Complexity Roommates [Male Reader x Harem] (+18)

Chapter 4: Salt Mouth

[12:12 AM]

After speaking with Gabe Newell, Miss Pauling gives Y/N a tour of the exclusive BEWARE STUDIO offices. The interior is basic but impeccably clean and organized. Pictures of past employees adorn the walls, and in the middle of the office stand memorial statues of the original development team, all sadly deceased, with Gabe being the only remaining original member. His role as CEO is what has kept the studio afloat, unlike many other gaming companies.

Y/N sees various game merchandise in glass cabinets near the work area. Seeing the games displayed chronologically showcases the studio's simple yet effective approach to making fun games and maintaining a strong reputation among employees and fans. They are considered the brightest stars in the game industry, bringing light to the gaming world.

Y/N: I never thought this studio would be so small compared to others. Even the number of employees is small. To think I'm actually inside this private office feels like heaven to me.

Pauling: *Chuckles* Well, we have a huge reputation and are one of the most successful game studios. Gabe always wants to make games that are fun to play. Games these days are becoming more toxic and greedy, with corporations making poor decisions. So you're lucky to get a job at BEWARE STUDIO. Don't worry, everyone here is friendly, as long as I'm around.

They stop at the entrance to the work area, where employees are on their break. Miss Pauling looks at the time, indicating the break is almost over.

Y/N: *Smiles* I'm glad to hear that. I think I'll be able to get familiar with this office quickly. When do I start working?

Pauling: Well, you'll have to wait until next week; one of our employees is retiring this year. Is that okay with you?

Y/N: *Nods* I understand. Working here for a long time is hard to let go of, not just because of the great games, but also because of the friendships you make along the way. At least, that's what former employees said in interviews, if I remember correctly.

Pauling: *Smiles and chuckles* You're right about all that. This place... is very special to us. It's what keeps us pushing our creative boundaries and making wonderful friends.

Right on time, the clock rings, signaling the end of the break, and employees return to work. Miss Pauling straightens her back and looks at her clipboard schedule.

Pauling: Well, my time is up. I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Y/N. See you next week! I'll be waiting~

She waves goodbye and leaves for work. Y/N sighs happily as he exits the building. A fresh breeze hits his skin, and he jumps excitedly, celebrating getting the job—all thanks to his mother—even as some people look at him strangely.

[2:54 PM]

Returning to the apartment, Y/N lets out a tired sigh after a long and hot walk, leaving him exhausted. He removes his work clothes and throws them on his bed, intending to wash them later to avoid mixing them with the women's clothes—a potential source of problems and misunderstandings. He looks around; all the women are gone except for Makima, who is drinking coffee and playing on her phone at the dining table, seemingly unconcerned with his presence.

Y/N takes a deep breath and heads towards the water dispenser to get a drink, trying his best to remain calm around her. Silently, he takes a glass and places it under the dispenser as it begins to pour. The sound of the water pouring creates an awkward atmosphere, and Y/N's forehead begins to sweat as he lifts the glass and drinks the water. The gulping sound is audible, and he finishes the drink with a small, relieved sigh, hoping she doesn't hear it.