Chapter Text
Empty lo mien containers were scattered around Michael’s dead apartment. His rent was due, and he forgot to pay it again. Being a college student was tough, he was lucky to find his own apartment in the meantime. The dorms on campus were rough.
Michael’s stomach growled loudly as he scratched the back of his craned neck, staring at his computer screen. What was tougher than his living situation was how the hell he was going to finish his psychology paper. I’m fucking hungry. I need food. He whipped out his phone and opened DoorDash, ordering the same meal he eats every lunch or dinner.
An order of chicken lo mien with a Coca-Cola. Michael didn’t know why he had such a fixation on these Chinese noodles. They had a perfect mix of flavor, and no place did it better than the little Chinese shop a couple blocks away.
Before he confirms his order, he leaves a note for the Dasher. Leave my food outside. No need to knock.
Michael disliked interacting with people, they always pissed him off. He was tired enough from the endless college work, and making small talk with stupid DoorDashers would ruin his mood. DoorDashing was a stupid job anyways, why would you willingly go to someone else's house to drop off their food?
Well, I guess if there were no DoorDashers in the world, then I would have to grab my food myself. Michael rested his head in his hands, yawning. A nap sounds nice. Yes, he’ll take a nap before his dinner rolls in. He sets an alarm on his phone and climbs on his tiny couch, letting sleep overcome him.
Nobody likes the sound of alarms. Name one person that does, because we can all guarantee we say “nooo” in our heads when we hear that morning alarm scream in your ears. Michael shot up from the couch and groaned, throwing his phone all the way across the room. He regretted that immediately. If he broke his phone, he’ll have no way to buy a new one.
He scrambled over to the other side to grab his phone and shut off the alarm. Michael was still drowsy from the nap, so he stumbled a little. Catching his reflection by the bathroom mirror, Michael scowled. His bed hair was atrocious. Luckily, no one was here to see that.
Ding, dong!
Ding, dong? Michael whipped his head to his front door. Who rang his doorbell? Didn’t he tell that stupid Dasher that they didn’t have to knock and just leave the food on the ground? Michael groaned and stomped over, aggressively swinging the door open. “I told you to-!” Michael looked up at the Dasher.
It was a young man, around his age, with curly magenta and brown hair. He had big eyes and a dopey smile on his face, like you could tell that he was friendly and kind. Good thing to note is that Michael is neither friendly nor kind.
It’s also good to note that Michael’s heart rate sky-rocketed all the way to Saturn. His face bursted into flames because this stupid DoorDasher was the most majestic looking person he’s ever seen in his life! All those nobodies in the world and the most handsome man stands before Michael’s doorstep?
And a front row seat to his horrible bed hair?
“Whoops.” The Dasher says, glancing at his phone. “Looks like you left a note to say to just leave it. I’m sorry.” He says sheepishly. His voice was cheeky, yet soft. Something that Michael didn’t mind listening to all day.
Words were caught tangled in Michael’s mouth, he couldn’t find the words to say anything back. Instead, he stood there like an idiot when the Dasher handed him the bag. “If I ever deliver food for you again, I’ll keep that in mind.” He winks. “Have a good day!”
“Thank you.” Michael blurted out, surprised at the sudden gratitude. Michael didn’t say thank you. Who was there to thank? God? God brought him to this world unwanted, so certainly not god. This DoorDasher? Well, yes. This DoorDasher brought him joy, which was food and nice eye-candy to look at.
He quickly shuts his door and sets his food on his table. Michael processes what just happened.
One. The cutest DoorDasher saw him with his bed head. That’s embarrassing and humiliating. Two. The cute DoorDasher now thinks that every time he delivers something to Michael, he’ll just leave it outside, preventing Michael from ever seeing his face again. Three. Michael looked like an idiot. Four. Michael looked like an idiot. Five. Did I mention that Michael looked like an idiot?
Michael angrily rips apart the plastic bag, opening his lo mien container and eating it aggressively. Stupid universe. Of course they made the most stupidly handsome guy deliver food to Michael when he was half-awake. How lame!
I want to know his name. I bet it’s something real pretty. Michael chews aggressively, pulling out his phone to see if he was able to see that DoorDasher’s name. He didn’t care that he was acting like a school girl with a crush, when Michael wants something, he’ll get it. He doesn’t care if it takes days or years, he’ll do what he can do to get what he wants.
And what he wants now is to see that DoorDasher again. Luckily, the app does tell you the Dasher’s name. Alexis Ness. Michael grumbled, washing down the delicious lo mien with his coke. It’s cute. Suits him well. I’ve never met a guy named Alexis. How interesting.
He throws the empty container in the pile of the other empty containers. He threw the empty coke can in the recycling bin. He really needed to clean things up, polish his life together before he sees that Dasher again.
A random burst of motivation got Michael jumping up from the ground and suddenly cleaning his apartment clean. Every tiny crook and nook was sparkling by midnight, and all his trash and recycling were finally in the big bins downstairs.
Michael collapsed back in bed exhausted. His apartment has never looked this nice before, he had to pat himself on the back for this one. The last thing was to get Alexis Ness deeply in love with him.
Oh, and finish that damn psychology paper!
~~~
Another order of chicken lo mien and a can of coke was sent. Michael drummed his fingers against the table, bouncing his leg up and down in nervousness. It wasn’t guaranteed that it would be the same Dasher, and Michael doesn’t have any luck to spare, so he could only hope.
He made sure he didn’t have bed hair this time and actually wore some proper clothes. Well, if sweatpants and a T-shirt counts, but Michael thought that he looked hot in it so that’s what matters the most. Michael also didn’t put the note in this time, so maybe the Dasher got the hint.
Ding, dong!
Michael basically sprinted to the door, ripping the door open. “Lo mien and coke.” The Dasher that was not the cute and handsome guy from last night answered, lifting up the bag. Michael rolled his eyes and snatched it from him, slamming the door in response.
He spent the night chewing on his food angrily again. That was okay, next time will come. He will see this DoorDasher again! That was his life’s goal right now! And finishing that paper!
The next night was a no-show. A different Dasher. A pretty girl, yes, but not the striking man from the other night. Michael angrily chewed on his noodles once more. Third time’s a charm, right?
Ding, dong!
Michael scrambled off the couch and gently opened the door. Low and behold, there he was. The man from the other night, as beautiful as ever! The moon shining behind him gave his skin a nice shiny coat, and the shadows carved around his eyes made his hair stand out the most. Big curious eyes stared at him, lifting up the bag of food.
“We meet again, Mr. Bed Head man!” Alexis chuckled.
Michael pressed his lips together in embarrassment, taking the bag away from the man. “Glad to know you gave me a nickname.” He says, rummaging through his pockets to tip him. Alexis waved his hands. “No need to tip.”
“Just take it.” Michael commands firmly, shoving twenty bucks in his hands. Alexis pauses, then nodes, putting it in his pockets. “I appreciate it so much! Have a wonderful day, Mr. Bed Head man!”
“Don’t call me that.” Michael basically growls. “I have a name.”
“Oh? And what would your name be, blondie?” Alexis asked, leaning closer with a cheeky grin. Michael scoffed, a smirk growing on his own face. “Do you deserve to know my name?”
Alexis frowns. “I didn’t know I had to work for it.”
“Michael. Michael Kaiser.” He finally says, extending a hand. “Don’t call me Mr. Bed Head man or you’ll be dead meat.” He threatens as Alexis grips his hand, giving him a nice handshake. His hands are soft, but very firm. I like it. “Alexis Ness.” He says proudly, then checks his watch. “I should get going.”
“When will I see you again?” Michael blurted out again. Screw him and his big mouth! Now he looks completely desperate! I mean, he was, but Alexis can’t know that! Alexis just gives him a warm smile. “Just keep ordering around this time. I’ll getcha.” He winks before taking off. “Bye Michael Kaiser!”
“Bye, loser.” Michael scoffs, but a smile crept on his face.
It was the first time ever that Michael didn’t chew on his noodles angrily.