[warning - this IS a boring chapter
Also please do know I do not know what Tokyo, Japan looks like since I've never actually been there!]

You awaken with a yawn, blinking your eyes open to the morning sun. You groan as you roll over, messy hair falling in your face. You furrow your brows as your hair tickles your nose. You were trying to get some extra z's, only to fail miserably.

You stare at the wall, sighing as you kick your blankets off your body. Sitting up, swinging your legs off the bed, you hit the off button on the clock so it didn't go off. You already woke up early by a few minutes.

Your E/C eyes gaze towards your closet, knowing you had to get to work.

You were a single female who lived alone in an apartment. Work was tiring, but at least your job accommodated to your needs. You stood, heading over to your closet sluggishly.

You made a change in clothes, changing into your work outfit before hearing your phone go off. You look at your nightstand, seeing your phone was lit up. You walked to it, seeing a friend had sent you a message. You read over the message, just swiping it out of your notifications. You set the phone in silent, walking to your bag and placing it in it.

Eventually, after finishing everything, you marched out of your apartment. You shut and locked the door, now walking down the corridor and to the stairs. You make your way down them before heading out the exit. You sigh, trotting down the sidewalk.

After a few painful minutes of walking, you walk into the building. Apparently there was a meeting you were fully unaware of until you stepped inside. The man at the front directed you to a specific office, you stepping in and seeing co-workers seated in different seats. Along with your bosses.

You cock your head to the side, sitting down at the spare seat. Eventually, the boss spoke up.

“So, we planned a work trip to Tokyo. That way you all can get a good look at the city and we can complete our meeting fully there. Plus, there'll be a slight pay raise.” He started, before continuing.

Your mind wandered off, you glancing away from your boss. A pay raise is what you needed anyways. You were tired of your neighbours and just being cramped up in an apartment. You heard your boss continue speaking before hearing the dismissal.

Not questioning anything, you got up with everyone else and headed off to your workstation.

★

The next day rolled by and you were already on the bus to Tokyo with your co-workers and two bosses. The bus was quiet. You stare out the window, boredom eating at your brain. The bosses did mention they already rented hotel rooms for two months, so naturally this was going to be a long and tiring trip. At least this is pretty much your extent of work asides from introductions.

An hour passes by, the buildings passing your view. A lot of people walking down the sidewalk, several cars driving by. You sit up, still staring out the window. You blink, not used to seeing this many people in one area.

You feel the bus come to a stop, sighing from relief as you stood up. You already brought your suitcase with you with stuff you knew you'd need. The co-workers listened to the two bosses explain everything, as you did. You got off with everyone, boredom still eating at you.

You hear the bus pull off. You glance around the city. You could tell it was becoming nighttime, so the lights were slowly coming on. Now just for introductions to end and you'll be on your way to check out Tokyo.

★

You rushed out of the hotel building after setting your suitcase in your room. You just readjust your different pair of clothes and bag, walking down the sidewalk.

“Finally... Some free time to just me, myself, and I.” You let out a breath of exasperation, taking a look around. You could try some of the matcha here. Or the sea food places. Possibly some soba... That sounded good.

You eventually stop by a light, seeing cars cross and people cross. You huff, rubbing your eyes tiredly. “I just got to this light and I'm starving... Come on... Really?” You mutter, turning your eyes to the lights. The timer was pretty slow on when it was going to turn yellow then red.

Your E/C orbs lock on the button to change the light a little faster. But before you could press it, a man's hand clearly beat you to it. You stop, craning your neck and making eye contact with maroon-red eyes. He looked at you, and you returned the look.

He didn't really say anything, but then you mumbled a quiet thanks to him. He just nods softly, head lifting up as his hand retracted from the button. You glance ahead, now seeing the cars had stopped crossing and watched as the last few people made their way across the street.

You start walking next to the man down the crosswalk as the lights finally showed you two could walk now.

Now that the sun had set and was dark, other than the bright lights from the buildings, you could see the true beauty. You'd rather be sitting in a field of cherry blossoms though.

Even though the odd part was the fact the male you saw earlier was staying close to you. Hands and physical contact wasn't made, but it was noticeable.

“Ahem, okyakusama... May I ask why you're so close right now?” You inquire, apparently your questioning hit his ears as he turns his head towards you.

“There was a man stalking behind you. I didn't know what intentions he had but I made sure to get across the street as quick as possible.” He said. Short and fast words. His voice was low, but smooth.

You turn your head to look behind you, and sure enough there was a man following. And he didn't really look pleased. You look ahead again.

“Thank you.” You whisper to him as he just nods. “So... Uh, why don't you.. show me a good place to eat around here? Guaranteed there's something here in Tokyo that serves great food after having a long day. Preferably outdoor eating, I like the wind.” You add.

Within your peripheral vision, you could see he took a small look around before making a gesture to continue walking with him. “Okay.” You nod as you say, walking with him down the sidewalk then taking a turn with him.

You took the turn as your chance to see his appearance. Strong jawline... But that wasn't your focus. His long, black hair with red highlights was what caught your attention. It was tied back up into a ponytail by what you assumed to be a black tie since you couldn't see it. Then again, his hair seems pretty curly and fluffy and not too straight. You even took notice of his Hanafuda earrings.

He finally walked towards a small building with an outdoor eating spot. You followed him right to it, taking another look around. That man stalking after you was gone.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot, my name is L/N (M/N) Y/N. Yours?” You query, smiling awkwardly.

His attention shifts off the menu towards you. “Tsugikuni Yoriichi.” His maroon-red eyes then lock on the menu. As did your own.

Eventually, you two managed to order and get assigned a seat. You both sat across from each other, waiting.

“So... How close was the guy?” You start up a conversation, finding the silence and the talking of other people awkward.

He looks towards you after taking his eyes off the street.

“Close enough. Maybe... Look around some more.. this is a big city, where lots of things can happen without others noticing.” He responds. Again, short and quick. He went right back to being quiet. But he still looked at you, tilting his head with a curious look. Apparently he was scrutinizing your appearance.

“Oh- I'm not used to having to do that. Uh, this is my first time here in Tokyo.” You smile a little at him, “But I still really thank you. You didn't have to accompany me until he went away or whatever.” You conclude.

He shrugs. “Understandable. And you don't have to thank me, I was just sticking by you to keep you at least safe. To prevent another disappearance.” His hands set on the table, fingers interlocking with each other.

Suddenly, your brain flashed an idea into your mind. “Hey, by the way, Tsugikuni-San, could we exchange numbers? You seem to know a lot about Tokyo, better than I do, and I think you're pretty cool.” You grin at him. His eyes shot to you suddenly.

“Sure?...” He sounded confused from the sudden request, but dug into his pockets as you handed him your device to press his number in. He gently handed you his own as you took it into your hands.

After the exchanging and getting your phones back and put away, both of your meals arrived. You were going to pay for both of you anyways.