The fifth-floor hallway was quiet—so quiet that the steady hum of the air conditioner felt almost intrusive.
Cold, artificial air clung to the walls, carrying the faint scent of paper and disinfectant.
As Takahashi walked toward the interview room, his footsteps slowed.
And then—
He saw her.
Chihiro sat neatly on one of the waiting chairs, her posture straight yet subtly tense, as if she were trying to keep her nervousness from spilling over. Her hands rested carefully on her lap, fingers lightly intertwined, betraying how hard she was trying to stay composed.
Soft brown hair slipped forward over her shoulders, catching the fluorescent light. Her gaze was lowered toward the floor, but there was a quiet resolve in her eyes—an anticipation that refused to disappear.
For a brief moment, Takahashi stopped walking.
His chest tightened.
…She's really here.
He took a slow breath, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose as if adjusting more than just their position.
Absolutely do not let your emotions show.
No matter who it is… this is work.
Professional. Calm. Cold.
The door opened with a muted click.
Takahashi entered the room alongside his secretary, Naomi.
Takahashi (inner thoughts spiraling violently):
Hold it together. Keep your face neutral.
Don't smile. Don't blush. Don't react.
You're the manager. You're the interviewer. Not—
Outwardly, his expression was frozen—sharp, composed, unreadable.
The instant Chihiro noticed him, her body stiffened. Her eyes widened slightly before she hurriedly lowered her gaze, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks as though she wanted to disappear into her collar.
Naomi sat between them, blissfully unaware that an emotional earthquake was unfolding in complete silence.
---
The Interview Begins
Naomi offered a warm, professional smile.
"Alright, Chihiro-san. Please relax."
"Y-Yes…" Chihiro replied softly.
Her heart raced as she dared a brief glance at Takahashi.
But his eyes didn't soften.
Didn't blink.
Didn't acknowledge her at all.
To her, he looked distant—cold—like a stranger.
(Inner reality:
Why is she looking this way!?
Why is my heart pounding like this!?
Calm down! Breathe! This is fine!!!)
Naomi flipped open the file.
"Have you worked at other companies before?"
Chihiro nodded and inhaled.
"Yes. I've worked at several companies."
Naomi was about to jot something down when—
"Why have you changed jobs so frequently?"
Takahashi's voice cut through the room, low and sharp.
The words landed like a blade.
Inside him—
Why did I ask that so bluntly!?
That sounded way too harsh, didn't it!?
Oh no—she lowered her head. Did I hurt her!?
STOP PANICKING!!!
Chihiro's shoulders tensed slightly. Still, she answered carefully, choosing each word.
"Because… I felt those environments weren't suitable for me. I couldn't fully make use of my abilities there."
Takahashi paused—just a fraction of a second.
Outwardly, he nodded calmly.
Inwardly—
That's not your fault at all…
Why are you blaming yourself like that?
How am I supposed to stay composed after hearing that!?
Chihiro lifted her head and offered a faint, earnest smile.
"But when I visited Seiko, I felt this was a place where I could truly give my best."
Takahashi picked up his glass and took a small sip of water, using the motion to hide the tension in his hands.
His face remained cold.
Naomi continued smoothly.
"What would you say is your strength?"
"I'm very persistent," Chihiro answered.
"Once I make a decision, I'll see it through—even if it takes time."
Takahashi nodded once.
Inside—
Exactly the same as back then…
Why haven't you changed at all…
"And your weakness?" Naomi asked.
Chihiro hesitated. She bit her lip, her cheeks faintly flushed.
"I… struggle with making decisions sometimes. Especially at work. And I tend to overthink things."
As soon as the words left her mouth, her eyes flicked—just for a moment—toward Takahashi.
His expression didn't move.
Inside his head—
What!? Is she implying—!?
No! Don't jump to conclusions!
Stay still! Don't blink!!!
Naomi smiled politely.
"Final question. Why do you want to apply to Seiko?"
Chihiro clenched her hands tightly. She bowed her head, then slowly lifted it again.
Her gaze was steady now. Warm. Honest.
"Because I want to start over in a place where I truly belong.
I want to work in an environment built on sincerity… and where I can give my all."
Silence filled the room.
Takahashi's heartbeat thundered in his ears.
Inside—
Why are you saying this while looking straight at me!?
Don't blush. Don't waver.
This is an interview! An interview!!!
Outwardly, he remained composed.
"…I see."
He stood.
"You're hired."
The words escaped before he could stop them.
He turned away immediately and walked out—fast enough to look like he was fleeing.
---
After the Interview
Naomi clasped her hands together.
"Congratulations, Chihiro-san!"
Chihiro barely heard her.
Her eyes were still fixed on Takahashi's back as he disappeared down the hallway.
Only when Naomi extended her hand did she snap back.
"Ah—yes! Thank you!"
She left the room, heart pounding.
---
Inside Takahashi's Office
The door shut with a click.
Takahashi leaned forward, palms pressed against the desk, breathing heavily.
Then—
"WHAT ON EARTH DOES SHE THINK OF ME NOW!?"
He dropped into his chair, clutching his head.
"I was way too cold! I must've looked like a grumpy middle-aged man!!!
And when she talked about sincerity—I almost collapsed!!!"
He groaned into the empty room.
"Why do I turn into a completely different person during interviews!?"
Minutes passed.
He slumped back, exhausted.
"She really starts working tomorrow…
Every day. Every hour. Every minute."
He buried his face in his hands.
"How am I supposed to survive this…?"
Then, softly, her voice echoed in his memory:
"I'll do my best."
His cheeks warmed.
"…If she works hard… maybe I should… look out for her a little…"
Immediately—
"No! Absolutely not! Maintain your image!!!"
He slammed his hand down.
Pain shot through it.
Outside, Naomi paused.
"…Is Manager Takahashi practicing karate in there?"
Inside, Takahashi curled up, clutching his hand.
"Ow… it's swelling…"
Still, a small smile escaped him.
It felt like someone had quietly pushed open another door in his life.
END
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