**Chapter 1: The Skater Star**
Tyler leaned against the counter at Ramp Up, the renowned skateboard store where he worked. At 21, he was already a local legend on the skate scene, known for his effortless style and daring tricks. His tousled hair and easy smile had earned him a fair share of admirers among both customers and fellow skaters.
He glanced at the job ad his manager had posted. "Help Wanted: Part-time sales associate. Skating experience preferred." Tyler rolled his eyes. As if anyone without skating chops could survive a day at Ramp Up.
His manager, Sarah, was insistent on hiring someone to help out. "Tyler, we're getting slammed on weekends. We need an extra pair of hands," she had said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Tyler's attention was diverted when the door chimed, announcing a new arrival. He looked up to see a figure with dyed black hair and a pierced lip. The guy wore a leather jacket adorned with patches and had an air of indifference that intrigued Tyler.
"Hey," Tyler greeted him with a nod as the guy approached the counter.
"Sup," came the casual reply. His voice was low, almost a mumble.
Tyler couldn't help but notice how different this guy was from the usual applicants. Most people who applied were either die-hard skaters or eager to be around the skating scene. This one seemed like he couldn't care less.
"You here about the job?" Tyler asked, raising an eyebrow.
The guy shrugged. "Yeah, saw the ad."
"What's your name?"
"Jamie."
"I'm Tyler. So, you skate?" Tyler probed, trying to gauge Jamie's interest.
Jamie shrugged again, a nonchalant gesture that grated on Tyler's nerves. "A bit."
Tyler smirked. "A bit, huh? Well, we'll see."
Sarah emerged from the back office just then, her brisk steps announcing her arrival. "Tyler, you got a moment?"
Tyler shot Jamie a quick glance before following Sarah. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Jamie was deliberately being standoffish. It was a challenge he hadn't encountered before, and Tyler was intrigued.
**Chapter 2: The Punk Kid**
Jamie leaned against the counter after Tyler left, idly flipping through a skateboarding magazine. He wasn't sure why he had applied for the job at Ramp Up. Maybe it was the need for some extra cash or perhaps sheer boredom. The fact that he wasn't into the skating scene didn't bother him. He was used to standing out, after all.
He glanced up when Tyler returned with a woman who must be the manager. Sarah, he recalled from the ad. She looked efficient, no-nonsense. Jamie liked that about her.
As Sarah interviewed him, Jamie kept his answers short and to the point. He had experience in retail, knew his way around customer service. The fact that he wasn't gushing over skating seemed to ruffle Tyler, though Jamie couldn't quite figure out why.
"Okay, Jamie," Sarah said finally, "you're hired. Can you start tomorrow?"
Jamie nodded. "Sure."
Tyler's expression was unreadable as Sarah handed Jamie an employee handbook and explained the store's policies. Jamie barely listened, his attention wandering to the shelves stocked with skateboards of all shapes and designs.
After Sarah left them to tend to a customer, Tyler cleared his throat. "So, Jamie, what's your deal?"
Jamie looked up, meeting Tyler's gaze evenly. "My deal?"
