Haari applied gentle pressure with his fingertips, circling the spot slowly, the balm cool against her skin. "Eh," Ashi let out a small sound, her body tensing.
Haari jolted, pulling back slightly, eyes wide. "Was I too rough?"
"Yeah… please go a little easier. Slow down a bit," Ashi said, her voice a mix of pain and embarrassment, her hands gripping the couch cushion.
"Ah, okay," Haari replied, nodding quickly, his movements softening as he tried again, his focus razor-sharp despite the crimson still staining his face.
The air in Ashi's apartment softened, the tension of their awkward balm moment fading into a tender quiet. A few moments later, Ashi's voice broke the stillness, a whisper laced with relief. "Kichiro-san?"
"Huh, yeah?" Haari replied, his voice steady but still tinged with the crimson blush that lingered on his cheeks.
"This should be enough—you can stop now," Ashi said, her tone gentle, the pain in her back easing under his careful touch.
"Ah, okay," Haari nodded, pulling his hand back. He set the balm on the table with a soft clink, then headed to the kitchen to wash his hands, the sound of running water a brief interlude in the charged atmosphere. He returned, drying his hands on his jeans, his average features softened by a quiet resolve. "I should be going. You should rest now—don't force yourself," he said.
Ashi's gaze drifted to the bag where her sari lay hidden—a reminder of her earlier struggle, now overshadowed by the day's unexpected turn. "Nicawa-san?" Haari's voice pulled her back.
She jolted, a faint "Eh?" escaping her lips, her hazel eyes wide.
"I said I'm going now," Haari repeated, a small smile tugging at his lips, his confidence a gentle anchor.
"Already?" Ashi asked, a flicker of surprise in her voice, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
"Yeah, you should rest. If you need any help, call me," Haari said, his tone warm but firm.
"But—" Ashi paused, words catching in her throat, then softened. "Okay, thanks for your help today."
"Don't mention it," Haari replied, his smile widening, a warmth lighting his face. "Just take care of yourself."
With a final nod, Haari turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving Ashi in the quiet glow of her apartment, the sari bag still tucked away, a silent promise of another day.
"Welcome to the Goa Airport. We hope you have a pleasant stay. Please collect your luggage from the designated baggage claim area. Thank you for choosing Goa as your destination."
The airport speakers crackled to life, and a smooth, automated voice echoed through the terminal.
As the announcement faded, Haari stepped onto the polished floor of the airport, stretching his arms above his head. The air was thick with the scent of sea breeze drifting in from the open glass doors. Bright sunlight streamed through the windows, casting long streaks of golden light across the waiting area.
The team exited the airport, eyes wide with the novelty of the new environment. Oki, excitedly, said, "Let's head to the beach!"
Haari, weary from the journey, replied, "But we just arrived here."
Rafta, with a yawn, suggested, "Everyone's tired. Let's check into the hotel for now and visit the beach tomorrow."
"Yeah , he is right."
Ashi, nodding in agreement, said, "I'm tired too. We can explore the beach tomorrow Habi-san."
Oki's enthusiasm didn't wane as she looked out at the horizon. "Come on, the beach looks amazing! It's only be a short walk."
Haari sighed, adjusting his backpack. "I get it, Habi-san. The beach is great and all, but we need to settle in first. We'll be more refreshed for tomorrow if we rest now."
Rafta stretched, clearly exhausted. "Seriously, I don't think I can even walk another step. A hot shower and a nap sounds like a dream right now."
Ashi gave a sympathetic smile to Oki. "I know you're excited Habi-san, but let's be honest. We won't enjoy the beach if we're all dragging our feet by then."
Oki frowned but then brightened up with a compromise. "Alright, how about we drop off our stuff and grab a quick bite at a nearby café? We can still get a little taste of the area today."
Haari perked up at the mention of food. "I'm in for that. As long as it doesn't involve too much walking."
Rafta chuckled. "A quick bite sounds good. Maybe we can find a place with a view of the beach, so Oki can at least get a glimpse."
Ashi laughed softly. "Deal. And if we're lucky, we might catch a sunset from wherever we eat."
Oki's eyes sparkled at the thought. "Okay, that works for me. Let's find a café and enjoy what we can today!"
The group, now with a plan, started heading towards a nearby café, the promise of a relaxing evening ahead lifting their spirits..
Two Week Ago – The Boss's Office
Bose, standing at the head of the conference table with a determined look, tapped her knuckles on the desk. "Listen up. This year, our company received an invitation from the National Company. I need you all to represent us and make a strong impression on them."
Oki's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "National Company? That sounds like a big opportunity."
Haari, a hint of anxiety in his voice, asked, "Did we get promoted?"
Bose shook her head. "Not yet. The promotion depends entirely on how you represent us."
Rafta, brows furrowed, asked, "So if we mess up, what happens?"
Bose's expression was serious. "Then our company stays where it is. We might not get another chance like this soon."
Haari, feeling the weight of responsibility, suggested, "Why not hire professionals? It's not like any of us have any experience in this."
Bose's gaze was steady. "I believe in you. That's why I'm entrusting our company's future to you."
Rafta, voice tinged with concern, added, "And if we fail?"
Bose's reply was blunt. "Then feel free to stay home."
Oki, trying to lighten the mood, said, "Come on, we've handled tough situations before. We can do this too."
Haari nodded, though still visibly worried. " Yeah but this is really serious, If we messed up we will messed up with our own job here."
Bose consulted her notes. "The presentation is in two weeks. You'll need to prepare thoroughly."
Ashi, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "We should break down the tasks. Assign roles based on our strengths."
Bose smiled slightly. "I'm glad to see you're already thinking strategically. That's the spirit I'm looking for."
Haari raised a hand. "Could we have some additional resources or guidance? Maybe a mentor or someone who has experience with this kind of presentation?"
Bose considered this for a moment. "I'll see what I can arrange. But remember, the core of the presentation will rely on your individual contributions."
Oki, determined, said, "We'll make it work. We've got this."
Bose gave a firm nod. "Good. I'm counting on you all. Make it count."
Back to Goa
As they reached their hotel, Haari looked up at the grand, seaside building with a sense of anticipation.
At the Hotel Reception
The lobby was grand, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and marble floors reflecting the golden light from the fixtures. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air. Oki strode up to the counter, placing her hand firmly on the desk.
"We are looking for two rooms," she said confidently.
Rafta frowned, arms crossed. "Two? Oki, you're taking advantage of the company's budget. We're staying here for quite a while, so we need to save money."
Oki shot him a glare. "So what are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying one room is enough for us," Rafta stated firmly.
Before he could react, Oki landed a swift punch on his shoulder. "I don't care about the budget! I'll pay from my own pocket if I have to, but I'm NOT sharing a room with a pervert."
The receptionist, a young woman with a polite but awkward smile, cleared her throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we only have one room left. The rest are already booked."
" What " Oki said.
"What now?" Ashi asked, rubbing her temple.
Oki groaned. "We find another hotel, obviously."
Ashi glanced out the window. The sky had darkened, and the streetlights flickered on. "It's already getting late… where are we gonna find another hotel at this hour? We're all too tired to wander around."
Oki sighed, clearly annoyed, then turned back to the receptionist, taking out her wallet. "Fine. Give us the key."
The receptionist hesitated. "I'm afraid you'll have to pay extra, ma'am."
Oki narrowed her eyes. "Extra? How much?"
"You see… the only available room is our S-Class VIP suite. So, it costs a little more than the standard rooms."
Oki's eye twitched. "A little more?"
The receptionist smiled apologetically. "Just seven times more."
"WHAAAAT?!" Oki's voice echoed through the lobby, causing a few guests to glance their way.
She turned to the group, frustration clear on her face. Everyone looked exhausted—Haari was practically sleepwalking, Ashi stifled a yawn, and even Rafta, usually full of energy, was leaning against the counter. Oki exhaled sharply, then turned back to the receptionist, slamming the cash onto the desk. "Fine! Give me the damn key."
Inside the VIP Suite
The moment they stepped inside, their exhaustion was replaced with awe.
"Whoa…" Rafta's eyes widened as he scanned the luxurious room. "This… is insane."
The suite was massive—far beyond what they had expected. A spacious living room with plush sofas, a dining table, and a huge LED screen. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a breathtaking view of the city, with the moonlight reflecting off the sea. The master bedroom boasted a king-sized bed so soft it looked like a cloud. A massive, open-concept bathroom featured a Jacuzzi tub and gold-trimmed fixtures. The air smelled of fresh linen and ocean breeze.
"I cannot believe she made me pay seven times the normal price…" Oki grumbled, rubbing her temples.
Ashi chuckled, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Habi-san. Look at it this way—we've got this luxurious VIP suite all to ourselves for the next five days."
Rafta, already flopped on the massive bed, spread his arms. "The bath, the bed, the view… this is what VIP treatment looks like." He rolled over, sinking into the mattress. "I might never leave this bed."
Haari, who had been standing near the floor-to-ceiling window, called out, "Hey, Rafta, look at this."
Rafta lazily lifted his head before forcing himself up. As he walked toward the window, his eyes widened at the sight. The city was alive with neon lights reflecting off the water, and the beach stretched endlessly under the night sky. People were still out, enjoying the nightlife, while the waves created a rhythmic melody in the background.
Rafta let out a low whistle. "Now that's a view."
Haari smirked. "Totally worth seven times the price?"
Oki, still fuming, flopped onto the couch with a defeated sigh. "I refuse to admit it… but yeah. Maybe."
Ashi laughed. "Alright, enough complaining. We should freshen up and rest. Tomorrow's a big day."
Rafta stretched. "Yeah, yeah. But first—dibs on the Jacuzzi!"
Oki threw a pillow at him. "Like hell you're going first!"
"I'm going to take a bath first!" Rafta declared, stretching his arms as he walked toward the bathroom.
Before anyone could argue, Haari quickly followed. "I'm next!"
Oki rolled her eyes. "Tch, whatever. Just don't take too long."
After a while, Oki and Ashi took their turns. When Ashi stepped out of the bathroom, a faint mist followed her, her damp hair sticking slightly to her face. She was dressed in the same outfit she had been wearing all day. Oki, who was sitting by the mini-fridge drinking water, raised an eyebrow.
"Huh? Ashi?" Oki questioned, setting down her glass.