Author Note: I don't own Yugioh.
This fic was first written 20 years ago when I was 14. I don't know how much of it still is salvageable. I deleted it many years ago because I felt it was too cringe in many respects but now I wish I kept the original draft. Despite the angst, there were some aspects that still resonated if memory serves me. I guess this is a test chapter. Is there anyone (real readers/writers) still on this site?
Regarding commissions from artists: I am an artist myself so while I appreciate the hustle, I am not interested in paying for commissions at this time.
The Lies That Bind
Chapter I
The Assignment
A sweet, exotic aroma wafted its way through the dimly lit coffeehouse. The scent of roasted beans hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft clinks of ceramic cups and the low jazz humming from unseen speakers.
In an inconspicuous corner, a young woman sat quietly, her gaze riveted out the front door. Her drink was untouched, forgotten. Every few seconds, she found herself absently adjusting the delicate Bluetooth earpiece tucked beneath her sleek blonde hair. Time was beginning to quicken to the pace of her pulse.
Outside, a black limo came to a halt at the curb. The engine purred as a suited driver stepped out, dutifully circling the car to open the rear door. The tall young man who exited was recognizable at once, his blue eyes icily looking ahead. Seto Kaiba.
For a moment she nearly forgot how long she had waited for this moment as she saw him enter the building. He took a seat at a table a few away from hers and quickly took out his laptop to work. Heart pounding in her ears, she willed herself to steel her nerves and began the task at hand.
"That's right. I'm focused on cross-system diagnostics. But they're not interested in long-term integration. They only want something they can control."
She maintained a calm, purposeful tone - just loud enough to carry, just soft enough to seem unintentional. A practiced edge lined her words, tailored for ears she knew were listening. "Of course, I can help Miyata Incorporated develop a more adaptive framework, one that doesn't collapse under its own ego. I think my time at Kanzaki Group is coming to a close and it's time for greener pastures."
The typing ceased.
She stirred her drink carefully, watching the whirlpool form and dissipate. "No, he won't be pleased. But let's just say I have no desire to rehash the same conversations anymore."
She could feel the weight of a piercing gaze settle on her from afar, but she fought the urge to look back. "…I'm looking to join another team because Kanzaki's too busy playing king to see what he's doing to his empire."
A silence followed, and she ended the call with a polite murmur, removed the earpiece, and finally reached for her drink.
"You seem to be underestimating the job market in this city," a low voice cut in. She turned her gaze towards the source and met blue ice.
"You're Seto Kaiba," she said softly. She offered him a practiced smile that he didn't return.
"And you're far too composed for someone who just insulted one of the most powerful men in Domino City," he replied with a veiled hint of amusement.
"I didn't think you were the type to defend your enemies, Mr. Kaiba. Unless you disagree with my assessment of him?"
"Hardly. I simply couldn't help overhearing your rather unorthodox audition. And for a second rate firm like Miyata Incorporated, no less," he added.
"I have a friend inside who is looking to fill a position," she said simply. "On the other hand, I'm surprised Kaiba Corp hasn't filled its Integration Director role. Or perhaps I didn't make it past the filters."
Kaiba's gaze sharpened. "You've applied?"
"More than once. My name is Sabrina Takahashi."
"Hn. And now you're openly courting Miyata. You're either reckless or confident."
Sabrina chuckled and met his eyes again. "But more likely, I'm just tired of waiting for the right people to notice."
"How long did you work for Kanzaki?" he asked.
"Long enough to know where the cracks are," she returned.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked at her—truly looked. Not the way men looked at women, but like a tactician assessing whether a weapon in someone else's hands might be better wielded by him. She couldn't have been more than a year or two out of college, yet she sounded like she knew the inner workings of Kanzaki Group. Something didn't add up—and he didn't like unsolved problems.
She met his scrutiny with silence, letting it settle between them like fog before a storm. Finally, he slid a business card across the table. His fingers barely touched the surface, but it was enough to draw her attention to the sleek silver lettering.
"KaibaCorp. Tomorrow. Eight sharp. Tell security you've been requested."
Sabrina blinked, surprised despite herself.
"I don't offer second chances," Kaiba added. "Don't waste this one."
She accepted the card, fingers brushing his in the briefest touch. "I won't."
Kaiba gave no acknowledgment. He turned, coat flaring behind him like a shadow, and walked back to his seat without so much as a glance over his shoulder.
Sabrina stared at the card, her reflection faint in the foil. She sat still for a moment longer, her expression unreadable. Then, finally, she took a sip of her now-cold drink and exhaled silently.
Outside, a drizzle started.