[Shoko POV]

The elevator doors parted and revealed the entirety of the 6th floor to me. I had a few moments to stew and seethe during the ride up which only built upon the already solid foundation of my justifiable anger.

I picked my target all the way on the opposite side of the building and made my approach. I made sure every step I took was careful. Slipping up and falling would be a gross sign of weakness and I could not falter and give him an ounce to work with.

An annoyed grunt broke through my teeth as I continued my approach. I couldn’t help it. That damned dog got me so worked up this morning. First avoiding our scheduled Monday briefing and being insubordinate on top of it by circumventing my department and heading straight for R&D. He was trying to prove that marketing didn’t need to exist and I was fully prepared to educate him otherwise.

As I neared my approach I found my subordinate Okamoto-san standing nearby. Suddenly the flames of my anger began to dwindle. This was just his second day on the job. I couldn’t let me see the horrid, nasty side of me that animal always seems to dig up.

My new team member locked eyes on me and approached just after the dog stood up. I couldn’t return his gaze less he weaken my resolve further.

“Abukara-san. What seems to be the –“

“Move.”

Okamoto-kun yelped and immediately darted behind me. His presence still lingered behind me. I would apologize later for being so direct but right now, I couldn’t afford to let him get in my way.

“My, my. What did Mizushima-san do this time?”

Haru-san? Where did she come from?

In my rage-fueled state I must have missed her wandering around. The majority of her work was done on her mobile device so she could theoretically perform her duties anywhere. While it was annoying to keep track of her from time to time, her effort and results were satisfactory enough to allow it to continue for the time being.

I shook the thought from my head and focused on the target in front of me.

“Mizushima. A word.”

Using honorifics with him since he was not my subordinate nor superior felt out of place. However, my team and his were standing by and watching closely. Our typical spat was being amplified and I would not allow this dog to let me sink to his level.

“What can I do for you Abukara?”

Feigning ignorance? Typical…

This bastard was patronizing me. I hated that. Why couldn’t he just come clean and be honest? Then we can forgo all of these dances and get down to the proper matter at hand.

But, two can play at his little game. Let’s see if he likes at little patronizing of his own.

“I thought I made it very clear. You are not to be sticking your nose in and sniffing around the research & development department.”

Oh how badly I wanted to smirk after that one. I could see him seething before me. The faint eye twitches. Veins beginning to surface on his forehead. The last thing in the world he would ever want would be for me to be his superior so acting like it now would topple his mood properly.

“Did someone say something just now? It sounded a lot like something a boss would say but I don’t see Oshiro-san anywhere?”

My brow instinctively began to twitch. It was like dealing with a spoiled child. This is a professional work environment. It’s as if he wanted me to snap at him on purpose!

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Keep playing the part of the fool and I’ll properly expose you as one!

“What was that? I thought dogs were known for having incredibly good hearing.”

I may have been the first to strike with low blows but if it ended this fight any sooner than I’d gladly sully my hands. This animal has been a consistent thorn in my side for nearly two years. My days have been filled with nothing but undermining, anxiety, and stress thanks solely to the beast baring his fangs before me.

Watching him wretch as I lashed out at him was the only bit of joy this animal provided. I took a deep and satisfying breath as he clutched his heart. A smile tickled the ends of my lips.

“There are no dogs around here. I’m surprised. With glasses that thick you should be able to see them from space. Maybe’s time for a new prescription.”

My entire body convulsed as if I had been struck by a bolt of lightning. I nearly lost my footing and I was standing straight up. This vile creature has no honor.

H-How dare you?! Attack my personality all you want by my physical features are off limits you damned dog!

The gentle skin of my palms were being punctured by my nails as my hands formed into taught fists. I could no longer contain the volume of my voice or the rage that bellowed. Someone needed to tug at this dog’s leash and get him to heel.

“Regardless about how you feel. The marketing department is directly linked to research and development. Stay out of affairs that do not concern you!”

And that’s how our Monday morning argument started.

* * * * *

“Tell this idiot I’m right!”

“C-Calm down everyone.”

Manager gently pushed his hands back and forth in an effort to settle our moods but nothing short of immediate and just disciplinary action could quell my rage.

Hard ragged breaths left my body. I don’t like raising my voice. I hate to yell. But no matter how hard I try, the dog seems to bring the worst out of me.

At least my nemesis wasn’t fairing any better. He huffed and puff like a rabid beast; all bark and no bite.

“Abukara, why don’t you take your team and go back to your desks.”

Eh?! That’s it?!

“Mizushima, let’s have a chat in my office?”

“W-What?! Why?! She’s the one that started it!”

The dog shot his disgusting pointed finger in my direction. Does he not have any manners? Uncivilized as always.

“M-Me?! This all happened when you overstepped your bounds!”

I lost my temper and shouted again.

God, why does he keep doing this to me?!

“That’s enough you two. Abukara, go to your desk and get back to work. I’ll deal with this one privately.”

Manager grabbed him by the back of his suit jacket and dragged him back towards his office. The dog continued to flail and resist. It really did look like an owner scolding his pet.

I took a deep breath and watch the door to the Manager’s office close behind them. My nerves finally started to settle but my mood would be soured for the rest of the day more than likely.

“Let’s go.”

I turned and immediately heard the steps of my subordinates following closely behind me. A few of the other workers on our floor sunk their heads back down from their cubicles now that the wretched show was over.

That man continues to sully my reputation and my good name. When will this nightmare end?

After my subordinates took their seats I followed suit. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment to regain my composure.

“I apologize Haru-san, Okamoto-san. I was acting unprofessional earlier. That is not how one should behave in this office. I have set a bad example for both of you. Forgive me.”

“No-No-No! I-It’s okay Abukara-senpai!”

Okamoto-san was the first to speak. He was still so young and so new. I admired his eagerness and discipline during the entire affair.

“It’s not your fault. Shoko-chan only has a few buttons and Kyosuke-Kun pushes all of them at once.”

My eyebrow twitched a bit as Haru-san was being a bit too familiar again. During our two years of work together I have allowed a little bit of leniency when it came to familiarities around the office. However, I had asked her to hold back and be more formal while Okamoto-san got used to the environment here.

“S-Shoko-chan?”

“My, my. Just let that one go.”

Her arms collapsed around me, hugging me from the side and resting her head awkwardly on my shoulder. I trembled at her touch. Not that it was unfamiliar or unwanted but clearly and currently unprofessional.

Sadly, the words I wanted to speak would not come forth and if I acted to hastily, I might revert back to my temperamental self of moments ago.

“S-Sakai-san and Abukara-senpai sure are close.”

“Mhmm! Underneath that gruff exterior, she’s just a big softie. Aren’t you, Shoko-chan?”

Okamoto-san laughed uncomfortably. This was not the type of display or atmosphere I wanted my team to work under. I had to do something to maintain order. And that starts with discipline.

I folded my rounded middle finger under my thumb and gave Haru-san a sold flick against her forehead.

“That’s enough.”

Haru-san yelped, clutching the wounded area tightly as she flopped back to your desk.

“Y-You’re so mean, Shoko-cha-“

I turned sharply, giving her a stern and sinister look.

“S-San!”

There was a bit of a painful air wafting between us. Okamoto-san appeared to be the most bothered by it was the first to speak.

“Does Mizushima-senpai hate Abukara-senpai for some reason?”

How was I supposed to answer that? Of all the questions he could have asked. My mood soured further as I contemplated a proper response.

“I don’t think they hate each other. It seems like they just have different opinions about how things operate around here.”

Haru-san had a surprising insightful response. She peered into a pocket mirror assessing the damage I caused earlier with a slight frown. Perhaps I should have pulled back a bit.

“If that’s the case, then why doesn’t Manager get involved?”

Now that was a great question but one that had an answer I wasn’t the least bit satisfied with. Oshiro-san and the mutt had a history together. Of course he’d have difficulty disciplining his friend. It’s the only reason why he’s been able to get away with so much around here, I’m sure of it.

“That… Is a long story.”

“Maybe there’s a way we could perform our tasks in which Manager would have to force Mizushima-senpai to rely on us?”

I put my thumb and index finger between my chin.

Hmm… What an intriguing thought.

Getting the dog fired was difficult. I’ve already been up and down that road. And despite his wild demeanor, Mizushima was actually a decent salesman. Not that I would ever admit that out loud to him or anyone else. I’m taking that to my grave!

However, circumventing his job entirely would change the entire makeup of the organization. It was a very risky move with a potential low chance of success but at this point, I was willing to try anything.

“What a great idea Okamoto-san.”

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling after that.