Haari worked in one of the many corporate buildings towering over the city streets. The office, located on the second-top floor of a sleek glass complex, overlooked a view that made everything below seem insignificant. But no matter how grand the city looked from up here, work remained the same—a never-ending grind.

  “Bro, I’m donezo... Why’s our company hitting us with this much work in, like, March? It’s not even tax season!” Haari groaned, yeeting himself onto a random wooden table in the hallway like it was his last safe zone. The big glass window next to him was basically screaming “aesthetic,” but he was too tired to care.

  “Yo, catch this—hydration station incoming,” Rafta said, tossing a vending machine can his way like he’s the chillest dude alive. Mans was giving off “I’m just here for the vibes” energy while Haari was over here looking like he aged 10 years overnight.

  “Bet, I’ll Venmo you later,” Haari mumbled, popping the can open with a tssssk that sounded like his soul escaping.

  “Psh, don’t sweat it. Work’s like a Wi-Fi signal—always there, always spotty. You finish one task, and boom, another one’s buffering. Just kick back and live your main character arc,” Rafta said, leaning against the table like he’s posing for an IG story, staring out the window all deep and philosophical.

  “You say that every time, and that’s why you’re still not prmoted,’” Haari shot back, half-laughing, half salty.

  Rafta just chuckled, eyes glued to the city below like he’s in a coming-of-age movie. “Real talk, though—chilling on the second-top floor hits different. Perspective, fam.”

  “How you figure?” Haari asked, sipping his drink, lowkey intrigued.

  “Peep this: from up here, it’s like the whole world’s clocking in under my kicks,” Rafta said, smirking like he just dropped a mic-worthy line, scanning the streets below.

  “Yeah, and I’d bet those kicks ain’t yours,” Oki snapped, storming in like she’s the boss level in a video game. Her frown was serving main character energy, but make it “over it.”

  Rafta spun around, hitting her with a smug grin that screamed “try me.” “Don’t forget, you’re the one grinding under someone else’s Yeezys. Keep dreaming big, though—those feet might just yeet you out the building.”

  Haari lost it, cackling so hard he nearly choked on his drink. Oki-Habi’s the real MVP, though—smartest in the squad and keeps us in line like she’s our work boos.

  “Facts, but y’all still got a mountain of work, so quit whining and get your butts back to the grind,” Oki said, shutting it down with a look that said “argue and perish.”

  “Chill, fam, you tryna make my ears bleed? I was just dropping some alpha male wisdom for Haari,” Rafta said, flexing like he’s about to start a podcast called Manly Vibes Only.

  “What kinda wisdom’s a slacker got to offer?” Oki fired back, arms crossed, serving looks and shade.

  Rafta’s grin widened, and he leaned in close—too close—just to mess with her. “You wanna know? It’s top-tier, men-only tea. You couldn’t handle the drip,” he, dead serious but with that twinkle in his eye that says he’s 100% trolling.

  Oki didn’t blink. Instead, she threw a lightning-fast punch at his shoulder. Rafta dodged with a cackle, sidestepping like he’d rehearsed it a hundred times. “Whoa, easy there, Kung Fu Clippy! You’re gonna strain something with all that pent-up rage.”

  “What a bummer,” he added, shaking his head like she’d disappointed him. “Alright, enough fun—let’s get back to the.”

  “Not so fast, Rafta,” Oki said, shoving a fat stack of files at him like it’s a personal attack. “You’re re-arranging these alphabetically in the system. And no, ‘Z’ doesn’t come first just because you’re too lazy to scroll.”

  “Alphabetically? What even are these?” Rafta asked, staring at the pile like it’s a jump scare.

  “Management’s bills—they’re crying about not enough maintenance funds, so we gotta double-check their math,” Oki said, her face screaming “do it or else.”

  “Why can’t they figure it out? I’m not their calculator!” Rafta whined, already over it.

  “‘Cause it’s our job, dummy! Hop to it!” Oki barked, her glare basically a death ray.

  “Haari—” Rafta started, throwing him a desperate “save me” look.

  “Nah, Kichiro-san, sit back down—focus on your own work,” Oki cut in, shutting it down like a pro.

  “ Rafta’s been slacking to much in the woods—this is his glow-up punishment. Solo mission,” Oki said, stone-cold and unbothered.

  “Sorry, bro, guess I’m out,” Haari said as he slumped back.

  “Perfect. I’m officially deceased. Catch me haunting the break room,” Rafta moaned, dramatically flopping over the files like he’s filming a tragic story.

  “Habi-san, I’m done with my stack. Need a hand?” Ashi’s voice was bright, almost too chipper, as she appeared with a neat pile of papers tucked under her arm.

  “Me! Help me!” Rafta’s head snapped up, eyes wide with desperate hope.

  “You haven’t even started,"Oki said, squinting at him like he’s a walking red flag.

  “I’m about to,” Rafta shot back, waving a pen like it proved something.

  Oki ignored him, turning to Ashi. “Go help Kichiro-san instead."

  Ashi smiled “On it,” with a quick nod, already pivoting toward Haari’s desk.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “What?!” Rafta’s jaw dropped, his chair creaking as he leaned forward. “I’m the one dying here! Why’s he get the lifeline?”

  “Shut it,” Oki snapped, her glare pinning him like a bug. “No help for you today. Earn it.”

  Ashi reached Haari’s desk, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “Kichiro-san, need anything?”

  Haari looked up, blinking through his fatigue. “Yeah, but what about your work

  “I already finished my work,” she said, a small, proud smile tugging at her lips.

  “That’s… insanely fast,” he said, eyebrows lifting. He leaned back, studying her like she’d just pulled off a magic trick.

  Ashi tilted her head, caught off guard. “You think?”

  “Uh, yeah.” Haari chuckled, rubbing his neck. “Alright, if you’re free, I could use help with this data mess.”

  “Let’s do it,” she said, sliding into the chair beside him, her arm brushing his as she reached for the papers. Neither of them mentioned it, but the air shifted—just a little.

  One hour later.

  Ashi frowned, tapping a pen against the desk. “Hold up. Some of this data’s missing.”

  Haari leaned over, their shoulders almost touching as he scanned the sheet. “You’re right. Damn. We’ll need the old files from the storeroom to plug the holes.”

  He pushed back his chair, already moving. “I’ll grab them.”

  “Wait—Kichiro-san, I’ll come too,” Ashi said, half-standing, her voice quick and eager.

  “No, it’s fine,” he waved her off, pausing at the edge of the desk. “Just some files. I’ve got it.”

  Ashi didn’t sit back down. “That storeroom’s a jungle—piles of boxes, dusty data everywhere. One person’ll take forever. Let me help. We’ll be faster together.”

  Haari hesitated, then smirked faintly. “Alright, teamwork it is. Lead the way.”

  “Hey, where are Nicawa-san and Kichiro-san?” Oki asked, her voice tight as she scanned the empty desks.

  Rafta didn’t look up from his files, his pen scratching lazily. “Beats me. You said ‘focus,’so I didn’t notice them leaving,” Rafta said, frustration in his tone.

  “I need Nicawa-san’s help, but I don’t know where she went,” Oki said, her voice laced with exasperation.

  "Hey, I'm working here. Could you stop bothering me?" Rafta said, irritated as Oki jabbed him with her elbow.

  "Hey, what was that for?" Rafta exclaimed.

  Down in the storeroom, dust motes danced in the dim light as Haari rifled through a box. “Hey, Nicawa-san, thanks for this. I’d be lost without you.”

  Ashi glanced over, brushing a cobweb off her sleeve. “No need. Two heads, faster hands—right?” Her voice was steady, but her quick smile caught him off guard.

  Half an hour later.

  “Got it!” Haari’s head snapped up, triumph in his eyes. “The files—they’re up there.”

  Ashi followed his gaze, squinting at the top shelf. “Where? Oh— that’s high.”

  “Yeah,” Haari muttered, craning his neck. “Too high to grab.”

  “There was a ladder last time, wasn’t there?” He stepped back, scanning the cluttered corners. “One of those folding ones.”

  Ashi turned, hands on hips. “I don’t see it. You sure it was here?”

  “Positive,” he said, a crease forming between his brows. “Unless someone swiped it.”

  She bit her lip, glancing back at the shelf. “Okay, no ladder, no stools—what now? We need those files.”

  Haari paced a tight circle, frustration simmering. “Nothing to climb, no way up. We’re stuck.” He stopped, meeting her eyes—hers sharp, searching—and felt a flicker of something else. Not just panic. A challenge.

  “Kichiro-san, I have an idea,” Ashi said, her tone resolute.

  “Really? That was quick. What is it?” Haari asked, intrigued.

  “You don’t have to do anything. Just follow my lead,” Ashi said, her voice steady.

  “Come here,” Ashi instructed.

  “What are you trying to do, Nicawa-san?” Haari asked, confusion evident but compliance in his actions.

  “Don’t ask any questions, just do what I say,” Ashi said, guiding Haari into position.

  “Perfect. Now close your eyes and sit down,” Ashi instructed. Haari, feeling uneasy, complied and closed his eyes.

  “What, Nicawa-san? Just tell me what you’re trying to do,” Haari asked, uncertainty in his voice.

  “Didn’t I say no questions?” Ashi said, her focus unwavering. Haari settled into position as instructed.

  “Now listen. I’m going to sit on your shoulder,” Ashi said firmly.

  Haari’s eyes widened, but he didn’t open them. “What?”

  “Then, you stand up slowly. When I reach the file, I’ll grab it, and then you can sit back down again,” Ashi said, trying to sound composed but with a hint of embarrassment.

  “Are you sure this is safe?” Haari asked, still nervous.

  “As long as you don’t open your eyes, everything will be fine,” Ashi reassured him.

  "I don’t get it. How is it safe with my eyes closed? I could do this with my eyes open, too."

  "You can’t," Ashi said firmly.

  "Why not?"

  "Because it’s too embarrassing."

  "Ahh, okay, I understand." Haari's voice trembled slightly, betraying his nervousness. "My heart is racing like it’s going to explode any second. She’s sitting on my shoulder."

  Ashi’s thighs pressed against Haari’s shoulder, the contact soft but uncomfortably close." Now stand up Kichiro-san.".

  " Ok" His eyes were squeezed shut, and he looked increasingly uneasy. He shifted his weight, attempting to find a more comfortable stance.

  "Kichiro-san, stop moving! I can’t keep my balance if you keep shifting," Ashi’s voice cracked slightly with frustration.

  "Just a little more," she added, trying to sound encouraging despite her visible struggle.

  "Nicawa-san, is this enough? Did you reach the file?" Haari asked, his voice quivering with a mix of worry and impatience.

  "Yeah, but it seems like the file is stuck. Just hold on, I’m going to try and pull it out," Ashi replied, her voice straining as she wrestled with the stubborn file.

  Haari, standing near the bookshelf, braced himself against it, his face etched with concentration and anxiety.

  What if I open my eyes? No, no, I promised her I wouldn’t open them until she says so. But she’s taking forever.Haari shifted nervously, eyes still tightly shut. Okay, I’m opening my eyes just to see if I can help Nicawa-san.

  Haari cracked open his eyes and glanced upward. His face paled and turn red.

  I can’t see anything above except_ two_ Mount Everests. I must be the first person to witness two Mount Everests in the whole world. Haari jiggle his head , No,no, what am I even thinking_but.

  "Kichiro-san, you’re moving too much. Please try to stay still," Ashi’s voice strained as she adjusted her position to maintain balance.

  "Nicawa-san, you’re squeezing me too hard. I can’t breathe," Haari gasped, feeling the pressure building.

  Haari’s balance buckled, and down they went—Ashi hitting the floor with a yelp, Haari crashing atop her. Papers fluttered like confetti, settling around them in the dim storeroom light. Their faces hovered inches apart, breaths mingling, too stunned to move. Her eyes locked on his, wide and unblinking; his cheeks flared pink.

  “Shit—Nicawa-san!” Haari jolted back to reality, scrambling up but hovering close. “You okay? Did I hurt you?”

  Ashi propped herself on her elbows, hair a mess, face warm. “No, I’m fine—really.”

  “I’m so sorry,” he blurted, rubbing his neck, still half over her. “You could’ve gotten crushed because of me.”

  "No, it was my fault. I took too long to get the file. You don’t need to apologize," Ashi said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

  Haari bowed deeply, mortified. "No, it was my fault. I was the one moving around too much."

  "Kichiro-san, you don’t need to be so hard on yourself. We got the file, so let’s just finish our work," Ashi said, offering a reassuring smile.

  "Yeah, let’s do that," Haari agreed, though he still looked unsettled.

  Back at the table, Haari and Ashi sat in thick, prickly silence. Papers rustled as they worked, but neither dared speak—their earlier crash lingered like static between them. Haari’s jaw tightened; Ashi’s fingers tapped too fast.

  “There you are,” Oki’s voice broke in, sharp and oblivious. “Ashi, I need you on this—now.”

  “Yeah, coming,” Ashi said, standing quick. She glanced at Haari, softer. “Kichiro-san, if you need me later, just shout. I’ll do what I can.”

  He nodded, a faint smile flickering. “Thanks. You’ve already saved me once today.”

  She paused, then ducked away, cheeks warm.

  To be continue....

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  RAHU SINGH