I had been spending days accompanying my supervisor, Mako Saeki, on sales calls, but failing to deliver results left me discouraged. During this time, Mako kindly encouraged me, and at a ryokan we visited together, we finally achieved success. As we celebrated our accomplishment and began discussing heading home, the innkeeper informed us the last train had already departed. Concerned for our predicament, he insisted we stay the night. Reluctantly, we agreed. We enjoyed a lavish dinner, drinking and talking about the day’s events. Though Mako always gave strict critiques, being alone with the woman I’d long admired felt like a special moment. Staring at her, I finally voiced the feelings I’d kept inside. Gradually, we drew closer, our emotional distance fading. At dawn, I awoke to Mako’s kiss. She smiled softly, touching her lips to mine. In that instant, I knew the emotions in my heart could never be undone.