Rukia stepped out of the hospital, her heart heavy with worry for her father. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets of Tokyo. She clutched her bag tightly, knowing she had a long walk ahead to clear her thoughts.

As she walked, her mind replayed the conversation with her father. His weak smile and whispered words of encouragement had touched her deeply. She couldn't bear the thought of him suffering, and she was determined to find a way to save him.

Her phone buzzed in her bag, startling her from her thoughts. Rukia fumbled to retrieve it, her heart skipping a beat as she saw an unfamiliar number on the screen. She answered hesitantly, "Hello?"

A young woman's voice greeted her on the other end, "Good evening. Is this Rukia Ukitake?"

Rukia's curiosity piqued. "Yes, it is. Who's calling?"

The voice on the line sounded polite and professional. "I'm calling from Kuchiki Enterprises. We received your resume, and it caught our attention. Your qualifications seem impressive. We would like to invite you for an interview at our company. May I know when would be a suitable time for you to come over for the interview?"

Rukia's heart raced, "Oh, I'm currently dealing with a personal matter, but I could make it in two days. Is that acceptable?"

The young woman on the line was accommodating. "Two days should work. We'll schedule the interview for then. Please come to our office at 10 a.m. We look forward to meeting you, Miss Ukitake."

Rukia thanked her and hung up, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. A glimmer of hope had appeared in the midst of her troubles. She knew she had to seize this opportunity, not just for herself but for her father. With newfound determination, she quickened her pace, eager to share the news with everyone.


Rukia practically skipped the last few steps up to her apartment building, the excitement of the phone call still coursing through her veins. As she entered her cozy apartment, she immediately picked up her phone and dialed Renji's number. It rang a few times before he answered, sounding slightly groggy.

-"Hello?" Renji's voice came through the line.

-"Renji, it's me, Rukia!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm. "Guess what? They called for the interview!"

His sleepy confusion instantly transformed into a burst of excitement. "They did? That's amazing, Rukia! I knew you'd get their attention with that resume of yours."

-"Thanks, Renji. I'm so nervous, though. It's in two days. I don't want to mess it up."

-"You've got this, Rukia. And hey, I bet you'll have a great coach to prepare you."

Rukia nodded, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yeah, Momo offered to help me practice interview questions and prepare for it."

-"And is your dashing, knight-in-shining-armor friend, Ichigo, going to help as well?", his curiosity got the best of him.

Rukia couldn't help but roll her eyes at Renji's teasing. "Oh, come on, Renji. We're just friends. Besides, Ichigo has his own life and concerns."

-"You know, Rukia, it's pretty obvious how you feel about him. Even to a dense guy like me.", there was a hint of playfulness in his tone.

She sighed, her cheeks warming slightly. "Renji, please don't start this again. Our friendship is important to me, and I don't want to jeopardize it."

Renji relented, realizing that he had pushed the subject enough for one day. "Alright, alright, I won't bring it up anymore. Just focus on the interview, and let me know if you need any help."

Rukia appreciated Renji's understanding. "Thanks, Renji. I'll keep you posted, and I'll do my best at the interview."


-"Remember, Rukia, confidence is key during an interview. Believe in your abilities, and don't be afraid to showcase your strengths.", Momo leaned forward, her expression thoughtful.

It's the night before the interview, and Rukia is with Momo at her apartment, who's helping her with the preparations for the interview.

Rukia nodded, her determination renewed. "Thanks, Momo. Your guidance means a lot to me."

Momo smiled warmly. "Of course, Rukia. We'll make sure you're well-prepared. Now, let's move on to the 'tell me about yourself' question.", they delved into the interview preparations.

Rukia truly appreciated all the support from Momo. Her friend's composed and calm demeanor was a reassuring presence during this challenging period. Their rehearsal interrupted a phone call. It was Jushiro, Rukia's father.

-"Hello, Dad," Rukia greeted him with a warm smile.

-"Hello, my dear," Jushiro's voice came through the line, filled with affection. "How are you holding up?"

Rukia sighed, her father's well-being always on her mind. "I'm doing my best, Dad. I just want to make sure you get the treatment you need."

-"You've always been strong, Rukia. I have no doubt that you'll succeed in whatever you set your mind to.", his voice grew more serious.

Rukia's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Dad. Your support means everything to me."

Jushiro offered some fatherly wisdom. "Remember, my dear, sometimes life presents us with unexpected opportunities. Embrace them, and always know that I'm proud of the person you've become."

Rukia nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I will, Dad. I love you."

-"I love you too, Rukia. Take care and give it your all at that interview."

Hanging up the call, Rukia sighed and turned back to Momo, "Uh… where were we?"

-"Don't mind us", Matsumoto barged in through the apartment door, followed by Ichigo, "I'm just gonna get your pink bag, and we're out. Meeting with everyone to watch the movie, you can join us for a drink when you finish this."

Momo sighed, "It's in the closet, top shelf", but Matsumoto has already disappeared to the bedroom.

Ichigo leaned against the doorway, watching as Rukia and Momo discussed interview strategies. "Nervous?" he asked, a teasing glint in his amber eyes.

Rukia shot him a playful glare. "Nervous? Please, I eat nervous for breakfast."

Momo chuckled at their banter. "Rukia's as cool as a cucumber. She's got this."

Ichigo smirked. "Well, if you ever need some last-minute tips on how to intimidate CEOs with your glare, you know where to find me."

Rukia rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I think I'll stick to my own strategies, thank you very much. But if I ever need someone to teach me how to be fashionably late, you'll be my first call."

Ichigo feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Fashionably late? Rukia, I'm hurt. I prefer to call it 'making an entrance.'"

Momo intervened, trying to stifle her laughter. "Alright, you two, let's focus. Rukia, you're going to ace this interview. Just be yourself."

Ichigo nodded, his teasing expression softening into genuine encouragement. "She's right. You got this, Rukia. Knock 'em dead."

Rukia smiled, feeling a surge of confidence thanks to her friends' support. "Thanks, guys. Now, back to business."

-"Okay we're leaving now." announced Rangiku while strolling from the bedroom to the apartment door, pink bag in her hand, "Seriously, wrap this up, and meet us for a drink after we finish the movie. We'll text you the location."

And with that, they were gone.