I leaned back in the leather chair, fingers drumming absently against the polished desk as the morning sun flooded my office through the wide glass windows. Mondays were usually predictable — meetings, deadlines, and endless paperwork. But today, something different was on the agenda: the arrival of a new intern.

It wasn’t unusual to have students from the university apply here. Most of them were ambitious, eager to impress, and gone by the end of the semester. Still, I made it a point to meet each one personally. If they were going to work under my company’s name, I needed to know what kind of person they were.

The intercom buzzed softly.

“Mr. Choi, the intern from the architecture program is here.”

“Send her in,” I replied, straightening my jacket.

The door opened after a short knock. A young woman stepped inside, her posture a careful mix of nerves and determination. She looked younger than I expected — which made sense, she was still a student — but there was something sharp in her gaze, like she was already studying the structure of the office.

“Silvers Kaori, I presume?” I asked, rising to my feet.

“Yes, sir,” she replied, bowing politely before meeting my eyes again.

Her voice was steady, but I could see the subtle tension in her shoulders. First days could be overwhelming, especially in a place like this. I gestured for her to sit.

“I’m Choi Pilwon, CEO. You’ll be working closely with the architecture and interior design team, but I like to meet all new interns personally. It gives me a sense of who’s joining us.”

She nodded, clutching a neatly organized folder on her lap.

“I’ve read your application. You’re studying architecture and interior design at the local university. Top of your class, apparently.”

A faint blush colored her cheeks. “I… I work hard, sir.”

I allowed a small smile. “Good. You’ll need that here. This isn’t a classroom. We don’t hand out praise for effort alone — we reward results. But don’t misunderstand me; we also value potential. And from what I’ve seen, you have plenty.”

She blinked, perhaps surprised by the directness. Most people were.

I glanced at the wall clock. “Your first assignment is simple. You’ll shadow the design team as they finalize plans for our upcoming residential project. Don’t just take notes — observe, ask questions, challenge ideas if you see a better solution. You’re not here to make coffee.”

Her expression brightened a little at that. Good. I preferred interns who were sharp and willing to engage, not timid shadows.

“One more thing,” I added, folding my arms. “This company is built on precision. Mistakes happen, but carelessness is unforgivable. Understand?”

“Yes, sir. I understand,” she replied firmly.

I nodded, satisfied. There was something refreshing about her presence — earnest yet unpolished, like a blueprint waiting to be developed.

As she stood to leave, I caught myself wondering how she’d adapt to the fast pace here. Internships had a way of changing people. Some cracked under pressure. Others… surprised me.

“Kaori,” I called before she reached the door. She turned, wide-eyed.

“Welcome to the company. Make the most of this chance. Opportunities don’t wait forever.”

Her answering smile was small but sincere. “I will, Mr. Choi.”

As the door closed behind her, I exhaled slowly. Something told me this internship might not be as ordinary as I’d expected.