Hack Into My Heart

Code 6: Job

Two weeks.

I looked for a job from morning to evening. The result: nothing. Even when I was hiding the fact that I was an ex-con, the advertiser wanted to see my student certificate which I didn't have. Dejected, I went back to Yusuke's house each day empty-handed. The sinister voice inside me was telling me to create a fake diploma, but my father's soul and Yusuke's existence somehow prevented me.

Although I was nothing more than a burden, each day Yusuke welcomed me with a smile and dinner. That situation bothered me dearly because it was all fake like everything in this world.

When I was studying at one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, everyone was so nice to me. I got that job in the cafe in just five minutes even though I had no experience in being a waiter. Now, I had experience in the serving field, but nobody hired me. The same thing happened with the friends. All my classmates were so friendly when I was the top student; however, right after I dropped out of university, none of them contacted me.

It was the way of the world and I learned my lesson in a hard way.

As a result, Yusuke irritated me a lot. His understanding eyes, unceasing smiles, top-notch kind actions... I HATED THEM ALL.

I hated it because I was getting used to them. His warmth was too addictive for my cold world. However, his warmth was fake, he was only conscience-driven. He tolerated my usual hatred and mocking in order to keep his promise to his sensei.

As knowing a fact isn't enough to change the feelings, the more he was nice, the more I hated him. I ignored him, taunted him, shouted at him... just to see his real face behind the mask. I wanted him to shout at me, to tell me how bad I was, but he never did. Like a mantra, he chanted "I am sorry" and "I understand."

After another day of failure, I dragged my body into the house and found Yusuke sitting on the sofa, reading his never-ending files. When he noticed me, he threw me a usual smile.

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to heat up some food?" he asked with a parental tone.

I shook my head and attempted to go to the room, but he stopped me. "I have something to tell you," he said and patted the empty area on the sofa. Sighing, I joined him and he handed me a document. "I have a friend working in the data industry, I don't know what he does exactly, but he told me that he needs someone for database programming. I told him about you and he is willing to give you a chance."

That was unexpected. "What?" I muttered, my eyes probably wide open.

"I am not forcing you or anything, I am just telling you," Yusuke reassured me as if I was in a position to reject the offer.

Damn it, if that job was to happen, I would have one more thing that I would be indebted to Yusuke. However, my pride could wait.

"I... I will go for the interview," I said with my evaporated pride and Yusuke beamed.

"I will let him know," he said with a pretty smile, showing his even white teeth. I nodded and ran to the room after mumbling a thanks.

Yusuke was actually quite fast as the next day he texted me an address and the name of the company owner, and wrote to me to go there at four pm. Luckily, I had a two-piece suit, so I wore it and removed my long bangs from my forehead for a more professional look. I applied a little bit of cologne and left the house one hour before the meeting time.

The company, DTA, was only seven bus stops and a ten minutes walk away from Yusuke's flat. I took a deep breath and entered the hall at ten to four and a kind looking secretary led me to the boss' room.