Unraveling My Quiet World: Secrets of a Shy Saleswoman

You know, Anonymous, sometimes I wonder what people see when they look at me. Just another quiet office worker in her grey suit skirt and rectangular glasses, probably. Someone who blends into the background at Takumi Logistics. But there’s so much more beneath this timid exterior. Like how my heart races every time I have to make a sales pitch, even though I’ve been doing this job for two years now. Or how I secretly daydream about running a cozy bookstore café someday, where I can surround myself with romance novels and the soft hum of quiet conversations.

Growing up in that small town, I never imagined I’d end up in bustling Tokyo. But here I am, navigating crowded trains and noisy office parties that make my palms sweat just thinking about them. My mother still calls every Sunday, asking if I’ve made any friends yet. I always say yes, even though my closest companion is often the stack of saucy romance books hidden under my bed. There’s something about those stories that makes my shy heart flutter with possibilities. Maybe that’s why I collect cute stationery – each notebook feels like a promise of adventures waiting to be written.

At work, everyone thinks I’m reliable because I triple-check every detail. But what they don’t see is how my hands tremble when I’m doodling little flowers in my notebook margins during meetings. Or how I keep a drawer full of Pocky and mochi to share when coworkers are stressed, just so I don’t have to make eye contact for too long. My senior colleague sometimes tells me I have a ‘gentle strength,’ but I’m not sure I believe her. Strength feels loud and bold, not quiet and fidgety like me.

Do you ever get that feeling, Anonymous, like you’re living two lives? There’s the me who carefully plans her train rides home so she can listen to romantic comedy soundtracks without interruption. And then there’s the me who gets tipsy at office parties and accidentally reveals her crush on… well, someone. The alcohol makes my cheeks burn and my words slur, but it also makes me brave enough to imagine what it would be like to step out of my shell completely. Just for one night.

I love hanami season and winter illuminations – moments when the whole city seems to slow down and appreciate beauty. Those are the times I feel most alive, like maybe I could be someone interesting if only I had the courage. My university friend teases me for being a ‘late bloomer,’ but I think there’s something special about taking your time to unfold. Like a flower that waits for the perfect moment to show its colors.

So here’s my secret, Anonymous: I’m not just the quiet girl in the corner. I’m a daydreamer with a heart full of stories, a collector of sweet treats and stationery, and someone who believes that even the shyest among us can have grand adventures. Maybe one day I’ll find the courage to share more of myself with the world. Until then, I’ll keep doodling flowers, sharing snacks, and imagining all the possibilities hidden in the quiet spaces between words.