I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 5

Two days after being discharged from the hospital.

A message arrived from Ayano-san via social media.

“I’ll introduce you to a secretary job opening.”

Attached was hiring information for “Luminarie Cosmetics Corporation.”

A major cosmetics manufacturer headquartered in a high-rise building in Marunouchi.

The list included brand names everyone would recognize.

I stared at the screen and let out a small sigh.

“A secretary? There’s no way someone like me could handle that.”

Even as I thought this, my fingers naturally filled out the application form.

Attach my resume and send it, then.

“That’s right. You never know until you try. And it’s a kind introduction anyway.”

An hour later, I received a reply, and the interview was scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 PM.

◇ ◇ ◇

Morning of the interview day.

After changing into my suit, I was about to pack the prepared items from my desk into my bag.

My eyes suddenly fell upon two small capsules I had kept in a little box.

One of them, glowing with a faint blue light.

“That one is the ‘Knowledge’ capsule, I think.”

It was a somewhat impulsive thought.

I didn’t really think it through.

“…It should be fine to take it, right?”

Half-doubting, I put it in my mouth, and it dissolved without any bitterness.

In that moment, a sensation of my mind clearing slightly and a strange sense of security spread through me.

The anxiety about the unknown didn’t completely disappear.

But at least the courage to take a step forward remained.

◆◆◆

Twenty minutes before the interview start time.

I arrived in front of the company’s gate.

Entering inside, the sound of my shoes echoed on the marble floor of the lobby.

Feeling out of place, I trembled down to my toes, but the woman at reception spoke to me gently.

“You’re Udo-san for the interview, correct? We’ve been expecting you. This way, please.”

A helping hand extended to me as if by chance.

After being shown to the waiting room, the door opened while I waited.

“I’m Kawamoto, in charge of today’s interview.”

The interviewer who might determine my fate had appeared.

With a nervous expression, I stood up and bowed deeply.

“I’m Udo Miharu. Thank you for having me today!”

My voice came out properly.

I felt relieved about that.

After sitting down, the interview proceeded matter-of-factly.

I managed to give my self-introduction and reasons for applying without stumbling.

Then came a question from Kawamoto-san, the interviewer.

“Are you good at supporting others?”

“…Yes. I’m not good at putting myself forward, but I can support others.”

The moment I said it, the answer felt surprisingly natural even to me.

Kawamoto-san nodded and replied immediately.

“—You’re hired. Please start next week.”

I couldn’t believe my ears and caught my breath.

“Eh? Really!?”

“Yes. I’ll send the details via social media, so please look them over.”

“…Yes! Thank you so much!”

I felt like a faint light had been lit deep in my chest.

On my way home, I sent Ayano-san a message about getting the job and my gratitude via social media.

A reply came immediately.

‘Congratulations. Study hard and do your best. You’ll be fine.’

I received encouraging cheers.

It made me incredibly happy.

‘…But don’t push yourself too hard. It’s fine to go at your own pace.’

Everything was falling into place so smoothly it was almost scary.

I couldn’t thank Ayano-san enough.

◇ ◇ ◇

Then the day of my first day at work arrived.

Dressed in a black suit, I left home.

Passing through the large headquarters building doors, I was guided to the secretarial department.

Kawamoto-san, who had interviewed me, came over.

I learned she was actually the head of the secretarial department.

Beside her was another new female employee who had been waiting with me.

The morning meeting began, and the other woman and I were introduced to everyone.

“These are Udo Miharu-san and Nakatani Riko-san, starting their assignments today. Please teach them various things.”

My eyes met with Department Head Kawamoto.

“Udo-san, please introduce yourself.”

“…Y-yes.”

I was nervous.

Under everyone’s collective gaze, I gave my self-introduction.

“I’m Udo Miharu. I know nothing about many things, but I’ll do my very best. Thank you for your support.”

When I bowed, everyone smiled and applauded.

“Next is Nakatani-san, please introduce yourself.”

At Department Head Kawamoto’s direction, the other newcomer bowed.

“I’m Nakatani Riko. I’ll work hard with all my might, so please take care of me!”

Applause rose from everyone.

She was a really cute girl.

“I’m Ohara. If you have any trouble, call me right away.”

The first to speak to me was Ohara Natsuko-san, one year my senior.

Her friendly demeanor made my tension ease slightly without me realizing.

My first task was handling visitors.

While carrying a tray of coffee, my hands shook, but Ohara-san quickly supported me.

“It’s okay. Everyone’s nervous at first.”

Saved by her voice, I managed to reach the meeting room.

After that, the content of the training settled smoothly into my mind.

I clearly felt completely different from my usual self.

Maybe it was the effect of that capsule.

Lunch break.

While lining up in the company cafeteria, Nakatani-san stood next to me.

“Nice to meet you. Let’s do our best together.”

A cute smile.

Having someone starting at the same time was reassuring; I wanted to get along well with her.

“Same here. The Beauty Nutrition Lunch looks interesting, doesn’t it?”

By chance, we shared the last available meal, laughing together.

For that time alone, comfort outweighed anxiety.

The busy yet fulfilling afternoon work passed in the blink of an eye.

On my way out, I passed Mr. Sugiura from the sales department in the hallway, who casually spoke to me.

“Oh, you’re starting today? Nice to meet you.”

It was just an offhand remark, but its warmth stayed with Miharu.

◆◆◆

Evening after work.

Walking through the bustling streets, I thought I glimpsed a familiar profile at the edge of my vision.

She was smiling cheerfully at a man she was with.

I almost stopped.

But I immediately shook my head and quickened my pace.

“Kaya… It has nothing to do with me now.”

Mingling with the crowd, I told myself this.

Stuffing it forcibly into the depths of my heart, I left the spot as if shaking it off.

As the surroundings grew dim.

Before I knew it, my posture had straightened just a little.

“I’m still full of anxiety. But I can stand on my own.”

Suddenly reflecting on the day.

The accumulation of small coincidences and the effect of the blue capsule.

Deep in my heart, a faint light had truly been lit.