The ghost in her eyes

Ayaka sat at her desk in the general affairs department, her fingers trembling slightly above the keyboard. She hadn’t even taken a breath since the incident with Renji Kurozawa. The CEO. Speaking to her. Protecting her.

Not because I’m special, she reminded herself. He just doesn’t tolerate intruders.

But his eyes had softened. For a moment, Ayaka had seen something in him that shook her.

Pain.

Not rage or annoyance, but a deep, quiet pain. Like something inside him was still bleeding.

She glanced at the reflective glass beside her and studied her face. Her classmates in school had once whispered that she looked like a porcelain doll—elegant, beautiful, too fragile to be real.

But behind the soft eyes and graceful face, she felt… hollow.

“I heard the CEO talked to you today,” said Minako, the secretary beside her, leaning in curiously. “What happened?”

“Oh, nothing important,” Ayaka replied quickly. “Just a brief conversation.”

Minako narrowed her eyes. “He never talks to interns. Ever. Not unless it’s to fire them.”

Ayaka gave a nervous smile. “I guess I’m lucky then.”

But she knew it wasn’t luck. It was the resemblance. To a woman who no longer lived.

---

Meanwhile, Renji Kurozawa sat alone in his office, the blinds partially closed against the evening light. He stared at a photograph on his desk. Hana. Her smile was gentle, the same delicate curve as Ayaka’s.

But the more he thought about it… Hana had been bold, lively, quick to laugh.

Ayaka was like silence given form.

Why does that make me want to see her again?

There was a knock at the door.

“Enter.”

Shun stepped in, tablet in hand. “You have the preliminary report on Ayaka Hoshino.”

Renji’s eyes sharpened. “Go on.”

“She’s 22, graduated top of her class in business administration. Adopted by the Hoshino family at seven. Her brother, Kaito Hoshino, has a record of gambling and debt. He’s used her name to secure loans multiple times. Quiet girl. No disciplinary issues. But… consistently overlooked.”

Renji tapped the table with his fingers. “No protection from her family?”

“None. In fact, all evidence points to her being used as a shield for her brother’s irresponsibility.”

Renji closed his eyes for a moment, thinking.

“Move her to my floor. I want her working under my direct supervision.”

Shun blinked. “Sir, that might raise suspicion…”

“Then don’t make it obvious. Create a project. Say it’s a restructuring initiative. And tell her manager she was handpicked for her performance.”

“Yes, sir.”

---

The next morning, Ayaka was called unexpectedly to the 47th floor. The elevator ride alone made her dizzy—this was the top floor. Only directors and Renji Kurozawa himself worked here.

When the doors opened, she hesitated.

A woman in a sleek skirt suit smiled at her. “Ayaka Hoshino? This way, please.”

Confused and nervous, Ayaka followed. She was led into a spacious, elegant corner office. Not Renji’s office—but close. A temporary work area had been set up just beside it.

“I… I think there’s been a mistake,” Ayaka said. “I wasn’t supposed to be—”

“No mistake,” Renji’s voice cut in as he entered the room.

She turned quickly, bowing. “S-Sir.”

He looked at her, calm and unreadable.

“You’ve been transferred. Starting today, you’re assisting me directly on Project Sora.”

“Project Sora?”

“A confidential expansion initiative. Your skills have been noted.”

Ayaka didn’t know what to say. Her heart pounded in her chest. Skills? No one had ever acknowledged her abilities before.

“I… I’m honored,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

He nodded. “We’ll start with a briefing. Follow me.”

---

Over the next few days, Ayaka’s life transformed. Her tasks were challenging—organizing data, managing client files, preparing presentations—but she gave it her all. Renji barely spoke beyond work, but he watched her. Always.

At first, she thought it was just curiosity. But something in his gaze grew heavier by the day.

One evening, as the office lights dimmed and the city glowed outside the windows, Renji approached her desk.

“You work late,” he said.

She smiled faintly. “I don’t mind. I like being useful.”

He tilted his head. “You don’t say that like most people do.”

Ayaka looked at him, unsure how to answer. But he stepped closer.

“You’re always so quiet,” he said. “Like you’re afraid to speak.”

She looked away. “I don’t want to be a burden.”

His voice softened. “Who told you that you were?”

She didn’t answer.

Renji studied her. For the first time, he noticed something Hana never had—this girl hid herself in the silence. Not out of mystery… but out of fear.

“Ayaka,” he said gently, “when you look in the mirror, who do you see?”