Amen,
Almighty !
The only good in this game is the neighbor.
It is only for her that MC mans up and goes outta his way to
win her over to his side of the .. hall.
There is real resentment still stirring inside of MC, Alice and Elsa keep stirring it to no end.
MC is tempted to let go, problem is he does not have the skills to face them head on and
actually get something for his troubles. Getting used and abused is not a good work place
demeanor .. it is neither the means to get anywhere with your bully or your tormentor
or the one abusing you.
MC still has some modicum of agency .. his dead stare into Elsa though,
this alone will only pin him into a cold and lonely place - at work and socially.
Playing this game with any expectations is like waiting for ink to dry and hoping it turns ”looser” into ”win”.