Tomlinson was the best thing to happen to me (Watty's '13)

Christmas break

"That was awesome."

"I'm hungry."

"Hey! That's my line."

"Now is it?"

"It bloody well is."

"Well there's Subway, and there's other stuff around here, I heard. Or we could always cook back at the flat."

"I could whack up some fried rice if we had the resources and that'll last us a few meals." She responded with a look of surprise.

"Really didn't expect that."

"No one ever does. My family owns a café and we have our own special fried rice."

"You'll have the boys no problem."

"I don't think so, buddy. I can't be romantic to save my ass."

"That would be a problem unless you can leave that to the boy. I'd know that, because that was how I got asked out the first time."

"And I wouldn't know how to react to that." Last time I tried, it turned out somewhat disastrous.

"I could try helping you with that."

"How?"

"I dunno," she sighs. "You're a hard case."

"I know," I say, running my hand through my hair. I need to get a hair cut. It's getting long.

"Would be helpful if you didn't go around looking like you're from some street gang. I'll see if I can find you a date or two here."

"Good luck with that, then."

"I'll manage fine."

"I'll manage fine destroying whatever progress you make. I'm not looking for a guy anyway." We enter and sit down in a dimly lit, warm café style restaurant.

"Have you ever fancied a boy?"

"I suppose you could say yes," I almost mumble. "Once," I add absent-mindedly.

"We've established you like boys then," she states in an undertone.

"Yeah." I peel my gaze from my friend as I look to the menu.

"How long ago was it?"

"About halfway through last year… I didn't have a clue what to do, what to say."

"Does he know?"

"Did he initially know? I don't know. Does he now? I'm pretty sure he does but he's been acting weird since the start of this year."

"How long have you known him for?"

"January would mark 2 years. I actually kinda came here to let it all die down because I stuffed up big time. I've always wanted to come here anyway, but my family's not exactly rich. So I had to earn money myself to fund it. Speaking of which I should probably attempt finding a weekend job or something."

"If you need the money to fund stuff, that would be a good idea."

"Want to order now?"

"Yeah." I raised my arm to let the waiter know.

"Yes," he asked briskly. "Ready to order?"

"I'll have a chicken schnitzel and a hot chocolate."

"And you?"

"I'll have the same."

"That's all?"

"That's all, thanks." He turned and left. The girl sitting in front of me continued with the ongoing conversation.