You're Hired

Chapter 12

Disclaimer: I do not own Haruka and Michiru of Sailor Moon.


"There's always a right time for everything. Sometimes you have to make it, but sometimes you just need to wait for it." – Wilson Kanadi


With a confident smile, a beautiful young woman wearing an elegant black wedding dress watches as a dashing bespectacled handsome gentleman in a white tuxedo tread the cathedral aisle towards her. The young man sniffs as tears of joy fall down his cheeks. All eyes were on them – the media, the people inside the cathedral, and people watching their wedding in their television. Like a predator lurking on her prey, the woman clenches on to her flower bouquet. "Dad, mom, it will only be a matter of minutes before vengeance takes its course." The scene fades to black and a montage of video clips for the next episode rolls. Haruka's phone, which she placed on top of the coffee table, rings out of the blue.

"God, who the heck is calling? They didn't even let me finish watching tomorrow's episode preview." A snarling Haruka grabbed her noisy vibrating phone from the coffee table. She looks at her screen and sees Mamoru's name. Her anger dissipates. She turns off the television and picks up her phone. "Hey Chiba. What's up?"

"Tenoh. I got a call from the HR Department. You guys are scheduled for an interview tomorrow."

"Wow. Okay. I'll call Michiru. What time should we be there?"

"They usually conduct interviews around 9 in the morning. But I suggest you guys come by the time the office opens at 8AM. Can you do that?"

"Sure. We can."

"Great. So uh, see you guys tomorrow then?"

"Yeah. Oh by the way, do you have any tips on how to ace the interview?"

"Man, just be yourself. Don't tell me the confident Haruka Tenoh lost her luster?"

Mamoru and Haruka laugh out loud.

"But seriously Tenoh, if there's one thing I can tell you, the HR Department here loves anyone who is engaged into sports particularly badminton, table tennis, volleyball, chess, basketball, and marathon. Just say you're into those and the HR Department will go nuts over you like some sort of deity that descended from the sky."

"Wow... really? So I can use my running skills here huh?"

"Yeah. Don't forget to tell Michiru about that one. I'll give you an example. If the interviewer asks you: do you play any sport? You answer yes. If she asks: what kind? You tell the sports that I have not mentioned like in your case Tenoh, you will have to answer racing and mixed martial arts first. Then you go for the kill and say marathon. It's been 4 years since this company bagged the top award for the Interfinancial Sportsfest Marathon."

"Interfinancial Sportsfest Marathon?"

"It's an annual sports competition among our fellow financial companies. We not only compete based on work performance, we also compete in sports. Aside from marathon, there's also basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and chess."

"Wow. That sounds fun. I'll go tell Michiru about these things right after our conversation."

"Look Tenoh, even if you don't highlight your academic achievements, I bet the HR Department will hire you because you're good at sports. Is Michiru in to sports as well?"

"Yeah. She's a swimmer. She can also do running."

"Hey, that's great news. You guys have no job experience yet so focus on sports as your main strength. Of course, if they ask you about work related stuff, just tell them you can do it even if in reality, you can't. When companies select candidates, they want that candidate to be the best one so you have to stand out. You have to be able to get the company to trust in you."

"Wow Chiba. That was really helpful. Michiru and I will definitely do our best for this. Thank you."

"Hey, you're welcome! And oh, don't worry about the exams. If you're good with your basic math, language, and common sense then you're good to go."

"Thanks man. We'll do our best."

"Hey no prob. One more thing, be sure to read our website. Be ready for company-related things that the interviewer will ask you. So uh, see you then at the office? I'll wait for you guys at the lobby. Bye!"

"Bye." Haruka hangs up. She searches for Michiru on her contacts list and calls her. "Hey Michiru?"

"Haruka what's up?"

"Chiba just called. Tomorrow we will be having our interview at their office. Chiba said he will be meeting us at the lobby."

"That's great. Do you think we'll get hired this time?"

"I don't know but it's worth a try. Chiba said that since we don't have any related experience to the position we're applying for, it's better if we highlight our sports talent."

"Huh? Why?"

"Chiba said that the HR Department goes nuts over applicants who are good at sports. Guess winning at sports fests is very important to the company. You're good at running too right?"

"Yeah. I can do that. By the way what else did Chiba say?"

"Well, aside from the sports thing, he said that we need to gain the company's trust by pretty much lying our way to the interview."

"How's that?"

"Well, if the interviewer asks 'can you do this or that?', just say yes."

"Oh… okay. If that's the case, then we'll go for it."

"And one more thing, he told me to read company-related things at the company's website. I'll just text you the link to the website. Make sure to read it before we get to the interview."

"Okay. I'll read it."

"So uhh, see you tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, what time?"

"We need to be there before the company opens at 8AM. How's 7AM? I'll pick you up at the gate of your village?"

"Alright. Can't wait to see you tomorrow."

"Hey, we always see each other."

"I know. But you know, my day is never complete without you."

"Come to think of it, if we get hired, we'll be seeing each other every single day. I hope you won't get tired of me with that kind of setup."

"That is if we get hired. Don't get your hopes up too high."

"I have a feeling that this job is going to be it."

"Hopefully."

"So uh, let's see each other tomorrow?"

"Sure. Bye Haruka."

"Bye." Haruka hangs up.


The elevator door opens. Mamoru steps out of the elevator and from a distance, he sees Haruka and Michiru sitting beside each other in one of the lobby's steel metal benches. He approaches them. "Are you guys ready?"

"Yeah." Haruka and Michiru nod.

"Good. Let's go. Is it okay if we use the stairs? The HR Department is just a floor away."

"No problem with me. Michiru?"

"Yeah , fine. No problem."

"Okay. Come follow me."

Haruka and Michiru stand up and follow Mamoru. The three climb the stairs. Upon reaching the second floor, Mamoru halts and turns his attention to Haruka and Michiru. "You guys wait here. Sit down first."

Haruka and Michiru sit down on a large blue leather sofa while Mamoru enters the office of the HR Department. Inside, he approaches Minako whose table is just a few steps away from the office's glass entrance door. "They're here."

"OMG. Okay." Minako fixes her things, gets her document case, and follows Mamoru outside.

"Guys, I want you to meet Minako Aino. She's my friend and she's one of our HR staffs here. Minako, these are my friends Tenoh Haruka and Kaioh Michiru. Please do take care of them."

Minako becomes wide-eyed and stares at the two with awe. Her heart skips a beat as she gets smitten by Haruka.

"Aino Minako, HR Staff, 21 years old, single." Minako extends her hand to Haruka while blushing.

Michiru giggles while watching Minako.

Mamoru taps on Minako's shoulder. "Uh… Minako, I'm sorry to burst your bubble but Haruka is already taken. Michiru is her girlfriend."

"Oh God, I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Minako, who's already red as a tomato, clasps her hands and bows in front of Michiru.

"I really don't mind." Michiru giggles even more.

"Paging Mr. Mamoru Chiba, please proceed to 14th floor ASAP!"

"Oh shit." Mamoru felt as if lightning struck him. His heart begins to palpitate as panic takes over him. "Guys, I need to leave you for a while. Gotta go."

Haruka, Michiru, and Minako watch as Mamoru hops in to the elevator and disappears right before their eyes.

"So uh it's only the three of us now. Come. Follow me." Minako takes Haruka and Michiru to a small room near the stairs, just outside of the HR Department Office. Inside the minimalist room with orange walls and gray carpet is a small rounded rectangle conference table with 5 ergonomic chairs, a projector, and a wide screen. "Please sit down you two."

Haruka sits on the chair on the left side of the conference table while Michiru sits on the chair on the right, opposite of Haruka. Minako sits on the chair on the edge of the table. She places her document case on top of the table. "So uhh… let's break the ice. Introduce yourselves to me. You can say things like your given name, your nickname, age, hobbies… you know. Things that'll make me remember you. Oh by the way, I'm Minako Aino. I'm currently assigned at the HR Department as an HR Staff. I started working here at the age of 19. So yeah, I've been working here for 2 years now. My original dream was to become an idol but after a few failed auditions, I decided to let it go for a while and tried out for the corporate world. This company was the first one to give me a shot and I've been here ever since. If you're wondering, I did finish college early. Why not? I wanted an early head start in life. How I did that? Let's just say multi-tasking is one of my strengths. My hobbies include singing, dancing, and playing volleyball. I also have a cat named Artemis. He's like my kid. So uh how about you guys? Who will start first?"

Without any hesitation, Michiru turns to Minako. "I will. I'm Kaioh Michiru. 23 years old, Fine Arts graduate. You can call me Michiru. Things I love to do include painting, sketching, playing the violin and swimming. Water is my element. I enjoy being by the sea."

Minako is wide-eyed. "Wow. Impressive. Do you do other sports aside from swimming?"

"I'm good at running too." Michiru replies.

"Oh my. That's great. How fast can you do a 3-kilometer run?"

"I don't know. Maybe around 15-20 minutes? 20 minutes being my slowest and 15 being my fastest."

"Hmmm… great. So uh, what types of music do you play on the violin?"

"Mainly classical pieces. But I can do pop songs and other genres upon request."

"Interesting. Will you be willing to play the violin during parties and other types of gatherings?"

"Yeah. No problem with me."

"Uh-huh. Great." Minako turns her attention to Haruka. "Next, you go introduce yourself."

"Tenoh Haruka, 23 years of age. Aquarian. By the way, just call me Haruka. I finished Nursing in college. Fun fact: I'm a registered nurse, unfortunately I haven't had a shot to practice it. I love the wind brushing against my face so I enjoy activities such as car racing, motocross, and running. I also do mixed martial arts and play the piano on the side."

Minako's eyes sparkle. She drools over Haruka like a wild fan girl. "OMG you're so cool…" She soon snaps out of the illusion. "I mean, wow. So you run huh?"

"Yeah." Haruka replies.

"What's your fastest time? How fast can you do a 3-kilometer run?

"Maybe around 10-12 minutes?"

"OH… MY… GOD… That's fast!"

"Yeah, I used to be a track and field varsity player during my freshman year in college. I had to quit though during my sophomore year to focus on my studies."

"Have you won any award with your running?"

"Months before I quit the track team, I won 1st prize in two inter-college competitions."

"Man, you guys are talented huh? Anyway, so uh, do you guys have any idea about this company in general? You know, the company's products and services and all? What do you know about Galaxia Finances Inc.? Let's start with you Haruka."

"Well, from what I've heard, Galaxia Finances Inc. is a financial corporation that lends money to people in the academe - students, professors, scientists, doctors, and other high-caliber titled individuals. Lately the company became more than just a lending institution as it also branched out to providing savings and insurance services as well."

"Wow. Very well said Haruka. You know this company very well. How about you Michiru?"

"Well, Galaxia Finances Inc. is the pioneer in this kind of business and has helped 200,000 plus members to self-finance their studies, research, and other scientific breakthroughs by providing affordable student loans and salary loans."

"Wow! I'm so proud of you! You researched this company very well. If in case you get hired, this will be your first job right?"

"Yes Ma'am." Haruka and Michiru nod.

"Since you guys have no experience, I'd like to ask you, would you be willing to learn things that are outside of your comfort zone? Haruka?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Michiru?"

"Of course."

"Will you guys be willing to be assigned to other branches should there be a shortage of manpower in one particular branch?"

"No problem with me." Haruka answers in a confident tone.

"Same here." Michiru seconds the motion.

"Would you guys be willing to work during holidays or render overtime should circumstances require you to do so?"

"Of course yes." Michiru's voice is all firm.

Haruka nods. "Yes."

"Okay. Do you guys have other questions?"

Haruka raises her hand so Minako turns her attention to Haruka. "Yes Haruka?"

"I'm curious. Will I be wearing traditional female uniform or male uniform?"

"Nice question. It's up to you actually. Mamoru has opened this one up to me before. You're more comfortable with masculine uniform right?"

"Yeah. Sort of."

"In that case, you're allowed to wear the uniform worn by male employees. To tell you the truth, you're not the first one here with that kind of case. You're lucky."

Haruka smiles from ear to ear because to her, this was rather unexpected. "Wow, that's great."

Minako turns her attention to Michiru. "How about you Michiru, do you have other questions?"

"Is this company strict on office romance? I heard other workplaces do not allow such things within office premises. If that's the case, Haruka and I will try to keep our romance low-key."

"Nice question. This company, honestly, is very strict when it comes to office romance. As much as possible, don't get involved with your co-workers especially if you are on the staff level. You'll get sacked without questions. However, there are exceptions to the rules. If you're a relative of one of the board of directors or if you belong to the board of directors or top management, you can get away with it. For example, the top honcho of this company, Mr. Kuma may not be openly gay but everyone knows he bangs male employees in his office after office hours." Minako lets out a hysterical laugh. "Oh god that was too much information wasn't it? Sorry guys. Don't worry though. This room doesn't have any CCTVs or listening devices installed. I can say whatever I want here without getting in trouble. I don't know if Mamoru has told you a lot about this company but things have just started to frustrate the hell out of me lately. Anyway, you did well and I commend you for that."

Minako opens her document case and takes out a bunch of papers. She hands a 10-page paper to Michiru and another 10-page paper to Haruka. She also gets two pens that has "Galaxia Finances Inc." printed on it and hands it over to Haruka and Michiru. "Our next part is the exam. I'll give you an hour to finish. Please do read the instructions carefully. I did tell you earlier that there are no CCTVs here but that doesn't give you any license to cheat. I will leave you guys for a while. By the time I return, you should make sure that you have answered everything from page 1 to page 10. Any questions?"

Haruka and Michiru shake their heads.

"Okay. I'll leave you guys for now. See ya." Minako exits the room and returns to her table at the HR Department Office. She picks up the phone and dials 1402."

Mamoru's phone rings. He picks up the phone. "Galaxia Finances Inc. This is Mamoru Chiba, how can I help you?"

"Mamoru!"

"Oy Minako! What's up?"

"You should have recommended these guys before! I can't believe they both are runners. I bet my boss will be happy to know that next year we'll have a shot at winning the InterFinancial Sports Fest Marathon! Tenoh is something. 10-12 minutes for a 3-kilometer run? Wow."

"Well, they came in at the right place at the right time. Truth be told, I only met these two just last week. I never thought I'd meet Tenoh again after all these years."

"They've passed my interview. All that's left is the exams and the final interview. I hope they'll get hired here. We really need them right now."

"They'll nail it. Don't worry."

"I hope they do."

"Of course they will. They've been preparing for this job for years. Plus, I did what you said. I asked Motoki to have them recommended for the positions they're applying for. Hopefully no one will get in the way of their application."

"Let's hope for the best."

"Oh, speaking of Motoki, we're cooking up a farewell party for Motoki. That party will coincide with the opening of Usagi's new restaurant. I wonder if you can make it. It's this Saturday. Umino, Rei, and Makoto are coming. Can you make it?"

"Hey, of course. I'll go. I'm not doing anything on Saturday so yeah. I'll be there."

Mamoru feels someone tapping his shoulder. He turns around and sees Rei behind him. "Great. Oh wait, I think Rei needs something from me. Call you later. Bye." He hangs up. "What now Rei?"

Rei has her arms crossed. Her eyebrows are twitching. "So you're only asking Minako now huh? You liar."

"Oh, I can't believe you're prying on other people's business."

"You told me beforehand that Minako is going to be there… on THE SOFT OPENING OF USAGI'S RESTAURANT."

"She is. She just said yes just now. Look, you're really hard to convince and you love to have things your way. If I told you that this whole thing was just going to be Motoki's farewell party or just the soft opening of Usagi's restaurant, I don't think you'd come. But if I told you that your crush is going to be there, then that's another story."

"Okay, whatever. Case closed. At least she is INDEED coming."

"You happy now?" Mamoru says in a sarcastic tone.

"Tss…" Rei rolls her eyes but deep inside, she is jumping for joy.


An hour later, Minako returns to the interview room. "Okay guys, are you done? Give me your papers. You can keep the pen." She collects Haruka and Michiru's papers and puts it inside her document case. "Great job guys. Let's have a break. We have a cafeteria on the 9th floor. If you're hungry, just ride the elevator to go there."

Haruka and Michiru nod. "Got it. Thanks."

Just as Haruka and Michiru was about to leave the room, Minako halts them. "Oh by the way, be sure to come back here at around 1PM. By the way, if you get bored, don't worry. The cafeteria has free Wi-Fi. Just ask the tech guy near the cafeteria for the password. Any questions?"

Haruka and Michiru shake their heads.

"Okay, you're free to go! See ya!" Minako waves goodbye at the two.


To be continued...


Author's Notes: I apologize for the really long gaps in between chapters. Took me 7 months to finish this one. Work's kind of hectic lately so I rarely have time to write the chapters but here it is now! Haha. This chapter was supposed to be longer. Originally it was 19 pages in Word but I decided to split it so the update wouldn't take a year to complete. That's it for now. Hope to upload the next one soon enough.