CHAPTER 2
WORK WITH ME
Rin entered the impressive glass-fronted building, the polished marble floors echoing her heels as she strode toward the reception desk. The room buzzed with activity, colleagues navigating the space with a purpose she couldn't help but envy.
She glanced down at her outfit, a mix of eccentric and fashionable—comfortable yet strikingly different from the suits and pencil skirts that seemed to define the office attire. Despite the glances that followed her, she felt confident, eager to dive into her new role.
Her manager, Kagome, greeted her with a welcoming smile. "Good morning, Rin! Ready for your first day?"
"Absolutely," Rin replied, her voice reflecting a mix of excitement and determination.
Kagome handed Rin a thick folder. "You'll be shadowing me today, helping with Mr. Sesshomaru's schedule and running some errands."
As Rin trailed Kagome through the office, she sensed the curious glances from her colleagues, some casting judgmental looks at her unconventional appearance. Kanna, a poised woman with a penchant for formal attire, approached with a polite but curious smile.
"Hi, I'm Kanna. You're Rin, right? Your outfit's... bold." A backhanded compliment.
Rin beamed. "Thank you! I like to keep things lively."
Kanna chuckled softly. "Lively is one way to put it."
Throughout the day, Rin juggled tasks with finesse, her vibrant energy juxtaposed against the office's subdued ambiance. Yet, as she approached Jaken, the meticulous project manager, for guidance, she felt a subtle resistance.
Jaken eyed her approach warily. "Rin, we usually take a more structured approach here."
"I'm adaptable," Rin assured him, her tone indicating a willingness to learn.
Amid the hushed conversations and curious glances, Rin remained undeterred. Her resourcefulness shone as she tackled each task with a unique perspective, determined to carve her niche in the corporate world.
As the day concluded, Rin couldn't help but feel the contrast between her vibrant presence and the conservative atmosphere. However, it only fueled her determination to prove herself, one unconventional step at a time.
Rin dove into her tasks with an eager determination, eager to showcase her abilities. Despite the lingering skepticism of her peers, her vibrant energy proved contagious, catching the attention of a few colleagues who began to appreciate her unique perspective.
Kagome, her manager, quickly became a confidante, guiding Rin through the intricacies of managing Mr. Sesshomaru's schedule. "You're picking things up so quickly, Rin! It usually takes weeks for new hires to grasp this."
"I'm just trying to make the best impression," Rin replied with a grin.
However, not everyone was won over. Jaken, the meticulous project manager, remained skeptical, observing Rin's approach with a watchful eye. "We have a certain way of doing things here, Rin. It's about precision and structure." he reminded her.
"I understand," Rin assured him, her determination unfazed.
Despite the initial doubts, Rin's adaptability began to shine through. She streamlined some of the administrative processes, introducing innovative methods that increased efficiency without compromising quality. Her keen eye for detail and quick learning impressed Kagome and a few others.
During a casual office lunch, Rin found herself drawn into a conversation with Kagome. "You're doing great, Rin. It's not easy making a mark around here."
"I'm just trying to fit in," Rin admitted, her tone laced with a hint of self-doubt.
"You're not just fitting in; you're standing out," Kagome reassured her. "But take it from me, don't let Jaken's skepticism get to you. He's a stickler for protocol."
As the week progressed, Rin's positivity and innovative ideas began to make a noticeable impact. Despite Jaken's continued skepticism, Kagome's support and the quiet acknowledgment from a few colleagues kept Rin motivated.
She remained undeterred, determined to prove herself in this new, challenging environment. That is until she was told to report to Sesshomaru's office for a touch base.
Rin walked with purpose towards Sesshomaru's office, her heart pounding with each step. The corridor exuded an air of formality, the sleek decor and muted tones adding to the gravity of the workplace. She arrived at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Enter," Sesshomaru's voice called from inside.
As she stepped into the office, Rin was struck by its polished elegance. Sesshomaru sat behind an immaculate desk, the surface unadorned except for a single tablet and a sleek, minimalist pen. The room exuded sophistication, with modern furnishings that bore a hint of classic design, creating a seamless blend of timeless style and contemporary allure.
"Have a seat," Sesshomaru gestured towards the chair opposite him. His youthful countenance was devoid of any lines or stress, adding to the air of effortless elegance that surrounded him. She lowered herself into the cushioned chair, her nerves tingling at the sight of Sesshomaru's cool demeanor.
"Jaken has raised some concerns," Sesshomaru began, his tone a blend of professionalism and genuine curiosity.
The office space exuded a refined ambiance, adorned with tasteful artworks that exuded a sense of sophistication. The walls were adorned with classic paintings and sculptures, complementing the contemporary furnishings and creating an atmosphere that balanced modernity with timeless elegance.
"I've been following your progress closely," Sesshomaru remarked, his voice carrying an air of interest rather than judgment.
Rin, though feeling a prickle of anxiety, straightened her posture. "Yes, Mr. Iwasaki. I've tried to streamline the processes to save time and resources."
Sesshomaru listened attentively, his expression neutral but eyes displaying a glimmer of interest. He leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Efficiency is commendable, but adherence to protocol is crucial."
Rin nodded, choosing her words carefully. "I understand, sir. I'm finding ways to balance innovation with established guidelines."
Sesshomaru nodded, acknowledging her response without revealing his thoughts. "It's important to maintain harmony among the team." This was his way of telling her not to rock the boat too harshly with Jaken in regards to protocol.
Her response was measured but confident, the sophisticated atmosphere of the office lending a sense of weight and importance to their conversation. The surroundings felt refined and distinguished, mirroring Sesshomaru's polished presence.
Upon leaving Sesshomaru's office, Rin felt a sense of calm wash over her at how she had handled the situation. The sophisticated ambiance of the space offered a reassuring contrast to the conventional corporate atmosphere.
In the tranquility of his office, Sesshomaru sat behind his grand desk, a portrait of composure. The room was bathed in the soft glow of evening sunlight filtering through the towering windows. The city's distant bustle was muted by the thick walls, granting an almost serene atmosphere.
His thoughts wandered, lingering on Kagura, his former partner. He recalled the echo of her advice, the very advice that urged him to consider Rin for the assistant position. Kagura's words, once etched into his consciousness, resonated with a haunting clarity: "Don't always follow the rule book. Take chances on people."
He sighed softly, the memories painting a complex mosaic of emotions. Sesshomaru's gaze drifted to the sprawling cityscape outside, contemplating the twists of fate that led him to this moment. The idea of embracing change, of embracing Rin's unconventional approach, tugged at the edge of his mind, a notion that he was hesitant to acknowledge.
His thoughts strayed to Rin, a woman who seemed to navigate through the office with an unconventional flair, yet with an air of dedication that intrigued him. Sesshomaru's stern facade wavered momentarily, a flicker of curiosity surfacing before he swiftly concealed it.
With an almost imperceptible shift, he straightened in his chair, reasserting his composed posture. The unresolved tension between acknowledging Rin's potential and maintaining his professional reserve weighed on his mind. Yet, in that private moment, a glimmer of interest lingered, a silent acknowledgment of the intrigue she had stirred within him.
The enigmatic dance of thoughts swirled within Sesshomaru's mind, the allure of change juxtaposed with his established norms, leaving him in a contemplative silence, a man at the intersection of tradition and the allure of the unknown.
The final stretch of the day always felt different. The bustling energy that characterized the office during the day dissolved, leaving behind a serene calmness that allowed Sesshomaru to drift into contemplation.
Rin meticulously attended to the last of her tasks, ensuring every detail was perfectly aligned. Her dedication was palpable, a trait that didn't escape Sesshomaru's observant eye.
As the clock chimed, signifying the end of the workday, Kagome bid Rin a cheerful farewell, leaving the two of them as the last remnants of the day's productivity.
"Late night," Sesshomaru noted, his voice carrying a hint of genial concern.
"Yes, sir," Rin replied, a shadow of exhaustion barely noticeable in her tone. "I'm going to be taking the subway. It's not far."
Sesshomaru's expression was a fleeting flicker of contemplation before he composed himself. "Of course. Just be careful, Miss Naito," he replied, his concern veiled behind professional etiquette.
Rin appreciated the sentiment. "Thank you, Mr. Iwasaki. I'll be fine, I promise."
With a nod, Rin bid Sesshomaru goodnight and started her solitary journey towards the elevator. Her footsteps echoed softly in the now-empty office, the sound reverberating through the polished hallways.
Sesshomaru remained rooted to his spot, watching her departure. An uncharacteristic pang of protectiveness stirred within him, an emotion he hadn't expected. It was a fleeting moment, but it lingered longer than anticipated.
He found himself contemplating her well-being, wondering if she would reach home safely. The notion felt unfamiliar, disconcerting even. It was unlike him to worry about an employee's safety, especially after hours.
With a subtle shake of his head, Sesshomaru brushed off the uncharacteristic concern and refocused on the tasks that awaited his attention. The office gradually succumbed to a tranquil silence, leaving Sesshomaru alone with his silent musings on the drive home.
