Chapter Text
Johan Andersen leaned back in his chair, his teal eyes observing the line of candidates filing in and out of the interview room. He had been waiting patiently, hoping that this job would finally be the kind of challenge he’d been craving. But as the minutes dragged on, he found himself questioning, just slightly, if applying here had been a mistake after all.
So far, every candidate had walked into the CEO’s office with an air of confidence— some even smiling as wide as though they already had the job in their pocket. Yet without missing the streak, they left, one by one, looking utterly defeated. Some stumbled out with a blank, shell-shocked expression, while others were outright sobbing.
The spectacle didn’t intimidate Johan however; if anything, it made him raise an eyebrow. To him, this display only highlighted the incompetence of the other applicants, rather than giving him any meaningful insight into the interviewer he’d soon meet. A mere job interview shouldn’t destroy anyone like that. They should realize they are only in the wrong place. It’s rarely ever personal.
Johan knew what he was signing up for. He was applying to be the personal assistant to none other than Yuki Judai— the CEO of E-HERO Games, a gaming company that had skyrocketed to success in just three years’ time. Judai’s reputation as a prodigy in the industry had intrigued Johan from the first time he had heard of him on the news, and the chance to work directly under him was too good to pass up. Sure, I could make it big, but— maintaining that success is a different story, and that is why, I need to learn up close what that's like…
Still, with every passing interview, Johan couldn’t help but notice the emotional wreckage left behind by the other candidates. When even seasoned professionals left the room looking shattered, and more than a few women emerged with tears in their eyes, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind. Is Yuki Judai really that difficult to deal with? I just hope I manage to come to an understanding with him— I’m here to learn after all. Johan had expected a sharp, no-nonsense kind of boss, but the reactions he was witnessing made him wonder if the man was downright impossible.
But the doubts didn’t linger long. Johan straightened his posture, shaking off the unnecessary concerns. Actually, whatever kind of person he is, I’ll handle it, he thought. Working closely with Yuki Judai would undoubtedly be a challenge, but isn’t that the whole point? A boss who demanded the best could bring out the best in him, and that was exactly what Johan wanted.
“Johan Andersen?”
The voice broke through his thoughts. Johan turned his head to see a young man standing by the doorway, a clipboard in hand. The guy looked to be in his early twenties, with messy blue hair and glasses that slipped down his nose every few seconds.
“That’s me,” Johan replied, standing and giving a quick nod. His voice was steady, composed.
The young man adjusted his glasses and offered a polite smile. “I’m Marufuji Sho, Yuki Judai’s secretary. If you’re ready, please follow me.”
Johan didn’t waste time with unnecessary words. He simply nodded and followed Sho down the long, sleek corridor, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floors.
When they stopped in front of a set of a massive double door, Sho turned to face him. His small stature and slightly frazzled demeanor made him seem approachable, but there was a trace of drain in his sigh as he spoke.
“Alright, you’re up,” Sho said, glancing at his clipboard one last time. “You’ll have ten minutes with Mr. Yuki. Make them count. And… good luck.”
The way Mr. Marufuji said those last two words— half warning, half encouragement— made Johan internally blink. But he didn’t comment. He simply nodded in acknowledgment, steeling himself, as he reached for the door handle. This is it. Whatever lay on the other side of those doors, Johan was ready to face it.
Once left alone standing before the massive double doors, Johan stepped forward and knocked firmly.
“You may come in, Mr. Andersen.” A voice replied, smooth and youthful yet carrying an air of command.
Taking a breath, Johan pushed the doors open and stepped into the office. The first thing that struck him was the sheer size of the room. He had expected something grand— after all, this was one of the top floors of a skyscraper— but the space managed to exceed even his high expectations.
To his right, near the door, was a small coat rack— a detail he immediately ignored. Johan wasn’t about to make the rookie mistake of acting too comfortable in a space that wasn’t his. Further to his left, a sleek black wardrobe stood in one corner, complete with a full-length mirror beside it. Across from it, another corner held a compact minibar with a polished counter for preparing beverages.
One entire wall was lined with shelves, their contents immediately catching Johan’s eye. On one side, they proudly displayed trophies and awards— testaments to the owner’s achievements in the gaming industry. The other side was filled with collectibles and figurines, the kind that made it clear their owner had more than just business at heart for them— they revealed the owner’s passion.
But the room’s centerpiece was at the far end, an expansive desk positioned against a wall of floor-to-ceiling large windows. The view outside must have been breathtaking, but Johan’s focus was on the person seated in the chair behind the desk.
Nothing could have prepared him for the sight that awaited him, when the chair turned towards him.
The man in the chair radiated an almost magnetic energy, his tousled chestnut hair a disheveled masterpiece that framed his face perfectly. It was as though he had just stepped off a windswept rooftop, his hair falling effortlessly over his forehead, giving him a natural charm that was impossible to ignore. His eyes— deep, rich pools of chocolate brown— sparkled with a youthful glint that added a surprising hidden playfulness to his otherwise commanding presence.
The tailored black blouse and slim-fit ink-black jeans might have seemed unremarkable on someone else, but on him, they were anything but ordinary. The way they accentuated his athletic frame, hinting at a slim build beneath the fabric, had Johan unconsciously swallowing hard.
This is Yuki Judai? The thought echoed in Johan’s mind, disbelief lingering in every syllable. He had known the CEO was young, a prodigy in the gaming industry, but he hadn’t anticipated this. If there was anything this CEO was good at— it was at avoiding media attention, for no matter how much he dug, he couldn’t find a photo for him. Mr. Yuki wasn’t just young— he was strikingly handsome, with an almost ethereal quality to him.
And then, as if to seal Johan’s fate, Mr. Yuki lifted his head from the papers in his hand. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Johan could have sworn he saw a glimmer of gold flash in those brown depths, stealing the breath straight from his lungs.
Johan’s mind came to a freeze, just for a brief moment, unable to look away, as if Mr. Yuki’s gaze had wrapped around him and held him in place. His mind scrambled to recover, but the only coherent thought that remained was one he couldn’t suppress. This is dangerous. I need to stop staring.
Upon reaching the desk, Johan hesitated for a moment, standing silently as he observed the man sitting before him. Then, breaking the silence, the young CEO spoke, his tone calm but commanding, “Take a seat.”
As Johan moved to sit, something on the desk caught his attention out of the corner of his eye— a small figure with tiny wings, perched near the computer. He tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. “Is that a Winged Kuriboh collectible, 2013 edition?”
Mr. Yuki’s gaze flickered with interest, his eyebrows raising slightly. “Oh? You recognize it?” he remarked, leaning back in his chair. His sharp eyes briefly glanced at the small chain dangling from Johan’s tablet— a detail Johan had easily noted, as he sat down. With a subtle smirk, Mr. Yuki added, “Though, I must admit, I don’t recognize yours. Are you a fellow collector?”
Johan smiled, lifting his tablet to present the chain more clearly. “This is Ruby Carbuncle.”
“Ruby who?” Judai tilted his head, his curiosity deepening, as he studied the figure.
With a small chuckle, Johan explained, “Ruby Carbuncle. She’s a legendary Crystal Beast character from a video game called Crystal Planet. I played it as a kid.” He gestured briefly toward the Winged Kuriboh. “I take it the same goes for you?”
Mr. Yuki let out a soft hum, his warm brown eyes locking onto Johan’s emerald ones, as if testing the sincerity in his words. “I believe,” he said, his tone thoughtful, “that only those who have truly appreciated the heart of the craft can create more of it.”
The intensity of Mr. Yuki’s gaze held Johan captive for a moment, but then the CEO broke eye contact, allowing Johan to finally blink and compose himself. Clearing his throat lightly, Judai leaned forward, extending a hand in greeting. “Yuki Judai, CEO of the E-HERO video games company.”
Johan took the offered handshake with a polite nod, his lips curving into a small smile. “Andersen Johan. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the infamous Yuki Judai.”
Mr. Yuki’s lips twitched into a slightly mischievous grin, yet reserved still. “Infamous, huh? So you’ve heard of me before applying for this position?”
Johan couldn’t help the flicker of amusement that crossed his mind. Now I see why everyone left in such a miserable state. You do cut straight to the chase, huh? Without missing a beat, he replied, “With all due respect, sir, I only applied to this position, because it’s you who’s hiring.”
Mr. Yuki’s measured smile slightly widened, his interest clearly piqued. “Oh?” His tone was half curious, half challenging. “Do elaborate.” He chuckled, “Frankly, I find that hard to believe, considering the kind of résumé you have, Mr. Andersen. I’ll admit, I was a little perplexed as to why someone with your… expertise would be interested in a personal assistant role. Let’s not dance around it— you’re overqualified, and you know it.”
Of course, the man was right. Anyone who had taken a glance at Johan’s résumé would have thought him suited for a far more prominent position— perhaps even capable of leading his own rival company. But Johan didn’t flinch. Instead, his response was measured and deliberate. “I’m looking for a challenge, sir.” He stopped himself before he could add the thought that lingered in the back of his mind, And I believe I’m looking at one right now.
Instead, he continued, his tone unwavering, “I want the chance to see how running a company is done, up close. And from what I’ve researched, you aren’t even remotely close to being a regular-everyday boss. Your business decisions have been not only wildly unpredictable but, quite frankly, miraculous. You’ve managed to change the face of the gaming industry in just three years. And that’s only one of many reasons I believe I’d be learning a great deal from working with you.”
For a moment, Mr. Yuki said nothing, his expression unreadable as he processed Johan’s words. Then, slowly, that signature measured smile of his returned, though this time, it held a hint of something deeper— approval, perhaps, or intrigue. Whatever it was, Johan had the distinct impression that he had passed some kind of unspoken test.
The next question that left the CEO’s lips sent a faint chill down Johan’s spine, though he kept his composure. “And what’s in it for me, hm?” Mr. Yuki asked, his tone smooth, yet laced with a subtle challenge.
Instead of faltering, Johan met the question with a confident grin. “I’d make an excellent personal assistant,” he began, his voice calm and steady. “I naturally excel at staying composed under pressure, assessing and analyzing situations before acting. Leading others has never been an issue for me either. And, while it might not be a requirement for this role, I have training in first aid and security.”
He paused, letting his words settle, before continuing with a determined gleam in his emerald eyes. “As for why those skills would be of use to you— well, I can help you balance your work and personal life more effectively. I can be the sounding board you need before you head into a meeting, no matter who you’re negotiating with. Any task that involves coordinating with others? You can hand it off to me without a second thought. And should there ever be a situation where protection or medical assistance is needed, I’m right there, ready. Calling me would be far quicker than waiting for external help.”
Mr. Yuki leaned back in his chair, his dark brown eyes fixed on Johan, their gaze as sharp as ever, yet thoughtful. Silence lingered in the air for a beat, heavy with unspoken words. Then, a soft chuckle escaped the CEO as he stood, the subtle motion commanding Johan to follow his lead.
Extending a hand across the desk, Mr. Yuki’s lips curved into a faint but unmistakable smile. “Let me be the first to welcome you,” he said, his voice slightly warm but mostly firm.
A growing smile spread across Johan’s face, as he reached out to grasp Mr. Yuki’s hand. “That’s mighty kind of you,” he replied, his tone both grateful and steady.
But as their hands met, Johan felt an inexplicable jolt race through him, almost as though his entire being had entered some kind of trance. The sensation was strange— unnervingly so— but before he could even begin to question himself, he noticed something else peculiar, Mr. Yuki’s gaze had flickered ever so slightly, his demeanor shifting for the briefest of moments. Neither pulled away.
A sharp knock on the door jolted Johan out of his momentary daze. The door creaked open, and Mr. Yuki let go, turning his gaze to the windows’ view. The short secretary stepped inside, his expression professional but a bit uncertain. “Time’s up, sir. The next candidate is ready,” he announced, his voice firm yet careful.
Without even turning to acknowledge him, Judai waved a hand dismissively, his gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape outside the window. “Send them home— all of them. Mr. Andersen will be my personal assistant, effective immediately, until I say otherwise. Have him sign the necessary paperwork, Sho.”
The declaration left the room in stunned silence for a beat. Sho’s eyes flicked to Johan, wide with something like awe, before stammering out, “R-Right, sir. Right away!”
Johan observed the exchange quietly, his sharp mind making a quick note of the way Judai addressed his secretary by his first name. Are they long-time colleagues? Or perhaps it is just a regular thing here to call others by first name? The thought lingered briefly, before Sho turned toward him, gesturing towards the hallway. “This way, please.”
With a curt nod, Johan followed, his steps purposeful but measured. Just before leaving the room, however, he couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder for one last look at his new boss.
Mr. Yuki had turned slightly, just enough to catch Johan’s gaze. His eyes— piercing and unrelenting— met Johan’s with an intensity that seemed to tether him to the spot. Time stretched in that fleeting moment, neither breaking eye contact, as if an unspoken understanding had passed between them.
It wasn’t until Johan’s body crossed the threshold and the grand double doors closed behind him that the spell was broken. Even as Mr. Marufuji guided him down the corridor, Johan’s mind lingered on that final, enigmatic look. What in the world have I just gotten myself into? he wondered, an intrigued smile tugging at his lips.
The room was cloaked in darkness, lit only by the cold blue glow of multiple monitors and the faint amber spill of a single desk lamp. Well past midnight, the building stood empty, the city far below glittering like scattered jewels against black velvet. Judai Yuki sat alone in his high-backed chair, tie loosened, sleeves rolled to his elbows. A half-empty glass of something dark rested forgotten on the desk. The encrypted chat window blinked with confirmation: tonight’s operation— silently draining another predatory publisher— was complete.
The secure line rang. O’Brien, huh?
“What’s the situation?” The familiar serious voice asked.
“Handled.”
“Already? New record.” He made O’Brien sound amused of all people.
Judai exhaled through his nose— a sound that might have been mutual amusement in another life. “Anything else for tonight?”
“Nope. Unless you’re heading out for your usual… decompression routine at the club.”
Judai’s gaze drifted to the skyline, a faint glint of dry humor in his eyes. “Didn’t know you cared so much about my sex life, O’Brien.”
A familiar grunt came through the speaker. “You know that’s not what I mean.” A pause, then quieter, “You deserve actual rest, Judai. Whatever shape it takes.”
Judai’s fingers stilled on the keyboard. “Thanks,” he murmured. Then, after a beat, “I hired someone for the personal assistant position today.”
Silence stretched long enough that Judai almost thought the line had dropped.
“That personal assistant role?” O’Brien finally asked, disbelief clear in his gravelly voice. “After rejecting every candidate for a full year?”
“Yeah.”
“Is it the guy you flagged as ‘interesting’ enough for me to run a background check on him this morning?”
Judai didn’t answer right away. His mind replayed the day in vivid detail— the line of defeated applicants trailing out of his office, and then Johan Andersen walking in. Teal hair slightly tousled, emerald eyes steady and unflinching. Answers that cut through the usual corporate fluff. That handshake that lingered just a fraction too long, sending an unexplained current through him.
“Yeah. He doesn’t belong with the others,” Judai said at last.
O’Brien let out a low, thoughtful hum. “High praise from you.” Then, softer, almost nostalgic, “You know… it kinda reminds me of how we started.”
Judai arched a brow, though O’Brien couldn’t see it. “Oh?”
“Yeah. That gala, what— two and half years ago now? You were standing at the bar like you owned the whole damn room, glaring at every suit who came too close. I watched you for weeks before that, tracing your moves online. Thought you were good, but reckless. Leaving just enough breadcrumbs for someone like me to easily follow.”
Judai’s lips twitched faintly. “You called them sloppy.”
“Still do,” O’Brien said, a dry chuckle rumbling through the line. “I walked up, told you exactly that, and you looked ready to end me on the spot.”
“I considered it.”
“But you didn’t. You asked what was in it for me instead.” O’Brien’s voice grew quieter, the usual gravel softening. “I gave you the bullshit line about needing entertainment in my life first. Then… something told me to give you the truth— so I did— I told you about my parents, their studio getting crushed under lawsuits and sabotage by the same kind of scum we take down now. You just stared at me for a long minute, like you were deciding if I was worth the risk.”
Judai leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded as he listened. Memories surfaced unbidden, the noise of that gala, the weight of too many betrayals already on his shoulders, the unexpected coincidence of finding someone who understood the fight without needing it explained.
“You nodded once,” O’Brien continued, “said ‘Fine. Cross me once, and you’re done.’ Cold as hell, I’ll give you that. But you trusted me anyway. Or at least trusted that I wouldn’t screw you over.”
“I still don’t know if that was smart of me,” Judai said, voice low, almost fond.
“Worked out, didn’t it?” A pause. “Point is… you don’t let people in easy, Judai. Never have. So if this Andersen guy got you intrigued after years of turning everyone away… maybe he’s worth the risk too.”
Judai rubbed the bridge of his nose, a quiet huff escaping him. “Don’t get sentimental on me, O’Brien.”
“Too late. Blame the late hour.” Another chuckle, then serious again. “Just… be careful, boss. Don’t freak out if someone gets under your ice someday.”
Judai’s gaze drifted to the side monitor still open to the new employee file. Johan Andersen’s headshot glowed faintly— emerald eyes calm, confident, faintly challenging.
“Wouldn’t count on it,” Judai said finally.
He ended the call.
For a long moment he sat motionless, staring at the city lights. The unfamiliar stir behind his walls lingered, quiet but persistent.
Tomorrow was Johan Andersen’s first day.
And for once, Judai wasn’t entirely sure if that wouldn’t affect anything else at all.