Successive

Chapter 71

Coworkers can be fickle. Some are great while others leave the wandering thought of why they were even hired.

For the most part, Keiji likes his coworkers. There's only one or two from the whole company he's encountered and finds annoying and difficult to work with. The day-to-day team he works with is great with stunning writers and a co-editor who helps divide Keiji's workload.

They're his team and he leads them with confidence. That's why when the owners of the publishing company suggested a day away for all employees, Keiji had no problem agreeing. He helped with the planning, finding a date that worked with everyone's schedules, a place that fostered team bonding and relaxation. And of course, a place to eat.

Keiji inquired with the Iwaizumis about their restaurant. The company would basically rent the space as they would have to accompany and serve almost 40 people. Without explaining why he had to ask, Keiji knew it was because Riki Ramen isn't always the best stocked. His backup was Onigiri Miya.

Tooru assured Keiji they could handle a party that large and sure enough they were getting by. Sure, Hajime was pretty overwhelmed in the kitchen, but Tooru handled the front of the restaurant so well that no one noticed how long it took to get their food.

The restaurant configuration was a bit difficult to figure out at first but all the employees were split into two groups. They'd shoved tables together to seat more than 15 people at a time and there was plenty of room at the bar. Keiji's bosses are pretty generous so all drinks and food were on them.

They're actually a rowdy bunch now, with the food and alcohol. Keiji snickered, it wasn't very work-like but then again, his bosses have always done things differently. The alpha and omega couple put employees and work environment first, so if that meant food and alcohol to have a good time, they didn't mind.

The day away started with a trip to the museum. At first, honestly, it sounded a bit boring to most. But when an interactive scavenger hunt component was introduced it caught the attention of everyone. They split into smaller groups, with people they didn't usually work with, for team bonding. The bosses and supervisors started everything with icebreaker questions as a warm-up. The teams split up to solve riddles, find exhibits around the museum, and solve their puzzles. The motivation being a gift card prize for everyone.

Keiji's team didn't win, but they sure did have fun. And he got to know more about his coworkers.

Now, they're still having these conversations but more loosely. The supervisors no longer have to pull conversation from everyone as they've all been introduced and acquainted. They were a loud and moving bunch. The bosses made their rounds to make sure everyone was having a good time. And for the most part, everyone was, even the annoying coworkers.

Keiji sat at the bar, talking when Tooru was behind mixing drinks. The feel of the bar was reminiscent of his old job. The club where he was harassed and groped, then fired for being harassed and groped. Except Riki Ramen has a much more welcoming feel and it doesn't have alphas and betas trying to grope any servers. Well, the only employees of Riki Ramen are married, but that didn't count.

Keiji thinks it's a shame the restaurant is on the outs.

"So," Tooru said as he poured Keiji another drink. "How are you and Kou?"

"Fine." Keiji smiled as he took a sip from his glass. "He's not as wild as he used to be."

Tooru agreed the alpha has calmed over the years. "Dare I say he's more mature."

The omegas held one another's gaze for a second before bursting out laughing.

"My mate still isn't that mature after all this time." Keiji shook his head, laughing good-natured. "I blame pain-in-the-ass-Kuroo for that."