An application trial with a partner?

A week later, Hans was trialing at the Aphrodite office.

It was a small one. Clean and compact, the place looked efficient.

Hans didn't mind. The job already suited his needs. Flexible hours, the work-from-anywhere option, and the bonus of working alongside a beautiful girl.

Well, at least for the duration of his trial period.

https://www.deviantart.com/harrisw/art/Kokoro-810360245

"Sorry I'm late! Here's the list of flower boutiques on the island and their service rates!" The dark-haired blossom apologized while handing a list one late morning.

"Still within good time, I've managed to get us an designer for the event theme." Hans told his stressed partner.

"Really?!" She gasped in delight.

Kokoro, another employee under Elise. The girl joined the company a few months before he did. She was a performer, skilled in the art of dance. Calling her a blossom was an understatement, Kokoro was like spring herself.

A girl in full bloom.

"You're really saving this party. Without you I don't think we could've gotten this far." Kokoro smiled.

"Working with what little I have is my specialty. It doesn't help that they were giving us a small budget." Hans grumbled.

Figuratively and literally. Hans made sure to put effort into his other skills all for the sake of his dream.

"How do you do it?" Kokoro rounded on him interestedly. "You somehow get them to agree with a small budget."

"It's give and take. In return for this small favor, I promise to save their number and come back to them for the next event I'm helping with. Gives them more business later. It also gives me connections so that I can ask for their help on small budget events again." He explained.

"That's...amazing."

"If we keep working, we can finish ahead of schedule. Let's keep going." Hans was getting motivated to keep pushing. This was his chance to prove himself.

Also, it was to impress his second target. As they say...

"Love begins in a moment, grows over time, and lasts forever."

While it wasn't love, connections were how relationships started.