OKAY SO! My SasuSaku story Empty Eyes is now complete, and I feel a hole because I need my fill of that pairing, lol
I fully intend to write a nice, long, and fleshed-out story. I just want to get some feedback because I'm desperately trying to better myself as an author!
Because of this, I will not be updating this with the next chapter right away. I'm nearly finished with my two currently active stories and will focus on this one when they are done.
I don't see it taking more than a few weeks. Feel free to comment your opinion or if you have any ideas you'd like to see incorporated because I don't have this entire story written yet!
Thanks for reading!
Sakura Haruno sighed with a pretty frown, clicked her phone screen off, and slipped it into her handbag. Even to a complete stranger, it was evident she was disappointed and maybe a little angry.
Dressed in straight-legged pants, a white button-up shirt, a professional black blazer, and a pair of maroon-colored heels that matched her purse, the woman strutted her way into an intimidatingly tall office building. Her shoulders were back, eyes bright, and gait confident.
Don't let them know you're nervous. That mantra repeated in her head as she pretended not to notice the curious glances of those she passed on her way to the elevator. Are they staring because of her hair?
"It's your outfit."
Sakura looked over to see a beautiful redhead also waiting for the elevator to arrive. She wore a blood-red pencil skirt that ended just above the knee and a long-sleeved black dress shirt. Her shoes were cream-colored and tall, almost able to be considered stilettos but somehow still coming off as work-appropriate.
The new arrival smirked, elaborating while pushing her glasses up her nose, "You're dressed rather...conservatively for someone in this office. That's all."
When Sakura looked around, it was with fresh eyes. The dozens of men in the massive lobby dressed in nice suits and dress shoes were exactly what she expected. What she didn't foresee was that all the women were wearing skin-tight skirts and form-fitting shirts. That or dresses. Almost no one wore a jacket or blazer, either, so their figures could be more easily admired.
What in the world is going on here? Is there some sort of unique dress code she wasn't made aware of?
You'd have to live under a rock not to notice how well-put-together her outfit was. It was professional and comfortable. It was fitted just enough to compliment her tiny waist and incredible legs while also not making the woman feel as though she'd be seen as a sexual object rather than a candidate with potentially astounding work prospects.
"I'm Karin, by the way. Judging by your confused expression, may I assume you're also here for the P.A. interview?"
Ah, she's competition.
"Sakura, and yes."
The women were joined in their wait by two more, dressed similarly to Karin. Finally, the elevator opened.
Almost everyone inside vacated quickly, but one did not: a tall, curvy brunette with her hair styled into two buns. Her face lit up when she and Sakura's eyes met, and she beamed excitedly, "Oh my gosh! You're actually here! I thought I'd have to drag you in by your hair."
Sakura and the three others entered, as did a couple of businessmen who were conversing in hushed tones and completely ignoring the females.
"Let's just say I need money more than I need my pride," the pinkette murmured to one of her best friends. She was the one who told her about the job opening.
Tenten finally looked at her companion's entire appearance. Her brown eyes narrowed, "Why aren't you wearing the outfit Ino and I picked out for you?"
Sakura's eyes rolled as she unconsciously crossed her arms as though it'd hide the clothes that were apparently appalling to everyone who saw them, "It wasn't my style." She wanted to add that her feminine assets were much less impressive than most other women, so the girly, mildly sexy clothing didn't suit her.
"Maybe, but..." the brunette glanced at the other women before lowering her voice to a whisper and leaning closer to her friend, "They don't hire based on just your resume at places like this, Babe."
"I don't want to work for a company that only cares about how I dress," Sakura defended with an offended tone, "If they choose someone else because of that, then I guess it wasn't meant to be."
Karin cleared her throat, smiling sheepishly, "Excuse me, but I have to ask. You are aware we're at Uchiha Corp's primary office, right?"
Sakura nodded, confused, "Yes. So?"
One of the other girls nudged the redhead in the side, "I'd mind my own business if I were you. Just be glad she's ruining her chances."
Tenten barked with a lifted brow, "Take your own advice." The brunette may have a bubbly and outgoing personality, but within the walls of her employment, she's a pro. Having worked as a P.A. for the Hyuuga branch of Uchiha Corp for more than a year, Tenten knew all there was to know about the job. Confidence came with that knowledge.
The black-haired girl that'd piped in closed her mouth with a dirty look but said nothing else.
When the elevator stopped on the sixth floor, the two men exited the elevator and left the five women to continue riding.
"Oh, you said your AC friend pissed you off, right? What happened?" Tenten asked her friend quietly.
Sakura nodded, glancing at her handbag where her phone and wallet were stored, "What do you think happened? Same as the other four."
"Did he find out you were a woman and hit on you?"
"Bingo."
Karin, who somehow kept butting in while also not coming off as completely rude, asked, "AC? Do you mean that anonymous therapy dating app thing?"
Sakura bristled, emerald eyes narrowing, "It's not a dating app. It's meant to help people connect and help one another."
How uncomfortable. Everyone's first impression is always that Anonymous Connection, or AC for short, is the next big hook-up application, like Tinder or Hinge, with a twist. That's why Sakura often kept it a secret that she's a user.
The taller woman with glasses shrugged with a hand lifted in defense, "My bad. You actually use that, though?"
"I do," the pinkette admitted, her face warming, "One of my friends helped develop it."
She wanted to add that until the people she was paired with found out she wasn't a man, the app served its purpose well. It was comforting to know that there was someone on the other end to rely on. There was a person she could be candid with because they didn't know who she was and were sharing their own hardships with her, as well.
Tenten added threateningly, "It's a healthy mental health practice. Don't tease her."
"I'm not! I was just curious. Jeez," Karin rolled her eyes.
The elevator stopped at the eleventh floor, with only one floor remaining above it in the skyscraper-esk building. "If you go all the way down this hall and turn right, there will be a door with chairs beside it. Take a seat there and wait for someone to call you in for the interview," the brunette woman explained to Sakura while the other three women listened.
They stepped out first, but Sakura hesitated, turning to give her friend a brief hug and smile, "Thanks for coming up here with me. I don't feel as nervous now."
Tenten beamed, "Of course, but you know my help doesn't come free. If you get the job, you're paying for drinks this weekend!"
"Deal," the pink-haired woman nodded while allowing the elevator doors to close. Then, she turned to see Karin had waited for her while the other two had not.
Is she trying to be friendly, or is she trying to stick close because Sakura had a decent connection in the office and wanted to take advantage of that? It was impossible to tell. No one was being antagonistic, though, so the two women walked in silence until they found the others sitting by the door Tenten described.
Immediately after the pair joined them, the door revealed a tall, pale man in a suit with a clipboard, unnatural grin, and bags under his eyes as though he hadn't slept well last night, "Good morning, ladies. My name is Sai, and I will assist with the interviews today. When I call your name, please come with me."
If Sakura knows anything, it's that she doesn't want to go first. It's common knowledge that the last people to go often get the job because they're fresher in the interviewers' minds.
"Miss Haruno, please follow me so we can begin your interview."
The woman bit her tongue not to sigh defeatedly. Not only is her outfit a mistake, but the other three women will go after her. They'll be compared to her, meaning any negatives she presents will make the others look better.
Regardless of her reservations, Sakura donned the confident aura she exhibited downstairs in the lobby while following Sai into a modern office.
The floor was a stark white that contrasted wildly with the matte gray and black walls. From where she was instructed to stand in front of a gigantic mahogany desk, Sakura took notice of the bookcase built into the entire wall on the right side of the room. It was filled with books, many of which did not have names on their binding. A plant that she couldn't identify was in the opposite corner of the room, to the left of the desk. Multiple expensive-looking paintings decorated the left-side wall, too.
"Please give your name, age, education, and why you believe you're qualified for this position," Sai said after standing near the man sitting at the desk.
When Sakura focused on that person for the first time, her pulse threatened to skyrocket. Sharp, hawk-like eyes locked onto hers as though their owner could see her every thaw. He was sexy in a forbidden-office-romance-with-the-dark-and-dangerous-boss kind of way.
Don't let them know you're nervous. The mantra from earlier crossed her mind.
She covertly took a slow, calming breath before smiling in what she hoped was a charming manner, "My name is Sakura Haruno. I'm nineteen years old and am currently attending KUK as a sophomore. I am qualified for this position because I'm adaptable."
She blinked, reminding herself not to stare at the handsome man sitting at the desk. Turning her gaze onto Sai and then back, Sakura hoped it came off as natural, "As someone having grown up in a small town, I've had the opportunity to learn and grow from experiences with the lower, upper, and middle class in both a professional and personal setting."
The woman paused to give the men a moment to interrupt if necessary.
When they didn't, she continued, "Seeing as Uchiha Corp has recently begun researching real estate, consumer trends, and crime statistics in the West and Northwest ends of Konoha, I've inferred you are looking to expand your company to new demographical regions. My experience and knowledge will be an asset to you."
Once her speech was complete, she clasped her hands behind her back and waited patiently for either of the men to speak.
The man, whose nameplate only said "Mr. Uchiha," said, "KUK."
Sai leaned forward, explaining, "Kusuri University of Konoha. It's a school of medicine. Many world-renowned doctors and surgeons are alumnus."
"If you're going to school for medicine, why are you interested in becoming my assistant? Surely, the experience you stand to gain from employment here wouldn't be useful in your future career endeavors."
Sakura expected this question because she, Tenten, and Ino practiced with interview questions last night in preparation. "My goal is to open my own practice. The knowledge I gain from witnessing a business operating will undoubtedly give me an edge."
"I see," the man's dark gaze remained unyielding.
His elbows were on the table, and he rested his chin on one fist while holding what appeared to be her resume in the other, "Possessing knowledge of various demographics is impressive, and our company will take it into consideration."
Sakura's smile threatened to tug wider, only for her excitement to be shot down.
Mr. Uchiha's frown hadn't moved since she entered the room. That didn't change as he continued, "However, this position is not for sales or advertising. Do you have previous experience with clerical duties?"
"Your resume states this would be your first job in a professional setting, yes?" Sai added.
She worked part-time at a little diner back home in high school. Her parents needed help with the bills, and she was happy to do it if it meant they wouldn't be as stressed. They raised her with smiling faces and gentle hands, after all.
"That is true. However, I-" "Enough."
Sakura's mouth closed in surprise. Mr. Uchiha's eyes narrowed as though she'd become annoying to him. He sat her resume on the desk and pushed it away with one hand, "Don't give us the rehearsed response that you think we want to hear."
Oh no. Upon seeing and hearing this rich man address her with so little interest and so much cockiness, her temper flared, something she was notorious for. She tried to keep it under control while asking, "I beg your pardon?"
"Tell me why I should choose you over the other candidates. What sets you apart?"
Sakura's fingers tightened, and her smile became tense until it began slipping. He wants to know how I'm different from the other women? Fine.
"Unlike those waiting outside, I'm not standing here worried about whether or not you think I'm attractive."
Both Sai and Mr. Uchiha's eyes widened slightly.
The woman continued because it was too late to take it back, "I'm here because I know how influential the Uchiha name is, regardless of what line of work I choose to pursue. The advertised pay is competitive, and the hours work with my school schedule."
She paused, her irritation simmering to make her feel instant regret for her outburst. She continued her explanation nonetheless, "I'm different because I didn't grow up with everything handed to me like the snobs that work in places like this. You won't find someone who learns as fast or works as hard as me. I promise you that."
The pair of men remained speechless, staring at the pink-haired woman whose feisty attitude had just shown quite clearly.
Then, Sakura froze wide-eyed, reflecting on all she'd just said.
Well, shit. She totally just insulted the man sitting behind that desk. There was no way in hell she'd be hired after this.
The pink-haired woman left the room with her head held high, though it was apparent to both men that she hadn't intended to say at least some of the things she had. Particularly the bit about the people working here being rich and snobby.
Sai immediately walked around the desk to face him, picking up the resume and crumbling it into a ball before tossing it into the small bin nearby, "My apologies. A talented employee vouched for her; otherwise, she wouldn't have made it far enough to meet you. I'll have a word with Neji about his assistant's decisions in the future."
For some reason, Sasuke wasn't offended by her subdued outburst. He was irritated by her audacity, sure, but he was also intrigued because the woman hadn't acted at all how he expected. When he cut her off and demanded a genuine response, he expected her to continue with that composed smile and textbook answers. Instead, Miss Haruno showed that she wouldn't sit back and be bullied no matter who the opponent was.
Oh, well. The Director of Operations took it as a learning experience and moved on.
"Don't bother. Just send the next one in."
Sai wordlessly left to retrieve the next candidate. A petite and curvy brunette with a pixie cut stood before the desk with a subdued smile.
An odd sensation met Sasuke's chest as he noted her tight skirt and shirt. The woman was attractive. There was no denying that.
"My name is Kisa. I'm twenty-two years old and am in my final year at Kohona University. I'll be graduating with a bachelor's degree in professional communication." The woman's lips spread into a broader smile when she noticed the man at the desk's stare, "I'm qualified for this job because I've studied related topics in school. I also have experience because I worked as a receptionist at the Otsutsuki law firm for two years."
Blah. Blah. Blah. That's all Sasuke heard. He knew he didn't like this applicant before she even opened her mouth because of the way she stared at him.
Unlike many, almost all really, assume he honestly does not care what his assistant looks like. She could be tall, short, pretty, plain, or even ugly, so long as she does the job well. He'd be okay with a male assistant, too. There's nothing in the job description that says it has to be a female.
The man suddenly recalled what the pink-haired woman had said. "Unlike those waiting outside, I'm not standing here worried about whether or not you think I'm attractive."
Then, he compared that girl's clothes to Okami's. Everything about it was professional, but it was clear the clothing wasn't meant to draw attention. She was here for the interview and nothing else.
After Okami, another woman entered and was just as run of the mill as the previous.
When that interview was finished, and Sai was fetching the final applicant, Sasuke's eyes drifted to the bin nearby.
Why can't he stop thinking about that Haruno woman with the attitude problem? Is it because she really is different from the others? A smirk met his lips briefly before disappearing when the sound of the others approaching met his ears.
Before him stood a redhead. She was dressed like the last two women, but there was something about her presence that differed.
"My name is Karin Uzumaki. I'm twenty years old, and I am studying at Konoha University with a major in Business Operations. I'm the correct choice because I have experience working for Uchiha Corp, can work my schedule around yours, and I'm here to start a career. This will not just be another job for me. I fully intend to learn all I can from you to become an asset to your company in the future. My goal is to become Vice President when you inherit your father's CEO position."
Sasuke knew she only worded it like that to please him, but he still liked her response and applauded her strive to make it known that she has big dreams. "You are aware that my inheritance is not guaranteed? The current VP may obtain the title."
"Yes. I also know your brother does not wish to inherit the company. That, plus your talent, makes me believe you're the rightful heir."
What a suck-up. She's right, though. At least she's not playing coy like the last two.
"Very well. We'll be in touch," Sai said, obviously picking up on the fact that the Uchiha man had nothing else to ask.
Karin politely excused herself, "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Even if I do not receive an offer, this was a great opportunity."
Soon, the redhead was gone. Sai placed the clipboard on the edge of Sasuke's desk, "Would you like me to prepare an offer for Miss Uzumaki?"
Sasuke's brow furrowed, a tension headache beginning to form as his eyes unconsciously drifted to the bin again, "Inform my brother that I have a special request."
