Colour my world in pastel

Tuesdays are the slowest days at City Wok, the only things that are ever busy are the sink and the table wipes, yet Kenny finds them to be a blessing since the workload is not as heavy.

On Tuesdays, he's on register duties with a simple list of directions to follow; mind the store and don't forget to smile at the customers. He's already completed that now that the store's cleaned and practically empty asides for the two couples dining in the booths that he doesn't care too much for, leaving his co-workers on serving duties to take care of them.

What he does care about is that one take-out order in the hot box behind him, an order that was placed at least fifteen minutes ago by a customer that has yet to be seen and the reason why he can't go on break. Sure, he can always ask one of his co-workers to take his place while he's on break, to catch some z's most likely, but Kenny's never the one to leave a task unfinished, he sticks with it til the very end like a loyal dog. Call it stubborn pride, but it does help a lot with his pay, the more money added on, the better.

So as he waits, he loosens his tie (He ditches his hoodie and opts for the standard waiter uniform, stating it suits the Tuesday's position well. But in all actuality, it's hot, wearing his hoodie under the uniform.) and starts doodling on a napkin.

And after a while, the bell over the door rings, Kenny takes out the order and places it on the counter, if he's right, the customer's coming for that order.

"You know, I was wondering when you...Stan?"

"You sound as surprised as I am." Stan say, reaching for his wallet in his bag. When he finds it, he pulls out a twenty. "So, this is where you have been. Me and the guys were wondering what you have been up to."

"Yeah, pretty much, got this job a while ago and I have been here ever since." His voice trails off as he opens the cash register and hands Stan his change. Then he looks at him with a softer expression and a small smile on his face as he says. "Kind of feel bad for not seeing you guys as often but I got to eat, you know."

Stan chuckles. "Don't worry about it. I understand and the guys, they will understand too."

Kenny nods his head. There's truth in Stan's statement. Eventually, the guys will understand. And Stan, well, there's never a doubt in his words, always staying true to his words. So Kenny doesn't worry too much about it.

"Kyle might shower you with praises."

"Sounds about right. Fat boy might try to ask me for a discount."

Then, laughter bubbles out of the both of them. Suddenly, it feels like the old days, where it's the two of them, laying on their stomachs in Stan's room, reading the comics section of the daily paper. And Kenny would be lying if he denies he misses time like this, sharing laughs with Stan.

"And what about you?" Kenny is leaning on the counter now, head resting on his hands, and grins.

Stan looks up, confused. "What about me?"

"How would you congratulate me? I'm curious."

"Oh. I got you." Is all Stan says, placing a finger on his lips, and hums in thought. "Kenny, you have been here for a while."

"Yeah. And?" Kenny raises a brow at him, confused at his friend's statement, unsure why he's suddenly went off topic.

"I was wondering what do you think is the best meal on the menu. By now, you probably have one in mind."

"Yeah, I do." He stands upright, runs a hand in his hair, flipping his fringes from his forehead. Then, he pulls out a menu, opens to a page and points at a picture of a bowl of noodles. "It's called Chow Mein. Mr. Kim gave it to me one time after staying til closing time and it was the best thing I ever ate." To emphasis, he rubs his stomach and sighs in delight.