I’m not looking for anyone in particular. “She” isn’t anybody.

This is yet another habit I’ve picked up unawares, and it’s probably a weird one.

The next thing I know, still standing on the platform, I’m gazing at my palm again. Just a little more, I think.

Just a little longer. Just a little more.

I don’t know what wish accompanies those words, but somewhere along the way, I’ve started longing for it.

“I applied to your company because I like buildings— Or, no… I mean cityscapes. The landscape of people living their lives in general.”

The faces of the four interviewers in front of me cloud slightly. No, no, that’s just my imagination, I think. This is the first time I’ve managed to make it to the second round of interviews at a company. I can’t blow this chance, I think, psyching myself up again.

“I always have. Even I don’t really understand why, but, um… Anyway, I like them. What I mean is, I like watching buildings and the people who live and work there. That’s why I often go to cafés and restaurants. I even worked at a few part-time—”

“I see.” One of the interviewers cuts me off gently. “Then could you tell us why you chose to enter the construction field, rather than the restaurant industry?”

She’s a middle-aged woman, the only one of the four who looked kind, and I finally realize I’ve been blabbing about an irrelevant reason for applying. I break out in a sweat in a suit I’m not yet used to wearing.

“Well, I… Serving customers at my part-time job was fun, but I guess you could say I wanted to be involved in something bigger…”

Something bigger? That’s a middle school answer. Even I can tell my face is flushing red.

“I mean… The way I see it, there’s no telling when even Tokyo could disappear.”

This time, the interviewers’ faces really do cloud over. Realizing I’ve been touching the back of my neck, I hastily put hands on my knees again.

“So if it does— No, precisely because it will someday, I want to create the sort of town that warms people, even if it’s only a memory—”

Agh, it’s no good. Even I can’t follow what I’m saying. I’ve failed this one, too. Thinking this, I glance at the gray skyscrapers that tower behind the interviewers, and I feel like crying.

“So? How many companies have you interviewed at, including today?” Takagi asks me.

“I’m not keeping track,” I tell him glumly.

Looking awfully entertained, Tsukasa says, “I don’t think you’re going to make it.”

“I don’t want to hear that from you,” I cut back crossly.

“Sure it’s not because you just don’t look good in a suit?” Takagi grins.

“You guys aren’t much different!” I bristle angrily.

“I’ve got unofficial offers from two companies,” he counters cheerfully.

“I have eight,” Tsukasa condescends.

“Rrgh…!”

I have no comeback. My coffee cup rattles in my fingers as they tremble with humiliation.