Twenty-second Chapter - Yumi
The Valerie Company buzzed with energy that morning as a fleet of stunning models from the prestigious Kōmei Company House arrived for their scheduled fittings. It wasn't every day that a company as revered as Kōmei chose to collaborate with Valerie, and the air was charged with both excitement and a healthy dose of nerves.
Among the models was Yumi Fujin, a rising star in Japan's fashion industry and the daughter of Kōmei's patriarch, Masaru Fujin. Yumi carried herself with the effortless grace of someone who had grown up surrounded by luxury, her every movement exuding confidence.
Dressed in a chic pastel jumpsuit, Yumi walked in with the confidence of someone who owned the room- but internally, she was squealing like a child in a candy store.
Outwardly, Yumi maintained her professional smile as her entourage buzzed around her.
But inside, she was barely holding herself together.
She's here! THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN! The woman who will become my sister-in-law! Arigatou, Kamisama, for this opportunity! OH MY GOODNESSSSSS
Sara stood near the fitting area, directing her team with her usual casual efficiency. Dressed in a tailored blazer and wide-legged trousers, she looked every bit the confident designer. Her middle-length hair, braided loosely with a long bow, highlighted her approachable demeanor.
Yumi strode over, pretending to check the lineup of designers but was clearly aiming for Sara. "Ah, so you're one of the designers at Valerie. I've heard this place has the best talent," she said, her tone warm and casual.
The other day at Yamato's, she had covered her self with a whole scarf and sunglasses. Barely leaving any room for the Model Yumi to re-surface.
Sara looked up, her lips curling into a polite smile. "Thank you. I'm Sara, one of the lead designers here. It's a pleasure to work with Kōmei's team."
Yumi's inner voice screamed: She's PERFECT! Onii-san, you better not mess this up!
Outwardly, she maintained her poise. "Yumi Fujin. It's lovely to meet you. I've seen some of Valerie's past works during fashion seasons, and I must say, you all are brilliant."
Sara chuckled. "You flatter us, Fujin-san. Please, let me know if there's anything specific you'd like for the fittings today."
"Yumi, please. And actually..." Yumi leaned in slightly, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "I'd love to discuss something a little more personal, if you have a moment later."
Sara blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but nodded. "Of course. Once we're done here, we can chat."
Hours passed as the models tried on outfits, with Sara and her team making adjustments. Ito was busy scheduling the deliver of materials. Yumi, however, spent most of the time hovering near Sara, observing her with the intensity of someone on a secret mission.
When the fitting session finally wrapped up, Yumi approached Sara, her friendly smile intact. "Sara-san, how about some coffee? You must be exhausted after all that."
"Coffee sounds great, Fuj- Yumi-san," Sara said, gathering her things.
The two found a quiet corner in Valerie's cozy café section. As they sipped their drinks, Yumi launched her subtle interrogation.
"So, Sara-san, how long have you been working here?"
"Around three years now. It's been a fulfilling journey," Sara replied, stirring her latte.
"And before that?"
Sara laughed softly. "You're quite curious, Yumi-san. I was freelancing as a designer before joining Valerie."
"Freelancing! That's impressive," Yumi said, nodding thoughtfully. "You must have worked with some interesting clients."
Sara shrugged modestly. "A few. But I enjoy working here more. It's stable and allows me to focus on creating rather than chasing clients."
Yumi's mind raced. Freelancer turned corporate-she's ambitious and grounded! Perfect for Isamu-onii-san. Now, I need to seal the deal!
"Actually, Sara-san, I was wondering if you'd be interested in working with me personally for the upcoming Fashion Week."
Sara's eyes widened slightly. "Personally? I mean, I'd be honored, but... why me?"
Yumi tilted her head, her smile never wavering. "You have a unique flair, and I can see how much passion you put into your work. Plus, you're easy to talk to. A good rapport is important for something like this."
Sara hesitated, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "Well, if you trust me with it, I'll do my best."
"Great! Let's exchange numbers, and I'll send over the details."
Yumi quickly pulled out her phone, her inner monologue bubbling with glee. Yes! Step one complete. Now to ensure Isamu-nii knows how amazing she is!
Before leaving Valerie, Yumi sent a flurry of texts to her older cousin, Daisuke, the family's tech wizard.
Yumi: "DAI-KUN!!! URGENT MISSION
Daisuke: "What now, Yumi?"
Yumi: "I met HER! THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN! Isamu's perfect match!
Daisuke: "What are you talking about?"
Yumi: "Her name is Sara, a junior designer from Valerie! She's AMAZING. You need to find out everything about her!"
Daisuke: "Yumi... I'm not using my skills for your matchmaking nonsense. You want another earful from Isamu? So thick skinned."
Yumi: "Come on, Dai-kun! This is for the family! For Isamu's happiness! Family should stick together in times of need!"
Daisuke: "..."
Daisuke: "You're impossible."
Yumi: "I'll share my snacks stash with you for a week!"
Daisuke: "Fine. Send me her number."
Yumi: "Arigatou, Dai-kun! You're the best!"
Later that evening, Yumi and Daisuke were sitting at a corner of their sprawling estate's swimming pool. The younger Fujins sat around a low table, munching on senbei and discussing the day's events.
"So, did you actually meet her?" Daisuke asked, his smirk as infuriating as ever.
"Of course I did," Yumi replied, tossing a cushion at him. "And she's amazing! Now we need to know more about her."
"You mean you want me to find out more," Daisuke said, adjusting his glasses.
"You're the hacker genius, Daisuke," Yumi said, grinning.
"Do it for the family."
Daisuke sighed dramatically. "Fine. What's her name? Sara?"
"Sara, yes. I got her number too," Yumi said, flashing her phone.
Daisuke rolled his eyes. "You're too enthusiastic. Fine, give me a minute."
As Daisuke typed away on his laptop, Yumi leaned over. "Make sure you don't scare her off, okay? We're trying to bring her into the family, not send her running!"
"Relax, Yumi-chan," Daisuke muttered. "I'm a professional."
As the information appeared on Daisuke's screen, Yumi couldn't help but squeal internally.
Ayo! She belongs from that Shiraishi family! Better! We can easily sweep her off her feet!
Every little detail about Sara made her more convinced that she was the perfect match for Isamu.
"This is going to be so much fun," she thought, already planning their next steps. "Soon, Sara-san, you'll be one of us. Our Golden Child's wife!"
The search ended with Yumi's triumphant grin, her cousins shaking their heads at her relentless enthusiasm, and Daisuke muttering something about how meddlesome his family was.
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