I'm 26 and I don't have a job. The reason? Yes, I went to college. Yes, I didn't flunk. I actually graduated cum laude, but damn those interviews. They always look like they're trying to know everything about me for a position that pays less than $10 an hour.
If that isn't clear by now, then you're an idiot—yes, I'm talking to you. I'm an introvert, and a terrible one at that. Where do I live? My mom's basement. No, literally. I'm just happy she doesn't charge me rent for this massive space.
My free time? I just read webnovels. Yes, I'm one of those guys who believes they are superior to manga.
What I'm currently reading? Uh, just a novel called, "My Step-Sister is Actually My Sister, But Wait, Haven't I Already Devirginized Her?" No, it's not just smut—there's a complex and intriguing story surrounding it, the way the MC interacts with his sister and all that...
...Fuck it, who am I kidding? Yes, it's just smut. Who cares anyway?
Yes, I know I'm cooked, but things are actually going to change. No, literally. I found a job that doesn't require me to do an interview.
What is it? Don't laugh, and I know it sounds strange for me to go for it—but a train operator position sounds nice. Hear me out: they said I just need a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and I have one in Mechanical Engineering, which is way above that. And what does a train have that I lack? People. Being on a train with people, even if I'm just driving it, is still a step forward in the right direction.
I know I've been talking a lot without even introducing myself. I know that's impolite, so I'm going to change that. I'm Liam Johnson, and if you've been paying attention, you should already know a lot about me.
My walk to the New Wake City Department of Transportation building was like any other walk, wait what were you expecting—some supernatural event that would turn my life around and shoot me to the top of the world? Then you're fucking wrong.
The building was large and somewhat luxurious for a public office, a clear show of how corrupt the city officials must be.
I quickly approached a desk with the tag, 'Secretary.' It was a bold move for me, I will be talking to someone new for the first time in a while. How long had it been since I saw a fresh face? Two months? Four? Damn, I really am cooked.
"Hey, why are you just staring?" the secretary asked. She was anything but ugly. Her boobs—yes, her boobs—were the first thing I noticed. They were large.
I immediately turned my face away, blushing. I realized I had been staring at them for too long and had to look away before I came off as a pervert.
"No need to fluster yourself. I get a lot of boob stares lately," she said, with a deadpan expression on her face. "Can't blame them, though. They are massive."
"I... I wasn't looking at them," I stammered. It was a foolish thing to say when she'd just admitted she didn't mind people staring.
"Don't play smart with me, sir. I saw your eyes, and I get a lot of that daily, so I know when someone is looking," she countered.
"Anyway, if you're here about the recent job listing, visit the office tagged 'Hiring Office.'"
"Thanks," was all I managed, ending the conversation.
Without wasting any time, I quickly went through all the tags on the doors on the lower floor until I found the 'Hiring Office.'
KNOCK!
After a gentle but audible knock, the person inside requested for me to come in, and I quickly obeyed.
"Please take a seat," he said, gesturing with his hand.
With a head bow, I sat down and turned to face the man. He was a clean-cut, middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair and a perpetually tired look that suggested he'd been dealing with bureaucratic nonsense for decades.
'I hope this isn't a prelude to an interview,' I thought while seating down. "Um, sir, I read that there wouldn't be any interviews for this job listing."
"Yes, there won't be. I just need your documents, and we are done."
"Okay," I said, handing him a file full of my papers.
He quickly opened it and glanced through the documents. He went into shock, he was literally surprised. I'm sure he was wondering why someone so extremely qualified would be applying for a job as a train operator.
"What is this? Do you find this funny? You do know that this job is for a train operator."
I simply nodded. I had already said enough and didn't want to increase my anxiety.
"You graduated cum laude in Mechanical Engineering from a prestigious university. I see you're one of those people who like to follow their dreams, but I see no reason why a young man like you would be dreaming of becoming a train operator."
"Anyway, you are overqualified for this position. Usually, I wouldn't be giving you the job, but then again, it's your dream, not mine. Fuck it, why not? You have the job."
"Congratulations, and I hope you truly enjoy operating a train for nine hours straight, because in this city, our trains run till 3 in the morning. That means you'll be handling the late shift."
To spare you the boredom, after securing the job, the main hurdle was learning to operate a train. Given my background in engineering, I was ready to start driving in just two months.
After two months of grilling, later in evening, I arrived at the train station's operating place. It was 6 o'clock. I quickly changed into the driving uniform, a heavy jacket and cap, and headed out to the platform. Everyone had gotten off at their last stops. I entered the driving seat just as the early shift driver stepped out.
I drove the train to the next stop to begin my route. As the doors slid open and the platform lights flickered, passengers began to enter the train.