replied.

"Good then. May I know when will his schedule be convenient for a meeting?" I asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon his schedule will be free," she answered. "Can you give me an exact time?" she continued.

"Is 3:00pm okay?" I suggested.

"That would be great! I'll let Mr. Ethro know about this," she said. I hung up after hearing the affirmation.

I looked around my office hoping something will pique my bored interest. But to my disappointment, I found none.

I checked my wrist watch and saw that there is still an hour before lunch break. I opened my laptop and tried to browse my email if there are messages left unread.

I scrolled through it until my eyes landed on something I failed to delete.  It is a notification for a travel ticket abroad for a supposed vacation.

But that day did not come.

My phone rang before I further lament on this insignificant thing.

"Go home before 8pm," my mother curtly stated which was followed by a series of "toot-toot" indicating the end of the call.

Oh! Another thing to lament. This day is ridiculous!

I spent the remaining time spacing out and just staring blankly at the glass window of my office— where one can see through the thicket of the city.

I stood up from my chair, fixed it in a way that it is inserted in the space below my table. I grabbed my coat and turned off the lights.

I headed out of my office only to meet the closed door of the elevator. I then pressed the button.

I am planning to have a meal at a restaurant just beside the building. They offer decent foods. So, once I got out of the lift, I immediately treaded my way there.

I swung open the door and entered. As soon as I ordered, I occupied the usual spot.

The waiter served a complimentary tea, a chamomile.

[Flashback]

I ruffled my hair in stress after finishing half my reviewing materials. The final exams are due 5 days from now. I am confident at gaining an above average score— but acing it is another question hence more review.

Someone sat beside me suddenly. "Tea," Arceo said as soon as I recognized his face.

I received his offer and nodded my head to him. We're seeing each other now.

After our first not-so-uneventful meeting, nothing almost followed. Almost. As if destiny has its ways of entangling us.

It was a rainy dusk at that time, I did not ace an exam— which is a big deal for me. It was because I was preoccupied about beating "Arceo the great" rather than focusing my energy in studying alone. The review was ineffective— I think the self-imposed pressure slightly impaired my learning retention and comprehension.

I got so upset, not just because I did not measure up to my expectations, but most primarily due to the fact that my competitively toxic ego took over. I shouldn't have done that. This exam is vital for my grades— I wasted it for feeling bad about someone else's success: which I initially assumed as rightfully mine.

I knew I reviewed with vigor than I could ever muster. But all the efforts were for nought.

I felt so conflicted inside. I could barely breathe. As I walked with haste to exit the classroom, I felt my steps growing heavy; yet, my mind continued to function ceaselessly.

Soon followed was a moment of epiphany, I realized that I was not emotionally unstable because of my marks or the envy. It was for the reason that I did my best— but it was not good enough. It's the feeling of powerlessness that dawned on me. And I hate it.

My consciousness found its way back to reality only for me to realize that I am sitting on a bleacher surrounding the oval. And as if the sky was experiencing the same emotions as I did, it cried with what people call "rain."

I ran to the lockers' room to put my bag away. Then, I returned to the field with arms wide open welcoming the water droplets. I jogged and paced through the circle until my legs and calves ache.

The moment exhaustion washed over me, I hurriedly slumped on the nearby bleacher still under the pouring rain. My breaths were growing slower upon rest. But even before I relaxed myself in that position, thunder and lightning striked.

I got up and walked towards the building— steps remained heavy. When I entered the infrastructure, I was startled by a voice behind me.

"What was that?" a deep, indifferent voice sounded just meters away from my back.

I abruptly averted my gaze into its direction. Only to find out that it was the man I least wanted to set eyes on for the meantime.

I looked at Arceo, and hurriedly withdraw my gaze from him. I continued walking to the lockers' room. Then, a hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder motioning my body to face its direction.

"I asked," he said.

I tried to shrug his hands away but he wouldn't allow it. "What do you need?" I finally replied to his approach.

He eyed me as if hinting that I already know the answer to my question.

"I'm sorry, but I don't really have the luxury for this," I forcefully removed his hands from my shoulder which was not that tight of a grip.

I directly went to my locker, grabbed my things, and started storming my way home under a black umbrella.

"Stop right there!" a voice similar to the one I heard a while ago sounded again.

"Why were you running like a lunatic under such pour?" he asked quickly.

"Stop sticking your nose where it does not belong," I cut his inquiry.

"You know, the likes of you are easy to read," he stated. I gave him a questioning look. But he turned his back on me and left.

Aloof indeed.