I'm Glad You Noticed Me
“How was the meeting?”
Rika kissed Yuki on the forehead.
“Public display of affection in the workplace? It must have been bad.”
Rika sighed.
“I thought I was cursed to an eternity of spreadsheets. That went way too long.”
Yuki quickly looked around to see the coast was clear. She pushed up against Rika and slammed her hand on the wall behind her.
She was caught off guard, and gasped.
“I think I’m going to melt. What’s the occasion?”
“Well, you looked down. Plus, I’ve always wanted to do this.”
Rika laughed nervously.
“I honestly can’t think of what to say.”
Yuki ran a finger down the lapel of her jacket, then walked them up matching the rhythm of her words.
“You don’t have to say a thing.”
Suddenly the clacking of heels began approaching their location.
They quickly backed away from one another, wiping their lips and straightening their collars. Rika cordially smiled to the woman who passed them by, and waited patiently till she was out of earshot.
“As my girlfriend, that was incredibly romantic, and I throughly hope you do it again. However as my kouhai, we need to keep it professional at work.”
Yuki smiled mischievously.
“As your girlfriend, that’s only natural. As my senpai, I’m glad you noticed me.”
Rika covered a smile with her papers.
“Want to go get lunch?”
“As your girlfriend, yes.”
They unwrapped sandwiches while sitting at their spot in the canteen.
“So.”
Rika raised an eyebrow.
“So?”
“I was talking to Kiko earlier about us.”
“Really?”
Yuki nodded.
“I asked her what her opinion was on wether there should be someone to stay at home or not.”
Rika looked intrigued.
“What did she say?”
“That it’s not necessary, but can be nice. It depends entirely if someone wants to be at home.”
“Do you want to stay at home?”
Yuki tapped her chin with her bottle of tea.
“I’m not sure, that’s why we’re talking I guess.”
Rika set her sandwich down and thought for a moment.
“We don’t need the money, so that’s not a factor. Although, more is always better.”
“True.”
Rika frowned slightly.
“We would be short handed again.”
“There is telecommuting.”
“Well, I’d still miss you here at work. And wall pushes.”
Yuki crossed her arms.
“Am I only as good as my wall slams?”
“Whaaaaaaaaaaaa?”
Rika averted her eyes and sipped her canned coffee.
“So you wouldn’t like it if I stayed at home?”
Rika paused, thinking over her answer.
“I... I want what you want.”
Yuki squinted her eyes suspiciously.
“I feel like that’s not exactly what you’re thinking.”
Rika blushed.
“Jeez, you don’t let things slip by.”
Yuki shook her head disapprovingly.
“With me, you need to say what you feel.”
“Alright.”
She took a breath.
“I’m worried about you stopping your life and dreams to make me happy and support mine.”
After she finished saying it, Rika held her breath pensively. Not knowing if what she had said was insulting or not.
“I don’t think I really have any dreams or anything... I mean I want to do well here, but really, you and us is what matters most to me right now.”
Rika couldn’t tell from her expression or voice quite precisely.
“I didn’t mean we’re not important, or...”
Yuki smiled despite her eyes saying otherwise.
“I know. I don’t expect you to put everything on stop just because of me.”
The both sat a moment staring at the table.
/That sounded super passive-aggressive!/
Yuki was the first to speak up.
“I meant that sincerely. I support your aspirations in your career.”
Rika smiled and nodded in understanding.
“If you want hold down the fort, pursue your career, or something else. I’m behind it all the way.”
Yuki smiled.
“I think I need time to decide.”
“You’ve got time. Meanwhile...”
“Wall slams?”
“Wall slams.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
Rika waved bashfully.
“You flatter me.”
“Hey!”
Yuki and Rika both looked to see Kiko poke her head into the canteen space.
“I get you two are having a romantic lunch break, but we are still at work. So, we still have work to do.”
“Oh, right!”
“Let’s do our best!”
The began gathering their trash hurriedly.
“It’s like the bell is ringing for class. Seriously, how old are you two?”
