I Knead You (Narry)

Chapter Three: Put in Work

Zayn had been early to his first day on the job. He walked his usual route as he often went downtown, music blaring through his headphones and a bored look on his face. He wasn't one to smile at strangers or greet store owners opening their doors for the day. In fact, he preferred to avoid eye-contact all together with most people, which he knew wouldn't help him at all at his new job since he was to be talking to customers all day long.

He passed by the new storefront that yesterday had been an ugly brown color for as long as he could remember. It was now blue, with the sign on the front window reading 'The Mix-Up.' The lights inside were off and 'opening soon' was written in scratchy handwriting on a piece of printer paper and taped to the window.

Curiously, Zayn peeked inside the dark store. He could see nice tables and couches, along with other furniture pushed up against the walls, ready to be moved to the perfect spot. There were boxes all over, stacked upon each other to make a narrow pathway for someone to walk through. Overall, the place looked pretty cool, and Zayn decided he should visit it sometime soon when it opened.

He took the last few steps to the next shop, his new place of work. It was 6:30 when he arrived, but the place had already been open for a half an hour, and since it was a weekday, the place was already swarming with people trying to grab a quick breakfast before work.

He ignores someone from the massive line who calls him out for trying to cut and he approaches the counter. He catches sight of Harry, a grin on his face and making light conversation as he helps the customers in line.

"Hey Harry," he greets when Harry notices him.

"Zayn," his boss smiles, come on back. He waves him over.

The black haired boy lifts the folding countertop so that he can walk through to where Harry is already on the next order. He slips out of his leather jacket, revealing his tight white t-shirt.

"Seems we have the same taste in clothing," Harry chuckles. Zayn gives him a confused look before he sees that Harry also has on a white t-shirt and black jeans.

He smiles back at him, "This could be the new dress code," he jokes and Harry laughs, "Where can I put my stuff?"

"My office is in the kitchen, should be open. You can put your belongings in there and wash up and then I'm going to need you out here," Harry points to the door that leads to the kitchen.

Zayn nods and makes his way quickly to the back. There were a lot of people in the store and he's not sure how Harry has managed all this time by himself. He must be exhausted constantly, Zayn thinks.

He hangs his jacket up on the hook inside the office door and walks through the kitchen to where he sees a big industrial sized sink. He washes his hands well and then he's back behind the counter, looking at Harry for direction, "Where do you want me, boss?"

Harry makes a face of disdain, "Just call me Harry, yeah?"

"Sure thing, Harry."

Harry beams, "Great. Do you know how to work a register?"

"Yes sir," Zayn responds, walking over to the register.

"Harry," the curly haired boy scolds as Zayn walks past him.

"Sorry, Harry."

"It's okay Zayn."

Zayn shoots him a sheepish smile before turning to the next guest in front of him. It's an older man. He's dressed in a nice suit, one hand holding onto a briefcase that's placed on the countertop, and a phone pressed tightly to his cheek. He scowls at Zayn, just wanting to get his usual bagel before he's late to work. He scowls at the new boy across the counter who is doing his very best to not return the look.