Aidan had been thinking a lot about what Cian had told him during the TME program. The words kept echoing in his mind, tugging at something deeper inside him. It wasn't just advice—it felt like something he truly needed to hear.
For days, he found himself scrolling through countless articles about the Mazon Corporation. He read testimonies from workers, from new recruits to those who had been with the company for decades. The stories weren't just about high salaries, but about a work environment where people actually felt valued. There were accounts of humanitarian projects, health benefits, education support, and even community outreach programs.
The more he read, the more the difference between Mazon and his past experience with the Zonic Group became clear. Zonic had never truly treated him well. They saw him as a tool—useful, but disposable. Mazon was different. Mazon seemed to see people as people.
By the time he reached the last page of an article about Mazon's overseas medical relief program, he leaned back in his chair, sighing. Cian was right.
He closed his laptop and made the decision—he was going to join the Mazon Corporation.
⸻
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Cian sat on the balcony of his small apartment, gazing at the evening sky. He had already submitted his resignation letter, and it had been accepted. He still remembered his boss's expression—Paul's warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he heard the news.
"Cian, you are going to greater places," Paul had said, sounding almost like a proud father. "I'm just so happy we were able to train a shining star that will stand out. Go be a better person, and make me proud."
Paul had always been like family to him at the Jason Group. Leaving felt bittersweet. A part of him almost wanted to stay just for Paul's sake. But instead of making things harder, Paul encouraged him.
Cian took a deep breath of the cool night air. Tomorrow will be a big day for me, he thought. I actually hope Aidan will consider what I said. Then, maybe… we'll be colleagues.
⸻
It was Thursday morning.
Cian had already attended his interview earlier in the day. Everything went smoothly—more smoothly than he'd expected. By the afternoon, he received a call.
"Hello?" Ivan's voice came through when he picked up.
"Hi," Cian replied.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How was the interview?"
"It was fine… actually, I got the job."
"What?!" Ivan chuckled. "Well, you already had that job in the bag, so it's not surprising."
"Really, but still… I achieved this with my words and my talents."
"See you on Braged," Ivan teased. "Oh, by the way—thanks. As soon as you left, your post was given to me. So it's a win-win for all of us."
Congratulations! Cian said.
Ivan laughed. "I'm free tomorrow, so how about I come over with some snacks, we play video games, and celebrate your victory?"
"Okay," Cian replied. "I'll be expecting you then. I won't resume until Monday. And make sure to bring enough snacks.
⸻
The next day, very early in the morning, Ivan arrived at Cian's apartment carrying several bags filled with chips, cookies, and bottles of soda.
They started with racing games, gripping their controllers tightly as their on-screen cars screeched around corners. The air was filled with the sound of roaring engines, clicking buttons, and the occasional triumphant shout when one of them overtook the other.
At one point, Cian leaned forward, his eyes narrowed in focus, thumbs moving in a blur. "You're not beating me this time!" he declared.
Ivan grinned, completely unfazed. "We'll see about that!"
The tension rose as they sped toward the finish line, digital tires squealing, the crowd roaring through the TV speakers. And then—victory.
"Ha! Yes!" Ivan threw his hands in the air, almost spilling a can of soda in the process. "Bow before your champion!"
Cian rolled his eyes and grabbed another snack. "Enjoy your moment. The next race is mine."
They moved from game to game—shooters, puzzles, even a silly party game that had them laughing so hard they almost fell off the couch. The room was warm with the energy of shared fun, the sunlight streaming in through the half-open blinds.
For a moment, neither of them thought about work, interviews, or the changes ahead. It was just two friends, a pile of snacks, and a day that felt easy and good.
⸻
By the time the afternoon sun began to dip, the snacks were nearly gone, and the laughter had softened into quiet conversation. They talked about Cian's first day on Monday, what kind of people he might meet, and whether Aidan would actually join them at Mazon.
Cian didn't say it out loud, but he hoped—deep down—that the next time he sat in an office, Aidan would be there too.
Because some victories feel better when you don't win them alone.