I got to the parking lot earlier than usual—first-day nerves, excitement, all of it. The morning air still felt cold, but not as cold as the grin waiting for me by my car.
Derrick.
He leaned against his own car like he'd been waiting. "Manager Tanaka," he called out, hands raised in mock celebration.
I laughed. "Don't start."
"No, no—this one I'll celebrate properly." He crossed over and pulled me into a quick, rough bro hug. "Congratulations, man. Seriously. You deserve this."
"Thanks." And I meant it.
He stepped back, expression softening just slightly. "Gonna miss having you around on the same floor, though. Now I'm gonna have to book appointments just to bump into you."
"You can still text me, you know."
"Oh, shut up," he snorted. "I'm happy for you. Even if it means I'll only see you before or after work… unless some higher-up decides we need to collaborate."
"You say that like you hate free time."
