First Impression
492 Words
The Scotland Group building was even bigger in real life.
Zayn stood outside for a second, staring up at the glass tower disappearing into the cloudy morning sky.
People in expensive suits walked in and out like they belonged there.
He didn’t.
Not really.
His grip tightened around the folder in his hand.
“Okay,” he whispered to himself. “You can do this.”
The moment he stepped inside, cold air brushed against his skin.
Everything looked polished. Marble floors. Gold details. Quiet conversations. The kind of place where even breathing too loudly felt wrong.
Zayn approached the reception desk nervously.
“Good morning,” the receptionist said politely. “Name?”
“Zayn Malik. I’m here for the interview.”
Before she could answer, another voice spoke behind him.
“You’re late.”
The voice was deep. Calm.
Cold.
Zayn turned quickly.
The man standing there looked unfairly perfect in a black suit, dark eyes fixed directly on him. Sharp features. Expensive watch. Expression unreadable.
Definitely intimidating.
Zayn straightened immediately. “I’m actually ten minutes early.”
The stranger glanced at the clock on the wall.
Then back at him.
“…Hm.”
Awkward silence settled between them.
Zayn assumed he was another interviewer or maybe one of the senior staff members.
The man looked him over slowly, almost calculating.
“You’re here for the assistant position?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“And you still came despite the rumors?”
Zayn blinked. “Rumors?”
“The CEO.” The man’s voice remained flat. “People say he’s cold. Difficult. Ruthless.”
There was something strange about the way he said it.
Like he was testing him.
Zayn shifted his folder slightly.
“Well…” he said carefully, “I don’t think it’s fair to judge people based on rumors.”
For the first time, the man’s expression changed slightly.
Barely.
“Oh?”
Zayn nodded softly. “Most people exaggerate things because they’re upset or intimidated. I’d rather form my own opinion after meeting someone myself.”
Silence.
The stranger stared at him longer this time.
Too long.
“And if the rumors are true?” he asked quietly.
Zayn smiled a little.
“Then I’ll survive the interview and decide afterward.”
Something flickered in the man’s eyes.
A reaction.
Small, but noticeable.
And suddenly, he looked away.
Fast.
His jaw tightened slightly as his gaze dropped for half a second toward Zayn’s mouth before immediately shifting elsewhere.
“…Interesting,” he muttered.
Zayn frowned slightly.
Was this man okay?
The receptionist suddenly straightened nervously.
“G-Good morning, Mr. Cole.”
The world stopped.
Zayn’s eyes widened slowly.
Mr. Cole?
As in—
Adrian Cole turned back toward him, expression cold once again.
“You’ll follow me,” he said shortly before walking toward the elevators without another glance.
Zayn stood frozen for two full seconds.
Oh.
Oh, this was going to be a disaster.
- Writer
