It was a rare tranquil afternoon, one which hardly came by at the office. Eiji sat on his office chair, cross-legged, while his eyes drifted through documents. Extended breath escaped his lips, brown eyes gleamed with surprise.
- They approved it.
Eiji returned the cluster of papers to its holder and handed it over to a subordinate with a gentle wave.
“Bring this to the Kuwabara-san.” Eiji said. His lips curved into a proud smirk, feeling contented.
“Understood.” the worker said while he strode away.
After six months of hard work, the project finally saw completion. It was his idea, and for a thought to transform into an actual product, Eiji likened it to raising a child.
A wooden creaking sound filled the room. Several eyes glued to the open door where a man emerged from. His hair faded white but thick neck showed his physical fitness.
“Everyone, attention please”, the man spoke, “It’s been a long six months since the project began. Everyone worked hard and at this moment I wish to spread the good news. The product is now ready for production.”
Cheers filled the room. Everyone couldn't contain their happiness. It had been a tough six months for Eiji too. As the project leader, he had the responsibility to lead the project to success. He too was happy that he had done something good. At least, he felt closer to salvation.
“Okay, there’s more,” the department head coughed, getting attention, “Finish your work within thirty minutes. We’re gonna go drinking to celebrate!”
The cheering doubled, the look on everyone’s faces were priceless and indescribable. Eiji turned back to his monitor, feeling good, while he looked for a good place to bring his colleagues to.
The place was not big, only enough to house the whole department. Eiji couldn't find something more grand, given he only had half an hour to do so. The employees grabbed their seats with smiles on their faces, not one bit discontented.
Eiji sat as faraway as he could. He didn't want to gather attention since his intention was to leave as quietly as possible. Places like this wasn't a good environment for him.
“For our success and for our project’s success!” the department head lifted a whole jug of beer as he said “Cheers!”
“Kuwabara-san! Kuwabara-san!” Cheers filled the room while the department head took the liquor by his mouth, the liquid gradually emptying from its container.
“Kuuuuh!!” with a sour face, Kuwabara-san lifted the emptied jug like a trophy. “Now, the next person to drink is the star of the company… Takahashi-kun!”
Eiji almost spilled out the water he drank. His eyes grew wide while he waved his hand in rejection.
“Kuwabara-san! I don’t drink…” Eiji tried to escape. But as much as he wanted to reject, A coworker passed him a jugful of beer. Attention swiftly turned to him while expecting colleagues stared at him.
“Takahashi-kun, forget about work! Everyone, Takahashi-kun needs our support. Please cheer for him. Ta-ka-ha-shi!! Ta-ka-ha-shi!” the whole crowed clapped their hands, and the pressure was getting heavier by the seconds.
While Eiji’s mind rejected the idea, his hand soon reached for the jug of beer.
- Just a little. It won’t hurt to take a small sip.
A familiar faintly bitter liquid soon flowed through his throat. The taste wasn't something Eiji longed for but the liquid wouldn't stop pouring itself. He could hear himself gulp internally while the beer soon disappeared from its container.
- Ah! I drank it all. It will be fine, right?
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