New Line: A Fresh Step   von Xanderionas
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                            Kapitel 10: Chapter 10
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The moment the word ‘Expectation’ escaped Anders’ lips, Maria dropped the
pitcher into the sink, the crash it made enough to make everyone cringe. It took
Maria several seconds to answer, placing the unblemished pitcher aside first
before answering hurriedly:
“You cannot be serious Anders. Ingesting ‘Expectation’ is…”
“Dangerous, lethal to one’s psyche, the whole package. You’ve told me this
before. But it doesn’t answer if you have any.”
“Of course I do, but that is not made to be consumed. The consequences could
be...disastrous.”
Hifumi butted in this time, unable to hide her own curiosity any longer:
“What are you two talking about? What is this ‘Expectation’?”
“Yeah, I’d like to know as well.” Yagami added, “Is it like that drink
you made Anders have a few months ago?”
“If only, Ms. Yagami. ‘Expectation’ is a violent drink capable of
shattering minds and destroying one’s own self-confidence. Once a person is
subjected, it grants them the ability to perceive the first action they must
take to answer the question they are pursuing. This however is highly dangerous
for several reasons. For starters, humans are not beings who can predict the
absolute future. They may give predictions with certain degrees of accuracy, but
there is never a guarantee. Once ingested, ‘Expectation’ will make you see a
future that correlates with your own desires, not with what necessarily can
happen. Second, the liquid is highly potent, easily able to incapacitate a grown
man from a single whiff due to the shock it invokes into your system. The smell
you caught from ‘that’, Ms. Yagami, is incomparable. Not even I can properly
process it. Disregarding the fact that it can easily make one addicted.”
“Yet you used it yourself.”
Maria took a double take at Anders’ words, who watched her with
understanding.
“I figured it out Maria. You were asked by Yagami to help free me before the
trial. As ‘all-knowing’ as you say you are, you didn’t have a choice but
to take some to figure out a way to help me. I was in the trial myself, I heard
how the police suddenly received an ‘anonymous’ tip to further investigate
the memory sticks. Nobody would have been able to predict what to do safely
except someone who could vividly see the steps they needed to take. I’m sure
you were out cold for a good few hours after that. You’re not the kind of
person to go that far without some serious motivation behind it.”
Awed silence hung around him, even Maria looking unsettled as she adjusted the
flower in her breast pocket, which Hifumi now noticed to be a branch of wisteria
flowers.
“I do not like it when you attempt to dissect my intentions, Anders.”
“But I’m not wrong, am I?”
For a second, it looked like Maria was going to resist, before she slumped her
shoulders. 
“I cannot hide from you, it seems. How embarrassing that I must be found out
by one of my own customers.”
“Don’t take it so hard. Instead, tell me where you have it.”
Maria’s mood suddenly switched, her stare growing cold as she crossed her
arms. For a split second, Maria looked capable of turning the world to ice if
she desired it.
“I refuse, Anders.”
“Maria…” Anders began, before being cut off by her:
“I refuse. Taking ‘Expectation’ is out of the question. As you already
‘figured out’, not even I could stand against the side-effects. Having you
take it is akin to suicide.”
The last word hung heavy in the air, it reminding Hifumi of her own brush with
death merely months ago. She glanced up to see an oddly resolute expression on
Anders’ face, it inciting a fearful response from her.
“Anders, you can’t mean…?”
He turned to her with a sympathetic smile, his eyes betraying his intentions.
“Sorry Hifumi, but there’s little choice. I have my hands bound with what I
can do. Finding suitable employment with my background is near impossible in
Japan, outside of a small-scale job in the countryside. I don’t want to leave
you either, which is why I need to find someplace to work here in town.”
“But still! You can’t go using something so dangerous! If Maria herself is
against it, then please reconsider!”
“And do what Hifumi? I already haven’t paid the bills for two months and
next month’s looming over. That’s an amount nobody can simply hand over like
it was nothing. I couldn't get a loan either with the reputation I carry. If
I’m ever going to get out of this rut, then I need to fight my way back up. As
difficult as it’s going to be.”
Hifumi desired to counter him, but his argument was sound. She couldn’t use
their feelings as leverage either. So she was forced to watch as Anders’
expression settled on a mask of resoluteness, again facing Maria:
“Please Maria. Let me try to be with the woman I love.”
A host of emotions crossed Maria’s face, before slowly shifting towards
resignation. Just as she began to turn around though, a phone echoed in the bar,
the recipient being Hazuki.
“I’m sorry, let me just…”
Hazuki abruptly stopped talking as she saw the caller, before slowly answering
the machine:
“Hello Producer, how odd of you to call me.”
Hifumi’s eyes widened a bit as she recognized the voice on the other end, too
garbled to understand but unmistakable in tone. She contemplated her actions
yesterday and how upfront she had been. For a split second, she feared being
fired for her rude behavior. Yet Hazuki’s confused expression told a different
story.
“Sir, are you sure? There’s countless issues with carrying this out...Yes, I
understand your feelings but please, consider the morale... Sir, I can’t
stress enough how much time pressure we have right now... What? Yes, I am
acquainted with Mr. Tansuke, but why…”
Hazuki nearly dropped the phone as the voice continued, her face chalk white.
Everyone watched her with concern, unaware of the events that were playing out.
That is, until Hazuki began talking in a much quieter voice:
“I understand, sir. I shall have him contact you immediately. Please, give me
a moment.”
She hung up and stared at her phone screen in disbelief, slowly raising her head
and facing Anders.
“Anders, you must speak with the Producer. He... wants to speak to you.”
Anders raised an eyebrow, it being reciprocated by Hifumi and Yagami.
“With me?”
“Yes. He refused to tell me why but... it sounds terribly serious. It seems
like he’s ignorant of your… ’mute’ phase, so don’t worry about
surprising him.”
Now looking genuinely concerned, Anders dialed the number she showed and waited
for the phone to pick up, for some reason however placing it on speaker mode
while warning the rest to be quiet. Soon enough, the phone was answered by the
Producer’s own voice, sounding both pleased and defeated:
“Mr. Tansuke, a pleasure to finally hear from you. I hope I’m not
intruding.”
Anders took a deep breath before answering:
“Not at all, Mr. …”
“Call me Fudo.”
“Fudo then. I am in the middle of a sorting war though with my monthly
paperwork, so please excuse my use of speaker mode.”
“Not a problem. I would have suggested anyway you keep one hand free for
holding the table.”
“I’m sorry, Fudo, but what are we…?”
“Mr. Tansuke let me ask you something. What, in your opinion, is the role of a
producer?”
It was clear nobody had expected the question, Anders exchanging a confused look
with Hifumi before answering:
“An odd question, Fudo. To my understanding, is it not to monitor and assess
the budget, development, marketing and licensing of a product?”
“A textbook answer, Mr. Tansuke. But no, I wanted to hear your ‘personal’
opinion. I am aware you ran your office slightly ‘different’ from the books
during your time as manager in Kerzo.”
Anders cringed a bit, but let him continue:
“I want to know what it is that drove a man like you to carry out so much to
help others, even at the risk of running a deficit to your company. You were
more than driven to assist the formation of our previous partnership, at speeds
I personally couldn’t fathom. For that, you brought us a resounding success in
marketing our latest game, while boosting your own firm at the same time.”
“I thank you for the compliment, but the current manager, Futaba Uchimaki, is
more suited for those words. She ran the company during my 'absence'.”
“Don’t play me for a fool, Mr. Tansuke. I know you are a capable man,
capable of more than most people would be able to even attempt to copy in your
position. Back to my question though. If you were to be a producer yourself,
what would be your priority?”
A long pause formed, Anders appearing both confused and deeply contemplative.
Nobody dared raise their voice, waiting until a flash of inspiration crossed his
face.
“I think... I would first and foremost ensure that production were done with
every employee satisfied that it would be enjoyable to work with.”
“So ‘satisfaction’ is your aim?”
“Yes. To ensure a product’s safe entry into stores, you need to have people
motivated to produce each component with care. Should you press ideas that
don’t resonate with your employees, you run the risk of having half-hearted
work carried out. But if one were to be inspired to make a product that they
would be proud of, then their speed and efficiency rises significantly. It also
promotes worker morale as individuals might wish to prove their dedication by
working overtime to avoid doom with the deadline. It might burden them a bit,
but the people who dedicate their time and effort to produce something they’re
proud of are nothing short of remarkable.”
He winked at Yagami, who couldn’t hide a blush and looked away, although it
was clear she enjoyed the compliment. It made Hifumi feel somewhat annoyed
though.
“I see. Well, that is certainly an interesting answer, Mr. Tansuke. In that
case, what about situations where your employees fall ill or suffer under the
conditions you yourself have permitted? What would you do if the people who have
faith in your product end up worse because of it?”
Hifumi nearly let a gasp escape her, Anders’ expression tightening in response
to his words. It was obvious what he was referring to, even Hazuki looking
uncomfortable. Yet, Anders soon collected himself and smiled during his answer:
“I believe, Fudo, that every employee has a responsibility to take care of
themselves. Should they fall ill due to their own negligence, then it stands to
reason that they accept the consequences of their actions. But to quickly
condemn a herd for the actions of an individual is nothing more than the actions
of a paranoid leader. One must have faith that the people they have employed are
able to return with refreshed hearts and minds. A worker may be deathly ill for
a week or even a month, but the moment they return to work they sometimes
showcase an unseen level of determination. That is nothing more than human
growth. I believe I overheard one of your employees being hospitalized recently.
Ms. Takimoto, was it?”
He winked at Hifumi this time, giving her reason to blush while fidgeting. The
producer’s voice grew heavy as he answered:
“Yes, that’s right. And it’s in fact partially because of her that I am
calling.”
The nervous mood from before vanished from the room as all ears were strained at
the phone.
“What do you mean, Fudo?”
“Truth is, Takimoto came into my office yesterday, the first day of her
return. I had, in my concern, toned down the hours the others were permitted to
work. I was afraid that another member of the company would eventually crumble
under the stress, putting both them and the company at risk. But that all faded
into the background when I saw Takimoto enter my office.”
He paused for a moment, as if thinking back fondly on the memory.
“I had always heard the rumors about Takimoto beforehand. Shy, insecure,
unwilling to engage with others where possible, especially men. I kept my own
distance to respect that and only offered support. But the woman who came to see
me yesterday, after a life-changing event that should have crushed her, was back
stronger than ever. She looked me straight in the eyes, her voice was strong and
confident, and her whole body spoke volumes for her resolution. She disapproved
of my actions and demanded I return the company to its usual working hours. I
ended up arguing with her why this was not a good idea, when she struck me with
an important piece of wisdom.”
Another pause, giving Anders the chance to gaze at Hifumi questioningly, who
could only shake her head in ignorance.
“Well, Fudo?”
“Oh right, my apologies. She told me the exact same thing you did just now
regarding my question about when employees turn ill. One should not blame the
flock for the actions of an individual.”
His words stunned almost everyone but Hifumi, who just recalled her having said
something similar before.
“She did?”
“Yes, and that was what struck me. She had gone through a harrowing experience
where her life was in danger, fully in the right to retreat and never take up
the space she once held. But somehow, she found the strength to not only
recover, but to face her fears and accept herself for who she was. She was a
striking person at that moment, resolute in facing her superior and giving her
opinion, regardless of the consequences. I never answered her determination back
then, only giving permission to return to normal hours. But last night, I
couldn’t get her words out of my head. It struck me then and there that what
had failed wasn’t my policies, but me as a person.”
“Fudo? What do you…?”
“This might come across as out of place to you, Mr. Tansuke, but the truth was
that I used to be married. My wife passed away twenty years ago due to a
stress-induced heart attack. Her overtime hours had caught up with her.”
The news was shocking for Hifumi, Yagami sharing her reaction. Anders’ eyes
hardened a bit, but he remained friendly with his tone:
“I see. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. Hearing Takimoto yesterday reminded me of my wife’s last words
to me, to ‘never ignore the words of those around you’. I have been working
as producer for many years now, but never thought to listen to the words of a
single employee like Takimoto thought to do. I believed that I always had the
best interests of others at heart, but I was grievously wrong. My inability to
listen to the opinions of others only hurt my company and the people who
dedicate themselves to completing our projects. Therefore, I believe it is only
fitting that I go reflect on my flaws and resign.”
It was as if a bomb had landed in the room. Not a single face was left untouched
after that reveal, not even Maria, who had been trying to pour tea and now ended
up soaking the counter. Anders cleared his throat as he tried to formulate
suitable words:
“Fudo, that’s... a very sudden decision.”
“You think? I’ve been considering it for a few years now. Eagle Jump has
been growing splendidly as of late, the new employees breathing fresh life into
the workplace. I’m beginning to feel a little bit out of place at this point.
So I thought, after my revelation yesterday, that it’s best for me to hand the
position over to somebody else.”
“I see. So who are you considering? Perhaps your director, Ms. Hazuki?”
“Her? As if I would! If I gave her the job, she’d whip me tender. Shizuku is
the best director I could ever have asked for. Her mind’s as sharp as a
scalpel, but she’s bogged down by her personal attachment to the company. If
she took up after me, she’d have to break off the bonds she’s been building
with others. To work as a producer means to distance yourself a bit from your
peers. Not to mention, she’d never handle it well anyway, knowing how lax she
is at attending meetings.”
“I feel inclined to prove you wrong.”
The room turned to Hazuki, who held a hand before her mouth in shock. A confused
sound came from the phone.
“Mr. Tansuke? Is there someone with you?”
Anders’ answer didn’t miss a heartbeat, answering with the confidence of a
lion:
“It’s just my girlfriend, Fudo. We’re in the middle of deciding how to
arrange our new accommodation together. I’ve been forced to leave my old home
behind due to rent being too high for the meager salary I work with now.
Part-time jobs aren’t very generous, as you might know.”
He winked at Hifumi as he talked, who turned scarlet as she contemplated what he
had just suggested. They had just spent their first night in bed, now they’re
supposed to be living together? She shook her head vehemently as Yagami grinned
in her direction. Fudo’s voice took on a more sympathetic tone:
“I understand. It would of course be difficult after what you’ve been
through. Wrongful accusations are a plague still in our society. I wonder though
if you’d be willing to give up your part-time work for a more... profitable
venue?”
Anders raised an eyebrow at the phone.
“I’m listening, Fudo.”
“How about becoming the producer of Eagle Jump in my stead?”
The scream that had been threatening to burst out of them was only barely
suppressed by their combined willpower, Hifumi’s chest aching as she tried to
subdue the urge. Anders was no different, with the exception that he was
coughing loudly to clear their sounds.
“Fudo…” he breathed out through coughs, “While I appreciate the humor, I
don’t think we associate that well yet that jokes are appropriate.”
“I’m not joking, Anders.” Fudo’s voice changed once more, this time
towards sincerity, “I have heard of your work through the rumor mill. In
addition, I was honored to receive your former assistant, Futaba Uchimaki,
during the panic after the cyber-attack. Her recounting of your work attitude
and abilities is nothing to scoff at. Not to mention, your answers before having
proven that you consider the people under you as not just mere workers, but
adults with their own voice and opinion. Thus, I have no qualms with asking if
you are willing to take my offer.”
“I’m honored, Fudo. Really, I am. But to suddenly spring this on me...
isn’t there some sort of hesitation? I mean, my trial…”
“Ended with you being declared innocent and freed of all charges. Therefore,
there is nothing to be concerned about. I agree this is sudden, but do you think
you could give me an answer right now? Even a premature one would be enough.”
The call went silent as Anders stared at the floor, his eyes a window into his
turbulent state of mind. Hifumi kept watching as he struggled with an answer,
aware of the problem they still faced. Yet as he looked up into her eyes, a warm
smile suddenly spread his lips.
“Hey Hifumi, should we put the shelf over in that corner perhaps?”
She gaped at Anders in horror, it being reciprocated by Yagami and even Hazuki,
who couldn’t believe what he was doing. Yet the latter two were prohibited
from talking, Fudo interjecting:
“Anders, did I just hear the name ‘Hifumi’?”
“That’s correct, Fudo. I told you I was with my girlfriend, right?”
“Yes, but that means…”
“It means I can’t take the position at this point in time. I truly do with
all my heart, but it also matters that I don’t want to leave behind the
relationship me and Hifumi have. I cherish my bond with her too much to throw it
away over a promotion, regardless of how grand it is. I’ve been made aware
that romantic relationships between men and women are prohibited in Eagle Jump
and that you support the board as well with this decision. I cannot therefore
take your offer. I’m very sorry.”
Silence reigned on both ends of the call, Anders the only one with a hint of
happiness in his expression. It soon shifted though when Hifumi moved over and
grabbed him by the collar, shaking him while yelling:
“You idiot! What are you doing? You could have gotten the job you needed to
support yourself! You could have found a way to stay in the company that you
wanted! Why did you…?”
“Takimoto?”
Hifumi froze as Fudo called her name, turning to the phone in dread.
“Y-yes, Producer. I-It’s good to hear from you.”
“Takimoto, I will go off the assumption that you have overheard the entire
conversation, is that alright?”
Aware that she was busted, Hifumi slumped her shoulders and sighed in agreement.
Yet Fudo’s voice wasn’t burdened in the least:
“That’s wonderful news, Takimoto! I’m so happy to hear that you’ve
gotten together with Anders! I was already suspicious when you mentioned how
caring and helpful your caretaker had been.”
“Y-you were?”
“Of course! In any case, this is extremely good news. That means I won’t
have any trouble handing over the position to Anders.”
A resounding ‘What?’ rang through the room, Hazuki and Yagami now unable to
hold back anymore. Fudo however took their presence in stride.
“Shizuku and Yagami are there as well, I see. Well then, you might want to
know that there’s no issue if the person Anders dates is Takimoto.”
“But Sir!” Hazuki said while fighting a tremble in her voice, “Isn’t the
company policy that no…”
“Shizuku, that rule was put in place for executive members only. The old sacks
in the board were unwilling to be led astray when a woman entered their ranks
and decided on this to ensure nobody would do anything stupid. You ‘did’
read the paragraph properly, right?”
“I…” Hazuki began, before mumbling something about ‘got distracted’
while shuffling her feet against the floor. Yagami groaned as she leaned back on
the counter, while Fudo laughed in the background.
“Well then, I think your doubts have been cleared, haven’t they Anders?”
“I... I’m still stumped that you would consider me.”
“Oh come on now, you’re perfect for the job! You’ve got the mind of a
businessman and that of a humanitarian at the same time. Not to mention,
you’re also as invested in the company as the rest, as I’ve overheard from
others when you were with us. So just take the position already!”
Anders bit his lip, still undecided, until he turned to Hifumi and asked once
more, in a noticeably more nervous tone:
“Hifumi? Your opinion?”
“I…” she began, before slapping herself awake from her surprise, “I
think you should take it. I’m sure you’d be happy doing it. Besides... it
gives me a chance to stay with you.”
She glanced down while turning maroon, Yagami edging her on with a teasing tone
that made her want to bury herself into the ground. She never expected it when
he pulled her into a hug, enveloping her in warmth she had only felt twice
before, once on his back and again this morning. 
“Then I have no regrets. Fudo, I would hereby like to formally accept your
offer of becoming Producer for Eagle Jump. Guys, any problems with that?”
Hazuki and Yagami grinned at each other, before answering in unison:
“None!”
Anders laughed, the freest he had ever laughed since Hifumi first met him. He
gazed down at her and she returned it, before their lips connected without
warning. It sparked the first of many fireworks in Hifumi’s mind, who for her
part couldn’t be happier right now. As much as she regretted parting their
lips, she just as much loved it when he faced both Yagami and Hazuki, grinning
the widest as he declared:
“In that case, I look forward to working with you all!”

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