Chapter Text
“What am I even doing here,” Asami grumbled to herself with a deep sigh. She pulled her sleeve to reveal her watch. It was a gift from her father when she took over the position of Chief Technical Officer three years ago. At first glance, it was a simple watch; unassuming and modest with its common gold casing and black straps. But with a closer look it was a timeless sophistication.
The case was a thirty-three-millimeter yellow gold that had signs of wear and age but in excellent condition, proof of its sturdiness and quality. The white Tiffany dial was adorned with Bruguet Arabic numerals that made it look more elegant and stylish. The strap, however, was the only one that didn’t survive the challenge of time. Asami had it replaced with a brand-new crocodile leather while keeping the gold buckle that matched its case to keep true to the original. Of all her accessories, the Patek Philippe vintage timepiece was her favorite.
They said time flew when you’re having fun. She stared at her watch, willing the seconds to go faster but they looked like they were ticking away more slowly. Maybe that was because Asami had been dreading this day for a week now. She couldn’t help but look back at how she had gotten herself in this situation.
She’d celebrated her birthday at her new penthouse which also doubled as a housewarming party two weeks ago. She’d invited close friends and family to dinner. It consisted of her parents, her ex turned good friend Mako and his boyfriend Wu, Opal and Bolin, and, well, Bopal’s nine-month old twins if they counted as guests. She’d told everyone to skip the presents because their presence was enough (her jokes grew older with her, apparently).
It was always the time of year when she felt most grateful: a loving family, a fulfilling job, friends who were always there, and a nice penthouse that had the most amazing view of the city. But as she watched her friends and family sing her happy birthday, she couldn’t help but feel a little envious. Her mom had her dad, Mako had Wu, her best friend Opal had Bolin, even their twins had each other. It made her think about what it would be like having someone; someone to tell about her long day at work, the intern that broke the copier every other day, her assistant that kept bugging her to sign up for dating apps, the men at the office that called her Hiroshi Sato’s princess and how she loved to make them squirm during board meetings, and… Asami came to a realization that work was all she could talk about. Maybe that’s why she was still single. And maybe it was time for a change.
She watched the candles flicker on her birthday cake. And as the song came to an end, she closed her eyes and made her wish. It wasn’t such a bad thing to ask for one more thing this year… Or to be more specific, someone.
The chorus of ‘awwws’ made Asami open her eyes in shock. The first thing she saw was her mom with her hands clasped in front of her chest. “Oh, honey. You’ll find someone,” Yasuko said with a reassuring smile. Asami didn’t realize she’d said the words out loud. “And I think I know what I want for my birthday present next week.” Yasuko said with a wink.
And that is what led her here, sitting anxiously in the bright studio of the ‘hottest’ dating show in Republic City: Expecially For You. Asami thought the pun was a little bit corny, and the show even more so. The guest player, or the show liked to call searchee, will try their luck in finding The One among three mystery suitors whom the searchee might or might not have met before. And the plot twist? The player’s ex will also be making an appearance to help their former flame find a potential significant other. And with Asami’s case, the only option was Mako.
Hiroshi had taught Asami that in the world of business, one had to learn to say no. And at twenty-eight, Asami Sato, Future Industries CTO had become a titan in an industry overpowered by men. She met misogynistic men head-on and shutdown competitors and executives alike. Her mere presence commanded attention and respect. In the boardroom, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her intellect was sharp as a blade, her wit quick as lightning and her attention to detail impeccable like a microscope. Tailored suits, high heels, and burgundy lipstick were her armor. And she was grateful she wore them today. Her lips were a dark shade of red worn like a second skin. Her suit a matching burgundy with a white silk dress shirt.
But as the powerhouse that she was, there would always be a weakness. And Asami’s was her mom. Her mom who had asked her to do the show as a birthday present, and Mako more than willing to participate with a shit-eating grin saying, "This is going to be fun!"
Now, here she was uncharacteristically fidgeting in her seat at the studio’s dressing room. She could hear the muffled voices of the of the hosts and the excited audience outside, her friends surely part of the cheering squad. She was glad she decided to forgo a tie and just leave the top buttons of her dress shirt open. She looked at her watch one more time and as if on cue, there was a knock at the door of the dressing room. “Come in!”
It was her secretary with an all too happy grin on her face. “Are you ready, Ms. Sato? Mr. Fujita is already on stage,” she beamed.
Asami inhaled and exhaled as she stood up. She smoothed her suit and put on her million-dollar smile, “Let’s do this.”