one more chance (zhongchi)

chapter 3

"Um, is this how you put this on?" Zhongli nervously steps out of the bathroom in Childe's apartment wearing their bakery apron.

"Yeah, looks great on you." Childe says as calmly as he could. Deep inside, he was squealing and (s)creaming.

Zhongli slightly grows red at the complement as he doesn't receive them often.

They walk downstairs to the bakery and Childe teaches Zhongli the basics. Being a quick learner, Zhongli immediately gets the hang of brewing the coffee, making certain treats, and using the cash register.

Customers come pouring in not too later after Childe unlocks the store. Him and Zhongli work hard to keep the bakery in shape and make sure the customers are all satisfied.
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The day passes by smoothly and Zhongli's first time working at a bakery was a success.

"Running this place all by yourself and Lia sure is hard." Zhongli stretches as Childe closes up for the day.

"Yeah, thats why I was going to close it but you came to the rescue." Childe laughs a little and brings them hot cocoa. He's slowly warming up to Zhongli and is no longer stuttering around him.

"Glad I could help." Zhongli smiles back.

They didnt what else to say so they just sat there in silence, enjoying the moment.

"Well, is there anything else I can help with?" Zhongli breaks the silence.

"Ah! No, that's all. Sorry for taking up your Sunday. I should probably pay you aswe-"

"No need, no need. I'm glad I could help a friend." Zhongli smiles. "I'll be on my way then, have a great rest of your weekend Childe!" He waves as he walks out the door.

Childe puts his blushing face in his arms on the table after Zhongli leaves. 'Friend?' Childe thought.

'Did he just friendzone me? Or maybe the friend in the question is Lia..?' Childe tends to overthink everything and hurt his brain.

"AHH, whatever. Ugh." He threw his hands in the air.

"So, how was your date with Zhongli, hmm?" a voice appeared behind Childe, scaring him.

"AHH-" Childe jumps and spills his hot cocoa. "Ouch hot hot hot hot."

Lia laughs as she watches childe wipe the spilt coffee from behind the counter.

"Lia? Shouldn't you be resting in bed?" Childe turns red, knowing Lia probably overheard him and Zhongli chatting.

"Oh, I fully recovered today but since I heard Zhongli wanting to help out when he came in yesterday, I figured I could take this opportunity and rest for another day." She gives a sly grin.

"Ugh, you're so annoying sometimes." Childe gets up and walks upstairs towards his room, embarrassed.

"I think you two make a pretty cute couple." Lia whispers in Childe's ear as he walks past.