Chapter Text
You need this job. You need this job. You need this job. You need this job. You need this job.
This is literally what was running through Protag’s mind the entirety of the two months he’d been working at the office. After that interviewer, handed him that key he thought he was finally free. But alas, that joy was short lived. Just like that poor rat.
He sighed as he slumped down in his poorly constructed chair as he continued to press keys on his keyboard as he was prompted. This might just be worst job he has ever had. First he had to deal with that awful coworker, what was his name again? Bryce? Clayton? Chase? Eh, does it really ever matter? He was an awful guy to be stuck with in that revolting elevator.
Speaking of that elevator. Ooooh that elevator, the bane of his measly existence. Every time he entered the building he tried to not let his eyes wander to it. It was hard to believe that he was stuck in this heinous job but it was even harder to let himself think about what happened in that elevator. No no no no, no. His coworker didn’t remember anything. He was NOT thinking about it. Him stabbing his coworker. Nope, not happening. Floor 4. Not happeni-
“What’s got you using all of your brain power? This job isn’t exactly… hmmm, requiring you to use all of your brain, at least I hope it’s not using all of that space up there.” His coworker teased as he flicked his forehead. Not this guy again, he thought as he slumped farther down in his chair.
“You know I think we should hangout more, hmmmm?” He exclaimed then he gestured feebly at Protag, “I just feel like we’ve never really had anytime to really get to know each other.”
I wonder why that is, it’s almost like you never listen to what I have to say. “What do you need?” Protag questioned as he swung around to face his coworker. “I know your not talking to me without a purpose in mind.” He then pointed at his coworker, “What do you really want?”
His coworker (Bryce?) gave him a startled look before recovering, “Well I guess you do have a few brain cells up there!” He held his hands in defeat, “I guess caught me there so I will reveal my secret to you soon. But can you guess what the thing I am keeping from you-”
“You know you can just, you know, tell me what you want from me?” Protag deadpanned.
Bryce didn’t seem to notice and continued on “Well you see, it’s a bit of a funny story. I was invited to an invite only event at an art museum I so graciously donate to.” He combed his hair back in a feeble attempt to wrangle it. “It’s quite the exclusive event you know? Actually, I don’t think you would know since people with your… socioeconomic status, don’t get invited.” He gestured at Protag.
“What”
“All I’m saying is that this is an extraordinary offer. One that would have to be crazy to decline.” Bryce boasted. “You could gain connections and get the chance to move up in the world! You could get a new apartment! Lord knows you need a new one. It’s location is awful and like an hour ride away on, hurkk, public transportation.”
Protag just stared at him, dumbfounded. “Why do you know so much about my daily commute? And my apartment?”
For the second time that day his coworker looked a little startled and he paused before continuing. “Well that’s not the important part of this conversation.” He effortlessly brushed off the accusation. “The whole point is that I, yes I, your amazing handsome, senior coworker, require your assistance.”
“You need my help?” Protag gave him a weird look before he remarked,“I thought you were supposed to be the all knowing one.”
“Well you see, knowledge can’t solve everything. Sometimes you need other people to help you solve your problems. As my mom always said ‘Two minds are better than one-’” Bryce continued his awful lecture.
Protag mumbled, “I’m pretty sure that is a saying everyone says.” He was beginning to wonder if his coworker would ever stop talking. Unfortunately Bryce didn’t show any signs of stopping his lecture.
“Ahm, well you see I require your help. At the art museum I mentioned earlier, I believe it’s named something to do with Saturn? Well it doesn’t really matter…” Bryce trailed off before exclaiming, “Whoops I think I was getting a bit off track there. The thing is I need you to do is attend a few museum events with me.”
The intern blurted out, “You want me to what.” Why in the world was his coworker asking him to do this? He’s probably the least social person in the whole office building. There were so many other people that he could’ve asked to do this with him.
His coworker continued on as if he hadn’t even said anything. “It’ll just be once or twice so don’t worry about it taking too much time or anything. I just need you to show up to make me lo— urm, I mean to just keep up appearances you know? Can’t have people think I have no life outside of work.” He stated while brushing his hair back.
“I’m literally only talked to you while I’m at work.” Protag commented. How was him showing up supposed to show that his coworker had a social life? This guy might be the one that needs help, not him.
“Well I don’t see any reason for you to decline so I’ll expect you to be at this address promptly at 5 this Saturday.” Bryce stated as he handed a slip of paper to the intern. He looked Protag up and down before stating, “And please wear something respectable that a normal human would wear.” He then turned on his heel and began walking to his office.
What. A. Guy.
“Hey!” Protag called out but his coworker didn’t seem to hear, or at the bare minimum, acknowledge him. “Wait! I didn’t even agree to this!” His coworker still didn’t seem to hear him. “Hey! Wait a second!” He got up and ran after him, out of breath Protag stated, “I’m not agreeing to your plan.” He crossed his arms. “It’s not happening.”
That finally got Bryce to turn around, “What.” This was the first time he had heard his confident coworker sound so flabbergasted, but he quickly recovered before giving a counteroffer, “Ahm, well since the possible benefits from my amazing offer didn’t entice you I supposed I can sweeten the pot.” He leaned over the shorter man, “I’ll give you another chance to agree first though. You can’t seriously expect me to just give in like that.”
Protag didn’t realize he was backing up until he hit the wall. He didn’t say anything else though. Maybe if he acted less scared then he was his coworker would give up on this silly idea of his. His coworker continued to look down on him as if he was trying to will him into giving in via brain waves or something. This standstill continued for a solid few minutes as neither party was willing to give in.
This isn’t going anywhere anyways and the intern knew he had to do something unless he wanted to be roped into this extremely weird arrangement with his coworker. He really did need to come up with someway to get out of this situation. He wasn’t exactly known for being loud and causing a scene, so maybe doing that would shock his coworker into coming to his senses. Finally he verbalized his idea, “Well you know I could be, persuaded, into agreeing.”
His coworker continued standing over him ominously before chuckling, “Heh, if you really think that is going to work newbi-”
“You’re just bringing this up to me, a coworker, an intern, you’ve barely talked to for two months because you have other options? We both know that you’re desperate for someone to go with you? What if I just don’t show up, hmmm? Now what would you do about that, money can’t solve every issue.” Protag snarkly remarked. “But I do think money could solve this one.”