Before the sun even rises, the streets of Tokyo were already busy. People were dressed, hurrying into their destinations. It didn't matter  whether they feel sleepy or not, or that they groomed well enough. Getting to work on time was more important than the way they look or their own rest time.

The same went for Eiji. A lot of times, he'd go to work with a  really disheveled look. Because of the nature of his work, he barely had time to take a good look of himself. All he ever worried was meeting deadlines, meeting client on time, or getting to work earlier than the rest to continue unfinished work the day before.

But for the first time ever since he moved into the company, he went to work with a good sleep. His hair was combed neatly. He even applied a bit of styling wax. This was so unlike the usual Eiji Takahashi. 

The 32 year old  salaryman took the whole day off the day before. He sorted himself, reflecting on the wrong doings he committed. He decided to not drink, but he eventually did. He could have avoided getting too much drunk, but once he took a sip of beer, he let loose.

Much more was that he involved a stranger into his own mess. The only relief Eiji could get was that he didn't do it with a co-worker. Otherwise it would be a repeat of the mess five years ago and he would have to find a new workplace again.

Staying at home for a whole day was killing Eiji. His apartment was as empty as a newly built house. He didn't have anything to keep himself entertained - no TV, no radio, nothing at all! In the end, he went shopping and bought some things his apartment could use. It's not like he had any other use for the salary he was getting. Being a single man at his age meant he only had to provide for himself.

-

"Takahashi-san. Are you alright?", a female co-worker asked.

"Yes, Watanabe-san. I wasn't feeling good yesterday. I hope taking a day of didn't put the department into a difficult position.", Eiji bowed and apologized. 

"It's fine Takahashi-san, but...", Watanabe was contemplating whether to tell Eiji or not. She felt troubled about it but in the end, she chose not to say anything. 

"But?", Eiji asked.

"Nevermind. I hope you're feeling better now. See you around Takahashi-san", Watanabe bowed and left. 

Eiji was curious what his female co-worker was about to say. Perhaps he really did cause trouble and delayed the production? Or was the deal with a new project refused because he wasn't around to meet the client? Perhaps, before the things with Nobu... did he attack a co-worker? A lot of things went into Eiji's mind. 

He noticed that the people in the company was staring at him with an occasional gossiping here and there. He wasn't sure what they were talking about but whenever he look back, they would pretend to be busy or something.

"Here you are Eiji-san.", a familiar voice called out. "Are you feeling well? You were so drunk that time".

"Wataru-san. No, I'm fine now. Sorry for troubling you.", Eiji apologized and bowed. He remembered it was Wataru who sent him to the taxi.

"No-no, it's fine. It's not like you're any stranger. But...", again, Wataru was making the same expression as Watanabe. They looked like they were holding themselves back from telling him something.

"Is there something you want to tell me? Everyone is staring at me like some circus attraction", Eiji complained.

"Umm, I don't know how to explain this but just check this video.", Wataru played a video on his phone and had Eiji watch it. It was a recording of the celebration two days ago. The center of the video was Eiji, acting like a child in front of a waiter. Wataru couldn't help but laugh while watching the video.

"Stop laughing, is this everything?", Eiji asked, in case there was much worse recording.

"I'm not sure. This video circulated throughout the company. Everyone knew you don't drink so seeing you like this was a huge surprise for everyone.", Wataru replied.

"I want to die...", Eiji replied. It wasn't much of a shock compared to what he awoken up to the day before. But just because it wasn't worse didn't mean that it was nothing. His reputation as a perfect salaryman was hurt.

"Haha... you can't die just yet Eiji-san. The Department Head want to see you.", Wataru replied.

"For what?", Eiji's face turned blue. His memory of that night was blurry. Perhaps, he did something to make the department head angry.

"Geez, what are you blanking out for? Don't worry you won't be eaten alive. Today starts the filming for the advertisement of the new product. Kuwabara-san told you to supervise this project along with the advertising department right?", Wataru sighed. He wasn't exactly that close with Eiji and it was only recently that they were able to speak on first name bases. But he really worried about his friend. It seemed like getting drunk had caused his friend too much trouble.