Dull woke up with a pounding headache.

"Shit."

He muttered, the words barely escaping his lips as he grimaced at the bright morning light filtering through the curtains. He couldn't help but curse loudly as he slowly sat up in bed, the sheets tangled around his legs. The baby chicken sleeping next to him, a small ball of fluff with soft yellow feathers, didn't stir and kept sleeping soundly while Dull suffered from the relentless pain in his head.

'The headache is more annoying than usual...'

This wasn't the first time it happened, but usually, the pain was milder, a dull throb that he could manage with a few moments of quiet. Right now, it was really intense, a sharp, insistent pounding that felt like a tiny drummer was hammering away at his temples.

'Damn burnout!'

Holding his head in his hands, he flicked his finger, and a clear screen appeared in front of him, shimmering with digital light. He quickly opened it, scanning through his workload, a long list of tasks that seemed to stretch on forever.

His eyes darted over the unfinished list, searching for something—anything—that could distract him from the throbbing pain. Finally, he randomly selected a task to focus on, his finger hovering over the screen for a moment before he confirmed it.

As he began to work, he became so absorbed in the data and analysis that he didn't even realize what he was doing. The numbers and graphs blurred together, but as long as it eased the pain in his head, he didn't care if it was right or wrong.

What he was experiencing was a strange condition that every member of the Research Team faced, known as burnout. It was a peculiar affliction that struck when he wasn't using his brain or engaging in any activity, making him feel restless and agitated.

In reality, this was his brain's way of telling him to get to work because it was boring, a relentless reminder that he needed to keep moving and keep thinking. There was no cure for burnout, so the only way to lessen the pain was to keep his mind busy, to drown out the discomfort with a flood of information and tasks.

That's why he was working on his research about human emotions, even during vacation. The irony wasn't lost on him, studying something so inherently human while he himself was anything but. If he didn't keep his brain active, the effects of burnout would worsen. Even if studying human emotions seemed pointless, it helped relieve some of the tension in his mind.

If he didn't take action, not only would his headache persist, but he would also risk falling into a deep sleep, especially if his body started to feel the strain of overworking his brain. The more he focused and worked, the less the pain bothered him.

By the time he realized the pain was gone, it was already afternoon.

Since he hadn't worked that day, it was no surprise that his phone was filled with missed calls and messages from his co-workers at the café. There was even a message from the Research Team, as they were keeping an eye on each other's statuses and likely noticed something was off with him.

He didn't hear or see their messages because he had set his System to silent mode during Burnout or Outbreak periods to help him concentrate. It was a strategy he had developed over time, a way to create a bubble of focus that allowed him to dive deep into his work without distractions. The world outside faded away, and he could pour his energy into the tasks at hand.

Luckily, the egg had informed the boss from the cafe that he wouldn't be coming in due to a cold, otherwise, the messages and calls would have kept coming until he responded.

The egg, a quirky automated assistant he had programmed, had taken the initiative to send a message on his behalf, sparing him the barrage of inquiries that would have undoubtedly followed. It even took care of the chicken for him.

"Well done."

He gently touched the still egg before settling onto the sofa, the cushions enveloping him like a gentle embrace, and rubbed his temples, trying to ease the tension that had become a constant companion. The first sign of warning had already manifested, a subtle yet unmistakable signal that his body was reaching its limits. The warning system had five levels, and while he had only just crossed into the first, he knew all too well what it meant: collapse was imminent.

'I need to find a way to deal with my boredom.'

Since he can't leave this world, his options are limited. Going back now might reduce his burnout, but due to his previous punishments that he hasn't managed to clear yet, he would ultimately face an outbreak instead.

That's not better than burnout, so he prefers to stay here for now because at least he has some semblance of control over his activities, unlike when he returns, where he will be forced to work until he loses control.

Lacie had tried to help him escape the monotony by taking him to a concert, a vibrant experience filled with music and energy that had momentarily lifted his spirits. Ames had introduced him to a selection of films, each one a brief distraction that allowed him to forget his troubles, if only for a little while.

But even those moments of joy felt fleeting, they were merely band-aids on a much deeper wound.

'Still, I doubt I can last more than a month here.'

Should he consider amusement parks and rides? There's a popular one, but after looking it up online, he wasn't impressed. The speed of those rides would still be too slow for him, even with a nearly human body, so he might just end up bored and fall asleep.

Beaches and water don't interest him. In fact, they annoy him, so those are out.

He wasn't impressed by flying in a plane, skydiving, or anything else related to the sky because he could already fly and float himself.

He's at a loss for ideas.

***

Dull didn't have a shift today, but since he missed work yesterday, he told his boss he would come in today. She agreed but said he had to work the night shift with Desi, just the two of them. The cafe usually closes at 9 PM, but the boss mentioned that October is sports festival week. All the schools in Jedi have their events at the same time, and since today is the last day, many students will be at school until midnight.

To make extra money, the boss decided to keep the cafe open all night because there were three schools nearby and a motel right across the street. Students who live far away might go to friends' houses or rent a room if they can afford it.

Dull didn't mind, he was happy to work to get rid of his boredom, even without breaks or sleep.

"Wow, this is the first time it's just you and me."

Desi said, sitting at one of the tables. It was already 10 PM, and there were no customers yet because a program was happening and would end at 11 therefore they just sat and waited.

However, Desi's words were true. Even though they had been coworkers for over two weeks, their schedules only allowed them to see each other once a week. That's why they hadn't talked much, and this was the first time it was just the two of them, as Ames or Lacie usually joined them.

Still, it's not really a big deal.

"So what? We're just coworkers. We don't have to be friends to get the job done."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"But I want us to!"

Desi laughed at his blunt reply, probably thinking he was a strange guy. The man stood up and boldly sat in front of him. Then, he reached out his hand, but Dull just stared at it without taking it.

He wondered why people feel the need to shake hands when they first meet. It must be human custom, but why is physical contact necessary?

In his home world, where everyone is terrible, a handshake might turn into a competition to see who could cut off the other's hand first. Nothing there was ever done peacefully, so touching wouldn't be a friendly gesture.

Desi waved his hand in front of his face to get his attention.

"Hey, let's be friends. Come on, take my hand."

Finally, since Desi was being persistent, Dull took his hand and shook it.

"Happy now?"

"Yep! Thanks!"

"Sure, sure."

What an energetic person.

'Didn't Ames say Desi used to be shy and couldn't even talk to people while looking at them?'

Where did that "shy" person go?

Desi noticed he was being watched and decided to say something.

"Are you curious about something? How about we ask each other questions?"

"Yeah, fine."

They have nothing to do, and Dull prefers not to look outside until customers arrive or his shift is over. He also wants to use this opportunity to ask Desi about something fun to do in this boring world.

"Awesome!"

Desi brightened up, clearly excited to finally get Dull to talk.

"I'll go first. After you answer, you can ask me a question, and then I'll respond."

"Sure."

"Okay, let's begin. How old are you?"

Dull's real age might sound absurd to someone who could only live for about 100 years, so naturally, he has to stick with his fake age.

"I'm 27. Now it's my turn. What's your favorite way to pass the time, something that helps you relax?"

Desi looks surprised by how quickly Dull changed the subject but still replies.

"I was going to say, 'Wow, we're the same age!' But you've moved on fast... Anyway, I'm a bit shy to admit this, but I enjoy playing games."

"Games?"

Is it like the games he and his friends play, where they compete to see who can create the biggest explosion or get the most kills?

"Yeah, video games."

Video games? What on earth is a video game?

Desi scratches his cheek, noticing the confused expression on Dull's face.

'Does he not know what a video game is?'

He wasn't surprised about that because he heard from Lacie that Dull didn't even know what music was. This left them puzzled, as it didn't make sense, but Desi chose not to judge. He thought Dull's lack of knowledge might be linked to his past, so instead of mocking him, Desi simply explained things.

"I will do my best to explain. So, um, a video game is an electronic game that requires players to interact with a user interface, producing visual feedback on a display device that shows images in two or three dimensions."

The systems used to play these games are called platforms, which include game consoles, cross-platform games, and game engines.

"While Video games can be harmful to health, impacting social skills and time management, they also have some positive effects."

Playing video games can improve thinking skills, like set-shifting, which is the ability to switch quickly between tasks. Different types of games can boost various mental skills. For instance, action games can enhance attention and filtering skills, while puzzle games can help with navigation, perception, and recognition.

Dull doesn't really care if they are harmful or not, but he lets Desi keep explaining because it seems like he's putting in a lot of effort.

"It also serves as entertainment and relaxation. I mentioned earlier that I play video games to relax, but they can also be used for competitions and educational purposes. I'm not an expert, though. I graduated from university without any honors, so that's my best explanation."

"It's fine. Thanks for explaining."

Based on the explanation, it sounds interesting, but playing on a screen instead of using your own body seems boring. You just sit there while the game character does everything for you.

"Happy to assist!"

"What exactly is a Gacha game? It's your favorite, right?"

Desi choked, even though he wasn't drinking anything.

Dull watched him struggle but didn't intervene until Desi caught his breath.

"...Uh, um... How did you find out about that?"

"I heard Ames mention it."

Ames is the woman Dull often works with since Desi's schedule doesn't match his, and Lacie is a part-timer so it's usually just Dull and Ames together.

That woman loves to talk and often shares stories about her two juniors, Lacie and Desi, with him. Ames kept talking about them, whether he wanted to hear it or not. He let her go on because her chatter often distracted him, so it wasn't too bothersome.

One time, she brought up Desi's favorite hobby, which might be a bit of an obsession: Gacha games.

At first, Dull thought they were discussing real-life games called "Gacha Games." However, since Desi enjoys video games, it was easy to guess that Gacha games are also video games. Desi's reaction confirmed Dull's suspicion.

"So, what makes those games so addictive for you?"

"I... Um... I..."

Desi looked embarrassed, likely cursing Ames for spilling his secret, especially to someone who doesn't know much about video games. Now he had to explain it himself, which was even more awkward than Dull discovering his interest in Gacha games.

"Could you please ask another quest—"

"Besides his gambling problem, he likes girls with big butts and big chests in revealing lingerie."

"Fuck!"

Desi jumped in shock when the boss suddenly appeared behind him.

"Hey, boss."

Dull greeted lazily, not surprised by her arrival since he had noticed her coming long before she got close. Not to mention, the boss frequently shows up unexpectedly, so it wasn't shocking to see her here today even though she said she wouldn't come.

The boss nodded in acknowledgment of his greeting and joined them at the table.

"So you don't know about games either? Let me explain. Desi isn't really into Gacha games, he prefers girls who can fight in swimsuits."

"Uh-huh. Go on."

"He really likes girls in skirts who flash their panties while attacking."

"M, ma'am! T, that's not true! Please stop!"

Desi panicked, trying to stop the boss from talking, but he couldn't touch her, so he just waved his hands helplessly. The boss ignored him and kept sharing his embarrassing secrets with Dull, who only listened because found Desi's reaction funny.

After the boss finished her detailed explanation, Desi buried his head on the table, refusing to look up.

"Don't be so overdramatic."

The boss rolled her eyes and set their coffee down on the table.

"Look at my adorable Dull. He isn't even embarrassed to admit he doesn't know what music or video games are. And he said it with a straight face! You don't see that every day."

"Quit acting old. You're younger than us."

Desi replied, rolling his eyes. He then took a sip of the boss's coffee and settled into his chair.

"Anyway, did that answer your question, or do you need more?"

"You guys are doing a Q and A? Go ahead, I'll just listen quietly."

"Too late for that! You already spilled my most embarrassing secret!"

The boss shrugged and glanced at Dull, who was enjoying tapioca pearls with a milk tea that had more pearls than tea. She encouraged him to keep playing.

"Hey, it's your turn to ask."

Dull said to the pouting Desi, who suddenly looked mischievous.

"I hope you answer honestly. So, Dull, what's your most embarrassing secret?"

Dull paused to think. He had many secrets, but none were truly embarrassing. He couldn't share those too because they are unbelievable, so he wondered which one would be the most embarrassing to reveal.

By human standards, it should be...

"I'm a virgin."