Chapter 3: Alexis Helps Out
Alexis, always attuned to the subtle shifts in his surroundings, couldn't help but notice the inner turmoil that seemed to shadow Rei's composed exterior. Sensing an opportunity to broach the subject with his usual playful banter, he decided to tease Rei about his obvious fascination with the CEO.
"Rei-kun, what's up with you and that CEO guy?" Alexis asked with a mischievous grin, punctuating his question with playful nudges. "Huh... huh...?"
Rei, caught off guard by Alexis's directness and unable to evade the question any longer, felt a surge of vulnerability wash over him. He hesitated for a moment, his usually assured demeanor faltering, before he finally admitted quietly, "I think... I like him."
The confession hung in the air between them, its weight palpable yet liberating. Rei's admission unlocked a floodgate of emotions he had been suppressing for too long. He realized that he couldn't hide from his feelings any longer, not from himself and certainly not from Alexis, who had always seemed to understand him better than anyone else.
Alexis's playful expression softened into one of genuine concern and understanding. He had suspected as much but hearing Rei acknowledge his feelings aloud brought a newfound sense of clarity to their unspoken dynamic. Without skipping a beat, Alexis reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Rei's shoulder. Kunishima who overheard the entire conversation said "don't do anything of the sort of things you did to me."
Alexis, always quick to diffuse tension with his candid sincerity, responded earnestly to Kunishima's warning. "That was for fun. This is serious feelings we are talking about, Kunishima-san," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a tone of sincerity that resonated in the quiet office space.
Kunishima, known for his blunt demeanor, nodded slowly, his expression softening slightly as he absorbed Alexis's words. He could sense the genuine concern in Alexis's voice, a departure from the playful antics Kunishima had witnessed before. It was clear that Alexis understood the gravity of the situation — that this wasn't just another prank or casual flirtation.
"Just warning you," Kunishima grunted, his tone less harsh now, more contemplative. "Don't play those amateur tricks on him."
Alexis nodded solemnly, acknowledging Kunishima's advice with a newfound respect for the unspoken boundaries that governed their workplace dynamics. He exchanged a brief glance with Rei, who, embarrassed by the unexpected turn of the conversation, blushed and looked away, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
As Kunishima observed the reactions of Alexis and Rei, he realized that his straightforward warning had struck a chord. He had inadvertently touched upon something deeper than he had anticipated — a realm of emotions and vulnerabilities that transcended the surface-level interactions of their daily lives at Hyozan Gaming.
With a gruff nod of understanding, Kunishima returned to his work, leaving Alexis and Rei to process the implications of their conversation. The air between them had shifted, carrying with it a newfound awareness of the complexities of personal feelings and professional decorum within their tightly-knit team.
For Alexis and Rei, Kunishima's intervention served as a reminder of the delicate balance they must navigate as colleagues and friends. It was a gentle yet firm nudge to approach their burgeoning feelings with sincerity and respect, mindful of the impact their actions could have on each other and their professional environment.