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Candies

Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Arlo, I'd like to ask you something if you don't mind.
Another busy day within the Wing. Arlo worked steadily in front of their computer for a good few hours until his Manager poked at them for something.
They're usually quite focused unless there's something Dongrang wants.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Of course. What is it?
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
What kind of snacks do you like?
Snacks. Did Arlo like snacks? Generally, those junk foods their coworkers would eat would often get stuck between his teeth, which he really did not like. He thinks about it for a moment, putting a hand on their mouth.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
I don't like chips. But you know those soft jelly candies? Those are nice.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Why do you ask, though?
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Hmm! Well, I just wanted to have a conversation with you. It's a little boring if all we do is work, don't you agree?
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Mmm...I think I get what you mean.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Well, I'll head back to my desk. Be seeing you.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
See you, then.
He doesn't think too hard on it. Even short conversations weren't too bad. There's a small thought of wishing it'd last a little longer, but Arlo shakes it away, going back to work.
The next day comes, and Arlo is early as usual.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Huh?
Their Manager isn't in his desk. Maybe he's a little late. But there's something on his own desk; A pack of candies. Soft ones, just like he mentioned yesterday.
Arlo looks around, wondering if he should ask someone to confirm if they overheard the conversation last time. It was such a busy work day, and if he went around for clues...
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Hmm.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
This is nice. I kind of want to keep them all for myself.
So he does, and hides the pack under the desk, taking one candy every now and then as he organizes more data on his laptop. Where time passes, Arlo works until their fingers start to hurt.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Hello, Arlo.
And there's the Manager again, standing over them with a curious gleam in his eyes.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Oh. Hello, Mister Dongrang.
He pauses.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
You bought me candy.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Ah, so you saw the gift I got you! I was worried I had gotten the wrong brand, or flavor. Is it to your liking?
Jellied candies barely have any flavor to them. And this pack wasn't quite the one he usually eats back at home. Why correct him, though? There are so many brands out there, not to mention the gesture itself was already kind.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Yes. It's my favorite, actually.
That was a lie.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Hah, I'm glad to hear it. I'll note to buy you a pack of these every day, then.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Ah, you don't have to do that...!
"Please do that." He suddenly thinks.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
Oh no, I insist! It gives me an excuse to look over at whatever you're doing. I hope you don't mind.
Arlo tilts their head, not quite getting what Dongrang is intending. Regardless, he nods.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
I don't mind at all.
Dongrang K Corp. Branch Manager
I'm just happy to talk with you, Arlo. I'll check on everyone else now.
A pack every day might not be good for his health if he eats them all at once. They'll probably pile up, and there will be so many by the end of the week.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
Hah...they are pretty good.
The thought of Dongrang finding excuses to talk was confusing and a little strange. Yet Arlo didn't oppose one bit.
He hopes Dongrang lives up to his word. He hopes he gets to talk to him more. He hopes he can share some of the candies with him someday.
Such thoughts were too much for him. Arlo shakes them away.
Arlo K Corp. Researcher
...I have a job. I can't focus on that right now.
It's selfish to think someone with a good position like Dongrang would care for him, after all.