Chapter 254

Kazuo slowed his pace, stuffing one hand into his pocket while the other scratched at the stubble on his chin.

"So," he said, cutting through the awkward silence as they walked down the hallway, "why Japan? I mean, you're clearly not here for the sushi and cherry blossoms."

Gwen laughed, like someone who'd asked her this question a hundred times before.

"I could give you some polished answer about cultural fascination or wanting to challenge myself professionally," she said. "But honestly? It's simple. I wanted to work somewhere different from where I grew up."

"Fair enough. But you've gotta know what you're signing up for here, right?" He gestured around them as they passed a row of desks piled high with papers and abandoned coffee cups. "Japan's work culture isn't exactly known for being... let's say chill."