Jurina was starting to wonder if the odds were not against her. The sun was shining brightly over her head when she stepped out of her apartment, and it was now pouring hard as she was making her way to the office. Had she done something terrible in another life? Because she didn’t remember doing anything wrong in this one that justified what she was going through. No, she was not going to be late – which was an undeniable relief – but she was going to be completely drenched by the time she arrived at the office. The disturbing prospect didn’t appeal to her in the least.

“Why didn’t Alfred warn me about the rain?” Jurina muttered under her breath. She was desperately trying to dodge the drops, protecting her head as best as she could underneath her black, leather jacket. That’s because he was obsessed with my ‘dream’. It messed up his program, Jurina mused in frustration, catching in the distance the familiar 25-floor building. I need to do something about it when I go home tonight.

Jurina quickened her pace, more than relieved when the golden plate indicating Matsui Corporation appeared. After exchanging a few polite words with the guard, she hastily made her way inside. Jurina removed her black jacket over her head, wincing in displeasure when she observed its terrible state. She loved that leather jacket more than anything. It would take all day long to dry.

Jurina ran her fingers through her hair, her jacket ending up doing a better job than she expected as her hair was mostly dry. That was a small but not insignificant consolation considering that – after taking a good look at herself through the hallway mirror – the rest of her appearance was a total mess. Jurina moved forward, her watch emitting another beep. A quick glance told her she had five minutes left.

The 24-year-old girl walked decisively towards the elevators, sending a smile on her way to the two women at the reception. Usually, she would go up to their desk and take a few minutes to chat with them, but it was not an option this morning. The visual contact was brief, yet their amused looks didn’t go unnoticed. Apparently, her terrible appearance was entertaining them both a lot.  

Jurina pretended not to notice, and entered the first elevator that was about to close. She didn’t have the luxury to wait for another. She wasn’t late yet, but it didn’t mean her time wasn’t limited. When she stepped inside and discovered that it was already occupied by a long, dark haired familiar woman, her eyes widened. She hadn’t stopped thinking about her for the last nine hours. 

“Rena-san… Hi.” Jurina’s mouth tugged into a pleased smile.

Her boss was wearing a black trench coat, the belt carefully closed around her waist, along with a matching pair of long leather boots. It didn’t take long for Jurina to observe that her hair and clothes were perfectly dry. Manifestly, she had been much more cautious than her when it came to the weather. It didn’t come as a real surprise to her. If there’s one thing she had observed for the past month, it was that the head of Matsui Corporation valued the way she presented herself. Nevermind the context or circumstances, she always harbored a neat appearance, from her well-groomed hair, to her impeccably ironed clothes and clean shoes.  

“Hello, Jurina-san.” The head of Matsui Corporation returned the smile warmly. Jurina didn’t miss her concern as she scanned her from head to toe. “You’re wet. Did you forget to take your umbrella?”

“Alfred didn’t warn me about the rain,” Jurina lamented. She didn’t like the terrible view she was offering, especially to her employer. When she noticed the latter’s puzzlement, it occurred to her that the other girl was missing a piece of information. “Ah right. I didn’t mention him during dinner. Alfred lives with me. He’s my humanoid robot.”

“Oh… I see. I don’t have a personal robot.”

Jurina wasn’t surprised. The older girl mentioned during their dinner her certain dislike for excessive technology. It appeared the head of Matsui Corporation was not particularly fond of what society had progressively become. A society that, according to her own words, was gradually losing its humanity. Her ideology transcribed in the way she managed her own company. Matsui Corporation was renown as one of the last companies in the country that employed a large proportion of human employees.

Was it why this time machine project was so important to her? Because she was more turned towards the past and interested in what it still had to offer?

Jurina would lie if she said she didn’t share her view on a few areas. She remained a great nostalgic of the old days, especially in terms of architecture, food, and music. It had taken her a while before deciding to acquire a humanoid robot. When it came to Alfred, it was a choice she never regretted. Not only was he capable of accomplishing all domestic chores, his company was greatly appreciated when she went back to her apartment after a long tiring day of work. After three years, she couldn’t imagine her life anymore without the cute robot that shared her daily life.

At the older girl’s preoccupying look, Jurina gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I have clean clothes at the office. I’ll change when I arrive.”

It was a precaution she had taken after the incident that occurred on her decisive interview, and a few couple of times during the course of the month. Some would say she had a tendency of being a little distracted when it came to the weather forecast. She preferred to think that luck was simply not on her side.   

“Do you remember our first meeting?” Jurina asked. Oh yes, the moment had been extremely embarrassing. What were the odds that she would cross path with her future employer in the elevator? She felt ashamed about the bad image she had projected, yet that day was also a fond memory. After all, it represented her first encounter with Rena. The woman who would become so important to her.

“I do.” Rena tore her eyes away from her wet appearance. “That day, you had also forgotten your umbrella and were a bit… wet?”

“You mean I was completely soaked from head to toe,” Jurina corrected, finding it a bit comical that the older girl was trying to be polite by minimizing the facts. “You were so respectful and nice, despite the terrible view I was offering.”

“It wasn’t… terrible,” Rena said, but knew her tone was far from convincing when her interlocutor arched an eyebrow in skepticism. “Alright,” she conceded with a smile, “it was not the best way to make a good impression on the recruiter.”

“I looked awful.” Jurina leaned her back against the elevator panel. A small sigh escaped her lips, watching the numbers of the floors changing as the elevator lead them towards their destination. “I don’t understand why you hired me,” Jurina confessed. After all this time, she was still amazed by the positive outcome. “In your position, I would probably have chosen someone else.”

“You had the best résumé amongst all candidates. The decision was evident to me. I couldn’t have chosen anyone else.”

Jurina smiled back at her. It wasn’t the first time someone complimented her résumé. In the past, many employers had been impressed by it. She would lie if she said she didn’t feel pride in having her skills and experience praised. But this time, it affected her in a different way. Coming from her, the compliment touched her most especially. “Thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Jurina kept her eyes fixed on her while she uttered those words, hoping the other girl would understand the message she was conveying. She was more than thankful to have been given the opportunity to work on such an incredible project, but there was another hidden meaning behind her gratitude.

“Rena-san,” Jurina started hesitantly. Their dinner had gone so well, that she didn’t want this date to be a one-time thing. She wanted to ask her out again. Pursue this relationship and see where it would lead them. To her dismay, her lips stayed sealed, the question refusing to come out. Why was she so nervous?

Rena was such a unique and exceptional woman. In fact, she didn’t believe to have ever met anyone like her before. Not only was she hard-working – Matsui Corporation was one of the leading companies in the country – she had a certain aura surrounding her that made her seem almost unreachable. Yes, Rena Matsui was impressively charismatic. Why else did she wait so long to ask her out otherwise?

Jurina was more than decided to suggest a second date. Unfortunately, the attentive and expectant look the older girl was giving her was not helping in calming her nerves. Her heart was throbbing at the prospect of what she was about to ask, and she wished the older girl didn’t have such an effect on her. Never before did she prove herself so clumsy when it came to asking someone on a date.

“I had a wonderful time last night.” Rena was the one to break the silence between them. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“I…” Jurina was slightly caught off guard. She could tell the older girl had indeed enjoyed herself last evening – some emotions simply couldn’t be faked – but there was nothing so pleasant as hearing the confirmation out loud. “I’m glad...” After Rena’s encouraging statement, Jurina felt a sudden regain of courage. “Would you like to go out with me again some time?”

“Of course. I would love to.”

Jurina didn’t know if it was because she was ecstatic, but her heart was beating uncontrollably inside her chest. Maybe that explained why she didn’t think properly before continuing. “You do? What about dinner tonight then?”

Jurina froze. Tonight? What on earth was she thinking? It was obvious she was going to refuse! Just because Rena had agreed to a first date yesterday, it didn’t mean she should be going so fast! She immediately needed to right the wrong.

“N-No, I didn’t...” Jurina, witnessing Rena’s speechless expression, tried desperately to come back on her words, only to stutter like a kid. She was so ashamed of what she had blurted out, that she couldn’t even look her in the eye. “Of course, not tonight. I meant…”

“I don’t mind tonight.” Rena’s assured voice brought her attention back to her. “But I have a meeting until 8 p.m. Isn’t it going to be too late?”

Jurina stared at her, bewildered. Did she really agree to her invitation? So fast and easily? Jurina studied her attentively, trying to assess if she didn’t mishear, only to face her calm expression.  

“I don’t mind waiting,” Jurina quickly replied. A part of her was having a hard time processing that she had received a positive reply, but she was certainly not going to let this opportunity pass. “I’ll wait as long as it takes.” 

It was almost 9 p.m. when Rena left the conference room on floor 11, and took the direction of the elevator. As soon as she got inside and pressed the number 22, her thoughts went towards her young assistant in concern. When Rena joined her meeting at 7 p.m., she believed it wouldn’t take more than an hour. In the end, it had taken twice that time. If there’s one thing Rena never liked, it was unanticipated delays. When realization dawned on her that the meeting would take longer than planned, she hadn’t hesitated to send Jurina a text to warn her.

If anything, Rena was looking forward to their second date, but it would be improper to make her assistant wait for her any further. It was already late, and she had no idea how long this meeting would last. A few unexpected issues with international partners had been brought up halfway through the meeting. That’s why the first thing she did was apologize in her text, before suggesting to postpone their dinner to another day.

A few seconds later, she had received a short reply from her assistant. That’s alright. Don’t worry about it. I’ll wait.

The answer startled her, but she chose not to insist. It touched her that the younger girl was willing to wait a little longer for her. When Rena saw time passing by, unease filled her chest, the meeting showing no sign of ending anytime soon. As the CEO of Matsui Corporation, Rena had the authority to put an end to it at any time. Unfortunately, she couldn’t afford to cut short this one in particular. Not only they were discussing crucial matters regarding the future of the company, some participants had flown all over the globe to attend this important business reunion.

Rena stepped out of the elevator at floor 22, a part of her hoping that her assistant had changed her mind and already left. It was awfully late. Except for the people present at the meeting, everybody had gone home.

What she saw as she walked in the office confirmed her fears. Her assistant was very much present, and as she expected the last occupant of the floor. It appeared her long day of work managed to get the best of her, as her head was resting on top of her desk. Rena couldn’t help but feel guilty at the scene she was witnessing. Of course, her assistant refused to listen and waited for her. She was looking forward to their second date as much as she was.

Rena reduced the distance with her assistant’s desk and leaned over her sleeping form. “Jurina-san…”

Despite the gentle calling of her name, the younger girl didn’t bulge, her eyes remaining tightly shut. Rena took a seat in the chair next to her, her attention drawn to the large touchscreen facing her. Her assistant was working on the blueprint of the time machine. Rena never doubted Jurina’s commitment when it came to her work. How many times did she hear her assistant wishing to stay a bit longer at the office to work on the time machine? Rena could tell she enjoyed working on this project. Jurina thrived on challenges. Many believed Rena was trying to accomplish the impossible.

Building a time machine? A foolish dream!

Not Jurina. Rena had never seen anyone display so much passion and enthusiasm during a job interview. Not once did Jurina believe this project was going to fail, despite all its unknown parameters. She wasn’t in capacity to affirm when the time machine would be completed and operational, but she didn’t seem to doubt in her capacity to succeed. Jurina’s unfailing motivation when it came to this ambitious project was a driving force for the whole staff team working on floor 22.

Motivation and dedication were two traits of personality Rena sought in her employees. When her young assistant was concerned, it went a little further than that. Jurina wasn’t just daring and extremely devoted to her work, she was also headstrong. And, after this evening, it occurred to her that Jurina’s stubbornness didn’t only apply to her job, but also to her personal life.

Rena swept over her assistant’s sleeping form in appreciation. Jurina could behave like a real tomboy when she flirted with the other women of the floor, which was actually amusing considering how feminine she looked. Her jet-black hair that fell just underneath her shoulders. Her long eyelashes. Her delicate features and flawless skin. The dimples that appeared at the corner of , when she flashed one of her most beautiful smiles. Was it truly a surprise that many people, men and women included, felt attracted to her from the very first moment they laid eyes on her?

“Do you realize the effect you’re having on me?” Rena whispered, unable to deny the fact that she had fallen under her charm. This new feeling was strange and unusual to her; she had never bothered to meddle with matters of the heart before. She had always been a shy and introvert girl, preferring the company of books and focusing on her studies rather than engaging in casual flings.

After her father’s death, she put her heart and soul in the company. Sometimes, she got asked on a date, but always politely declined. Not only wasn’t she interested in the prospect, she didn’t believe to have sufficient time for anything serious. When her best friend Akane began a relationship with her Human Resources Manager, she observed them interacting with a certain curiosity.

She and Akane were similar on so many aspects, whether on their way of thinking or analyzing the world surrounding them. Never once did Akane mention her desire to get involved with someone. In fact, she never dated anyone during their years together at university. That’s why Rena couldn’t believe her eyes when she witnessed the unexpected development of her relationship with Airi.

They immediately clicked, and didn’t even try to make their romance a secret. Even if they had tried, their affection for each other would have been obvious. A simple look at them was enough to understand that they were madly in love with each other. Rena didn’t always know how to react when her best friend spoke about those strong feelings she had for Airi. At first, Rena even believed it was just a crush, and her infatuation would eventually fade away. When Akane had announced their engagement, Rena realized she couldn’t have been more far away from the truth.

Rena was starting to catch a glimpse of what her best friend had described during all these months. She and Jurina had only been on one date, but there was no denying that they had forged a connection. It had been so pleasant, that she didn’t see time passing by in her presence. Her assistant was very charming, but the attraction was not just physical. There were so many aspects of her personality that she found appealing. Intelligence, wit and kindness, to only name a few.

Rena extended her arm to touch Jurina’s hand, a fond smile grazing her lips at the pleasant memory of their first dinner. She didn’t have the heart to wake her up, especially when she looked so calm and peaceful, but she couldn’t let her sleep at the office. Encircling her fingers, she gave them a light squeeze. Jurina slowly stirred, her sleepy eyes falling upon her. Rena was slightly amused when she received a confused look, before her assistant’s eyes widened when she saw who was sitting next to her.

“R-Rena-san?” Jurina stammered, straightening up in her seat. “What happened? Did I fall asleep? What time is it?”

“It’s very late…” Rena retracted her hand, a mixture of concern and guilt sweeping through her. “I told you to go home. Why didn’t you?”

“I said I would wait. I always stick to my words.”

“I can see that,” Rena smiled warmly.

“We still have time to go out. I’m afraid my reservation has been cancelled, but we can find another restaurant that is still opened.”

She had made a dinner reservation? Rena was surprised by the revelation. Now, she couldn’t help feeling guiltier about her tardiness, but was also moved by her assistant’s thoughtful attention. “Alright,” Rena agreed, smiling when Jurina’s eyes lit up with joy. “But this time, I’m inviting you.”

A frown fell upon her assistant’s face, and Rena guessed she was about to protest. She didn’t give her time to open , quickly pressing her index against her lips. “I won’t change my mind, so don’t even try.”

By her assistant’s complete surprise, it wasn’t hard to tell that her decisive tone had taken her aback. Was she going to insist? It certainly did look that way, considering she seemed to have difficulty accepting her offer. After what felt like an eternity, she gave her a positive nod. Relieved and satisfied, Rena withdrew her finger, only to have her assistant gently catch her hand and pull her closer.

Never before had they been so close from each other, yet the unexpected proximity didn’t put her ill-at-ease. Rena didn’t know how long they looked into each other’s eyes. Jurina had a magnetic effect on her, and she could feel herself getting lost in her alluring brown eyes. When her assistant leaned forward, the thought of resisting never once crossed Rena’s mind. She relished the pleasant sensation of her assistant’s light breath caressing her skin, reading her affection for her in those eyes that were not leaving hers. When her assistant’s gaze fell upon her lips, her intention was easy to guess.

Her assistant had been bold enough to ask her out not once, but twice, yet was hesitant to proceed with her next action. Rena wanted nothing more but to reassure her. She had nothing to fear: they both wanted the same thing. Rena held her breath, not believing what she was about to say out loud. Never in her life had she dared being so straightforward, but there was no use denying what her heart truly yearned for.

The words left her lips naturally. “Kiss me.”

A flash of surprise entered her assistant’s eyes, followed by a smile of pleasure. Fingers cupped her cheek tentatively and Rena’s eyes fluttered closed, her heart skipping a beat when a pair of lips captured hers in a tender kiss.

Version edited on August 14, 2019.