Chapter Two

The Perfect Job

A/N: It is interesting to write about Seto's character. I have him a certain way in my head, but I also want to keep him true to the anime without going too far to make him OOC.

Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh! does not belong to me. I only own Lizbeth and other OCs. Any chapter image I used has been found through Google, and I take no credit for it. Everything Yu-Gi-Oh! related rightfully belongs to Kazuki Takahashi.

~ oOo ~

SETO

"This is unacceptable!"

"Mr. Kaiba I-Im so sorry!"

"What do you mean you're sorry? Are you sorry for the poor excuse of work you have been giving, or are you sorry that you're an incompetent fool?!"

I slammed my hand on the desk as I tossed the papers from my hand across the keyboard, sighing in frustration at my personal assistant standing before me. She was fearful of her mistake, though she stood there as ignorant as she had ever been. The woman hadn't even known the mistake she had made. She was blinking back tears as she stared at me, who had only been her boss for about two months. In that time, she had done nothing but ensure she would make continuous errors. And, after forgetting to send a contract and accidentally closing out an account, I, CEO Seto Kaiba, was at my wit's end.

In a surprisingly calm voice, I set my eyes on my assistant. "Ms. Rourke…Unfortunately, I cannot overlook the errors of your ways." Grasping the edge of my nose, I exhaled before finally saying, "You're fired."

Ms. Rourke's mouth fell. "I'm what?!"

Eyes narrowed, I growled. "Are you deaf now? I said you're fired! You have one hour to pack your desk and get the hell out of this building!"

She slammed her foot into the ground, acting like a two-year-old throwing a temper tantrum. "Y-You can't just fire me like that! Not after everything I've done for you!"

A cough was in the corner, and I had to control my sight from moving toward Roland. Taking a deep breath, I sat closer to my desk, linking my fingers before my face as I stared the woman down. "There are two different ways we can go about this, Ms. Rourke. I can call security, have you escorted out of this office, and sue your ass for breach of contract and damages. Or, and I highly suggest you accept this option, you can calmly leave my office, pack your items, and leave. If you choose the second option, I will call HR, where you can pick up your last check in the hour." When she didn't say anything, I reached for the phone to dial security, and as my fingers brushed the device, the woman sighed.

"Fine, fine! You win," she growled through gritted teeth. Stomping toward the office doors, she harshly opened them before glancing backward at me, her now ex-boss. "Just so you know, Mr. Kaiba, you're an insufferable asshole!" She slammed the door behind her, and I dropped my head into my hands the moment she did so.

The tension in the air gradually dissipated the longer the CEO remained silent.

To no one in particular, I grumbled, "I'm not an asshole."

"Well…you can be a slight asshole, sir."

Lifting my head, I stared at my longtime employee and friend. Roland had seen my look enough times to shrug it off as he stepped out of the corner to stand before my desk. When I didn't say anything, Roland offered his advice. "For what it matters, I think Ms. Rourke deserved to be let go."

"You're just saying that."

"I'm not," Roland offered, listening to me as I began typing away a quick email to HR, letting them know of the now-open position. Glancing about the room, I could see Roland was thinking about the previous conversation. "This one messed up quite a bit, didn't she?"

I nodded, eyes glued to my computer screen. "It's going to take a lot of PR to calm this mess. We were so close to closing the deal with Takechi Enterprises." I slammed my fist into the desk. "Fuck! She just had to screw this deal up!"

"We may be able to reel them back in. Takechi Enterprises were the ones to seek us out, not the other way around. If they truly want this deal, they'll come back."

I rubbed my temple, feeling the same headache from earlier that morning quickly returning. "Not only do I have that mess to deal with, I now have to find another assistant."

"How many will that make this year, sir?"

Peering up from my peripherals, I quietly answered Roland with, "…three."

Crossing his arms, Roland stood there silently, pondering momentarily to the point I stopped to think as well. Those who had worked the job seemed competent at the beginning with decent resumes. But the longer they were employed by my company, the longer their abilities seemed less impressive. The first assistant was caught sleeping with another employee; the second was caught lying about her qualifications; and this third, well, she fucked up pretty badly.

"Of the last three assistants," Roland stated slowly. "How many of them did you interview personally?"

An eyebrow rose at his questions. I countered with, "None. Why?"

"Maybe that's what you're missing," he offered. "I don't doubt the abilities of HR to find a suitable candidate, but clearly, they were missing the mark with these last three. Why don't you interview the next assistant yourself?"

I leaned backward in my chair, staring at my friend. "And when do you think I have the time?"

"If you care about the next individual who becomes your personal assistant, you will make time for it." We stared at one another for several silent seconds. My brain soaked in Roland's statement, and I knew he was right. If I wanted to find the perfect candidate, I had to take it upon myself to find said person.

Waving my hand, I returned my attention back to my computer screens having already received a reply from my main specialist in HR about the recent situation. "Why must you always be right, Roland?"

Roland smirked. "I'm only right when it matters, Seto." I rolled my eyes. "Besides, this way, you can mold the perfect assistant into someone you need for yourself."

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll inform HR to send me applications for those they've set up an interview for."

Walking around my desk, Roland placed his hand on my shoulder. "It's not a favorable situation now, but this will work out in the end. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that, Roland."

There was a sudden bang on the office doors, followed by a small voice calling out for me. "Big brother, big brother!" Roland chuckled, moving to open the doors as my bushy, black-haired brother stepped through. "Thanks, Roland!"

Sighing one more time, I nodded. "Thanks, Roland." As the door closed, I maneuvered my attention to the child clutching my desk. "Yes, Mokuba? How was lunch?"

"Lunch was delicious!" The boy beamed at me. "But you'll never believe what happened!"

Having turned away from my brother, I was already in the midst of checking new emails that needed my attention. "And what would that be?"

"We almost didn't have any lunch!"

My back straightened as I slowly turned around to face my brother. Mokuba gripped the edge of the desk as he happily bounced back and forth on the balls of his feet. "What're you talking about? I thought Mrs. Yoshinori would take you and Kenji to grab lunch?"

"She did, don't worry about that. But when we got to the restaurant, Mrs. Yoshinori realized she accidentally left her wallet at home!"

"Oh my god," I griped, repeatedly dropping my head into my hands. "You have got to be kidding me." Then I lifted my hands. "Wait, you said you almost didn't have any lunch. So that means you did eat, right, Mokuba?"

"Yep!" He grinned sweetly.

"So…Mrs. Yoshinori paid for lunch, right?"

"Nope!" He shook his head.

"Oh, for the love of…"

"Because someone stepped up and paid for our meal!"

Lifting my head, I was still met with the childish smile of my younger brother. "Someone…paid for your meal?"

"She was super nice, too!" Mokuba stepped around the desk until he stood beside me. "Mrs. Yoshinori was almost in tears when this lady stepped up and just…paid for everything! She tried to stop the lady, but this person just smiled and said she didn't want to see any child go hungry."

I didn't like the thought of owing someone money. It wasn't the money aspect of it, no. I was rich beyond belief. But I had been in a situation where money was an issue, and I never wanted to be put in a position where we had to rely on others when I could take care of my brother himself. All I needed was Mokuba. As long as I had enough money to take care of my brother, nothing else mattered.

Groaning, I scowled. This is just what I needed, I thought.

"But, Seto, I didn't even tell you the best part!"

Without looking up, I said nonchalantly, "And what would that be?"

"This woman was really, really pretty!"

"Oh, was she." I didn't care. I did care about getting back to work to earn more money. More money meant Mokuba would be taken care of. We would still have their mansion and food still on our table.

"And she had super white hair!" Mokuba's eyes widened as he remembered clearly what this woman looked like.

"Mokuba…" Rolling my eyes, I peered out of the corner at my younger brother. "What did I tell you about lying?"

Pouting, Mokuba crossed his arms and pouted. "But I'm telling the truth! She had white hair, and her name was Liz!"

Knowing this conversation needed to move away from its current topic, I rotated my chair back to face the desk. "Ok, Mokuba. This 'Liz' has white hair and bought your food. She must have been super sweet, too." When Mokuba didn't say anything, I peered at the child.

"How did you know? Have you met her before?!"

Sighing, I was caught in a predicament. I would have loved nothing more than to listen to the rambling of my younger brother. But as I stared at the computer screen, I knew there was too much work I needed to catch up on. And now I have to find a new personal assistant…just great.

"Look, Mokuba…" I swiveled the chair and leaned forward until I was close to matching my brother's short stature. "I have a lot of work to get done. Do you mind…?"

Mokuba's eyes slightly fell, but he was quick to place a smile on his loving face. "Can I watch the TV?"

I quickly nodded. "As long as you don't keep it too loud. Deal?"

"Deal!" Shuffling from the desk to the couch across the room, Mokuba plopped himself onto the soft cushions, grabbed the remote, and immediately engrossed himself in the distraction of the flat screen. The sounds of childish shows entered my ears, but I was used to such a noise that I could easily close off my mind to such sounds and place my attention on his work. I then opened the rest of the unread emails and got back to work.

There was a sudden ding from my cell phone, and I promptly ignored it until it dinged two more times. Groaning, I pulled the device from my pocket to see that it was from Roland.

Spoke with HR. They'll have the new position open and available within the hour.

They're also on my side that you should interview the next candidates.

I think you could use some coffee. Want one?

Immediately tapping a YES to the man's last question, I placed the device on his desk, watching and waiting for it to go off again. I knew it wouldn't. Roland knew my coffee order by heart and didn't need to ask twice about getting me something sweet as well.

Swiveling the chair, I maneuvered towards the large bay windows and stood overlooking the city of Domino. Despite how much I tried, Ms. Rourke's voice wouldn't get out of my head. You're an insufferable asshole!

Groaning, I grasped my temple. I knew - I knew - I could be temperamental at times, mostly with negative behavior. But I had to. Casting my eyes towards Mokuba, I managed a small smile as I watched Mokuba giggle and laugh at the television screen.

That was the reason I was an asshole. Despite everything we had gone through in his life, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping my brother safe with food on the table and a roof over his head. Mokuba would always be safe, and he would never have to worry about the atrocities that I faced when I was younger.

Without realizing what I was doing, I traced the outside of my bicep, running my fingers down the length until he reached my elbow. The thick, healed skin reminded me of my failures as a child. But there were more. Scars and indents and red marks and so much more. The whip, the dog collar, the belt.

Oh…the fucking belt.

I winced, remembering the stinging of the buckle against my skin when I was whipped for missing even one question. Missing two questions was torture, but missing more than that resulted in a consequence worse than anything I had ever experienced.

Grimacing, I shoved the memories into the recess of my mind where they needed to stay. These memories needed to stay in the past, where they belonged.

Turning with my back to the windows, I reclaimed my seat, getting myself back to work because that's all I ever knew. In order to get shit done, I had to be the asshole. I had to show others that I belonged in this world. As long as it kept my brother safe and alive, I would do anything in my power to keep money on our table.

~ oOo ~

LIZETTE

"Emi, what am I going to do?"

We had moved from the fast-food restaurant to our local coffee shop in the downtown district. After eating, Emiko consumed a coffee cupcake while drinking a caffeinated drink with extra whipped cream. Swallowing her mouthful, Emiko quickly drank everything in her mouth to go down smoothly.

She stared long and hard at me before answering. "Liz, everything is going to be ok. You still have enough in your savings, right?"

"I do, but…it won't last long. I had some unexpected expenses that needed to be taken care of."

I inhaled deeply, drank a long sip of my lemonade tea, and finally exhaled. Running my fingers through my hair, I was at a loss. Staring upward at my friend, I begged for ideas on what I should do.

Setting aside her food and drink, Emiko clasped my hands. "Listen to my words of wisdom: everything will work out. You are a valuable worker, and any employer would be blessed to have you as their employee. Now, you've looked into the markets, yes? What positions are available?"

Thinking back on my late-night searches over the last several days, I groaned. "There are a ton of positions open for sales associates, but those won't pay my bills. Granted, I'm being a little picky in that I don't want to work in retail, but at this point, I'm desperate."

Emiko shook her head vivaciously. "Nuh-uh, I don't think so! You, Lizette Kawasaki, are allowed to decide what works best for you, and if working somewhere outside of retail is what you need, then we just need to deepen our search! To the internet!" Grabbing her phone, Emiko was quick to move to a new search tab, instantly typing away the most recently opened job positions.

Drumming my fingers against the table, I knew I should be participating in the same quest. But I had repeated it over the last several days for hours upon hours. I searched through my phone, my laptop, and even my tablet. Still, I could not find any positions available that met the criteria I was searching for.

As a woman in college, I was looking for something professional. Considering I was soon to graduate from the local university, I wanted to find a professional career, something that would, as I had said, pay my bills. Not only that, I wanted to work with people that made a difference, people that strived for greatness. Not necessarily perfection, but those who took pride in their work. But it wasn't just the workplace or the personal environment; I also looked into the salary of the jobs as well. College wasn't cheap, and neither was living alone. That, and if I wanted to make my dreams become reality, then I desperately needed to start saving money. Unfortunately, though still prosperous, my savings account looked rather bleak.

"If there wasn't anything this morning, there sure as hell won't be anything right now. I doubt anything was posted in the last several hours."

Holding up a finger, Emiko politely silenced me, her best friend. "Ah! As someone earning a business degree, even you must recognize that businesses are always changing, and that includes open positions. When one opens, businesses will immediately place an ad online for new people to apply. They want that position filled as quickly as they can. Something will always be posted. We just have to find it!"

My eyes instantly rolled, but I couldn't help to smile. My best friend, Emiko, was the definition of the best.

We had met in our early years of college. We soon discovered we were taking two of the same courses our first semester and began planning study dates so we could pass the classes and achieve success. What we didn't anticipate was for those meetings to turn into something more. By the end of the semester, we had become the best of friends and did everything together. Emiko and I completed our Bachelor's together and ended up entering the same Master's Program just several months later.

Smiling at my best friend, I knew I was in a better position with Emiko by my side. The woman had a heart of gold and would do anything necessary to see a smile on the faces of those around her, me included. Emiko was a friend I could turn to at any time for anything, whether the problem was large or small. Even now, I knew I was lucky to have someone like Emiko. I knew from experience that people liked to stab the backs of their friends, but not this woman. I had known from the beginning that this was a person I could wholeheartedly trust from day one.

And I had never let that trust down. Noe once. Not ever.

"Ok, let's break down our parameters." My head shook as I was pulled out of my reverie. I waited for her to continue. "I know you would prefer to work at an actual business. What about another law office?"

"I…thought about it. But I think I want a change of scenery. I was at the last office for a good few years."

"Change of scenery, I gotcha…" Emiko continued typing away on her screen, using her finger to swipe up to read the rest of the information on her tiny screen. "Alright, different than a law office. But out of the financial side of things, right?"

"I mean, I don't mind working with financials. I just don't want that to be my entire job."

"Hm, I see, I see. Office work?"

"That is generally what I'm good at."

Emiko slapped my hand. "No! We've had this conversation before! You are so much more than that, do you understand me?"

Huffing, I replied, "Yes, ma'am."

"That's what I thought. Now then…" She continued to scroll. "Office work…can work in financials…good company…good salary…wait. Just…holding the fucking phone." Taking a sip of her drink, my ears suddenly perked. "I might've just found the perfect position for you." Flipping her phone, Emiko placed it in front of me so I could read the screen. On the glass, it read 'Personal Assistant'.

"Personal Assistant?" I scowled slightly as an eyebrow rose. "This is the perfect position?"

My friend now rolled her eyes. "Just read the freaking description, will ya?"

And so, I read. "Let's see…personal assistant, personal assistant…Hmm, seems easy enough."

"That's what I was thinking! Look, it may not have been in the job description when you were hired, but you were essentially doing everything on that list while at the office! It's fucking perfect for you!" Weighing the pros and cons, I had to agree. I knew Emiko was right because by the time I left my last job, I had been performing all the tasks that were listed for this job.

Calendar Management? Check.

Clientele Spokesperson? Check.

Manage Administrative Tasks? Check.

Prepare Meetings? Coordinate Schedules? Keeps, prepares, and distributes minutes of meetings? Check, check, and also check.

"You're right, Emi," I stated, reading the description further. "This looks…damn, yeah, I did all of this with Shiro and Kitani."

This is where Emiko grinned evilly. "You wanna know the best part?"

"There's a better part?"

"Mhm!" Using her finger, Emiko swiped the screen down to go to the top of the page. Pointing at the wording, she smiled, causing my lips to fall as I gasped. The position was to be the personal assistant for the CEO at Kaiba Corporation!

"Holy fucking shit…!" I cried.

"I know, right?! Liz, this position was made for you!"

I continued to stare at the screen in denial. "It's just…so hard to get into KaibaCorp. Why would there suddenly be a position open? And where the hell was this last night when I was looking?!"

"They probably just opened it within the last few hours. I'm sure if it had been open last night, you would've found it, for sure." Emiko watched me as I scrolled through the position description. I was quieter than expected, I guess. "Hey, what's got you so quiet?"

Huffing, I stole another moment to stare at the screen before shoving the phone back to my friend. "I mean, KaibaCorp only hires the best of the best. And for a personal assistant position? There's no way they'd hire me."

"And what makes you say that?"

"Well, first off, that's a full-time position. I'd be able to do that over the summer, no problem since I'm taking night classes, but what about when the semester begins in August? I have some classes in the morning and some at night. I doubt they'd be accommodating for a college student."

"A college student earning her Master's!" Emiko stated, her anger slightly rising that I was lowering myself in such a manner.

Sighing, I ran a hand through my messy hair. "You're right, Emi; the position is perfect."

She shoved the phone back into my hands. "So apply, you dumbass."

"But…but…!"

"No buts, Lizbeth!" Emiko cried, but then she sighed. "Look, I know things are scary right now. But you have an opportunity before you that could make things so much easier. Besides, you are an amazing employee that would certainly benefit the company. I don't see why HR at KaibaCorp wouldn't hire you; you were the best at your last job!"

"…I was the only one at my last job."

She waved that off. "Point being!" Taking hold of my hands, Emiko held them tightly. "Listen to me…You're scared, and I get that. It's been tough these last few weeks, but you have a chance before you! Take it by the reigns and fight for it!"

I tried not to smirk, but it failed. My friend made it so easy to smile. "And you're sure I'll get hired?"

That's where Emiko was stuck. "Look…I'm not a soothsayer in that I know the future. You may get hired, or you may not. But we will never know unless you try. So? Are we going to go home and try?" She smiled at me.

Grinning, my response was, "As long as you help perfect my resume."

"Ha! Of course, I will because that's what awesome friends do!" Grabbing her bag, coffee, and my hand, Emiko was dragging me out of the coffee shop and toward her car. "To your home, we must go!"

With Emiko driving, it took no time at all to reach my house. We rushed inside, where I quickly grabbed my laptop and opened my most recent resume, which was still fairly old. The poor document hadn't been edited in some time; considering I had held the same job for the past several years, there was no point. We spend the next hour perfecting said document. It provided the necessary details about my previous employment, previous job duties, and how long she had been there. Then, we added my education to include the degrees I had earned and what I was currently working toward. Once we entered the correct amount of information, Emiko used her skills to perfect it even more. She formatted the size and font the best way possible, maneuvered information so it all fit into each position and then finalized the rest by adding specific and necessary contact details.

By the time we were done, I had to admit that I had never seen my resume look as polished as it had right then and there.

Beside me, Emiko whistled. "Damn! If I do say so myself, this thing looks awesome! You're gonna get that position. I hope you know that."

"Tch, yeah, well, this resume was the easy part," I stated, maneuvering the internet to the appropriate website where I could submit the application. "Now it's time to actually fill out the application."

Emiko huffed beside me. "Yeah, these are the worst."

"Couldn't agree more."

So, we sat on the couch for another hour. It was gruesome, but having to fill out yet another application for a job I thought would benefit me the most was annoying. It has been six weeks since I left my job at the law office, and in that time, I have filled out application after application to try and find another job. I wasn't upset about having to leave my last job; I held no ill will toward my previous bosses. What she did hold ill will was the idea that I was slowly getting behind on my bills. Thankfully, money was still in my savings, but as I told Emiko earlier, that was slowly running thin.

And let's not forget the mess regarding my uncle and that -

No, I thought. I'm not going down that route. Not right now.

By the time I reached the end of the application, I groaned loudly, stretching my back in the process. Curious, I glanced at my phone and realized we had been sitting in the same position for over two hours, perfecting both my resume and finalizing the application. But finally - finally - we had reached the end. The last page was waiting for submission, and I hovered the mouse over the buttons that would end it all. Emiko stole a peek at me when she saw that I froze.

"You ok?"

My head nodded. "Yeah, I just…really, really want this job."

Then, after several seconds, I clicked the submit button.

The typical 'Thank You For Submitting Your Application' screen appeared, and my body fell into the couch cushions as I sighed.

"Damn, I thought that would never end!" Emiko said lowly as she yawned.

Closing the computer, I placed it off to the side, where my eyes closed. "I may have done the hard work, but now comes the hard part. The waiting."

"Ah, yeah…the part that everyone hates."

"I'd be lucky if I heard something within the next few weeks if that."

"You never know. With positions like this, HR might start offering interviews sooner than you think."

"I doubt it."

Emiko smacked my arm harshly. "Damn, you're such a Debbie Downer today, what gives?"

My shoulders shrugged as I chuckled. "Just…sorry, I've got a lot on my plate right now."

Eyes softening in my direction, Emiko gave me a side hug. "Hey, everything's going to work out, ok? Just trust me. If anything, you know I'd bail you out, whatever it is you need. I've got you, boo."

My head leaned against Emiko's shoulder. "I know you do, and I am thankful, like always."

But the thought never left my mind.

I knew that these things take time. And so, I put the application on the back burner and continued to work. Summer school soon began just days after submitting the application, so I spent all my time and energy mastering my three classes so I could pass and not have to worry about them during the school year. Despite being on track to graduate the following spring, I wanted to ensure that I would earn my degree. By taking three extra classes now would allow me some leeway during the next school year, especially since I was to start my thesis in the next two months.

And by god, I didn't want to think about that just yet.

Still, time passed. I woke every day, worked on my studies and homework during the day, and attended class at night. I worked day in and day out, always applying for additional jobs. So many, in fact, that I almost forgot about the one I submitted to KaibaCorp. Almost.

But I was lying to myself if I said that I had forgotten. I knew Emiko was right - as she always was - in that this was the perfect job for me. The pay was more than what I needed at the moment, which meant I would be secure while also having the opportunity to set aside enough for savings and the future loan I would need to take from the bank. Even though the salary was nice, it wasn't what she looked forward to most.

It was the idea of working at KaibaCorp.

I knew the stories and the origins behind the current corporation. I knew the previous CEO had left, leaving his adopted son, Seto, to claim the company. However, KaibaCorp was previously a military arms manufacturer, but when the new CEO took hold of the company, he changed tactics and abandoned their old ways. Today, KaibaCorp is an entertainment and gaming industry with a fair share of the market. Seto Kaiba had turned the company inside out, upside down. Despite the enormous change, the company was producing positive results. That was something I respected from the CEO.

He's definitely someone I could learn a thing or two from.

Still, the thought had to be placed inside my memories because I hadn't heard anything from the company. Since that afternoon, I had submitted well over a dozen additional applications, even some to retail stores, because I as growing desperate. I didn't want to sink below what I knew I was capable of, but at the moment, the necessity of money was on my doorstep. Even earning a small paycheck was better than earning nothing.

When the end of June appeared on my doorstep, I had all but forgotten about working. I knew that someone would eventually call for an interview, so I just had to be patient. Instead, I focused on nothing except school. Currently, I am sitting at my desk, working on a research project. I had been sitting in the same position all morning and would probably not move until I had to go to my class later that night.

Currently, several people from the class are texting the group chat about the research assignment. They were mainly texting me about questions they had. The idea didn't bother me in the slightest. I wanted nothing more than to help others succeed. It had grown tiresome, especially when the people were asking questions that had been clarified by their professor while in class, but the woman merely sighed.

My head shook but then stopped when my phone started to ring. Glancing at the screen, my head tilted as I didn't recognize the number. I decided to answer it anyway.

"Hello?"

"Hello! I apologize for the disturbance, but is this Lizette Kawasaki, by chance?"

"Oh, yes, this is she?"

"Perfect! My name is Chi Asano. I'm calling from the Human Resources Department here at KaibaCorp. Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Oh!" Nearly dropping the phone, I quickly stood from my desk and began pacing back and forth in my tiny office. "O-Of course!"

"Wonderful! Well, I am calling because I have received your application for the Personal Assistant position. Let me start off by asking this: are you still interested in the position by chance?

Am I still fucking interested?! AI was screaming the answer in my head before stating, "Y-Yes, I am."

"That is even better to hear. Well, I am calling because I would like to set up an interview with you regarding the position. Would you be able to attend an interview next Monday around eleven?"

As quietly as I could, I huffed. Though I had memorized it long ago, I still peeked at my calendar. Carefully, I replied, "Unfortunately, I am in class at that time. Would there be any chance we can change the time? I am free anytime after noon?"

"Of course, that's no problem! How does one sound?"

Despite being by myself, I was nodding to nobody. "One would be perfect."

"Splendid! I'll mark you down on the calendar. When you're in the building come Monday, head to the front desk and state that you have an interview. They'll take you to the office where the interview will be conducted."

"Front desk…Monday at one…" Grabbing a pen, I made a quick note in the corner of my paper. "Is there anything else I need to know before Monday?"

"I don't think so! Just make sure you're here by one o'clock so we can get the interview started."

"Of course. Thank you so much for the call; I greatly appreciate it!"

"It is my pleasure. Thank you for considering a position with KaibaCorp. Have a lovely day!"

The call ended, and I nearly dropped the phone once more. Taking a seat, I stared at the device in disbelief at the conversation that just happened. Finagling the same device, I said, "Siri, call Emiko Cell."

My phone's AI detection soon activated as it sprung to life. "Calling EMIKO CELL on voice."

Placing the device up to my ear, I knew the woman was at work, and although I didn't want to disturb her, I decided this was important for Emiko to know. However, Emiko also knew that I rarely called when she was working, and when I did, she knew something was up and would answer immediately. The phone rang only twice before Emiko answered by the third ring.

"Ok, something must've happened for you to call me at work. What's up?"

The desire to scream so badly was caught in my throat. Instead, I bit my lip and squealed with delight. "You will not believe the conversation I just had!"

In the background, I could hear Emiko messing with some papers, but it only took a couple of seconds before she asked, "Um, I dunno, you passed that test yesterday?"

" I - ! W-Well, yes, I did, but that's not it! Someone in HR from KaibaCorp just called me!"

Emiko gasped over the phone and I could hear her mouth physically drop. "Are you serious?! And what did they want? Tell me!

Unable to conceal my excitement, I squealed again. "I got a fucking interview!"

~ oOo ~

DragonGoddess629