"She's irreplaceable, so I don't mind giving her a bit of special treatment," Hachiman agreed. "Let's go with that."
"The only issue is how to make her actually go back there on a regular basis."
"Leave that to me," Hachiman said, a grim set to his jaw. "I'll make sure even she cries uncle."
"I'm holding you to that."
The plan was set in motion, and the Soleil office was suddenly abuzz with rumors.
"Did you hear? They're looking for ideas for a new company dorm!"
"The facilities they've already announced are insane. Do we even need more?"
"I wonder what the rent will be..."
"With the President and the VP running things? You know it'll be dirt cheap."
"I want in!"
"Let's all brainstorm during the break!"
Argo listened to the commotion with the detached air of someone watching a distant fire.
(A dorm? Hmph. Well, got nothing to do with yours truly.)
Just then, Hachiman approached her desk.
"Yo, Argo. We've decided to build a company dormitory."
"I've heard the rumors, Ha-bo. You guys sure are going flashy with it. Though, like I said, it's got nothing to do with me."
"Is that so?" Hachiman murmured. He glanced toward the nap rooms. One of the doors had a small nameplate on it: Argo. He kept his voice casual as he turned back to her. "By the way, where is your actual house?"
"I moved out of my parents' place ages ago. This nap room is my home base now."
(This girl... she says it like it's the most natural thing in the world.)
Hachiman pressed her with a rapid-fire interrogation. "How do you handle laundry?"
"Dry cleaning service."
"Food?"
"Convenience store nearby."
"Drinks?"
"Vending machines in the office are enough. Especially that coffee you forced the company to stock—it really hits the brain just right, y'know?"
"Right? You actually appreciate the quality of those beans! It's—" Hachiman caught himself. "No, wait. Do you even clean your 'room' properly?"
"Eh, well enough."
"I see..."
Argo squinted at him, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "What's this? Is Ha-bo really that curious about a maiden's secrets?"
"I've never once thought of you as a 'maiden,' but..."
"Hmph. Well, I don't mind that sort of talk." Argo leaned in close, whispering directly into his ear. "I've got some confidential business to discuss. Let's change venues."
"Oh? Uh, sure."
Argo stood up and suddenly grabbed Hachiman's hand. She turned to Mai Okano (aka Eve), who was working nearby.
"Mai-mai, I'm taking Ha-bo back to my place for some... private time. Be a doll and look the other way, okay?"
Mai's eyes widened. "Wait, what?! If that's the case, I want in too! I want to know more about Hachiman-sama!"
"Back off, junior," Argo teased. "I've got seniority. I'm first in line."
"Fine, fine... enjoy yourselves~" Mai waved them off.
Hachiman winced, knowing that Argo's choice of words was going to cause a massive misunderstanding. However, seeing that Mai didn't seem shocked—treating it like one of Argo's usual jokes—he figured it was just her way of dodging further questions. He let himself be led away, wondering what she actually wanted to talk about.
"You're calling her 'Mai-mai' now? You two have gotten close."
"Calling her by her handle in the real world is a bit much, don't ya think? That's why I have her call me Yuko. Or 'Chief.'"
"...Yuko? Is that your real name?"
"The 'Yu' for 'existence' and 'Ko' for 'child.' It's a pseudonym I pulled from 'Argo.' Get it?"
"Right... So what is your actual name?"
"Make me one of your wives and maybe you'll find out."
"What do you mean 'one of'?! I only have one wife, and that's Asuna!"
"Yeah, yeah. Just get in here."
Argo led him into her private nap room. Hachiman looked around, feeling a bit awkward. "You really live in here...?"
"Small spaces are more relaxing. You get that, don't you, Ha-bo?"
"I guess."
The room was purely functional, devoid of any "feminine" charm. It contained a bed, a trash can, a laptop, and a few small storage boxes for clothing.
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