flower boy howell || phan au

coffee for two

"Flower boy."

He shook my shoulder until I sat up, rubbing my eyes.

Oh, shit. I fell asleep.

I looked around to see that the shop was empty and it was dark outside. I reached into my pocket to check the time, but remebered that my phone was dead, and didn't bother.

The punk looked at me with a different expression from before. His eyes seemed softer than before, tired from the work, probably. "It's 8:30 and we're closed, so get out." I stretched, groaning and yawning. Panic began to rise in me once again, when I realized that it was dark outside and still had no way home. The punk looked at me, rolling his eyes. "Are you deaf? You have to leave now so I can close up."

I had to think quickly. "C-can I use a phone so I can get a ride home?" I barely stuttered out, picking up my flower crown off the table and placing it delicately on the top of my head. He nodded and led me back to the outdated wall phone. "Make it quick, if the shop's not closed up soon, my boss'll kill me." I nodded and dialed up Louise, the phone ringing twice before going to voicemail. Panic was spilling out of me as I rang up my dad, mum, and aunt, none of which answered.

"Dude, seriously. You have to go." The man said, annoyed. I looked at him. No, I couldn't ask him. He wouldn't do it. As if he read my mind, he sighed. "I can get you a ride home." Shock filled me. "R-r-really? Thank... thank you so much." I said as I felt the panic subside. He nodded and led me out of the shop, shutting off the lights and locking the door. "That's my car up ahead." He said, gesturing to the little black van parked across the way. "The name's Phil, by the way." I smiled. "I'm Dan."

The ride was silent, except for the radio playing a rock band I had never heard of. Phil was humming along as we rode down the dark streets of London. "Here it is. The next left." I tell him as we approach my home. He slows the car to a stop, when I realize something. He sees the panic spread on my face again. "What? This is it's isn't it?" I nodded. "B-but I just realized.... I just realized I'm locked out." He rolled his eyes and sighed. "Well, I'm not just going to leave you out here. Wanna stay at my flat for a while?" He offered.

I thought briefly. He was basically a total stranger, but he is really nice, and really really hot. It wouldn't be that bad, I decided. "If... you don't mind, that'd be nice." He nodded and pulled out of my driveway and back onto the road.

"Oh, I love this song." He said suddenly, turning the radio up. I had never heard this song before, but didn't mind. I listened along, hearing Phil sing along quietly.

***

"Here we are." Phil said about 15 minutes later. He pulled into an apartment complex and got out of the car, gesturing for me to follow. I opened the door and attempted to exit the car, not realizing my seat belt was still buckled. I fell back into the seat, and Phil laughed. I felt my face warm as I unbuckled and got out of the car. He led me up a flight of stairs and into a small, messy apartment.

"Make  yourself at home." He says, flopping onto the bed in the middle of the living room. I observed the messiness of the boy's- sorry, Phil's home. It somehow felt comforting, as if I was meant to be in this clutter.

It smelled like pancake syrup and comfort.

I sat myself on the edge of his bed, awkwardly smiling at him. "Coffee? Tea? Water?" He offered. I nodded, requesting a coffee. He stood up, "Coffee for two, coming right up."

He left into the small kitchen, and I followed, not sure what to do with myself in the stranger's house. I watched him prepare the brew with milk and sugar and soon enough he handed me a warm mug. "So, Flower, how long until you can go home?" I shrugged, exhaustion covering my body like a sheet. "Ten-ish?" I yawned in response. "Okay, well, lets get to know each other."

a/n

hoi I hope you're enjoying this bc honestly I think it is a mistake