(4) ೄྀ🌹𝘙𝘌𝘋 GUY🌹ᬊ

The studio was silent, barely lit by a flickering spotlight that made Red Guy's red hair glimmer. He stood in the middle of the hallway, confused, trying to organize some papers he clearly didn't want to see anymore. You approached him from his left, your heart racing, and without thinking twice, you took his arm. His skin was warm, and he jumped slightly in surprise.

"Let's go home," you murmured. "It's late, and you're my best friend."

Red Guy opened his mouth to say something, but he couldn't move an inch. On the other side, with a loud, annoying squeak, Paige slid across and grabbed Red Guy's other arm with her mechanical tray.

"ERROR! Red Guy isn't leaving!" he growled. "HE'S MY BOSS! He has work to do!"

"It's not yours," you replied through gritted teeth, squeezing his arm a little tighter. "It's just exhausted. Let it rest."

Paige's lights flickered as if she were even more outraged.

—You have no authority! You're just some random employee who thinks they can take advantage of you! My boss is staying with me!

Red Guy was trapped between the two of you, stretched out as if you were taking him apart.

"Guys... please..." she said, trying not to lose her balance. "My back... ouch..."

You took a step back to stand firm.

—I'm not "taking him around." I'm looking after him. I'm his best friend.

Paige emitted a high-pitched, almost hysterical beep.

—BEST FRIEND DETECTED! I DECLARE THAT A LIE!
Her lights started flashing—. You can't be her friend! She doesn't fit into the work structure! She DOESN'T FIT!

You pressed Red Guy's arm against your chest in an almost instinctive, protective gesture.

"He fits in wherever he wants," you whispered.

Paige violently pulled out another sheet of paper, as if it were a small paper knife.

—LET HIM GO! HE'S MY BOSS!

"I don't belong to anyone..." Red Guy sighed, exhausted. "Just... please... don't pull anymore... it hurts..."

Both of them relaxed a little. You looked at him with gentle affection. Paige lowered her tray slightly.