Fractured Fire and Ice

The Final Touch

The following week, we returned to the college to finalize the selection process for our internship program. This visit was all about reviewing the students’ essays and interviews, ensuring we had the best candidates for our US branch. The initial excitement had settled into a more focused atmosphere as students prepared to showcase their skills and aspirations.

As I walked into the college’s main hall, I was greeted by a flurry of activity. Students were scattered around, nervously clutching their essays and preparing for their presentations. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could sense the eagerness and anxiety in the room.

Jisoo was already at her post, efficiently organizing the essays and managing the schedule. Her professionalism was impressive, though her constant stream of commentary often added a touch of levity to the otherwise serious atmosphere.

“Hey, Damien,” Jisoo greeted me with a smile. “Ready to get started? We’ve got a packed day ahead.”

“Let’s get this done,” I replied, nodding in agreement. “I want to ensure we make the right choices.”

As we moved through the hall, students approached us one by one, handing over their essays and discussing their aspirations. Each interaction was brief but revealing. It was clear that many of the students were passionate about the opportunity, and their enthusiasm was palpable.

When Lily’s turn came, I noticed her standing off to the side, her essay neatly bound and her expression a mix of determination and nervousness. She approached us with a confident stride, though I could see the slight tremor in her hands as she handed over her work.

“Good morning,” Lily said, her voice steady despite the nerves. “I’m Lily. Here’s my essay for the internship program.”

I accepted the essay, our fingers briefly brushing against each other. The touch was fleeting but left an impression. I glanced at her, taking in her focused demeanor and the quiet intensity in her eyes.

“Thank you, Lily,” I said, my tone professional. “We’ll review your submission and get back to you soon.”

As she walked away, I found myself momentarily captivated. There was something about her poise and the way she handled herself that stood out. I made a mental note to pay special attention to her essay.

Throughout the day, Jisoo and I reviewed the essays and conducted interviews. It was a rigorous process, with each student vying for a spot in the competitive internship program. As the afternoon wore on, the pile of essays grew smaller, and we began to narrow down our choices.

When we finally reached Lily’s essay, I took my time reading through it. Her writing was articulate and thoughtful, reflecting a deep understanding of the subject matter. Her passion for the field was evident, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of possessiveness—though I kept it subtle and well-hidden.

There was something about her perspective that resonated with me. Her essay didn’t just meet the criteria; it exceeded them. As I finished reading, I found myself more intrigued than I had anticipated.

“Damien, any standouts for you?” Jisoo asked, breaking into my thoughts.

I looked up, slightly startled. “Yes, actually. There’s one essay that’s particularly impressive. Lily’s, to be specific.”

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. “Really? I noticed her earlier. You seemed to pay quite a bit of attention to her.”

“I just think she has potential,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Her work stood out among the submissions.”

As we wrapped up for the day, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Lily’s application was more than just impressive—it was compelling. There was a subtle pull in the way she expressed her ideas, a spark that seemed to draw me in.