The Takahashi foundation was known for its hospitality. Ren had once heard that working with them was like securing a spot at the front seat of a concert. There were thrills and benefits.
Ren thought that Yuu was only trying to glorify his family's foundation then but after working closely with them, he'd realized that it was true.
The previous day, he had been contacted by Risa, a secretary to Yuu who was under probation. The foundation was setting up an office for him at the foundation.
Ren was skeptical at first but Risa said the board wanted him to work closer and comfortably. They had stressed about the commencement of the expansion project, with it approaching, Ren needed to be on standby twenty four hours a day and oversee their project.
Yuu heard about Ren getting his own office at the foundation and was elated. He was so excited that he decided to go to work early.
He had headed out around six in the morning. The foundation was not empty but wasn't full of employees either. He had inquired about the location of Ren's supposed office from Risa.
It was right next to his.
The only thing separating them was the big glass window.
He saw people moving things in and out.
That was just like Ren. He came early to organize his space so he would not disrupt people during working hours.
The office already had furniture, a system and a couch by the corner. Ren was not satisfied by the interior decoration so he worked his magic on them.
He added some portraits and changed the couch.
Ren didn't want to do too much because it was not a permanent office or his lavish office back at Nakamura firm.
Yuu approached the office. He scanned the environment briefly. There were just Saki, Risa and three other employees. He wondered why they had all come so early. Maybe Ren was close to them or coincidentally they came to work early and happened to meet Ren.
" Good morning Ren," Yuu said as he stood by the door.
Ren didn't nudge. He had been going through mail on his system. He didn't look up.
" Morning, Mr Takahashi" he said without looking back.
The formality was more brutal than the usual silence.
" Morning Mr Yuu, I didn't know you would come so early?" Risa greeted as she walked towards Yuu.
" I just have some mail to sort, just continue what you are doing," Yuu said as he headed towards his office.
He met a well cleaned office. Risa was not slacking off. She was efficient and punctual, despite working for just a week, Yuu knew she was going to work for him for a long time.
Ren had emailed Yuu the previous week. It was just his rough analysis of what it would cost the foundation to establish other branches in different cities and countries.
Yuu went through it that morning and sent a reply.
Noted.
He waited for a few minutes. Ren had read the mail. Why wouldn't he reply?
Minutes turned to hours and Yuu was waiting for his reply.
Yuu could see through the window that Ren was on the system all the time. He didn't just want to reply.
Yuu wanted to take a break and coincidentally he got up during lunch break. He was tired of signing stuff all day, and sitting in his chair.
He decided to grab coffee himself in the coffee lounge
He walked around the building and got to the lounge.
Ren was there.
He was chatting with a few employees in the lounge.
They were laughing heartily. Yuu couldn't make out what they were saying. He just stood at the door. This was the first time in a long time, Ren laughed sincerely. He was happy and sad .
He was happy to see Ren smiling but sad because he was not the reason behind his smile.
Risa noticed him standing at the door.
" Mr Yuu, should I make you a latte?" She asked as she placed her mug on the table.
Ren was sitting at the coffee maker sipping from his mug .
" No thanks, don't mind me, I will help myself," Yuu said as he headed to the coffee maker.
He picked a mug and made coffee for himself.
The atmosphere became tense with his presence.
They weren't scared of Yuu, he was very accommodating and approachable but the energy had shifted. Ren was no longer laughing.
Ren finished his coffee immediately and headed out. Everyone knew Ren was not so comfortable around Yuu. They just left Yuu immediately after Ren left.
Risa stayed behind.
" Sir, do you need anything?" She asked .
" My schedule," he replied lifelessly.
" There's a meeting coming up in ten minutes" she replied.
" I will prepare the papers" she added as she left the lounge.
Yuu took his time and sipped his coffee slowly. The scheduled meeting was to take place on another floor. He was heading to the elevator.
They met again. Alone in the elevator.
Ren took out his phone and scrolled aimlessly . The silence hummed between them.
The elevator chimed, opening up to the fourth floor. Ren stepped out first without saying a word.
Yuu stayed behind for another floor, he couldn't bear to walk beside him.
Yuu was a minute late to the meeting. The room welcomed him with anxious gazes.
The foundation intended to expand its outreach program. They wanted to build new community health centers.
A senior staff announced the topic, expanding the foundation to two new rural communities.
Yuu was the first to give an opinion . He glanced at Ren who looked expressionless.
" We could reach 3000 people in the first year. The data shows an improvement in vaccination rates by 10%." He looked across the table, a few coworkers nodded approvingly.
Ren cleared his throat, he spoke in a clipped calm tone. He highlighted financial risks: maintenance, staffing, and equipment supply.
" The projected cost doubles by the third quarter. Unless we find a sustainable revenue flow, this isn't viable long term."
He didn't even spare a glance at Yuu while he was talking. Yuu felt a pain in his chest. He clenched his pen slightly.
The room went dead silent. A junior tried to chip in but Yuu interrupted. His tone was still polite but firm.
"its not always about sustainability Ren. Some things need to begin before they pay off."
" And when it collapse , who takes responsibility?" Ren asked as he finally looked at Yuu.
The meeting was concluded by the senior staff . He tried to smoothen things up and wrapped up the meeting. Yuu and Ren left without their usual chi chat after meetings.
Ren went out immediately the meeting was over.
Yuu was on his way to his office when he overheard the conversation between two employees.
" Are they fighting?" One whispered to the other .
" I never wanted to say this but someone told me they used to be very close" the other said.
Yuu pretended not to hear but as he walked away his fingers tightened around the file.
Yuu got a memo later that night.
" Of course" he murmured. Of course it had to be him.