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“You know, you’re a really great co-host.”
The paper cut-out replied, the wrecked textures trying to hide from his actual beauty. At least, according to the “trusted” co- host personally. No way would he tell him that straight to his face though.
The duo sat firmly on the end of the table where nobody could see them. It was a secret area, for only them and only. It’s where they could hang out with each other for hours, talk about the next challenge, or even a small chat that lasts for a few minutes on breaks. Recently, they have been hanging out far too long than normally whenever they have the chance.
Mr. Hand, while being different between 3d digital and traditional paper, didn’t matter to Gold Ingot. Perhaps he was blushing simply because he’s acting to make Gold Ingot get more truthful to him, yet it didn’t stop that increasing beating heart when Gold Ingot said that sentence. This was for a cash grab, right? He was actually just here because he can’t handle himself giving his own money to make that bomb. He was, well, a greedy man after all and loved his money so much that didn’t dare to spend it. Rather, he felt that he should steal from others to pay it off. That was the reason, not to have some silly crush with a guy that considers him as a good partner. He doesn’t have a crush on somebody like him, that's stupid.
But deep down he knew he was lying, he just couldn’t accept it. Mr. Hand prides himself many times.
Back to the world, Gold Ingot lets out a soft chuckle as he continues on. “Hell, you're a lot better than a lot of people in my life. Guess that makes you unique hm? You’re good at this job, perfect I would say.” He smirked, reaching out his friendly arm to wrap around Mr. Hand’s back. His mask underneath his true identity blushed, the “white” hand shivering by contact.
He felt so weak. It was pitiful indeed to the man, a man that was a good owner to “Mr Hand Laboratory” or “MRH” and a great deal to the government, reduced to this was bugging him off. Mr Hand tried to ignore it, instead putting on a soft smile too towards him. He finally looks fully at Gold Ingot despite not noticeable sweat dripping down further.
“Well.. It’s very nice to have as the main host then!”
He giggled, acting in character. Mr. Hand silently cringed himself inside when he finished his words. He continued to play along even afterwards. “I can’t lie, you’re probably at least the best host in all of television..” He utters, turning around to look down at the floor that was one drop to dying. Hopefully this will be over in the next hour.
Gold Ingot blinks, his eyes widening with yellow stars on his eyes with absolute surprise. It was funny almost, he looked like a puppy that was given head pets as his treat by his looks. Gold Ingot continued staring at him, then quickly snapping out of it completely and letting out a huff as if he knew already. “Erm.. sorry, I was just staring into space for a second. I just haven’t had enough sleep of course.” He lied, his voice nervous despite his best effort to be presentable. Gold Ingot gazes on the opposite end of Mr. Hand before finally having the courage again to speak. “But, thanks.” He smiled in such an endearing way, exactly perfect for him.
He then laughs warmly. “I’m never the type to do stuff like this, it feels well… really weird but I do seriously love being with you Mr Hand. You’re a very hardworking guy, specifically for somebody like me. You’re.. perfect.” Gold Ingot expresses, his body slowly moving closer to Mr. Hand. “Sure I did say you were a great co host and all that, however if I wanna be completely honest? You’re an amazing best friend despite our professions. Hell, I would love to work with you further even after the finale ends! Friends forever till the end?” He exclaims towards the end, his happiness not knowing what's to come.
That was funny, not funny for an unconscious knot in his stomach having said that.
That last sentence replayed in his head over and over. It was part of the plan, Gold Ingot wasn’t supposed to know about this and he knew he would obviously be very oblivious about such project. It was a known fact only for him. Even still, he wasn’t thinking exactly that. Mr Hand clenches his fist, whipping his head-hand (god that’s such a weird fucking word to say I’m never saying that again) away from him. He didn’t dare to respond to Gold Ingot. Mr Hand tried to practice and repeat his words quietly in his head, begging secretly to sound confident once finished. He could not sound stupid right now and it’s the worst timing to act like that. But even after a few moments, he got so stuck in his head that he didn’t feel Gold Ingot rubbing his side.
“...Hello?” He murmured, his confusion and worriness in his tone evident like his eyebrow raised. “Are you alright? You’re acting odd." Blunting immediately, he leans his head a little in an attempt to take a curious look at him.
Mr. Hand flinched and shivered at the immediate body contact. He froze on sight, seeing in the corner Gold Ingot’s hand going up and down with his very two eyes. It was weirdly comforting yet it heavily disgusted him. He had.. Weird feelings with him but he assured himself, so it just made things even worse knowing he wanted all that private. And it wasn’t entirely because of him somewhat, but more because his whole identity and meaning to everything. His awards, control, leadership, it all was useless and made him feel like a dumbass. This wasn’t acting anymore, he was just that pathetic. Everything he worked hard for was nothing. He again tried to convince himself that this was purely his brain messing him up or normal acting for trust, but he knew that wasn’t the case. Mr. Hand felt terribly messy, vulnerable even. Gold Ingot didn’t know he was some crazy rich owner of his own lab that had a horrible secret to hide within the government though anyways, he solely saw him as a friend, somebody to talk with and work with and have fun with. He didn’t want him to plot against him, funny enough. Once all of his self-worth was unwrapped he becomes a big hypocrite in the end, especially with a plan like that.
Looking back at Gold Ingot though, he once again changed back to his fake identity. Mr. Hand laughs and puts on a big smile. “Oh! Sorry.. Seems like I was zoning out like you?” He felt his neck tightened and dry, trying to move off topic “I guess we both are the same!” he giggles falsely.
Gold Ingot, in spite of that, held suspicion up his face. He stared at him for quite a while. “Hm, okay.” he mutters, glancing away before focusing on him. Gold Ingot plants his hand on the desk instead of Mr Hand’s shoulder now. “But, that didn’t answer my question, you know.” He comments, a small smirk returning rather than a frown. Gold Ingot widens his palms and invites him to shake his hand.
Mr Hand pauses. He exhaled deep down, and held his hand with a fake, more larger smile like he was supposed to do.
“Oh, Of course!”
Oh, if Gold Ingot only knew one day