Agent glared behind his shades as he watched Victim converse with another stick, wearing his usual smirk that implied he had them wrapped around his finger. Agent narrowed his eyes before turning away, catching Primal's gaze, who had been staring at him for quite some time.

"What is it now?" Agent asked, his voice tinged with annoyance, as Primal smirked, her lips upturned and eyes creasing. "Nothing... Are you, perhaps, jealous?" she teased, drawing the attention of Ballista and Hazard, who were focused on Victim.

"Did I hear jealous?" Ballista looked up excitedly as Agent flushed, his cheeks heating up as Primal gazed down at him with a smirk.

"Where did you get that assumption?" Agent muttered, looking back at Victim, whose shoulders were shaking with laughter. 'If only I could make him laugh like that,' Agent thought, his brow furrowed as he watched the grey hollowhead place a hand on the orange hollowhead's shoulder.

"I don't understand why you should be jealous; that kid is like a brother to the boss," Ballista mused, tilting his head as Hazard nodded in agreement. "I am not jealous," Agent retorted, giving them a sharp glare. "Agent is just jealous because he doesn't know how to make the boss laugh like Second does," Primal laughed behind her fist as Agent turned to her, considering whether he should just fly her over the ocean and toss her in.

Ballista let out an "oooooh" as Agent clenched his fist. "Watch your words, Primal. I do not like being slandered," Agent hissed, while Primal simply winked and said, "Whatever you say."

Agent grumbled under his breath, clearly frustrated by the banter.

"Agent, you do not have to stay while I do my work, you know," Victim remarked, his eyes still focused on the papers he was reading. Beside him, standing, Agent froze, blinking for a moment before turning to Victim. "It's fine," he said, thankful his voice didn't shake. He always did get a bit nervous when he talked back to Victim.

"Hm," Victim hummed. For a moment, Agent was nervous. It was hard to distinguish what kind of hum it was. Was it a disappointed hum? Was Victim disappointed in him? Surely not, he's literally just standing there! Is it possible for someone to be disappointed in you for standing in a wrong way? (Agent unconsciously fixes his posture).

"Agent, I can hear your thoughts. Take a break, go out, and get some fresh air," Victim said, his voice bored, as Agent shook himself out of his stupor. "It's fine," Agent cleared his throat, hiding his face behind his fist as he looked away. Victim sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and turning to Agent with a glare.

"Well, it's not fine by me. I can't handle you looming over my shoulder, so get out," Victim sighed, and Agent's eyes widened.

Agent stifled the disappointment and the slight ache in his chest before nodding. "Of course. Call me when you need me, sir," Agent said as he walked out of the room, closing the door slowly. He watched Victim look back down at his papers, appearing much more comfortable than before.

Agent frowned before shutting the door with a small click.

He let out a small sigh before turning to the hallway, where he saw multiple stick figures walking about, conversing with each other, some rushing to get to their stations.

"Hey Agent! Looks like you've got some free time," Ballista cheered, holding two cups of coffee, with Hazard waving an arm beside him. "Ballista," Agent acknowledged with a nod, his expression remaining unchanged as Ballista pouted.

"Can't you even act happy I'm here?" the smaller stick whined before handing the other coffee cup to Agent, who accepted it gladly. "I am happy," Agent replied, taking a sip of his coffee and nodding at Ballista. Ballista then turned to Hazard, laughing.

"That's your happy face?" Ballista pointed at Agent, who raised a brow. "It is," Agent replied, taking another sip. Hazard shook his head as Ballista sighed. "No wonder the boss calls you boring. You don't even know how to show any other expression, aside from... well, that," Ballista gave Agent a pointed look.

Agent frowned, his brow furrowing in discomfort.

"I see," he said, hiding his frown behind his cup as he took a drink. "Ah, don't feel so discouraged. The boss likes you a lot. Did you know there's a billboard on the first floor where anyone can stick notes?" Ballista's voice dropped into a whisper.

"Okay," Agent responded, leaning a little lower as Ballista grinned. "There's a question there about who is the boss's favorite mercenary. And there was another note there, almost the same as the boss's handwriting, saying it was you!" Ballista hopped excitedly as Agent leaned back, his expression unchanging as ever.

"Right," Agent deadpanned. As if that would happen. It was most likely some other employee trying to replicate Victim's handwriting. Because if Victim clearly liked him, surely that would also be evident in his presence.

Agent sighed, crumpling the cup and tossing it towards the trash can.

"My shift has ended; I'm going to my room," Agent stated, trying to hide his disappointment as he walked past Ballista and Hazard. "Eh? Seriously? I thought the boss would need you more today? It's only 2 PM! Shifts don't end until later, at 9," Ballista asked as Agent stopped, letting out a deep sigh (possibly sounding a little disappointed).

"We're not really needed anymore," Agent explained, turning back to Hazard and Ballista, who both pouted. "That's mean," Ballista said as Hazard nodded, looking offended himself. Agent pinched the bridge of his nose. "I meant we no longer have missions where we need to hunt Chosen. We're already past that," Agent clarified as Ballista scratched the back of his head.

"I still like working here though. You also do, right?" Ballista pouted, clasping his hands together and giving Agent a pleading look. "Of course," Agent muttered, turning around and walking away again.

"Looks like he's sad," Ballista mused as they watched Agent observing the other sticks at work. His face remained as unreadable as ever, but if you looked closely, his brow was slightly furrowed and his lips were pulled into a frown. "He is," Primal groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose and letting out an annoyed sigh.

"I like the boss, but sometimes he's just so bad at showing that he really likes Agent," Primal mumbled, and Hazard nodded in agreement. "I mean, honestly? The boss doesn't call for us much anymore, aside from helping around or delegating tasks to other workers," Ballista tapped his chin.

"Right, and I think Agent is taking it a bit harder than all of us. I mean, I like relaxing, no more chasing Chosen around, kicking kids around, you know," Primal shrugged as Hazard snickered. "Agreed, but it's kind of like the boss is throwing us away, no?" Ballista added as Primal nodded.

"Yeah, that," Primal agreed as Hazard let out a sad sigh, slumping forward, and Ballista patted his knee.

"I like how everything is a bit slow though; we get to hang out more," Ballista said, his lips forming a grin. "Me too," Primal smiled, and Hazard perked up, raising his hand excitedly and nodding as well. "But I think Agent is just used to moving fast and following orders, I guess?" Primal shrugged as Ballista tapped his chin, humming in thought.

"Not that maybe, maybe it's the fact he gets to be around the boss at all times. Now Agent doesn't really have much reason to stay beside the boss," Ballista pouted as Primal's face fell. "Ouch," Primal rubbed her cheek as they all focused back on Agent, who was still watching the other workers intently.

"Maybe we should do something about it," Primal suddenly said after a long pause.

"Like what?" Ballista turned to her with a raised brow, and Hazard also looked at her with a tilted head. "How about we try pushing them together? Let's play cupid!" Primal grinned excitedly as Ballista's eyes widened. "Hell yeah!" He cheered, pumping his fist up in the air.

"This is a new mission for us mercs," Primal drew them in, all three of their faces almost touching as she whispered.

"This has to work, right? We have to pull Agent out of his funk. I don't like seeing him sad and depressed," Ballista pouted as Primal gave him a determined grin. "It has to work. We all know the boss likes Agent; everyone knows at this point, and somehow Agent doesn't see it," Primal sighed, rolling her eyes as Hazard gave them a thumbs up, nodding furiously.

"So what's the plan?" Ballista asked as Primal smirked. "We'll get help from the orange kid, of course," she said as both Ballista and Hazard's eyes widened.

Agent came to a stop when he saw Victim at the end of the hallway, engaged in a phone conversation. Victim's voice was slightly lower than usual, making it difficult for Agent to eavesdrop. Nevertheless, he decided to slow his pace slightly as he walked towards Victim.

"Okay, okay, fine, I'll go there when I have the time, Second. I'm a busy man," Victim groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, alright, bye," Victim responded before pocketing his phone. He glanced around the hallway and noticed Agent staring at him, walking extremely slowly.

Shaking himself from his stupor, Agent briskly walked over to Victim. "Hello, good morning," Agent greeted, handing Victim a cup of coffee that he had brewed for the grey hollowhead. "Good morning, Agent, and thank you," Victim smiled as Agent hid his face behind his cup, taking a sip of his own coffee.

Victim let out a satisfied hum as he took a sip from his cup, nodding at Agent. "This is good," Victim smiled, while Agent only stared back at him, his expression unchanged, prompting the grey hollowhead to chuckle.

"What's wrong?" Agent asked, sounding slightly confused, as Victim wiped a tear from his eye. "Nothing, nothing. It's quite funny how your face never changes. Tell me, Agent, do you experience happiness, or are you forever stuck in that expression?" Victim teased, as Agent stared back at him, blinking repeatedly behind his shades, unsure how to respond.

Happiness? Agent thought as he pondered. Well, he does experience happiness a lot of times, especially when he's around Victim and the other mercenaries. He may not smile much, but he enjoyed their presence. Has he not been showing— Agent was then shaken out of his stupor when Victim patted his shoulder, laughing.

"I was only kidding, Agent, no need to think about it so much," Victim laughed, his shoulders shaking with mirth. Agent took another sip from his cup, relishing the warm hand on his shoulder before letting out a small breath of disappointment when Victim broke away from him.

"I know you were kidding," Agent said, but Victim let out a snort, waving a hand. "I can hear your thoughts from a mile away. Anyways, I'm leaving the corp to you. Second wants me to come to the PC," Victim said, turning away from Agent. Agent frowned and followed after Victim, who had already started walking away.

"Of course," Agent mumbled, his footsteps silent against the loud tapping of Victim's heels. "Do you have any problems with it?" Victim asked, turning to Agent, who simply shook his head silently. "Hm," Victim narrowed his eyes, and Agent raised a brow in response.

"Second personally invited you to come with me, but now I'm having second thoughts... no pun intended." Victim shot Agent a glance, his expression faltering slightly when he received no response. The grey hollowhead merely rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.

"Do you still want to join me?" Victim asked, turning to Agent once more, who nodded silently. "If it's okay with you, I am your bodyguard after all," Agent remarked as Victim sighed.

"You're not my bodyguard, I don't need one, and you know that," Victim raised an eyebrow as Agent simply gazed ahead, offering no reply. "Well, then, I suppose we can entrust the corporation to the other mercenaries. I have faith in them that I won't return to find everything in ruins... I hope," Victim gave Agent a meaningful look.

"You can trust them," Agent affirmed, his tone serious, to which Victim smirked. "Good," he replied.

"Vic!" Second exclaimed, embracing Victim tightly, who returned the hug, giving the orange hollowhead's back a gentle pat. "Hello, Second," Victim greeted with a slight smile. Second took a step back and pouted. "Just 'Sec' is fine! I call you 'Vic' for cursor's sake," Second whined, prompting Victim to chuckle. "Alright, Sec," Victim laughed before Second turned to Agent, waving his hands excitedly.

"You're here too! Fantastic!" Second said enthusiastically, taking hold of Victim's hand and Agent's hand, pulling them along. Agent and Victim exchanged a look as they were dragged to a table with two chairs on the opposite sides.

"Sit down!" Second demanded, pushing them into their seats. Victim raised a brow at him, while Agent remained silent, placing his hands on his lap, already anticipating Second's intentions.

Agent glanced at the red fabric draping the table, the flickering candle, and the plates set before them. "Of course," he thought, observing Second chatting with Victim before dashing off somewhere with an excited giggle.

Victim smirked, turning to Agent and placing his hands on the table. Before he could say anything, Agent leapt over the table, pulling Victim away from a large falling object that crashed through the table and the desktop floor behind them. Agent held Victim in his arms, both of them staring at the wreckage.

"Creators above!" Victim yelped, standing with Agent's assistance as they gazed at the wrecked table, glancing upward to see Yellow and Red peering down from their floating base, wearing apologetic expressions.

"What the hell?!" Second exclaimed, rushing towards them, his gaze shifting from the ruined table to Yellow and Red, his teeth clenched. "It's alright, Sec. Agent managed to move me out of harm's way before it could even fall on us," Victim reassured as Agent continued to observe Yellow and Red, who were engaged in a heated discussion above, his expression turning into a frown.

Yellow and Red hurried down to them, approaching Victim and Agent, rubbing the back of their necks as they both spoke at once, attempting to apologize to the grey hollowhead simultaneously.

Victim chuckled, "How about we discuss the dangers of your actions over on the side?" he suggested, narrowing his eyes at Yellow and Red. The two nodded vigorously, entangled in their apologies, as Victim took charge and led them away for a conversation, leaving Second and Agent by the broken table.

"Aw man... To think Primal even trusted me with this," Second muttered to himself, scratching his head forlornly. Agent glanced back at him and sighed.

Startled, Second realized Agent was still beside him. "I-I mean!" Second began before Agent cut in, "It's alright," he said shortly, causing Second's eyes to widen. "So, you do know how to talk!" Second exclaimed happily, but Agent simply stared at him, nodding before turning to where Victim was giving Yellow and Red a stern talking-to.

"Uh... technically, Primal asked me to arrange a meeting for you all here in the PC, and well... I suppose that didn't go as planned. I should have chosen a safer and quieter spot," Second sighed, running a hand through his hair, while Agent gently patted his head.

"It's okay," Agent reassured as Second sulked. "Why not just ask Vic out?" Second suggested, crossing his arms. Agent turned to him, a visible frown creasing his features. "I can't do that," Agent replied, causing Second's expression to fall. "Why not? You like him, and he likes you," Second reasoned, gesturing with his hand as Agent raised an eyebrow.

"He doesn't like me," Agent stated, prompting a disbelieving look from Second.

"Seriously?" Second deadpanned, as Agent simply hummed, dropping his hands to his sides, tucking them into his pockets.

"Ugh, this is what Primal keeps saying. You keep denying the truth. Vic does like you! He always brings you up when talking about his life and work," Second groaned, observing as Agent blushed, avoiding eye contact.

"I played a significant role in abducting all of you, so of course, I'm always part of the story," Agent explained, swallowing hard, still avoiding Second's gaze, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

"Uh..." Second hesitated, feeling the urge to march up to Victim and urge him to ask Agent out. "I swear..." Second groaned, dropping his head into his hands in frustration.

"Second," Agent's voice turned stern as he faced Second, his expression serious. "Please refrain from this behavior. What you're doing goes against our contract; Victim cannot develop romantic feelings for any of his employees," Agent explained, causing Second's eyes to widen. "Oh..." Second frowned, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's not healthy to indulge in fantasies, Second. It will only lead to pain in the end," Agent advised, his voice softening as he looked away, a hint of disappointment on his face.

"But..." Second began, only to freeze when Agent turned back to him, his expression tight. "Alright, I understand. I'll stop indulging in fantasies," Second grinned, trying to lighten the mood. Agent let out a sigh, "I've given up hope anyway," he muttered under his breath as he walked away.

Second frowned as he watched Agent walk over to Victim, positioning himself behind him rather than beside him. "Man," Second sighed, crossing his arms before pulling out his phone and dialing Primal's number.

"Well, that was enjoyable, wasn't it?" Victim laughed, turning to see Agent nodding silently behind him. "Oh, come on, you didn't have any fun? Geez, Agent, you're becoming more and more dull every day," Victim teased, waving a hand dismissively before turning back around, leaving Agent frowning.

"You need to work on your expressions and responses, Agent. You have to learn to smile. In all the years I've known you, I don't think I've ever seen you smile," Victim remarked, smirking.

Agent briefly touched his cheek before dropping his hand, silently agreeing with Victim's observation.

"I guess im quite boring, honestly," Agent thought to himself as he followed after Victim. What Victim pointed out was true; Agent was indeed dull, but his prowess in combat made up for his lack of verbal engagement. After all, who needs words when you're skilled in battle?

Agent suppressed a sigh, his mind swirling with thoughts. Perhaps he truly needed to address this aspect of himself. If he wasn't required for combat anymore, would Victim discard him if he found him too uninteresting or stagnant? The other mercenaries boasted diverse and captivating personalities, far more engaging than his own.

While his combat skills surpassed theirs, in terms of being engaging or interesting, he felt he lagged far behind. He was at rock bottom in that regard.

"What's on your mind, Agent?" Victim's voice interrupted his contemplation, causing Agent to halt his thoughts as Victim slowed his pace, now walking beside him.

Agent's eyes narrowed as he tentatively stepped back, but Victim just rolled his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Didn't I tell you to stop walking behind me? I want you right here, beside me," Victim remarked, grabbing Agent's arm and pulling him close.

Agent felt a rush of warmth at the sudden proximity and the lingering touch of Victim's hand on his arm.

"You know... I know that Second was trying to turn this into a date," Victim chuckled, causing Agent to turn towards him in surprise. "What? You didn't notice? The setup looks quite romantic, with only two chairs, just for the two of us," Victim laughed, covering his mouth to stifle his amusement as Agent let out a sigh.

"I apologize if it made you uncomfortable," Agent muttered, but Victim waved it off. "It's fine. If it made Second happy, I don't mind a pretend date," Victim chuckled, his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

However, Agent couldn't hide the frown on his face as he looked away, trying to conceal the disappointment weighing on his chest. Pretend.....huh?