IF THERE’S ONE THING that zihao deserves an inkling of credit for, it’s being a relatively quick learner when he takes on a new job, though that’s partially by virtue of repetition. ( it could easily be argued that he should know much more than he does, but he never makes it past entry level, anyway. ) his first shift nearly complete, he leans against one of the counters, taking a break from cleaning now that the day’s over. ( to his credit, he’s only taken one other unannounced break thus far today, though that was short - lived. ) he switches between picking at his nails and staring over at ian, unashamed at how either action may come off . . . but if he had to pick, the nail biting would be placed higher than the longing stares. he breathes in with all of his might, putting the same effort into his exhale, an announcement of his decision to begin conversation. “ ian i’m boredddd, ” he says, head tilted to the side. it’s been two minutes since either of them spoke, max. “ which one of the other workers is your work bae? you have two, huh? ”