Before (h.s fanfic)

Coffee

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*Harry's POV*

On my way to work, I'm thinking about last night. I spent a few hours with a girl, but there was really just no connection. Lately I've been a little off my game because I'm so caught up with work. I kind of like it though. I spend my days with one of my favorite people, Ren. She really does give me more motivation to go to work. But don't ever tell her. She surely doesn't even think of me as more than a co-worker.

As I pull into the small parking lot for the bakery, I get out and head for the door. As I walk in, I notice Ren going to get her apron behind the counter. Her short figure and cute attitude makes her fit in perfectly here. I on the other hand, really don't. I'm tattooed and really this place isn't my scene. I just love working here because it makes me feel like I'm at home all the time.

"Good morning Ren" I say as she turns around. She gives me a small smile and quickly scan over me. She responds, "Morning Haz."

Ren is the only person who has really ever called me Haz, and I like it. But only coming out of her mouth. She thought it was funny when I first met her and I guess it always just stuck. I notice that we are wearing similar clothes and I smile to myself as I grab my apron and fit it over my barely-tamed curls. I walk over next to Ren and start rolling out dough to make a traditional loaf.

"So how was your date last night? Did you pull any Styles charm on her?" She asks, winking at me. I chuckle a little and act as if I'm shocked.

"I would never!" I go on and explain what happens. After this conversation is easy. Every once in a while I look over at Ren as she works intently, rolling out the dough with her perfectly toned arms. She always seems to have a small smirk on her face and I know she enjoys what she does. I can't help but focus on her whilst working, though. She is attractive, but in a different way from other girls. Normally when I'm around, girls flirt or try to entice me, whereas Ren just focuses on the task at hand and only speaks to me if I engage in conversation first. I admire her for that. I really have no chance with her, she probably thinks I'm some player.

I start to think of ways to get her to talk to me. Soon I realize that it's time for lunch break and an idea pops into my head. What about coffee? That's harmless, right? Before I can think twice I see her starting to take her apron off and I cough awkwardly. She turns and I forget what to say. Shit. I then notice she has flour on her behind and I gain some confidence back before I speak.

""Two things, love. One, you should probably know you have flour on your bum-" She immediately blushes profusely and swats her behind. I then get flustered gain knowing I have to ask her now. Come on Harry.

"Also, I was just about to go grab a coffee. Would you like to come with me? I mean you don't have to if you don't want or anything but I just thought that-" I start to ramble but she calms my nerves when she responds "Haz calm down. Yes, I'll grab a coffee." Before I can embaress myself any further, we both turn and walk towards the door. I push the glass door open for myself and hold it for her. She nods in response and we start to wander down the street to a nearby coffee joint. It's not very well known but I like to come here for peace and quiet.

As we walk in the small place, the smell of coffee beans fill our noses and we go to find a seat at a table for two. She sets her phone down on the table and we walk up to go order our drinks. I order a mug of plain black coffee and ask her what she wants. Before she can say anything, I quickly say "I'm paying, so don't even try" with a smile on my face.

"Harry, you don't need to do that. I can pay." She argues back but I won't have it.

"Babe, I'll order for you if you don't tell me what you want." I say and she sighs. "I'll have a iced vanilla latte with room for cream" she states. The cashier rings us up and we go to sit back down as we wait for our drinks.

"So," she starts "How are you?"

I don't like how forced this sounds. This shouldn't be awkward, we spend all day together! Maybe it's the change of environment.

"I'm fine, focused on work lately. Et toi?" I ask, adding in a little French because I know it makes her smile when I pronounce the words wrong.

"Comme-ci comme-ca. I'm glad that we're getting coffee though. I mean we never seem to talk outside of work." she states honestly.

"Well maybe we should do this more often." I smile at her and she gives me one back in return. Just then a girl with short red velvet hair and dark lipstick sets down our drinks and walks away before we have time to thank her. I notice Ren looking around the dimly lit shop and can't help but look at he eyes. They are just as beautiful as the rest of her. Wait. What? No Harry, no. You aren't going to get involved with Ren. She's too sweet, and I would surely hurt her. Just remain friends. I don't even know if I like her or not. It's hard not to, though. Shes naturally beautiful and sweet.

"Harry? Hello, Earth to Haz?" she says looking at me questioningly. I didn't realize I had been thinking about her for so long. "Sorry, just thinking."

"Well, we should probably get back pretty soon"

I nod and we stand up with our drinks and start towards the door. The walk back was comfortably quiet and we step back into the store. As I try to put on my apron, I can't seem to tie it in the back. Before I can say anything, I feel a small pair of hands slowly making to bunny ears with the strings and tying it for me. I smile and tun around. "Thanks, love."

She then turns around and I help her with hers. I then go back to the kitchen and she stays by he register to help customers as our shifts slowly go by. I glance at her still and one or two times I found her glancing at me, as well. When we did, she would blush slightly and go back to work. Why is today so different between us? Was it the coffee idea? I then decide that I'll take her again tomorrow. I like spending time with her outside of work. As the hours go by, I quietly sing to myself and continue to take loaves out of the over and make more.

Our shift ends and as the last customer leaves, I sneak up behind her and playfully untie her apron. It hangs loose and she turns around to smile at me. We start to pack up and as we both walk towards the door, she turns to look at me.

"Thanks for coffee today, Haz. Today was fun." She states with a small smile. Before I can respond she plants a quick kiss on my cheek and I know my face is now crimson. What the hell Harry grow a pair! I try to act unphased and reply with a simple "No problem, love." We both smile and step out the door. She waves to me and I give a smile as we turn and walk separate ways. Is this the start of something? I push the thought away and walk home with a ghost of a smile playing on my face.

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hi ill update soon! hope you like it, comment and vote! -cate

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