byler "Shift Change"

Mike Wheeler was a poor student who was constantly short of money. After yet another unsuccessful attempt to find a decent part-time job, he took a job at a small fast food restaurant near the university.

On his first day, he had to learn everything from scratch. One of the employees, Will Byers, had been there for quite some time, so he was tasked with showing the newcomer around the kitchen, the cash register, and all the other little details.

They quickly found common ground, though at first their relationship remained strictly professional. Will calmly explained things to Mike, while Mike sometimes asked too many questions, trying not to spoil things.

Gradually, they began to run into each other outside of their shifts. Sometimes they'd drink coffee together during short breaks, discuss their studies, or simply complain to each other about visitors.

One day, Mike noticed that employees were allowed discounts on food. It was nothing special—a small privilege that almost everyone took advantage of.

A couple of days later, he accidentally got Will a cheaper order.

“You’re mistaken,” Will noted, looking at the check.

• A. Exactly.

Mike corrected the amount, but after a second looked back at the screen.

• Although... you can leave it like this.

Will shrugged and didn't argue.

After that, such little things began to happen from time to time. Sometimes Mike would give Will a discount, sometimes he'd bring him something from the kitchen if there was any leftovers. Will didn't pay much attention to it, thinking Mike was simply being nice to him.

And Mike himself hadn’t yet tried to understand why it was with Will that he always wanted to stay a few minutes longer.