Archive of Our Own

Denny’s was a funny place to love. It was pure American, a cheap diner with food that usually gave you a stomach ache afterwards. But the simple menu and sprinkling of odd customers wasn’t what made it special for Kyle. It was the memories he’d made.

Like this one time at 12 am, he was with his relatives, an odd bunch who liked to do unconventional things like eat breakfast for dinner sometimes. The strawberry crepes were so shitty and the chocolate milk too sweet he had to ask for water, but that didn’t matter to him. He was a middle schooler, out in the world so late though nobody else seemed to mind.

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, given the strictness of his parents. Though that didn’t stop him from wishing it could happen again and daydreaming about what else might be possible if he were unsupervised, or at least in the care of people who weren’t so uptight. 

Eventually, he got a second chance but this time it was even more spectacular. He was with his high school basketball teammates, who, after having an especially successful season, decided to go out to eat late at night. Though normally the job of organizing a group meal would be up to their coach, the boys wanted to have a chance to do their own thing, no adults allowed.

Around the time, Kyle’s mom had been letting him do more things she typically wouldn’t have approved of, being driven by one of his friend’s parents was one of them. Though it was kind of awkward at first, every time they picked up another one of their team members who needed a ride, Kyle felt the excitement within him bubble up, and up, and up.

He’d brought money from his own food service job to spend, feeling so mature, though he didn’t end up needing to pay that night anyway. Late into the evening, similar to his younger memory, Kyle found himself with a clear plastic cup of overly sweetened chocolate milk once again. But he wasn’t embarrassed, half the guys did the same. One even ordered a kid’s size.

Amongst the sharing of highlights from their games, inside jokes, and bringing up gossip about the other team, Kyle considered that night to be one of the best he had in a while.

The closer he got to graduation, the more he attempted to cling onto those memories of feeling weightless. Like there was more to life than failed crushes and homework, doing chores and going to bed on time. He would daydream about moving out of his childhood home, wanted to be more independent and be given the chance to prove that he could survive out in the world all by himself. 

On the day he finally left for college, he made a promise to himself that he would try his best to make every day feel like a late night at Denny’s. Believing that was possible was probably sillier than having an emotional attachment to a restaurant. 

20 years old now and at a particularly low point, he did what any insane person would do and called in sick from work so he could eat at his favorite diner. The goal was to pick up any semblance of real quality he still had left in his life. It was that or drop out of college and become a disappointment.

He felt embarrassed walking in despite understanding that people probably visited the place by themselves all the time, though maybe not at 6 in the afternoon. The sun hang loosely in the sky, casting a red-orange-yellow hue that reminded him of a popsicle.

Luckily, there was no one at the counter to watch him scan the area as he searched for reassurance that he wasn’t the only one dining solo.

There was a small family of 3 at a booth, with a kid that Kyle was sure might annoy him if he was sat too close. Luck over.

Sitting at a booth towards the back was an older man who’d presumably just come out from work, dressed in typical blue-collar-looking clothes. Now his presence made sense. 

Kyle looked down, wondering if his own outfit made him stand out any less. He had on a pair of loose jeans and a college crewneck, completely normal where he was from but maybe too clean for the current environment. If anyone looked his way they’d probably assume he was waiting on someone else, pitying him as the minutes ticked by and still no one showed. Oh god. 

Before he could chicken out and leave, a worker exited what looked to be the kitchen and spotted him.

The first thing Kyle noticed was his face, because admittedly, he was cute. Black hair, blue eyes. His height screamed adult, but his features made him look young, like a college freshman. 

Kyle immediately felt at ease. What was he so caught up on? As if the potential judgement of some kid could have any real effect on his self-esteem.

“For one, please.” He said casually. Not ‘just’ or ‘only me’, because he was better than that. Eating alone wasn’t a defeat. Tons of people went out and did things catered towards groups and duos all on their own and they probably had a great time too.

“Okay, right this way.”

The worker smiled warmly and led Kyle to the nearest booth which was right next to the window and the entrance, giving him a clear view of pretty much everything.

“Can I get you started with something to drink?” He said, giving him a menu and a set of utensils wrapped in a napkin.

It quickly occurred to Kyle that out of plain old habit, he was about to ask for a chocolate milk. Blush quickly rose to his cheeks as he searched for an out.

”Uh, let me— take a look first…” he quickly flipped to the back of the menu, unsure of what else they even served there since he’d never gotten anything different before.

The waiter’s hands faltered, his pen and paper lowering. “Would you like me to come back?”

Yes, Kyle wanted to say. But he didn’t want to be a bother and it shouldn’t be so hard to order a drink. He internally strangled that inner voice in his head telling him he should be ashamed.

”Actually— no, that’s okay. I’ll have a chocolate milk.” He flipped the menu back over like that finalized it, which in a way it did. He refused to mull over the list of more socially acceptable options any further. 

To his surprise and delight, the waiter gave him a small reassuring smile, at least, it felt that way.

“Do you want whipped cream?”

Kyle tilted his head. “Do they do that if it’s cold?”

“I can.”

A childlike sense of giddiness sprung its way up, just like it did years ago. None of the past waiters had ever offered to do that before. He had to let curiosity win. 

“And… a chocolate drizzle?”

The guy chuckled, though it didn’t sound ill-intended. 

“Sure. That all?”

Kyle nodded, a sense of pride overtaking him. He’d been brave enough to ask for what he truly wanted, that meant something. Maybe not everything, but being in Denny’s meant the world was at his fingertips for at least an hour.

“Okay, I’ll be back.”

Left alone, Kyle began searching the menu for what else he wanted. It would be crazy to order breakfast this late, though it wouldn’t be the first time he’d done so. And much earlier in the day than in the past, if that justified anything. Besides, maybe he was crazy. 

He looked over the familiar meal options, his stomach encouraging him to choose something traditional, his classic order of over-medium eggs, sausage, and hash browns. With a cup of syrup on the side to drizzle over everything but the eggs. That was the way. 

He felt a strong desire to laugh at himself. To think he’d eaten like that all his life out in public like it was nobody’s business. He was always so unashamedly himself because life was just sweeter that way. Where did all that go, he internally wondered, feeling guilty for letting his younger self down. 

Looking around, he discreetly watched the family of three. They ended up not being far enough, meaning Kyle could clearly hear the mother struggling to convince her child to finish his food and failing because he was too busy glued to a tablet. Kyle tended to judge parents more than anybody, especially ones that didn’t understand that screens were addicting, or even cared to make a change once they did.

I’m one to talk, he thought. His screentime hit hours above 10 daily. Though he justified that by saying he needed to take plenty of breaks throughout the day to combat classes and homework and studying. Sometimes, he even used his phone for all those things, so 2-3 hours accumulated couldn’t even be blamed on him. 

Beginning to feel stressed again, Kyle moved on to looking at the older man. He was eating in silence, looking glum. Or maybe that was just exhaustion. Kyle wondered what he would be returning home to. A wife and kids? Unlikely, seeing as he was eating here rather than with them. But what did a man his age have to work for then, if not a family?

Kyle felt mean for thinking that, knowing not everyone fit into the cookie cutter life society expected of them. He surely didn’t, having no prospects, no partner or a solid plan to do something meaningful with his life.

He wasn’t on track to become a young millionaire or a business owner. Not a celebrity or internet star, though he liked to bet he could be slightly famous if he ever actually tried. Probably making vlogs where he attempted to make it seem like his life was more fulfilling than it actually was. 

Today I’m here at Denny’s, eating alone because by god it’s the 21st century and we’re allowed to do unconventional things. Follow for more tips on how to not be a loser when all you’ve got is yourself.

He smiled down at the menu. Only other frauds would tune in to an obvious fraud like him. It’d be great, everyone lying to themselves and pretending they weren’t actually really lonely having to be out in public without a friend or a date, or even their mom.

Kyle refused to think any further about that subject.

Luckily, the waiter reemerged from the kitchen, light brown drink in hand. Perfectly topped with all the fixes they had agreed upon.

“Here you are, enjoy.”

Kyle accepted the plastic straw as he gave it, immediately grateful it wasn’t made of stupid cardboard. Sorry turtles. 

“Are you ready to order or would you like some more time?” The waiter asked as Kyle pushed the straw into his drink.

”Oh— yeah, I’m ready.” 

He listed off his special order, unashamed because Denny’s was a sacred place where he could be himself. The waiter didn’t show any signs of surprise or being thrown off by his breakfast for dinner request either, making Kyle feel more relaxed. Oh, this guy was good. 

“Got it, and did you want anything else on the side? Pancakes, toast…” 

“No thanks, that’s all.” 

He nodded, slipping his pen back into his waist apron. 

“Okay, I’ve got a classic breakfast with over-medium eggs, hash browns, sausage…” his eyes flicked up, “and syrup.”

Kyle felt a panic at the singling out of the one thing on the list which he felt a tiny bit insecure over. He was going to try and just ignore it, but his curiosity was apparently still winning and got the better of him.

”What?” He said nervously, not angrily or accusatory. Just with gentle caution.

The waiter jolted a bit, seemingly unprepared to be called out on his reaction. Maybe he wasn’t that good after all. 

“Oh— uh, nothing. I just…” he fidgeted with the corner of the page, “what’s it for?”

Kyle can only imagine he was referring to the syrup, which he took a bit personally because there was no way he worked at a diner and had never, not once in his entire ‘career’ been given a similar order. But maybe he was just curious and never felt confident enough to ask anyone else before. Kyle decided to go with that. 

“Well, for everything… except the eggs. Though I guess eventually it all gets mixed together anyways...” 

The waiter nodded. He didn’t seem particularly grossed out or anything, unlike other people’s reactions. Kyle assumed it was fair he got to ask a question too.

”Haven’t you ever tried it before?”

He shook his head. “I just use ketchup, sometimes.”

Kyle twirled the straw in between his thumb and index finger. “Yeah, that’s the normal way I guess. It’s good though, in my opinion.”

The boy smirked like Kyle just revealed a secret. “You have a bit of a sweet tooth, huh?”

Kyle looked down at his drink with a chuckle. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“I’ll leave this here then, in case you want dessert later,” the guy says, placing the menu back on the table. “We have something new, which I think you’ll like. It’s very chocolatey.” 

Kyle couldn’t help but feel flattered. Maybe the guy was just trying to sell him some more food or get a bigger tip, either way, he was making Kyle feel more understood and normal than anyone else had in quite some time. It was nice.

”Thanks, I’ll check it out.”

He does a single nod then turns on his heel, heading back towards the kitchen.

Kyle couldn’t help but wonder if he really was as young as he looked. He seemed to get nervous when Kyle pointed out the chip in his customer service mask, but then again, Kyle had been acting far more anxious since he’d gotten there. 

Outside, he heard a car honk. They were right beside a freeway entrance, which wasn’t the prettiest view. The Denny’s itself didn’t look very appealing on the outside, sort of isolated and empty. But the interior was nice.

An acoustic radio station played quietly out of the speakers, something kind of country sounding and a tad bit romantic. The lights were also still off out in the dining area, leaving the sunset to do most of the work. He’d never experienced this type of environment here before. In his memory, it was always bustling and filled with chatter. 

The current mood was almost somber, but in a cozy way. Like waking up in a nice bed to the sound of silence. Familiar but isolating. Like you were the only person in the world, until you stepped outside. 

Kyle was outside now, though he didn’t feel any less lonely. He thought about the man eating alone who probably figured no one was noticing him. Maybe he preferred it that way, though unfortunately, Kyle couldn’t help but always notice everyone. Sorry.

He tried to focus on his drink, taking short sips while he scanned the back of the menu. The new dessert mentioned must’ve been this brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup concoction largely pictured. It looked sickly sweet and would probably ruin his stomach, but it might’ve been just what he needed.

Kyle wasn’t really the type to eat when he was stressed, in fact more times than not he struggled to force himself to munch on anything more than just a few bites of something here and there when he got really down in the dumps. It wasn’t very intentional or for a lack of trying. He just had a hard time getting out of his head. And his bed.

But this time around was different because he’d managed to not only bring himself closer to food but to a place he hoped would raise his spirits.

Though so far his attempt seemed to be missing the mark by an inch. He realized that maybe trying to find solace within something he only had good memories being around others with wasn’t the brightest idea when he was currently depressed about being alone. He was at a time in his life where he had a severe lack of real friends, community, and overall a basic sense of self-identity. 

Speaking of, the waiter never properly introduced himself. Not that it really mattered, it was just Kyle. He wasn’t going to complain or comment on the lack of following some customer service script. But then again, he probably had a name-tag attached to his black dress shirt. 

Kyle felt a bit bad for not noticing. He’d analyzed his face more than he cared to know his name. That wasn’t very nice of him. 

The taste on his tongue suddenly turned saccharine so he decided to sit back, pushing the cup away as he did. Things weren’t going at all as he’d hoped. Everything was wrong, the kid was starting to fuss, being pulled away from his digital lifeline, and the older man was beginning to finish up.

Kyle had hoped coming here would make him feel better, that it would repair something broken within him. Bring back what he’d lost since he moved out. But maybe being an adult just sucked and there wasn’t any hope left for him to seek.

The waiter returned, stopping to check in on the other guests. Kyle heard him offer to bring the older man his bill, confirming Kyle’s suspicions that he would be leaving. The family sat across from him seemed to be finishing up too, the young father talking about just getting the leftovers to go. 

Soon, it would just be Kyle. The thought made his heart pound. Surely someone else would show up, another family maybe. A couple on a date. The place would stay open for hours. But in the meantime, if anyone looked through the windows, maybe a passerby in a car waiting at the light, they’d see him. Just him. Maybe he wasn’t better than that word.

He thought about the workers and how annoyed they would probably be, waiting around hoping he would leave soon so they could act normal again and focus on ending their shift. Kyle knew that feeling, he’d been in their shoes before with his first job. It was probably the reason he got fired from it too.

The building anxiety was exhausting. Kyle wished the voices in his head would just stop, though in reality it was just him. He was his own worst enemy. Constantly going on and on about how terrible things were and wishing he could go back. It was pitiful, really. Anyone would be right to think so. 

As the waiter returned with the bill and the box for the couple, he gave Kyle a small smile before leaving the room again. Kyle did his best to return the gesture, trying to be polite but it was hard to make his face actually feel the emotion he was meant to be showcasing. He just hoped he didn’t look like a liar. 

It didn’t take very long after the others left for his food to arrive. He felt grateful for the distraction that was eating. 

“If you need anything else, just let me know.” 

Kyle gave him a polite nod. ”Thanks.”

The first few bites hit his stomach in the best way. The food was freshly warm and drizzling the syrup on top made him feel less tense.

In the corner of his eye he could see the waiter start to clear up the other tables. Their eyes met a few times which was a little embarrassing, though Kyle figured he wouldn’t be caught occasionally staring unless the other guy was sneaking glances at him too. That made his heart flip, until he remembered the guy was probably 18, then he just felt a bit weird. There was something about liking anyone with the ‘-teen’ still attached to their age that made him cringe. Theoretically, he was only 2 years older, but by god was he more mature than anyone at that age.

Eventually the doom and gloom caught up with him again and he couldn’t bring himself to eat another forkful. His meal hadn’t even been halfway eaten yet.

He rested his head in the palm of his hand and looked out the window. The sun was setting even lower, and with it his mood.

He thought about his younger brother Ike and this one time they went out to eat together. It was at a then-new diner, something bear related. The best thing on the menu was this warm blueberry claw pastry, everything else was pretty similar to most breakfast diners. But it became their spot.

They celebrated there on numerous occasions, just the two of them, because Kyle had gotten his license before graduation and wanted to be a cool, big-older brother. They took any excuse, like when either one did especially well on a test, after the last day of school or if they were down in the dumps about something but didn’t want their parents to overhear.

Kyle probably would’ve liked to go there instead, but there was only a few locations, all too far away from him. Another reason why he should’ve just bitten the bullet and visited home.

But he couldn’t. Not in such a state. With nothing to show for all his hard work except a depressive episode and some half-assed promise of a life after college. A life he wasn’t so sure he wanted anymore, or maybe ever wanted. With a serious lack of conviction, nothing else would work out anyway.

As it turned out, he wasn’t a go getter like most of the other people in his major. High school made him think he was smart and capable, but college kicked him off his high horse and made him realize he was just another above average student in a below average school. Not anything truly special.

He hated crying, but all the sad thoughts made him miss his family more and more. He just wanted to give up, call it quits and go home, so when a stray tear slipped past he did nothing to stop it. Not like anyone was around to see anyway.

“How’s everything so far?”

Kyle jolted, then tried to sneakily wipe his eye as he turned around. He felt guilty when he saw that the waiter seemed nervous, probably wondering why Kyle wasn’t eating and whether he messed something up to cause that. 

“Oh, uh, it’s good! Thank you.”

The boy nodded, looking slightly less troubled. He was so easy to read. 

Kyle expected him to walk away, but when he didn’t he felt that he should apologize.

”Sorry, I just got distracted.”

The guy shook his head. “No worries, I just…” he tapped the tip of his shoe into the carpet, “are you okay?”

Kyle’s eyes widened. “Uh… yeah, totally…” He felt his skin heat up at the other boy’s intrusion. Apparently he wasn’t the only one paying attention. “Sorry, I just… I’ve been having a rough day.”

The waiter nodded sympathetically, tucking a thumb into one of his apron pockets. “‘S okay dude, it happens.”

”Yeah…”

Kyle tried to smile politely, but he felt too awkward. Meanwhile, the other guy seemed to bring his walls down even further. 

“Do you like, need someone to talk to?”

He seemed a bit hesitant asking that, surely recognizing how unprofessional it sounded.

Kyle wondered if he offered to speak with any sad looking customer that came in during downtime. Sure would get pretty exhausting. Still, the implications of ‘need’ in line with ‘talk to someone’, meaning anyone, offended him a little. As true of a statement as it might’ve been.

He shook his head and waved his hands. “Ah, no, that’s okay. I mean, you’re working and I wouldn’t wanna get you in trouble or anything.”

The boy shrugged. “I gotta take a break soon anyway. Plus, I mean,” he looked around the empty restaurant, “it’s pretty slow right now.”

Kyle wanted to laugh, but he was too busy being dumbfounded by the whole situation. Was this guy for real? 

“Are… you sure?” He laughed uncertainly, “wouldn’t you rather be away from the only customer you have?” 

“You’d think that.” The guy rubbed his neck and chuckled, “but I don’t know, you seem nice.”

Picking his internal jaw off the ground, Kyle realized he was left with no other reason to say no. Not out of pressure or anything but because talking more with him didn’t sound bad at all. It was then that he finally looked down and read his name-tag. It said Stan.

”Well, if you insist... but I’m not really the type to vent to a stranger.” Kyle anxiously twisted a curl around his finger.

“That’s alright, maybe we could just… talk about something random?”

Kyle nodded slowly, feeling like a kid having to be encouraged to speak to others.

“Okay,” Stan said gently, probably noticing his apprehension, “I’ll be right back.”

He walked away leaving Kyle at a loss.

Did that really just happen?

Taking a nervous sip of his abandoned drink, he tried not to overthink Stan’s intentions. Had he been expecting Kyle to pour out his heart and soul, to an absolute stranger? If that were the case, maybe he had just been bored and wanted to hear something interesting. All he had to do was pretend to care for a bit since it was unlikely they’d ever see each other again.

But Kyle struggled to envision that being the true reason. Stan seemed much more kinder than that.

Then again, he was a stranger. 

He was glad he had at least offered to have a more casual conversation: something random. Not his life story or the reason why he was sitting in a Denny’s all alone in the early evening. Though maybe Stan would still ask him those questions anyway. 

If he did, Kyle couldn’t think of why he would turn him away. Again, they would probably never meet afterwards. Maybe he wouldn’t mind pouring out a little bit of himself.

When Stan returned without his waist apron, Kyle moved his plate closer to himself, making room for what the other had brought on over to his— well, now their— table, a crumpled brown paper bag. 

He watched as he sat across from him and took out a simple looking sandwich and a small bag of chips.

When Stan finally caught him staring, his eyes widened a bit in panic. ”Oh, I’m sorry I forgot to ask— is this okay?” He gestured toward the snack. 

Kyle was quick to reassure him. “Yeah, of course! It’s fine…” he laughed nervously.

“I’m sorry, I know this is pretty weird,” Stan apologized again, eyes downcast as he rubbed the back of his neck, “I swear I don’t do this all the time. I’d probably get fired if I did.” He smiled sheepishly.

Nodding, Kyle smiled back in an attempt to make the other feel more at ease.

”I get it dude. Uh, thanks… for sitting with me,” he shrugged, “I wasn’t expecting the company but… I don’t mind it.”

Stan seemed to slowly light up, looking once again like his previously chipper self. “I’m glad to hear that. You seemed upset so I just… wanted to do what I would’ve done had I not been working. Which might’ve been even creepier,” he joked shyly.

Kyle laughed and this time it was genuine and heartfelt. “Maybe. But I probably would’ve let you join me anyway.” 

He didn’t know he believed that until he said it, feeling a bit bashful right after. Would he really have let a complete stranger sit with him if that person were Stan? 

The two share a look of appreciation before returning back to their meals. After a minute of silence, Kyle attempted small talk.

”Uh… so, why don’t you just eat the food from here?” He gestured toward the kitchen.

At his first job, which was a small food chain, all he ever ate for lunch was the free meal he was offered as part of his benefits. Eating the same thing never got boring since he’d be so hungry by the time he got to his 15 minute break. It wasn’t until after he was let go that he couldn’t stomach that food anymore, not for a whole year. 

Stan shook his head with a tiny scrunch of his nose. “It’s kind of a lot. Like, of course there’s options but… I don’t know. I like to keep things simple.”

”Plus,” he continues, “after being around diner food all day, I feel like I’ve eaten just about every plate I’ve served by association.”

”I get that,” Kyle said, even though he didn’t really. He remembered being just two hours into his shift and wishing each next order he completed was his to keep. 

They fell into another comfortable silence until Stan got a text notification on his phone. He was quick to roll his eyes and sigh after apparently reading the message. Kyle’s interest peaked.

”Everything okay?” 

Stan finished typing out a short message before turning off his ringer and leaving the source of his mild frustration alone on the table. “Yeah, just my annoying roommate. The guy refuses to learn my schedule so he’s always asking me when I’m coming back.” 

“Oh, are you in college?” Kyle said, admittedly taken aback. He figured Stan was still living with his parents, like most new graduates did.  

He shook his head. “Nah, just sharing rent for now. School’s not really my thing,” he looked down and gestured to Kyle’s sweater, “guess it’s yours though, huh?”

Kyle looked down too, feeling slightly embarrassed. Not of the school but to the attention of his outfit. He wasn’t used to being perceived in that way.

”Yeah, I graduate next year,” he said, playing with a curl again.

“Really…? Wow, I wasn’t expecting that… uh, ‘cause you look young, I mean,” Stan added tentatively.

Kyle scoffed, “me? You’re the one that looks like a teenager, no offense.” He tilted his head slightly, “…how old are you?”

Stan narrowed his eyes playfully. ”Guess.”

Kyle chuckled. Oh brother. “Nineteen,” he said smugly.

”Y’ouch,” Stan grimaced. “Sorry dude, you’re way off.”

Kyle’s confident expression fell to confusion. ”Way off? Well, then… how old do you think I am?” 

Stan put a thumb under his chin and hummed while he studied him. ”Well, the way you said teenager makes me think you’re older than eighteen. Plus, you said you graduate next year, soo… how about… twenty?”

Unable to hide his surprise, Kyle crossed his arms with another scoff. “Dude, no way. That’s not fair, you used like… context clues.”

Stan chuckled, “isn’t that the point?”

”I don’t know. Maybe.” He looked over at the boy with inquisitive eyes, “now it’s your turn.”

”…I’m twenty-one.” Stan said, taking a bite of his sandwich. He looked a bit sheepish to admit it, which made Kyle wonder if he was lying. 21 was such a fake age anyway. 

He shook his head vehemently, “dude no way, first of all that’s not way off from nineteen,” he said bitterly, though he was only joking, “and second of all, you are not twenty-one.”

”I’m not?” Stan asked sarcastically, he looked amused.

“No,” Kyle reaffirmed, “you’re just trying to one-up me.”

Stan laughed in a way that made Kyle’s cheeks feel hot. Everything he did was just so charming.

“Whatever you say dude, but I swear I’m telling you the truth.” 

The two returned to a comfortable silence as they resumed eating. Kyle suddenly finding the food satisfying once again, if anything just to keep from checking out the guy in front of him, who he now had confirmation, was in fact his type.

He had started telling himself to be chill and tried thinking of ways to avoid being so obvious, fully convinced it was all one sided, so, when he glanced up and caught Stan staring at him, he couldn’t help but crack a smile.

”What?” He pressed, because he figured Stan would probably choke up like last time and panic over being caught, but he did the opposite.

“Nothing,” he said calmly, moving to brush a bit of dark hair from his eye. “I’m just glad you seem to be feeling a bit better.” He nodded in the direction of the food, “you had me worried I’d gotten your order wrong, even though I put extra care into getting it right.”

Kyle’s heart did a sort of thumping thing and that was when he knew that this guy was just too good to be true. Or maybe somewhat of a dream come true. Either way, the ease in which Stan expressed his inner thoughts was unlike anything he had been particularly used to as of late. It was so attractive.

Before the doubt and anxiety made a home in his head, Kyle had been brave and bold, it was like a trademark of his. And so, wanting to do his younger self proud, he boldly said, “thanks, but to be honest… it’s not the food that’s making me feel this way.”

Stan choked then, though not on his food, thankfully. Kyle enjoyed watching his cheeks tinge pink as he tried not to make it obvious that he was flattered. 

“Oh.” Is all he replied, which made Kyle laugh. Soon, Stan joined him. A moment later, he was rubbing his neck and peering up at Kyle like a puppy. Sweet eyes and all.

”…I like talking to you too.”

They both beamed at each other, some sort of meddling force pushing Kyle to ask Stan for his number, but before he could, the sound of multiple car doors being closed in the parking lot jolted them out of their daze. 

Together they turned to see a family of four making their way to the restaurant entrance and within a second Stan was tossing his leftovers into his brown bag and tumbling out the booth.

”Shit, sorry. I gotta—“ he hurriedly pointed a thumb at the family.

Deal with them, Kyle thought. Though he understood, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment. He wanted their conversation to last longer, thought Stan might’ve at least had a fifteen minute break. But seeing as though he appeared to be the only waiter working that hour, Kyle figured it didn’t matter much to his boss. 

“It’s okay, I get it. Go,” he made a back and forth movement with his hand, signaling him to get a move on. 

Stan smiled at him apologetically, “I’ll be right back.”

Kyle watched him disappear into the kitchen, wondering if he would even be able to make good on that promise as hard as he might’ve tried. It was heading into the dinner hour which meant they’d be much busier soon, the approaching family being proof.

He thought about asking Stan when he’d be off, but felt it a little too forthcoming. He didn’t want to seem desperate to have a friend, especially considering the circumstances in which they met. Kyle looking all gloomy in a booth by himself, Stan trying his best to cheer him up while remaining professional-ish. It painted an odd picture he didn’t fully align with. Or that maybe he didn’t want to accept.

With the family now waiting by the counter and Stan casually walking out to greet them, as if he wasn’t probably just rushing to get himself put back together, Kyle continued eating his meal, wondering if desert was still an option he found appetizing. He considered just asking for it to go, figuring it’d be better if he left sooner rather than later. He didn’t want to distract Stan from his work.

Throughout the process of getting the family settled, coming by with waters and then later on their drinks, Stan gave Kyle a friendly, awkward smile every time he walked by. It was cute, the way he tried to show that he hadn’t forgotten about him. Eventually, he was able to stop by Kyle’s table again, though he kept up his work persona.

”How’re you doing?” He asked, sounding a bit winded by the previous back and forth.

Kyle pushed his cup away, practically done with the chocolate milk. “Good, thanks. Uh, I was thinking of heading out.” He watched Stan’s face drop a little, so he quickly added, “though… maybe I could get that chocolate thing you mentioned earlier to go?

With a gentle nod and a soft smile, he told Kyle that it would be right out. He took the plate and cup before leaving, reaching across the table in a way that made Kyle feel butterflies. He couldn’t stop himself from wishing they were closer.

It was only a few minutes later when his desert in a box was handed to him, as well as the bill. Kyle scanned it to make sure everything was in order but noticed that only the breakfast platter and drink were added. He looked at Stan, ready to tell him about the mistake but he quickly held his palm out.

“It’s on me,” he said, handing over the second piece of receipt paper he had been holding, “and this is for you.”

At first Kyle thought it was just the customer copy, but a glance toward the bottom revealed a phone number written in blue ink. Holy shit. 

He looked up, too stunned for words and hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. Stan just looked nervous, fidgeting with one of the top buttons of his shirt. 

“I just, um, thought maybe we could keep talking… sometime.”

Feeling like he was in a bit of a trance, Kyle nodded slowly and tried to remember how to breathe. “That… sounds really nice.” He attempted a totally-not-freaking-out smile, “I’ll text you.”

Stan nodded too, looking like he wanted to take off running. But instead he stayed and just tapped his fingers to the side of his pants, looking everywhere but directly at Kyle. “Cool.”

”Cool.”

The ding of the front door being opened made them both jump again, the sound of another group of people causing Stan to jokingly narrow his eyes. “That’s my cue,” he said with a tired smile, “goodbye—…?”

”Kyle.”

Stan nodded happily, looking pleased to know that was his name. “Bye, Kyle.”

”Bye, Stan.” Kyle said, because there was a QR code on the receipt where he could pay, meaning there was no excuse for them to talk anymore. 

Despite this, as he headed out the door with his plastic bag, he took one last peak behind him and spotted Stan peering over the new guests at the counter, looking like he was trying to get a final glance too. He waved, mouthing the word bye. Kyle smiled and waved back.

After getting into his car, he took out the receipt from his pocket and input the new number into his phone. It’s too soon, he thought, looking down at the blue flashing line of the message bar. An anxious thought made him wonder when was the right time to text a guy you were interested in.

He took one last look at the Denny’s, letting himself revel in the temporary feeling of invincibility that it provided and the juxtaposition of his life back at school. It hit him then that it was never the restaurant that made him feel that way years before, but the people surrounding him. His family, his friends, and today: Stan.

More than that, it was the sense of freedom. That he could do and be whatever the hell he wanted. So what if he was the type to text first, to want a real friend, to need the support of his family. To take some time off from school and make sure his current path was what he really wanted to pursue. None of that made him any less of who he was, it was all intricately a part of his design. The boldness, the dreaming, never settling for less. Those were the parts of himself that made him feel more alive. 

Without giving doubt a second chance, he sent a message that read, “what time are you off?” to Stan, then made a reminder on his phone to call his mother the next day to tell her he’d be visiting during the upcoming break.

Afterwards, he read over his short text again, sending a small, “oh, it’s Kyle btw” because he’d realized he’d forgotten to do that, and without an introduction that probably would’ve freaked Stan out. 

Chuckling to himself, he turned on both the ac and radio, switching to a slow oldies station. Apparently being a bit of a ditz when it came to texting was a part of him too. The human part.