CHAPTER 1

THE CHANCE


As the soft morning light filtered through the café's windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden tables, Rin wiped down the countertop with a diligent rhythm. Her long shift at the bustling café was coming to an end, and her thoughts meandered towards the future.

With a sigh, she neatly tied back a stray tendril of her long, brown hair, tucking it behind her ear. The café was her sanctuary, but she felt a stirring within her—a desire for something more, something beyond the familiar routines.

Her gaze fell upon the corkboard by the entrance adorned with various flyers and job postings. Among them, a notice caught her attention: an opening for an assistant position at a prestigious firm, seeking someone organized and proactive—qualities she knew she possessed.

Curiosity piqued, Rin jotted down the details and tucked the slip of paper into her apron pocket. As she bid farewell to her colleagues, a glimmer of determination shone in her medium brown eyes. Perhaps this opportunity could be her ticket to a new chapter in life.

With resolute steps, Rin stepped out onto the bustling street, the sunlight dappling her peachy skin. Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves as she made her way home, already planning to apply for the position as soon as she could.

The following day, Rin meticulously curated her resume, ensuring every detail showcased her skills and experience in the best light. She wore smart yet tailored jeans with a faint pattern that added a touch of sophistication.

A chic, flowing blouse in soft pastel hues added a feminine grace, complementing the light blazer with intricate embroidery at the cuffs—an elegant piece that hinted at her creative side. Her favorite vintage earrings, a splash of color against her chestnut hair, completed the ensemble with a hint of retro charm.

Expecting to merely drop off her resume, Rin was taken aback when she arrived to find a line of suited individuals, all waiting their turn for the interview. Adjusting her expectations, she joined the queue, her heart pulsing with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

While waiting, Rin noticed a seasoned gentleman standing beside her. His confident air contrasted with her slight nervousness. He seemed at ease, engaging in casual banter with others around him.

Rin took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and turned to the gentleman. "Hi, I'm Rin," she said with a friendly smile.

"Keiji," he replied, returning the smile. "Quite the turnout for these interviews, isn't it?"

Rin chuckled softly. "Definitely more than I expected. What brings you here?"

"Retired journalist," Keiji explained. "But I've got a knack for wandering into intriguing situations. What about you?"

"Looking for a new challenge," Rin replied. "This opportunity seemed intriguing."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, discussing varied topics from current affairs to coffee preferences. Despite the competitive ambiance, Rin felt a sense of ease in their conversation, momentarily forgetting the weight of the impending interview.

As the line moved forward, the exchange came to an end. The momentary distraction had calmed Rin's nerves, and she approached the reception with newfound composure. Her brief interaction had shifted her perspective, now feeling ready to tackle the interview.

The door creaked softly as Rin entered the waiting room. The elegant decor felt somewhat intimidating, but she maintained her composure, glancing around. Her eyes fell upon a man by the window, looking out at the bustling city below.

"Excuse me," Rin said softly, stepping closer.

The man turned, his amber eyes meeting hers, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his face before he composed himself into a more neutral expression.

"Hello," Rin greeted, offering a friendly smile. "I'm Rin Naito."

"Sesshoumaru Iwasaki," he replied with a nod, his voice resonant and authoritative.

Rin felt a tingle of curiosity about the man who stood before her, an air of mystery that intrigued her. She couldn't help but admire his striking appearance, the way his presence commanded the room.

"I'm here for the interview," Rin explained, gesturing subtly toward the door marked 'Interview Room.'

"Ah, I see," Sesshoumaru acknowledged, glancing in the direction of the door. "Good luck."

"Thank you," Rin replied with a polite nod.

Their interaction was brief and a break was allowed in-between, but Rin sensed an enigmatic depth beneath Sesshoumaru's composed demeanor. She offered him another smile before heading toward the interview room, the encounter leaving an indelible impression.

The moment Rin stepped into the office, her eyes widened at the sheer grandeur of it. Sesshoumaru sat behind an enormous oak desk after walking in behind her, an air of sophistication about him that made her feel instantly small.

"Please, take a seat, Ms. Naito," he said, gesturing toward a sleek chair opposite his desk.

"Thank you, Mr. Iwasaki," Rin replied, her voice steady but filled with a trace of nervousness.

As she sat down, Rin noted the immaculate arrangement of the office, the neat stacks of papers, and the polished surfaces that reflected her own uncertainties.

"Your resume is quite impressive," Sesshoumaru began, his tone measured. "But it's also... diverse."

Rin nodded, a hint of uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "I've gained experience in various fields, and I've found each one taught me valuable skills."

"Adaptability," Sesshoumaru observed, his gaze contemplative. "Yet, I wonder if you've found your true calling amidst this versatility?"

"I believe so," Rin affirmed, her fingers intertwining in her lap. "I've always been driven by a desire to learn and grow, and this opportunity seems like the perfect place for that."

Sesshoumaru leaned back, studying her with keen interest. "And what do you believe you could bring to this role, Ms. Naito?"

Rin straightened up, her determination shining through. "I'm highly organized, adaptable, and eager to contribute. I'm confident I can handle the demands of this position and assist you effectively."

"Confidence," Sesshoumaru mused, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "A commendable trait."

Their exchange continued, each question a thread weaving through their divergent approaches to work. Rin's earnest enthusiasm clashed pleasantly with Sesshoumaru's composed demeanor. Despite the differences, an unspoken understanding seemed to flicker between them, a recognition of potential hidden within the contrasts.

As the interview approached its end, Sesshoumaru Iwasaki, seated behind his imposing oak desk, observed Rin Naito attentively. Her qualifications were impressive, although he noted a peculiar range of experiences listed on her resume—quirky and diverse, but not necessarily relevant to the position.

"Thank you for coming in, Ms. Naito. We'll be in touch," Sesshoumaru stated, his tone remaining businesslike, his penetrating gaze not giving away much.

"Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Iwasaki," Rin responded politely, her eagerness evident.

Just as Rin made to leave, Sesshoumaru hesitated. An old memory flickered across his mind, a statement from Kagura, his former fiancée, surfaced—her assertive words still resonated, urging him to take risks not only in business but in people too.

With a momentary pause, Sesshoumaru rose from his leather chair, a glint of contemplation in his eyes. "Ms. Naito,"

Rin turned, a hint of confusion painted across her face as Sesshoumaru stood, a shift in his demeanor perceptible.

"I've decided to take a chance," he declared, a hint of resolve in his voice. "The position is yours if you want it."

Surprised and elated, Rin's eyes widened. "Really? I—I accept! Thank you so much, Mr. Iwasaki!"

Sesshoumaru nodded in acknowledgment. "We'll see how this chance pays off."

As Rin departed with a sense of exhilaration, Sesshoumaru watched her go, a faint trace of a smile briefly crossing his face before fading away, leaving behind a contemplative expression. The room fell into silence as he mulled over his decision, Kagura's words lingering in his thoughts.


A/N: I have been out of the game for a long time, but I have some time off of work for now and I'd love to get a store out. I can't promise long chapters, but I can at least try to get the story finished this time around. This is set in an alternate universe. I may or may not incorporate some characters in it. I'll see if I can work in Kagome and Inuyasha at the least, but this story is about Rin and Sesshoumaru.