Chapter 8: Chapter 008 - Engagement
"We are going to have our quarterly engagement activity," I say, in front of our office. I am pointing at a whiteboard with all the tasks and activities we are planning for our activity. "Any more suggestions?"
No one answers. So, I guess that's it. I turn away from them and read the list. To foster communication and build the bond between us, we plan to create our very own 'Blizzard Bunch Theme Song'. It would be a nice addition. We can also have some instruments and probably a parade at the start of the day. There will be food and drinking as well.
"Hmmm," I mutter. So far, so good. Maybe next quarter, we can try learning folk dances?
I turn my attention back to my members and say, "Adjourned."
The heroes start to disperse, leaving only Lily.
"What is it? Do you have some issues you want to raise?" I ask.
"Well, the thing is…"
"Hmmm?" I urge her.
"I heard Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio are defeated by the Hero Hunter."
"And?"
"Are we not going to do about it?"
I cross my arms on my chest and think for a while. Catching the hero hunter will certainly give a big boost to our reputation.
"Okay, I understand," I start. "But first, let's have this engagement party done."
"Yes, ma'am!" Lily agrees and runs outside.
We need a guest too. Probably, Saitama and his team. I feel my cheeks get warm. What am I thinking?! Wait, how about if we go to a beach? I shake my head in consternation. I should stop this!
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The party is in full swing. The parade is a success. The theme song that we planned to create is being sung by everyone while the other members drink beer. I am sipping on wine though, something I brought for us ladies who are watching our figures.
The food the members prepared is also delicious, not to mention the chips that are all around the table. To say the least, the activity is a success. I look around, everyone is having such a good time. This is something I should be proud of, even if the rent for this room is kinda expensive.
Wait, where is Lily?
As if answering my questions, the door opens and Lily waves at me.
"Heeya!" she greets. But what surprised me are the people behind her. Saitama and Genos!
"W-what are you d-doing here?" I stammer.
"I invited them as a guest. I also brought food," she says and winks at me. And I don't want to think too much about the meaning of that wink.
Saitama nonchalantly sits beside me and my heart starts pounding.
"Man… I just finished reading Baked Potato Monga. Guess how he flies."
"I'm not interested," I say. I take a glass of wine, and somehow, it tastes better than earlier. I stare at its red tinge. Is there something added there that makes it tastes so delicious now?
"He flies by farting! By farting, Fubuki!"
I almost choke on my wine. This man really had no taste. With no other choice, I try to steel myself and look at him. He is laughing as if he just made the world's greatest joke. I place my right hand on the side of my neck, the other below my chest as I lean forward.
He stops laughing and studies me. "What? You think it's not funny?" he asks.
I lean even closer. Damn, I love this man.
"You are seriously being condescending," he comments. "As King had said, it's a deep anime show."
I don't even know what he is talking about. Then I freeze, realizing what I just thought about. Did I just think that I love this no-class man? I must be crazy! So, I look away, just in time to hide the blush creeping up on my face.
I need to calm down. When I look back at Saitama, I am back to my usual self.
"Be mine," I whisper.
He raises an eyebrow. "What did you say?" he asks.
I instantly flush scarlet. "I mean join our ranks! I think that's the reason Lily invited you to our activity!" I say, my cheeks are getting so warm.
I look at Lily to ask for help but she just takes a deep sigh and shrugs her shoulders.
"Why are you still going on about that?" he asks, flinching.
"Because!" Eyelashes wedges himself in between me and Saitama. Damn this guy! Why is he being such an interruption?! I look away again at my own thoughts.
"Tank-Top Master leads the tank-toppers. Atomic Samurai has three apprentices. The Class C guys always group up. Amai Mask enjoys cozy ties with fans and the hero association. And Metal Knight possesses arsenals of robotic weapons."
He takes a swig from his glass of beer and continues, "However, we in the Blizzard Bunch possess the greatest numbers."
Then Eyelashes stands up. He regales the Fubuki group to him, and adds, "No other group displays our degree of organization and efficiency! Under Miss Blizzard's leadership, we surround and defeat monsters. Then divide up the credit to preserve our members' rankings!"
He sits back in my supposed seat and asks, "Are you excited to join us now?"
"Don't you ever get tired?" Saitama asks, exasperated.
"Should we really recruit him? He doesn't look like a team player."
"We could gang up on him and—"
"Everyone, stop!" I interrupt.
I push Eyelashes aside and sit beside Saitama. Right. This is my place. Beside him and gazing at his bald self. I groan and shake my head. He will pay for making me feel like this!
"I am challenging you to a fight! Fair and Square!"
"Fight?"
"Yes! Your group against mine! And the loser has to do what the winner says!"
Come on, say yes, and don't catch up on what I am planning.
Then I add, "Bring your group tomorrow, same place. Then I will explain the rules."
He frowns. "I don't have a group."
"Oh?" I grin. "Come alone then."
"Is that what fair and square mean these days?"
I lean closer to him, and in a taunting manner, I whisper, "I guess you are not popular after all."
I hope that works though. In the meantime, I will enjoy this party with my group and especially with him.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone