Define Perfect
Define Perfect
Chapter 2
Dishonor on me! Mao frowns at her reflection. I’m the Jr. Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire how dare I change my outfit for the nth time this morning! Mao pulled the old rose blazer away from her body and deepens her frown. It doesn’t look good with sailor shorts! Should I wear a dress? It’s already Friday and she’s going to be late for work but just can’t seem to find the right outfit. Mao went back in front of the racks and racks of clothes in her walk-in closet when a particular dress caught his attention; the only dress out of many that still has its tag on. Mao’s frown changed into a smile before she even realizes it. She let out a small laugh before pulling the dress of the rack. “I guess I’m not returning you after all.”
-O-
“Do you know what you should do right now?” Rebecca voiced out while entering her office without even so much of a knock.
“Yes Rebecca, you may come in! It’s not like I’m busy with work” Mao answered sarcastically.
“Becky! I already gave you the rights to call be ‘Becky’ use it wisely! Anyhoo you should go buy an outfit for your date on Friday! And by “You” I mean “We” which means bring me with you!”
“It’s not a date! We’re just going out for lunch to talks and eat and… Oh God! Its is a date!” Hit with realization Mao looked at her friend grinning from ear to ear. “I agree to go on a date with a stranger - well technically he’s not really a stranger, we did talk already and I already spilled a boiling hot tea on myself and on him which did not at all happen because we’re doing something sinful…” Mao gave Rebecca a glare, which just assumes steaming hot stuffs happened. Mao babbled non-stop until she’s out of breath.
“If you want to explain Mao go to the ‘People’s Court’, I know the look on peoples faces after intercourse and you both clearly had that post-coital glow when you both got out of the room!” Mao rolled her eyes extra dramatically at her friend.
“So I was thinking,” Becky continued “Anthropologie!”
“What? No I’m not buying new clothes. I have hundreds in my closet, half I still haven’t worn”
“And I was also thinking that you should buy a dress. I strongly believe every girl should wear dress on first day, add to the feeling of being a girl. Makes you feel--”
“Rebecca stop!” Mao interrupted purposely calling her friend by her full name because she know just saying ‘stop’ and ‘Becky ’is not going to work. Becky glared at Mao about to protest but was cut short again. ”I’m not buying a new dress. Plus I’m busy.”
“Oh one step ahead of you my friend, I cancelled everything you have for the rest of the afternoon.”
“BECKY!”
“I have also called the store manager of the Anthropologie at the 5th Avenue asking to bring out all there new arrivals because the Jr. Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire is coming.”
“Beck.”
“Can you still remember when we both can’t afford anything from that store, now I know the store manager’s mobile number. Life’s great.” Becky flaunt back to the door of Mao’s office about to leave.
“Hate you.”
“I love you too my friend, fix your bangs will you?”
-O-
Becky had to call the security to force Mao out to her office. The cab trip was eventful but if Mao’s being completely honest she was glad Becky forced her. She loves Anthropologie, always had and always will be. Sure there’s an overflowing racks of clothes in her apartment and office full of high-end designer clothes, but there’s just something about this store that makes her love it so much, maybe it’s unique-ness, maybe the prim and proper/indie style the store she has to offer, she has no idea.
Back in University, going to ‘Anthropologie’ is full of heartache. She and Becky will always enter the store happy and full of energy but a vicious cycle will occur all the time. First she and Becky will squeal and gush about how pretty the dress is until one of them checks the price tag, then they will both agree it’s not that pretty after all and walk away filled with sadness. Mao giggled at the memory. While looking at the racks of newly arrived clothes partnered with a bottle of champagne, - seriously working for Marie Claire has its own perks - Mao will always find her vision back to one particular shirtdress in the mannequin just right across the little fashion museum they made for her shopping pleasure. It’s partnered with the beaded belt and stitched moccasin pumps. She doesn’t like the pumps that much but she definitely can see herself wearing the shirtdress and belt. Simple yet elegant, it’s a date dress but it doesn’t really scream ‘I’m going on a date’ it’s still corporate-ly. She ended up trying the shirtdress and the belt. Loves how fit and bought it with so much encouragement from Becky. She went home that day feeling extra elated. Surprise with her happiness, she forced herself to not be excited for the upcoming “Business Lunch” and shoved the paper bag in her closet forgetting it exist. “I’m returning you two the first free time I get.”
-O-
“Look who’s walking with an extra bounce, and you curled your hair? Someone’s excited!” Becky chirped while catching up with Mao in the Lobby.
“I’m not excited.” Mao chirped back.
“Jennifer, when’s the only time Mao curled her hair?” Becky asked the lady behind the front desk.
“When there’s a office party, dinner dates and Magazines interview.” Jennifer answered without even looking up from her computer.
Becky gave Mao a ‘see I told you so’ look. “So does that mean people in the office knows when I’m going on dates?” Mao asked mortified.
“Well when we know that there isn’t a office party or an interview or photo-shoot you have to partake with, yes we assume your going on a date whenever you walk through those door with a curled hair.”
“Well you can’t always be right.” Mao defended.
“Actually we are, I’m your assistant and most importantly I’m your best friend, I have a copy of your schedule and back then I have Jun’s mobile number to confirm.” Mao scrunches her knows because first she didn’t even know curling her hair allows everyone to know she has a date and second upon hearing Jun’s name.
“Well since you guys already established that curled hair is equal to a date lets not ruin today’s ‘date’ by mentioning a certain person’s name.” Mao knows that with her acknowledging today’s lunch as a date will send her best friend over the moon, so before Becky could react Mao entered her office and closed the door behind her. At the other side of the door Mao could hear Becky’s high-pitched squeal.
-O-
Yamashita Tomohisa exited the elevator excited and happy. He immediately find his way to Rebecca’s desk and cough to make his presence known to the lady whose entire focus is in the computer right in front of her.
“Well well look who we have hear, the front desk didn’t even called this time.” Yamashita Tomohisa smiled at the petite brunette in front of him.
“Well she recognized me and just told me to go straight up.”
“Oh recognized you alright,” Becky gave him one of her signature “I know what happening here” smile. “Plus she knows your coming Mao curled her hai--”
“REBECCA!” Mao called her assistant name just right before she finishes her sentence. Mao was about to go out of her office to grab some coffee when she saw ‘him’ and most importantly saw Becky talking which in other circumstances is normal but for this particular one is dangerous.
“I’m sorry Mr. Yamashita, is she harassing you? One of the reasons why I needed another assistant she harasses everything that breathes.”
“I do not!” Becky defended.
Yamashita Tomohisa let out a low chuckle completely taking both ladies’ attention. Mao cleared her throat. “Mr. Yamashita we can start your interview in my office uninterrupted” Mao gave her friend a glare. “whenever you’re ready.” Mao walk back to her door, face flustered she pressed her cold hands to her cheeks to minimize the obvious blush she’s having. Damn that laugh made my body feel hot! Relax Mao you are a professional woman, you are the master of your body and right now you need to control the over circulation of blood towards your face. Stop it now! Mao jumped at the sound of her door closing.
“Is everything alright?” Yamashita Tomohisa asked worried.
Mao nodded her head not at all trusting her voice to sound normal. She motion for him to sit at the chair while she finds her way back to hers. Trying to buy more time Mao pretended to be fixing the pile of paper in her desk, making sure they align and what not, she sighed when she ran out of things to do. She forces herself to look at the man in front of her staring.
“You sure you’re okay?” This time he asked in Japanese.
“Hai!” Mao answered instantly. The question and answer both brought smile to their faces. Clearly showing signs that they miss talking in Nihonggo and more importantly talking to someone in the said language.
“Shall we begin the interview?” Mao asked this time in English.
“Yes, lets get it over with so that we could get out of here and to our lunch date.”
5.) Honest… Once again the list she created popped in her mind. Okay since we’re being honest here maybe I’m looking forward to the date after all.
Author's Note:
I know I'm the worst.
I also know that i'm no longer entitled for an excuse so i'm not going to bother you with my excuses anymore, unless you insist.
Here's chapter 2, next chapter will be posted on the weekend if life is not busy.
Enjoy!
P.S.
Unbeta-ed and NOT proof read.
Mistakes are all mine.