[Next Door] Chapter 2: Waking Up To Loud Music
Title: Next Door
Author: numonorean
Rating: T
Classification: AU
Warnings: Loud music
Summary: New boy moves in and our girl gets a job. First meetings may not necessarily be as congenial as most would expect.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Don't sue.
"I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to the meeting today," Jun said over the phone cradled between his jaw and shoulder as he hauled the suitcase from the trunk of his car.
"Don't worry about it," his older brother, Takuya, said reassuringly. "Just finish whatever it is that you need to finish there. I'll take care of this for now."
"I just don't feel right about not being there," Jun said while he dragged his luggage towards the stairs leading to his loft.
"If you get sentimental, I'm hanging up," Takuya replied with a grimace.
"It's not that," he argued. "This is my project," he explained, "it's my responsibility to be there."
He could hear his brother sighing on the other end, "I get that, Jun. You've already read the proposal and we have discussed it. There's very little disagreement we had on it. You even mentioned that whoever drafted that proposal knew what he was doing."
Jun did not say anything. It was true, he was impressed with the proposal. It was very detailed and well-thought of. It was also agreeable budget-wise. He just wanted to be there to meet with the person who created it so he can trade off ideas with him. Ohno's protégé, from what he gathered.
"It'll be fine, Jun," Takuya said. "I'll tell them we'll meet with them again tomorrow. I just need to finalize the contract with them today."
"Okay," he finally replied and added, "just keep me posted."
They hang up and Jun turned towards the house. He nodded a greeting and smiled at Masachika-san and Mariko-san, who stood waiting at the foot of the stairs for him.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Jun-kun!" Mariko greeted him with a welcoming hug. Mariko's motherly affection has never failed to make him smile.
"Ohayo," he greeted back. "I'm sorry I had to move in so early. I was hoping to get settled by tonight."
"It's not a problem," Masachika answered him.
He peered a little cautiously towards the top of the stairs leading the lofts, "I hope the other tenant doesn't mind."
"She wouldn't," Mariko assured him, "she had to leave early for work today. She says she has a big project coming up and she's really excited about it."
"That's good," Jun nodded. At least he wouldn't bother his neighbor with what he expects to be a racket he will make today trying to get everything ready. "I also have a big project I need to work on, that's why I wanted to get settled before I start it."
Masachika nodded towards Jun's back as he said, "Looks like your moving van and workers are here."
Jun turned to watch the workers he hired unload the van with his belongings. The apartment looked fine as it is, but he had wanted to attach fixtures and storage to decorate and personalize the space. He was grateful he had the day to settle in.
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Mao walked towards her cube and smiled when she saw Ohno already at work behind his Senior Account Manager desk. He was talking on the phone, sounding like he was giving instructions to the hotel security manager, when he saw her. He motioned for her as he wrapped up his conversation.
"We want to make sure MTel's president feels we have enough security to cover ground when they're here. They're a popular company, and the president is popular with the media. I won't be surprised if a few of them turn up just to find out what he is doing here." Ohno listened to what the security manager was saying for a bit and nodded before he answered, "Thank you so much for your help." He ended the call and placed the receiver down as Mao sat in front of him.
"Okay," he turned to her and asked, "are you ready for today?"
Mao nodded and said, "I think I am."
Ohno nodded. In the years that they have worked together, they have built some sort of rapport. Ohno was known to be quiet and reserved, unlike most of his event staff. However, he has the gift of foresight and had a talent for negotiating with clients. These were things most people do not realize is crucial in an events team. Aside from that, he has an eye for detail like no other, and can think on his feet without looking harassed. He has saved the day several times when unexpected mishaps during events would happen. He often attributes this to the two-year training he had in the hotel's Italy location.
"Let's go through the proposal one more time and see if there's anything we need to revise," Ohno suggested.
Mao nodded. She felt grateful that Ohno was a bit of an exacting boss. He had never been difficult to deal with, but he was neither one to settle for just enough. As an Account Manager, it allowed her to really squeeze her brain for ideas and think outside of the box. It has also made for a more interesting work environment.
The launch for Mtel was a project initiated by Ohno. He had thrown down the idea at his team, and the moment she realized he had wanted one of his staff to lead the project, she knew she wanted it. She knew that if she nailed this, she had an opportunity to get selected for a re-assignment, similar to what Ohno had in Italy. It was a development program that is granted to one associate every two years. She knew this project was a critical factor in her recommendation, and she was grateful that her Senior was supporting her. She laid down the proposal in front of Ohno as they start to go through the proposal, which she now nearly knows by heart, one more time.
Two hours later, Mao entered the conference room to make sure everything was set. She checked her watch for the nth time. Quarter before ten. She went to the corner of the room where there the coffeemaker was and started preparing a brew. Keeping in mind that MTel's president liked his coffee black. She heard the door unlock just as she was setting the machine. Turning, she saw Horikita Maki enter the room.
"Well, you look like you got everything under control," her friend commented, smiling at her.
"What makes you say that?" She asked.
"I came here early today to make sure you have someone to hand you over Xanax in case you needed it," Maki joked, "and you don't even look frazzled."
Mao laughed. She started working for The Royal Hotel the same day that Maki did. They had the same position and had the same skill set. People had somehow expected them to bang heads and compete with each other, but it has completely been the opposite.
On their first day, they were both sitting through a boring orientation, and Mao was running down a list of things she was going to suggest to improve the program in her head. When the HR Chief left the room, Maki turned to her and said, "Well, it looks like we got our job cut out for us right from the get go." Since then, a bond was forged between the two. It helped that they were supportive of each other and often agreed on how things should be done. Apart from that, they had similar backgrounds and interests. Both were from middle-class families and attended school abroad. Their middle-class upbringing made them naturally hospitable and hardworking. Their foreign education lent them the grace and exposure to deal with different cultures.
"It's called a game face," Mao said, answering her friend's comment.
Mao knows that Maki knew all too well what she meant. Most of the time, their job required for them to stay serene and composed on the surface when things are all going haywire. They called it their game face. A face they have both perfected in the last five years working together.
"Such a waste of Xanax," her friend teased.
"You'd want to hold onto that," Mao replied grinning back, "just in case."
"Where's your staff, by the way?" Maki asked. Talking about her two associates, Aiba and Becky.
"They're getting the bagel," Mao replied. She turned to Maki, "Before I forget to tell you, I've already asked Ohno-san to make you available for this project."
Maki frowned at her, "What do you mean? This project is yours." In the five years they have worked together, they have never tried to take each other's project.
"I know, but this is humongous," Mao replied, looking at her. "I'd like to make sure I have someone I can count on to take over in case I keel over or something."
"You're not going to keel over," Maki told her empathically.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Mao smiled at her friend, and added, "but I still need you just in case."
Mao knew Maki would like to be part of the project, but would never usurp the right to own it from her. Her loyalty was just too strong.
"Think of it as being able to be there to provide me Xanax in desperate times," she said, wriggling her eyebrows at her friend.
Maki smiled a little, then finally sighed. "Fine," she said. "But only because you asked."
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Mao was watching the view from the conference room window when Ohno entered with MTel's president. Matsumoto Takuya was an imposing man. He was tall, but not overly large. Yet he still made his presence felt. It was little wonder that this executive was able to bring his telecommunications company to being one of the forerunners in the industry even at a young age.
Mao smiled as Ohno introduced her as the assigned account manager for this project. Takuya offered his hand to shake in greeting.
"Mao-chan is actually responsible for the proposal you approved of," Ohno said.
A look of surprise crossed his face, then he smiled, "Is that right?"
"You seem surprised, Matsumoto-san," Mao commented.
"I am, actually," he answered. "But I don't think I'll be as surprised as my brother would be."
"Yes," Ohno agreed with a hint of a smile, "I'm sorry Jun-kun couldn't join us."
"He apologizes, too," Takuya said. "He's taking care of a personal matter right now, but he'll be available to discuss specifics tomorrow."
"I understand," Mao said agreeably. If it helps that there's one less decision-maker to sign the contract now, then that's fine.
"He says he'll catch up with you tomorrow," Takuya added towards Ohno.
"He always says that," Ohno says, "then he ends up getting caught up with work."
Takuya nodded, "Yes, you're right."
Mao was beginning to get a little lost with the conversation with the two, and Takuya must have noticed that.
"I'm sorry, you probably didn't know," Takuya explained. "My brother and Ohno have been good friends."
"We were in the same high school," Ohno added.
"Oh," Mao said, taking this new information in, "I see." She never realized that Ohno knew the brothers behind MTel personally. It must have been helpful in getting them to choose the hotel as their venue for the launch.
"Well," Takuya smiled agreeably, "I'm sure you're both busy, so why don't we get this started?"
Mao realized at once why the man was such a force to be reckoned with. He can be charming and professional at the same time. Qualities which executives often only have one of.
She nodded, as she stood up. For a fleeting moment, Mao felt self-conscious. After all, she was in front of a celebrated telco magnate. It was gone sooner than she felt it, though. She knew her proposal. She believed this was the best anyone can offer the telecom giant. With a lot more courage in her mind than she truly felt, she began her presentation.
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Twisting his neck from left to right, Jun tried to loosen the knots in his muscles. He had managed to finish moving and unpacking his belongings in a span of fifteen hours. Not that there was much to change in the apartment, anyway. The loft was fully equipped, and he had little to bring in. He just wanted certain fixtures in the rooms. Overall, it was a very productive day. Tomorrow, he was going to get back to work, and he was glad he had this place to come home to.
He stretched out his muscles. He was tired and beat, and was ready to call it a day, when he thought about capping it off with a glass of wine, which was the first thing he had in the fridge. Uncorking the bottle, he noticed a shuffling movement outside of his door. He saw Hug-chan hovering outside of the door. His wrinkled face looking at him, as if saying hello.
He brought the glass of wine with him as he stepped out to the veranda, sitting down on the floor next to his neighbor's dog. "Well, hello to you, too." He remarked as he scratched Hug's neck.
He looked out to the garden and further out to the tiny lights blinking against the dark background of the sky. It felt like the bustle of the city was so far away, even if it was just outside of the walls surrounding the garden. It was a little quiet haven in the middle of the city. He felt at peace here. It was a good decision to move here, instead of choosing another empty penthouse to live in.
He was already liking how he could spend his nights after long hours of work. He'd have a glass of wine or two. Reading a book or simply watching the sky. He even liked having this pet next to him. Frowning, he wondered where his master was. She was out the entire day, and it was well into the night. He can't imagine owning a dog and not being able to go home to feed it.
He shrugged. It really wasn't his business, anyway.
He looked at Hug, who was now sprawled on the floor next to him. He grinned as the dog moved a little closer to him. "I guess, it's just you and me for now."
A few minutes later, he had finished his glass and had bid Hug-chan goodnight. He showered and changed into his bed clothes. He was really tired, and he doubted if a train wreck outside would wake him. He should probably call his brother to ask how did the meeting go, but he was too tired to even pick up his phone. Besides, Takuya didn't call, so there must be nothing for him to worry about. With that consolation, he drifted to sleep.
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Mao stretched on her bed as she woke up. She remembered how her day went yesterday, and a smile curved her lips. The presentation was a brilliant success. Matsumoto-san was impressed with her proposal and had signed the contract. He even said he was looking forward to introducing her to his brother, who was Marketing Director of MTel. If charm runs in the family, she was sure she'd like working with the younger Matsumoto, as well.
Because of the success of her proposal, her team had decided to celebrate at a karaoke joint after work. As usual, Becky ended up talking about her failed relationships halfway through getting drunk. Mao and Maki were betting on how many bottles Becky would take before she starts talking about one of her lousy exes. Maki bet four, and she bet on five. Maki won.
She grinned as she remembered Becky's antics from the previous night. She checked her clock on the night stand. It was just seven in the morning. Despite staying up late last night, she felt energized. From somewhere in her bed, she felt Hug wiggling his way around until his head popped out of the covers.
"Good morning, baby!" She greeted him. She felt bad about leaving him on his own last night, but she called the Ichimuras to make sure he was fed. She was surprised to find him outside her door last night when she got home. She must have gotten out of the main house and sneaked his way to the loft.
She got out of bed, excited to start her day. She was looking forward to meeting the Marketing Director, who was also the Project Manager of the product launch. Ohno seems to know him well and trust his judgement. At the same time, his president seems to be proud of his brother. So far, he sounds like a well-rounded professional. Which only made her more eager to start working on this project.
She moved about in her apartment going through her usual routine. Going down to the kitchen, she started making coffee and then moving towards the living room, she turned on her docked iPod. Selecting her morning playlist, which comprises mostly of upbeat music, she plugged the player to her speakers. Ai Otsuka's perky voice started wafting in a loud crescendo through her apartment, singing 'Peach'. While waiting for the coffee to brew, she picked out the clothes she was going to wear to work. Bobbing her head to the music, she went to shower looking forward to the day ahead.
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Jun was jolted out of his deep slumber with a loud racket. There seems to be someone next door playing something fiercely loud. He could hear a wailing woman screaming "peach" every five seconds. Opening one eye, he peered at the clock on his night stand. It was just seven in the freaking morning!
Burying his head underneath his pillow, he blotted out the sound as he tried to get back to sleep. If he was lucky, he'd still manage to catch a little more shut eye before his alarm goes off. Several more songs followed, but he was beginning to ignore the sound. Just as he was beginning to feel drowsy with sleep again, he heard a new beat start off with a heavy bass.
Jun groaned. What the hell was wrong with these people playing some party music this early in the morning? Muttering an expletive, he tried to blot out Namie Amuro's voice singing 'Want Me, Want Me' repeatedly. He turned deeper into the covers, dragging his comforter over his head. He would have to talk to the Ichimuras later about this noise. His neighbor was obviously someone young and immature.
He somehow managed to drown out the next few songs another more time and was getting closer to sleep, when the music changed again. This time, several decibels louder than the last one. The little -
This was beyond immaturity. His neighbor obviously has no sense of encroaching space! Angrily, he threw off the covers and got out of bed. His neighbor was going to hear it from him. This is not an acceptable way to cohabitate! Gritting his teeth, he pulled on a shirt over his head and stormed out of his loft intending to confront his errant neighbor.
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Mao had just finished a quick breakfast of coffee and toast and was about to pick out her iPod from the dock when she heard a loud knock on her door. She turned the volume of the speakers down on Perfume's Chocolate Disco. Hug-chan ran towards the door before her, yelping while he waited for her to open the door. He seemed excited to meet whoever was on the other side of the door.
It must be Mariko-san. Opening it, she was surprised to find a man standing outside of her loft. He was medium-built, but was still taller than she was. His shoulders defined by the shirt he was wearing along with a pair of boxers. His hair was short and spiky, but his face was deceptively beautiful. Winged brows over dark eyes, and a delicate nose. A beautiful man, who was looking at her with a surprised and annoyed look on his face. She tried to remember if she had ever known any man who looks this… pretty.
Hug-chan started barking at their foot, and they both looked down. Hug was looking at him, then burying his nose next to his ankle, as if asking to be pet. Then it registered to her that this must be her new neighbor. She almost forgot that he moved in yesterday. She was glad that it looks like he had acquainted himself with her dog. It means that he wouldn't be opposed to having Hug around.
Smiling, she turned brightly to him and said, "You must be my new neighbor." She put out her hand for him to shake, "I'm Mao-chan."
Looking at her, he seemed a little lost at what was going on. He turned to look at her hand, then back at her face again. Then seeming to have remembered something, he frowned at her. Without a word, without even shaking her hand, he turned away and stalked off.
Mao watched his back as he disappeared through the doors of the loft next door, her mouth agape. Raising a confused eyebrow, she asked aloud, "what's his problem?"
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A/N: Oh how sweet the start of romance is. :D