Chapter One: The Meet-Cute

OKAY SO! My SasuSaku story Empty Eyes is now complete, and I feel a hole because I need my fill of that pairing, lol 

I fully intend to write a nice, long, and fleshed-out story. I just want some feedback because I'm desperately trying to improve as an author!

Because of this, I will not be updating this with the next chapter right away. I'm nearly finished with my two currently active stories and will focus on this one when they are done.

I will begin posting chapters biweekly starting on November 30th, 2023!

Feel free to comment your opinion or if you have any ideas you'd like to see incorporated because I don't have this entire story written yet!

Thanks for reading!

~

Sakura Haruno sighs with a pretty frown, clicks her phone screen off, and slips it into her handbag. Even to a complete stranger, it's evident she's disappointed and maybe a little angry.

Dressed in straight-legged pants, a white button-up shirt, a professional black blazer, and a pair of maroon-colored heels that match her purse, the woman struts her way into an intimidatingly tall office building. Her shoulders are back, eyes bright, and gait confident.

Don't let them know you're nervous. 

That mantra repeats in her head as she pretends not to notice the curious glances of those she passes on her way to the elevator. Are they staring because of her hair?

"It's your outfit."

Sakura looks over to see a beautiful redhead also waiting for the elevator to arrive. She's wearing a blood-red pencil skirt that ends just above the knee and a long-sleeved black dress shirt. Her shoes are cream-colored and tall, almost able to be considered stilettos but somehow still coming off as work-appropriate.

The new arrival smirks, elaborating while pushing her glasses up her nose, "You're dressed rather...conservatively for someone in this office. That's all."

When Sakura looks around, it's with fresh eyes. The dozens of men in the massive lobby dressed in nice suits and dress shoes are exactly what she expects. What she didn't foresee is that all the women wearing skin-tight skirts and form-fitting shirts. That, or dresses. Almost no one is wearing a jacket or blazer, either, so their figures can be more easily admired.

What in the world is going on here? Is there some sort of unique dress code she wasn't made aware of?

You'd have to live under a rock not to notice how well-put-together her outfit is. It's professional and comfortable. It's fitted just enough to compliment her tiny waist and incredible legs while also not making the woman feel as though she'll be seen as a sexual object rather than a candidate with potentially astounding work prospects.

"I'm Karin, by the way. Judging by your confused expression, may I assume you're also here for the P.A. interview?"

Ah, she's competition.

"Sakura, and yes."

The women are joined in their wait by two more, dressed similarly to Karin. Finally, the elevator opens with a ding.

Almost everyone inside vacates quickly, but one does not: a tall, curvy brunette with her hair styled into two buns. Her face lights up when she and Sakura's eyes meet, and she beams excitedly, "Oh my gosh! You're actually here! I thought I'd have to drag you in by your hair."

Sakura and the three others enter, as do a couple of businessmen who are conversing in hushed tones and completely ignoring the females.

"Let's just say I need money more than I need my pride," the pinkette murmurs to one of her best friends. She's the one who told her about the job opening.

Tenten finally examines her companion's entire appearance. Her brown eyes narrow. "Why aren't you wearing the outfit Ino and I picked out for you?"

Sakura's eyes roll as she unconsciously crosses her arms as though it'll hide the clothes that are apparently appalling to everyone who sees them, "It wasn't my style." She wants to add that her feminine assets are much less impressive than most other women's, so girly, mildly sexy clothing like that doesn't suit her.

"Maybe, but..." the brunette glances at the other women before lowering her voice to a whisper and leaning closer to her friend, "They don't hire based on just your resume at places like this, Babe."

"I don't want to work for a company that only cares about how I dress," Sakura defends with an offended tone, "If they choose someone else because of that, then I guess it wasn't meant to be."

Karin clears her throat, smiling sheepishly, "Excuse me, but I have to ask. You are aware we're at Uchiha Corp, right?"

Sakura nods, confused, "Yes. So?"

One of the other girls nudge the redhead in the side, "I'd mind my own business if I were you. Just be glad she's ruining her chances."

Tenten barks with a lifted brow, "Take your own advice." The brunette may have a bubbly and outgoing personality, but within the walls of her employment, she's a pro. Having worked as a P.A. for the Hyuuga branch of Uchiha Corp for more than a year, Tenten knows all there is to know about the job. Confidence comes with that knowledge.

The black-haired girl who'd piped in closes her mouth with a dirty look but says nothing else.

When the elevator stops on the fourth floor, the two men exit the elevator and leave the five women to continue riding.

"Oh, you said your AC friend pissed you off, right? What happened?" Tenten quietly asks her friend.

Sakura nods, glancing at her handbag where her phone and wallet are stored, "What do you think happened? Same as the other four."

"Did he find out you were a woman and hit on you?"

"Bingo."

Karin, who somehow keeps butting in while also not coming off as completely rude, asks, "AC? Do you mean that anonymous therapy dating app thing?"

Sakura bristles, emerald eyes narrowing, "It's not a dating app. It's meant to help people connect and help one another."

How uncomfortable. Everyone's first impression is always that Anonymous Connection, or AC for short, is the next big hook-up application, like Tinder or Hinge, with a twist. That's why Sakura often keeps it a secret that she's a user.

The taller woman with glasses shrugs with a hand lifted in defense, "My bad. You actually use that, though?"

"I do," the pinkette admits with a warm face, "One of my friends helped develop it."

This time, she wants to add that until the people she's been paired with so far found out she isn't a man, the app has served its purpose well. It's comforting to know that there's someone on the other end to rely on. There's a person she can be candid with because they don't know who she is and are sharing their own hardships with her, as well.

Tenten adds threateningly, "It's a good mental health practice. Don't tease her."

"I'm not! I was just curious. Jeez," Karin rolls her eyes, flicking her long red hair over her shoulder in annoyance.

The elevator stops at the eleventh floor, with only one floor remaining above it in the skyscraper-esk building. "If you go all the way down this hall and turn right, there will be a door with chairs beside it. Take a seat there and wait for someone to call you in for the interview," the brunette woman explains to Sakura while the other three women listen.

They step out first, but Sakura hesitates, turning to give her friend a brief hug and smile, "Thanks for coming up here with me. I don't feel as nervous now."

Tenten beams, "Of course, but you know my help doesn't come free. If you get the job, you're paying for drinks this weekend!"

"Deal," the pink-haired woman nods while finally allowing the elevator doors to close. Then, she turns to see Karin waiting for her. The other two had not done the same.

Is she trying to be friendly, or is she trying to stick close because Sakura has a decent connection in the office and wants to take advantage of that? It's impossible to tell. No one's being antagonistic, though, so the two women walk in silence until they find the others sitting by the door Tenten described.

Immediately after the pair joins the others, the door opens to reveal a tall, pale man in a suit with a clipboard, unnatural grin, and bags under his eyes as though he hasn't slept well in days, "Good morning, ladies. My name is Sai, and I will assist with the interviews today. When I call your name, please come with me."

If Sakura knows anything, it's that she doesn't want to go first. It's common knowledge that the last people to go often get the job because they're fresher in the interviewers' minds.

"Miss Haruno, please follow me so we can begin your interview."

The woman bites her tongue to avoid sighing defeatedly. Not only is her outfit a mistake, but the other three women will go after her. They'll be compared to her, meaning any negatives she presents will make the others look better.

Despite her reservations, Sakura exhibits the confident aura she displayed downstairs in the lobby while following Sai into a modern office.

The floor's a stark white that contrasts wildly with the matte gray and black walls. From where she's instructed to stand in front of a gigantic mahogany desk, Sakura takes notice of the bookcase built into the entire wall on the right side of the room. It's filled with books, many of which don't have names on their bindings. A plant that she can't identify is in the opposite corner of the room, to the left of the desk. Multiple expensive-looking paintings decorate the left-side wall, too.

"Please state your name, age, education, and why you believe you're qualified for this position," Sai says after standing near the man sitting at the desk.

When Sakura focuses on that person for the first time, her pulse threatens to skyrocket. Sharp, hawk-like eyes lock onto hers as though their owner can see her every flaw. He's sexy in a forbidden-office-romance-with-the-dark-and-dangerous-boss kind of way.

Don't let them know you're nervous. 

The mantra from earlier crosses her mind.

She covertly takes a slow, calming breath before smiling in what she hopes is a charming manner, "My name is Sakura Haruno. I'm nineteen years old and am currently attending K.U.K. as a sophomore. I'm qualified for this position because I'm adaptable."

She blinks, reminding herself not to stare at the handsome man sitting at the desk. Turning her gaze onto Sai and then back, Sakura hopes her demeanor is perceived as natural, "As someone having grown up in a small town, I've had the opportunity to learn and grow from experiences with the lower, upper, and middle class in both a professional and personal setting."

The woman pauses to give the men a moment to interrupt.

When they don't, she continues, "Seeing as Uchiha Corp has recently begun researching real estate, consumer trends, and crime statistics in the West and Northwest ends of Konoha, I've inferred you are looking to expand your company to new demographical regions. My experience and knowledge will be an asset to you."

Once her speech is complete, she clasps her hands behind her back and waits patiently for either of the men to speak.

The man's nameplate only says "Mr. Uchiha: Director of Operations,". He says, "K.U.K....?"

Sai leans forward and speaks in a hushed tone that Sakura can hardly hear: "Kusuri University of Konoha. It's a school of medicine. Many world-renowned doctors and surgeons are alumni."

"If you're going to school for medicine, why are you interested in becoming my assistant? Surely, the experience you stand to gain from employment here wouldn't be useful in your future career endeavors."

Sakura expected this question. She, Tenten, Hinata, and Ino even practiced with interview questions last night in preparation. "My goal is to open my own practice. The knowledge I gain from witnessing a business operating will undoubtedly give me an edge."

"I see," the man's gaze remains unyielding.

His elbows are on the table, and he rests his chin on one fist while holding what appears to be her resume in the other, "Possessing knowledge of various demographics is impressive, and our company will certainly take it into consideration."

Sakura's smile threatens to tug wider, only for her excitement to be shot down.

Mr. Uchiha's frown hasn't moved since she entered the room. That doesn't change as he continues, "However, this position is not for sales or advertising, so I'm failing to see how such a trait would be useful. Do you have previous experience with clerical duties?"

"Your resume states this would be your first job in a professional setting, yes?" Sai adds.

She worked part-time at a little diner back home while attending high school. Her parents needed help with the bills, and she was happy to do it if it meant they wouldn't be as stressed. They raised her with smiling faces and gentle hands, after all.

"That is true. However, I-" "Enough."

Sakura's mouth closes in surprise. Mr. Uchiha's eyes narrow as though she's become annoying to him. He sets her resume on the desk and pushes it away with one hand, "Don't give me the rehearsed response that you think I want to hear."

Oh no. Upon seeing and hearing this rich man address her with so little interest and so much cockiness, Sakura's temper flares, something she's notorious for. She tries to keep it under control while asking, "I beg your pardon?"

"Tell me why I should choose you over the other candidates. What sets you apart?"

Sakura's fingers tighten, and her smile becomes tense until, alas, it slips. He wants to know how she's different from the other women? Fine.

"Unlike those waiting outside, I'm not standing here worried about whether or not you think I'm attractive."

Both Sai and Mr. Uchiha's eyes noticeably widen.

The woman continues because it's too late to take it back, "I'm here because I know how influential the Uchiha name is, regardless of what line of work I choose to pursue. The advertised pay is competitive, and the hours work with my school schedule."

She pauses before continuing her fiery explanation, "I'm different because I didn't grow up with everything handed to me like the snobs that work in places like this. You won't find someone who learns as fast or works as hard as me. I can promise you that."

The pair of men remain speechless, staring at the pink-haired woman whose feisty attitude had just shown quite clearly.

Then, Sakura freezes wide-eyed, reflecting on all she just blurted out.

Well, shit. She totally just insulted the man sitting behind that desk and probably Sai, too. There's no way in hell she'll be hired after this.

The pink-haired woman leaves the room with her head held high, though it's apparent to both men that she hadn't intended to say at least some of the things she had. Particularly the bit about the people working here being rich and snobby.

Sai immediately walks around the desk to face Sasuke, picking up the resume and crumbling it into a ball before tossing it into the small bin nearby, "My apologies. A talented employee vouched for her; otherwise, she wouldn't have made it far enough to meet you. I'll have a word with Neji about his assistant's recommendations in the future."

For some reason, Sasuke isn't offended by Miss Haruno's subdued outburst. He's irritated by her audacity, sure, but he's also intrigued because the woman hadn't acted at all how he expected. When he cut her off and demanded a genuine response, he expected her to continue with that composed smile and textbook answers. Instead, Miss Haruno showed that she won't sit back and be bullied no matter the opponent.

Oh, well. The Director of Operations takes it as a learning experience and moves on.

"Don't bother. Just send the next one in."

Sai wordlessly leaves to retrieve the next candidate. A petite and curvy brunette with a pixie cut comes to stand before the desk with a subdued smile.

An odd sensation meets Sasuke's chest, neither negative or positive, as he noted her tight skirt and shirt. The woman is attractive. There's no denying that. There's something that leaves a bad taste on his tongue, though.

"My name is Okami Kisa. I'm twenty-two years old and am in my final year at Konoha University. I'll be graduating with a bachelor's degree in professional communication." The woman's lips spread into a broader smile when she notices the man at the desk's stare, "I'm qualified for this job because I've studied related topics in school. I also have experience because I worked as a receptionist at the Otsutsuki law firm for two years." 

Blah. Blah. Blah. That's all Sasuke hears. He knew he didn't like this applicant before she even opened her mouth because of the way she stared.

Unlike many, almost all really, assume, he honestly does not care what his assistant looks like. She can be tall, short, pretty, plain, or even ugly, so long as she does the job well. He'll be okay with a male assistant, too. There's nothing in the job description that says it has to be a female. If Sai wasn't acting as a liaison between him, his elder brother, and his father, he'd simply offer him the job.

The man suddenly recalls what the pink-haired woman said. "Unlike those waiting outside, I'm not standing here worried about whether or not you think I'm attractive."

Then, he compares that girl's clothes to Okami's. Everything about it was professional, but it was clear the clothing wasn't meant to draw attention. No. Miss Haruno came here for the interview, not physical validation.

After Okami, another woman entered and was just as run of the mill as the previous.

When that interview finished, and Sai leaves to fetch the final applicant, Sasuke's eyes unconsciously drift to the bin nearby.

Why can't he stop thinking about that woman with the attitude problem? Is it because she really is different from the others? A smirk tugs at his lips briefly before disappearing when the sound of the others approaching meets his ears.

Before him stands a redhead. She's dressed similarly to the last two women, but there's something about her presence that differs.

"My name is Karin Uzumaki. I'm twenty years old, and I am studying at Konoha University with a major in Business Operations. I'm the correct choice because I have experience working for Uchiha Corp, can work my schedule around yours, and I'm here to start a career. This will not just be another job for me. I fully intend to learn all I can from you to become an asset to your company in the future. My goal is to become Vice President when you inherit your father's CEO position."

Sasuke knows she only worded it like that to please him, but he still likes her response and applauds her strive to make it known that she has big dreams. "You are aware that my inheritance isn't guaranteed? The current VP may obtain the title."

"Yes. I also know your brother does not wish to inherit the company. That, plus your talent, makes me believe you're the rightful heir."

What a suck-up. She's right, though. At least she's not playing coy like the last two.

"Very well. We'll be in touch," Sai says, obviously picking up on the fact that the Uchiha man has nothing else to ask.

Karin politely excuses herself, "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Even if I don't receive an offer, this was a great opportunity." Soon, the redhead is gone. 

Sai places the clipboard on the edge of Sasuke's desk, "Would you like me to prepare an offer for Miss Uzumaki?"

Sasuke's brow furrows, and a tension headache begins to form as his eyes drift once more to the bin. "Inform my brother that I have a special request."