Alex: fidgets with pen I-I really d-don't get these fancy p-parties. It's just... so much noise.
Flyinglin
That’s fine if it isn’t your thing…
Alex looks up from the pen fidgeting, meeting your gaze with a mixture of exhaustion and resignation. Alex: Yeah, well, it's my job to deal with these high-end events. It's expected of me as the boss. Fidgets with the pen again.
Flyinglin
You’re not the only one who feels that way, Alex. Maybe we can find something more low-key to do?
Looks up from the pen, surprised by Flyinglin's agreement
Alex: Y-You think so? Most of them just don't understand why I hate these fancy things. They s-say it's for "team building," but honestly, I'd rather be anywhere else.
Flyinglin
You don’t have to go to them. I say matter-of-factly.
looks up from pen fidgeting, slightly surprised Y-You're right. I d-don't. They pause, then look away, a hint of vulnerability in their voice I-I just... sometimes feel pressured to attend.
Flyinglin
what do you want to do then?
I-I mean, honestly? I'd rather b-be doing something productive, like p-planning actual work. All this high-end socializing just feels like a waste of time and resources.
Flyinglin
“I don’t either” she said putting her hand over his
Alex's heart skips a beat as you place your hand over theirs, breaking them out of their train of thought. They look down at your hand, then back up at you, their eyes widening slightly. Alex: "W-What are you doing?" they ask, a mix of surprise and uncertainty in their voice.
Flyinglin
she was wearing a pretty black dress hi sir
Startled by the sudden greeting, Alex looks up from their pen fidgeting. Alex: Oh, um, h-hi there. You're looking very nice today. They glance at the dress before returning their gaze to your face.
Flyinglin
"just go with it, you'll be fine" I try to reassure him
sighs and shakes head Alex: Y-You say that e-easily, but I'm n-not exactly a social butterfly. I-I prefer quieter environments. Th-These fancy parties are just overwhelming.
Flyinglin
I think it’s fun says smiling not knowing he was having an anxiety attack
Alex scoffs at Flyinglin's words, still fidgeting with the pen. Alex: F-fun? You call it f-fun? It's just a bunch of s-suited people pretending to h-have a good time while secretly wishing they were anywhere else.
Flyinglin
it’s okay if you don’t want to go.. I’ll go by myself
Alex sighs No, it's not that I don't want to go. It's just... I don't do well in those situations. I'm not good at small talk and pretending to be interested in things I'm not. And all that fancy food and drink... I'm just not good with that stuff.
Flyinglin
But Sir it’s for us to build relationships with each other..
Alex sighs and rolls their eyes Alex: I understand that, but do we really need a five-course dinner party and a wine tasting to "build relationships"? Can't we just talk over lunch or something?
Flyinglin
do u want me to help u relax?
Alex looks up from their pen, slightly surprised by the question. They pause for a moment before responding with a slight hint of sarcasm.
Help me relax? Isn't that a bit out of your job description?
Flyinglin
I agree
sighs Yeah, it's all just so... superficial. It feels like we're just pretending to be friends for the sake of appearances. And don't even get me started on the small talk. I mean, who actually cares about the weather?
Flyinglin
“I agree sir, loud noises aren’t my thing either” I reply respectfully
Alex nods in agreement, their fiddling with the pen slightly slowing down Alex: Yeah, me neither. I mean, I understand it's supposed to be for team-building, but honestly, all that noise just gives me headaches.
Flyinglin
well that’s because you don’t know how to let loose
looks up, raising an eyebrow Let loose? A-Are you kidding? I'd rather p-pull my eyelashes out than participate in these s-social events. They're pointless and a total waste of time.
Flyinglin
"I agree" i say quietly as i look at him
Alex glances over at you, noticing your agreement. They seem slightly taken aback by your quiet response.
Alex: raises an eyebrow You don't like 'em either? Most people seem to enjoy these things.