Get well soon
Sayaka’s fingers drummed at the keyboard with purpose, adjusting the glasses on her nose as they slipped. She had been at it since she woke up with a scratchy throat and that icky fatigue that just meant she was finally coming down sick. She prided herself on her immaculate track record that was only possible by eating her vitamins and staying healthy. It just seemed she couldn’t outrun it forever (especially being out in unfavorable weather the other day with the President). A blush rose to her cheek and a smile stretched her lips out just thinking about her.
Her internal woolgathering ended just as quickly as it began when her computer started to chime. Kirari’s face appeared before her, full lips glossed over with blue. She wondered if any of it would transfer if--Another chime rang and the President’s profile picture persisted. Sayaka shook her thoughts away before answering the call.
“Good morning, Madam President!” Sayaka quickly and quietly cleared her throat, hoping Kirari didn’t notice the voice crack. “Do you need help with something?”
“Good morning, Sayaka.” Kirari seemed cool as ever. It didn’t surprise her that Kirari still looked immaculate and in full makeup and style today. “I was wondering if you happened to have the Culture Club’s donation information for last year?”
“Of course! Anything for you, Madam President.” It seemed to have earned a giggle from the pale girl. A blush rose to her cheeks and her throat swelled and scratched. Sayaka hid a cough into the crook of her elbow as she swiftly fetched Kirari the necessary information. She couldn’t help but listen to the unusual silence from Kirari. A quick glance to her camera revealed the President tapping away at her phone.
The secretary’s heart sunk into the pit of her stomach. Did she do something wrong? Something to warrant the lack of attention from the one person she craved it from more than anything she’s ever known in her life? Perhaps her attempts at hiding her sickness were failed and she was nothing more than a disgusting bag of sickness before her? No, that wouldn’t make sense. .. Maybe she’s not sending the file fast enough?
“Here! I found it!” Sayaka slammed her hand to the desk, swiftly standing to give her the physical edge to send the file quicker (at least that’s how she had to reason her excitement away). It earned a glance from Kirari and a smile, lips stretching thin.
“Well that was fast. Thank you, Sayaka.” Kirari set down her phone, screen going black. “That’s all I needed. I’ll let you know if there’s anything else. Oh, and Sayaka? Perhaps I was wrong about the glasses. They do look cute on you.” The call ended. Sayaka felt hot and flush.
********************
Sayaka still felt disappointed she wasn’t able to talk to Kirari a bit longer and listen to her voice. … But if she was being honest, she’s not sure how long she would have been able to keep up with her. She hadn’t even eaten today; she was too busy with the multitude of projects she assigned herself over the summer.
A knock resounded from the door.
The secretary’s brows furrowed. Her parents were both at work this afternoon, she was home alone, and she certainly didn’t expect any guests. Sayaka cautiously wandered over to the door, snatching up her taser her father encouraged and taught her how to use--just in case. After quickly clearing her throat (and coughing into her elbow again), one hand moved to hide the taser behind her back and the other to slide the door open in greeting.
It was...a delivery boy? He had his best customer service smile on as he offered Sayaka a beautifully wrapped and packaged order. It smelled wonderful! Her stomach growled in anticipation.
“I have a delivery for a Ms. Igarashi Sayaka? Thank you for placing an order with us today ma’am!” Sayaka put the taser in her sweat pants pocket, making sure the delivery boy saw what she was doing. His throat bobbed only slightly, but his smile never wavered.
“Thank you, but I didn’t--” Just as fast as Sayaka accepted the food, he was on his bike and gone. She just watched as he sped off down the road. … Who was this from?
Taking the food inside, Sayaka’s stomach erupted in protest. She could feel the saliva start to build with each new smell that wafted into her nose. There was definitely curry, it smelled spicy and hot. Her throat clenched and wavered at the thought of how good it would feel to eat something spicy right now with her cold.
Curry ramen topped with pork and eggs, a side of rice and honeyed daikon, and it even came with some hot ginger tea. Sayaka couldn’t even wait to sit down before digging in with her chopsticks. A lyrical chime and buzz pulled her out of her eating frenzy.
[Get well soon.]
Sayaka held her phone close to her heart, getting misty eyed. The President cared enough. It was a good day for Sayaka.