One day, as Chiaki sat at her desk, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the caller ID—Sohei. With a small sigh, she answered, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued typing on her computer.
"Hello? What can I do for you?" she asked, her tone light but knowing. Sohei chuckled on the other end of the line. "You know me too well, Chiaki," he said, his voice warm and teasing. "You wouldn't call just to say hi," she replied, her fingers pausing over the keyboard as a small smile tugged at her lips. Sohei laughed, conceding the point.
"Alright, you got me," he admitted. "Listen, my parents are hosting their wedding anniversary party tonight, and Mom, as usual, refuses to hire any outside help. Hayato and I both offered, but you know how she is—she trusts no one but herself when it comes to these things. I'm worried she'll overwork herself. So, I was hoping you could come over and check on her or if better, help her."
Chiaki hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to help—Mrs. Katagiri had always been kind to her, and she couldn't bear the thought of her overexerting herself—but the idea of going to the Katagiri household, of potentially running into Hayato again, made her stomach twist with unease.
"I'd love to help," Chiaki said cautiously, "but you know how strict Elena is. I can't take time off without a good reason."
Sohei grinned. "Want me to call Hayato and Elena to convince them?" he joked.
Chiaki nearly choked, her eyes wide with panic. "No! Absolutely not! No one can know I'm connected to your family!" she hissed, glancing around nervously.
Sohei laughed, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Relax, I was just kidding."
Chiaki let out a sigh, knowing she couldn't say no—not to him, and definitely not to Mrs. Katagiri. "Fine, I'll figure something out," she said, sounding reluctant.
"You're the best, Chiaki! We really owe you," Sohei said brightly.
After hanging up, she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temple as she muttered under her breath, "Sohei really needs to repay me one day."
From the desk beside her, Hana raised an eyebrow, curiosity clear in her voice. "Who was that?"
Chiaki turned to her with a pleading look. "Hana, I need to take urgent leave. Can you cover for me today?"
Hana blinked, surprised, then gave a warm smile. "Of course! Don't worry—just go!"
"Thanks, Hana," Chiaki said gratefully before quickly gathering her things and heading to Elena's office. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and stepped inside.
"Sorry, Elena. I have an emergency and need to take a half-day leave," she said calmly.
To her surprise, Elena chuckled. "Me too! The Katagiri family's party is tonight, and I need time to get ready."
Chiaki's stomach dropped. "You're invited?" she asked, trying to keep her tone steady.
Elena smirked, flipping her hair. "Of course! It's the perfect chance to get closer to the General Manager."
Chiaki tensed, her heart skipping a beat. "The General Manager?" she repeated softly.
Elena's eyes lit up. "He's smart, rich, tall, and successful. Every woman's dream. As long as he's single, I've still got a shot."
Chiaki forced a smile, her chest tight. "Good luck, then," she said quickly before leaving.
As she walked down the hallway, her heart pounded. She tried not to let Elena's words get to her, but they did. Hayato… Of course, he'd be the center of attention tonight. She knew it. But hearing someone else talk about him like that stirred something inside her. Jealousy? No—she had no right to feel that way. Not after everything.
She took a deep breath, telling herself to focus. Tonight was for Mr. and Mrs. Katagiri, not Hayato. That's what she kept repeating. But deep down, she knew—once she saw him again, all the feelings she had tried to forget for the past ten years would come flooding back. And she wasn't sure she was ready.
*****
It had been years since Chiaki last visited the Katagiri home, and the moment she stepped inside, a wave of nostalgia hit her. Everything looked just as she remembered—the polished wooden floors glowing under the chandelier, the soft scent of jasmine in the air, and the cozy warmth of the house. It felt like stepping into a memory.
Images from her childhood came rushing back: running through the halls with Hayato and Sohei, helping her mother in the kitchen with the smell of baked pastries in the air, and laughing in the garden for hours. The house hadn't changed—but she had. What once felt like a second home now felt unfamiliar, and the realization was both comforting and a little sad.
She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A maid answered, polite and slightly curious. "Hello, I'm here to see Mrs. Katagiri," Chiaki said with a calm smile, though her heart was fluttering. The maid nodded and led her inside, down the familiar halls.
In the kitchen, Chiaki saw Mrs. Katagiri at work, just like old times—focused, calm, and skillfully arranging appetizers. The scene felt like no time had passed at all.
The sight was so familiar it made Chiaki's throat tighten. "Mrs. Katagiri, I'm here to help," she said softly, her voice warm.
Mrs. Katagiri turned, surprised, then lit up with joy. "Chiaki! Is that really you?" she exclaimed, quickly setting down the tray and hurrying over with open arms.
"Yes, Sohei mentioned you might need an extra hand," Chiaki said, smiling as Mrs. Katagiri took her hands, her eyes full of affection.
"My goodness, it's been so long! Let me look at you," she said, studying Chiaki's face with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "You've grown into such a beautiful young woman."
Chiaki blushed and laughed. "You're being too kind, Mrs. Katagiri."
"Nonsense! You're stunning," she insisted, pulling Chiaki into a warm hug. The embrace brought a comfort Chiaki hadn't realized she missed.
After a short chat, Chiaki tied on an apron and started helping in the kitchen, baking pastries and preparing appetizers. She remembered where everything was—the bowls, the trays, the spices. It felt easy, like slipping into an old rhythm.
Later, she helped decorate the pool. The garden was as beautiful as ever, now lit with fairy lights and floating candles. The soft glow reflected off the water, casting a magical scene. Chiaki paused for a moment, taking in the peaceful scene around her. The beauty of it all eased the heaviness in her heart, if only for a little while.
As the evening neared, she walked over to Mrs. Katagiri, who was checking the final touches. "Mrs. Katagiri, today's your big day. You should go get ready and impress Mr. Katagiri," Chiaki said playfully.
Mrs. Katagiri laughed, her eyes warm with gratitude. "You're such a sweetheart, Chiaki. Thank you for all your help today."
"It's no trouble. I'll finish up before I head out," Chiaki replied, but Mrs. Katagiri quickly shook her head.
"No, you have to stay for the party! That's an order," she said with a smile.
Chiaki hesitated. "Alright… but I'll just help serve food. I don't really know anyone here, so it'd feel strange staying as a guest."
Mrs. Katagiri let out a dramatic sigh, hands on her hips. "Fine, but you know that's not the real reason I want you here," she said with a knowing look before heading upstairs. Chiaki stood in the kitchen, her heart racing. The party was about to begin—and so was the moment she had been dreading.
An hour later, Mr. Katagiri and Sohei arrived home, their return breaking the quiet buzz of the preparations.
"Hey, Chiaki. Thanks for helping today," Sohei said, setting down his briefcase.
Chiaki glanced up from arranging pastries and raised an eyebrow. "You owe me for this," she teased.
Mr. Katagiri chuckled as he walked over. "Chiaki, I'm sorry Sohei roped you into this," he said warmly.
"It's really no problem, Mr. Katagiri. I'm happy to help on such a special day," she replied with a sincere smile.
Sohei grinned and tugged his father's arm. "Come on, we need to freshen up for the party," he said, dragging him upstairs.
As they disappeared, Chiaki's smile faded slightly. Hayato still hadn't shown up. The thought lingered, bringing with it a quiet sense of unease she couldn't ignore.
By the time the guests arrived, the garden was filled with laughter and chatter. Fairy lights twinkled above, giving the evening a warm, magical feel. Chiaki kept herself busy at the buffet table, refilling drinks and setting out food. Staying occupied helped—standing around with the well-dressed crowd made her feel out of place.
As she set down a tray of pastries, a deep, familiar voice stopped her cold.
"You're here?"
It was Hayato. His voice was calm but held a hint of surprise.
Chiaki turned—and there he was. Hayato stood in front of her, effortlessly handsome in a fitted dress shirt and tailored slacks. His sleeves were casually rolled up, and his neatly styled hair framed his sharp features.
For a moment, she couldn't speak. Her breath caught as she stared at him.
"I'm just helping out. I'll be leaving soon," she said quickly, turning away and focusing on arranging the pastries, even though her hands were shaking.
Hayato watched her for a moment, his gaze steady but hard to read. Then he stepped forward and began placing pastries on the tray beside her. "I'll help," he said quietly.
Chiaki froze, her heart pounding at his unexpected gesture. He had been cold and distant for days—why was he suddenly being kind? Standing this close to him again felt overwhelming, like no time had passed at all. It almost felt like they were still the same two people who once shared everything.
She wanted to ask why he left. Why he never called. Why he walked away without a word. But before she could speak, her eyes landed on a group of women nearby—Elena among them—watching Hayato with open curiosity and admiration.
The moment felt too exposed. Not wanting to face their stares or the questions that might follow, Chiaki quickly stepped away.
"I need to check on something in the kitchen," she mumbled, barely meeting his eyes, and walked off without waiting for his reply.
As Chiaki disappeared into the house, she didn't see Hayato watching her leave, his expression tense and conflicted. His fingers curled around the edge of the table, knuckles pale as he tried to stay composed.
Ten years. He thought he had buried everything—memories, feelings, all the questions left unspoken. But hearing her voice again, being close to her, seeing the quiet strength still in her eyes—it felt like nothing had changed.