Centimeters [Childe/Tartaglia x reader]

Chapter 1

Word count: 1990

In Y/n's POV

That familiar sound of the bell chimed for what seemed like the hundredth time that day already. The peaceful and quiet playing lo-fi in the background along with the delicious smell of tea and coffee brewing always made me feel serene.

"Welcome to Wangsheng Parlor Café, how may I take your order?" smiled Zhongli; he was currently working the cash register.

I, on the other hand, was currently in the corner behind the counter, making sure we had stock of creamers and milk. Working from a seven-to-eight job was pretty tiring... but it was worth it to have any sort of income. Besides, I liked Zhongli's company and how cozy the café was.

That bell rung again, indicating that someone had either walked in or out of the place.

"Oh, Childe, fancy seeing you here. I haven't heard from you since a few months ago," said Zhongli from the other side of the counter.

W h a t. No, no, no, no, no! Please tell me he didn't just say what I think he said. Too scared to look at who my boss and co-worker greeted, I just kept pretending to count how much stock we had left.

"Hey girlie, I didn't know you worked here~" cooed Childe. I couldn't see him, but I bet he had that stupid-looking, shit-eating smirk on his face like always.

"Oh? You two know each other?"

"Yes, actually. Our last encounter was quite... enticing, no?"

Oh, I wanted to punch him so badly. Him and those pretty blue eyes of his.

"Now, now, girlie, isn't it rude not to greet one of your customers?" chuckled the ginger.

I took a few deep breaths in and out before raising from underneath the counter. After mustering up a forced smile I said, "Welcome to Wangsheng Parlor Café, how may we be of service to you, sir?"

"Haha, I just stopped by to see Mr. Zhongli here, so no drink for me today. Although, now that I know you're working here, I just might have to become a regular..."

And there he was with that stupid smirk again.

"If you're not gonna buy anything, and you just came here to flirt with Zhongli, then I'd advise you to leave before I force you to," I mumbled through clenched teeth.

"Relax, I just came by to talk about classes with Zhongli- said he needed help with economics. Can't understand how and why he opened up a café if he doesn't understand basic economics though..." explained Childe, whispering the last part more to himself. As he pulled up a chair at a near-by table, he opened up his laptop and pulled out a binder and pencils. "Once you're closed or on break, we can start our little tutoring session."

"We should be closed for lunch in about half an hour, so that should work. You don't mind waiting for a bit, do you?" said Zhongli as he handed a woman her change back.

The ginger only shrugged before bringing out his phone to most likely scroll through social media.

I couldn't believe it. The one guy that I wanted to avoid for the rest of my life turns up to my friend's café... and he's even friends with him?! Gods, the God of Contracts must hate me... I think I might even have worse luck than that Mondstadt boy, Bennett...

As the half hour rushed by, I flipped the sign over to 'CLOSED' for a while before seeing the two boys working on some paper from my periphery vision. While the boys were working, I used my lunch hour to get some homework done for my English class, since that was what I chose to major in... for whatever reason. After getting through about a paragraph or so for my paper, I pulled out my phone and texted Xiao, my roommate.