Haru loosened his tie in the elevator, the mirrored walls reflecting a guy who looked more exhausted than excited. It was Friday afternoon, the office buzzing with end-of-week energy, but his stomach was in knots. The big meeting with the executives was in ten minutes—the one where they'd decide on the promotion for the new branch manager role. Higher pay, better benefits, more responsibility. Stakes high as hell.
He'd poured everything into this project the last two months: late nights crunching numbers, weekends tweaking reports, leading team calls across time zones. The branch launch was ahead of schedule, profits projected strong. On paper, he was the guy. But office politics were a beast—two other candidates, one with flashy presentations, the other with senior connections.
Haru stepped into the conference room, sleeves rolled on his button-up, dark circles faint but there. Boss nodded him in. "Natsuki. Take a seat."
The execs filed in—CEO, finance head, HR. Presentation clicked on: Haru's slides, clean data, growth charts. He pitched steady—voice calm, numbers sharp. "This branch isn't just expansion—it's stability. Projected ROI in 18 months, team retention high."
Questions came: risks, budgets, leadership style. Haru answered direct—no fluff, just facts. Inside, heart hammered. This promotion meant security—wipe Chris's remaining debt clean, save for Ichigo's future, maybe a bigger place.
Meeting wrapped. CEO smiled. "Impressive, Natsuki. We'll deliberate and announce Monday."
Handshakes, out. Haru exhaled in the hallway, texting Chris: Done. Went solid. Decision Monday.
Chris: Proud no matter what. Home soon? Ichigo demanding "Papa pancakes" for dinner.
Haru: On my way. Love you.
Weekend blurred anxious—family time masking nerves. Saturday park with Ichigo and Mia, Chris's cheerful energy helping distract. Sunday lazy: cartoons, baking fails turned laughs.
Monday dawned. Haru at desk early, tie straight, coffee black. Email pinged 10 AM: "Congratulations—promotion effective immediately. Meeting HR for details."
Heart soared. He called Chris first.
"Got it," Haru said, voice shaky happy.
Chris whooped over phone. "I knew it! Proud, Haru-san. Celebrate tonight?"
Haru grinned. "Hell, of course...yeah."
Home early—boss's gift. Ichigo tackled legs. "Papa home early!"
Chris hugged tight, hazel eyes shining. "Told you. You're amazing."
Dinner special: takeout sushi, Ichigo's "fancy rice." Toasts with juice boxes and wine.
Bedtime hugs extra—Ichigo sensing big vibes.
Apartment hushed, lights low. Chris pulled Haru to bedroom. "Celebrate proper?"
Haru kissed deep, hands waist. "Thought you'd never ask."
Kiss turned heated quick. Chris straddled lap on bed edge, lips hungry. Tongues brushed urgent, breaths ragged.
Shirts shed—Chris's tee lifted slow, Haru's button-up unbuttoned teasing. Skin met hot, slim pressing medium. Haru's mouth neck—kissing slow, nipping gentle. Chris arched, gasp breathy, grinding instinctive.
Pants undone impatient, pushed away. Bare, sweat-slick. Bodies aligned—Haru's hand wrapping firm, stroking rhythm rolls. Chris bucked, moans soft, legs tight.
Haru's free hand traced thigh, deepening friction. Pleasure coiled intense—eyes locked, hazel joyful, brown full love. Whispers: "So proud," Chris panted; "For us," Haru husky.
Climax shared—Chris tensing beautiful, release muffled cry. Haru followed, shuddering deep.
Tangled after, breaths evening. Chris smiled lazy. "Best bonus ever."
Haru chuckled, kissing temple. "You are."
Showered playful—kisses water, hands gentle. Bed cozy, talks future: debt payoff plan, vacation dreams, Ichigo's school savings.
Promotion stakes won—future brighter, love stronger.