Harry POV
"In 1888, the first ever roll film camera was invent by George Eastman. This was a huge time for this generation because it captured every moment a cameraman would film and the people were astonished by such a creation! Crowds would gather up to watch these black and white films come to life!.."
I listened as my professor moves around, pointing pictures out over his slideshow while the whole class write down notes. I was writing down as much as I can, fascinated with all the pictures of different cameras from different centuries. You can see how much the quality of the film and photography progressed as the years went by.
"Psst, Harry. Do you have a pen I can borrow? Mine ran out of ink" Eleanor whispers to me, trying to scribble his ink-less pen at the side of notes.
I pick up my bag, unzipping the bottom pocket before pulling out a random pen and handing it to her. She smiles, mouthing me a 'thank you' before continuing on with her notes.
"Alright, can anyone tell me what year colored film was introduced? Anyone?"
The whole class stays silent, not making a peep. Mr. Martin looks around, waiting for a response as he just snorts and sighs. He loosens his bow tie a bit and he just chuckles, crossing his arms.
"If you no one answers, I'll just have to pick someone"
I felt a poke on my side, making me yelp and slightly jump from my seat. I look over at Eleanor as she just looks around innocently, tapping the pen over her notebook. I could tell my silent outburst caught Mr. Martin's attention because he calls my name out in front of the class.
"Ahh Harry, I'm glad to see you participating. When was colored film introduced?"
I squinted my eyes towards Eleanor's direction once I heard her giggle silently to herself. The nerve of this girl, I even gave her my pen! I look around, all eyes on me as my anxiety started to build up. I sank lower in my chair, letting out a shaky breath while nervously gulping. I hate being put on the spot like this.
"Harry, your answer?"
"1-1963?" I stuttered quietly, saying my answer more as if it were a question.
"Yes that's right, good job. Polaroid introduced colored film in 1963, good work Harry"
I nodded, letting out a sigh of relief knowing I can sit comfortably on my chair again. I look at Eleanor as she just giggles, writing down notes. She knows I'm looking at her or else, she wouldn't be giggling. I turn my attention back to the lesson, writing down as much notes before the class comes to an end. Everyone starts to back up and leave one by one.
"Alright remember class, your project is due next Monday, no excuses!"
"Here's your pen, thanks again" Eleanor grins, holding my pen out towards me with her polished fingernails.
I snatch the pen from her and wack her nose with it. She was taken aback as she winces with her jaw dropped open. She lightly rubs her nose, frowning up at me.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
"One, for poking me which you know I hate. And two, for making me look like an idiot to answer Mr. Martin's question in front of the whole class"
"But you got it right, didn't you? You need to have more confidence in yourself Hazza, quit doubting your intellect. You know damn well you could make everyone else look stupid in this class with all the knowledge you have"
"Okay but I don't like drawing attention to myself. I would rather stay quiet in my bubble than have twenty pairs of eyes staring deep into my soul over a correct answer"
"That's the world for you, Styles. People will always find a way to judge you, you just have to be prepared for it"
I hang my backpack over my shoulder and held onto my camera as we both step out the classroom and down the hallway. We eventually said our goodbyes and parted ways as I made my way out the building and onto the streets. I finally get to the bus stop, sitting down and waiting for the bus to arrive.
This is my daily routine. Wake up in the morning, go to the classes I have for the day, after that go wait for the bus and get to part time job at the local convenience store, work a couple hours, go home to eat and study for a couple of hours, then go to sleep. It's nonstop, every single week. And I do admit, it gets quite boring.
After waiting half an hour, the bus finally arrives as I board it. After taking seat, I turn on my camera and review all the pictures I've taken so far. To be honest, I've taken better pictures than these ones in the past, but I haven't been getting into it lately. I hope I do again soon, I wouldn't want to just completely lose that spunk. After finally getting to my destination, I get out and head inside the small convenience store. I saw my boss, Mr. Peterson, sweeping the floor before looking up at me and letting out genuine smile.
"Well hello there Harry, ready for another hard working day?"
"I always am sir" I smiled, walking behind the counter as I setting my backpack down and pull down my apron from the hanger before putting it on.
"Well that's great too hear. Once you put your stuff down, start tagging those cans, will you son?"
"Will do sir"
"Hey Harry, how was class?" Liam walks in, putting shopping baskets on top of one another.
"It was fine, where's Zayn and Sophia?"
"They're off today, it'll just be us three"
"Oh alright"
I nodded, walking up to the box of cans, placing my camera beside me on the counter. We all hear laughter coming from outside before it gets closer to the store. Two women step inside, giggling amongst themselves. One was wearing a leather jacket with light green cropped top and mini ripped shorts, followed by some strapped wedges. The other had on a brown fur coat, a tight short red dress with fishnet leggings and black high length heel boots. They were both wearing a lot of make up, and their hair was teased up mess. Strippers.
"Hello ladies, welcome"
"Good afternoon, Mr. Peterson. How are things at the shop running?"
"Great, just fine"
"Nice to hear" she smirks, chewing her gum and blowing a bubble as it pops.
It's not rare to have a stripper or prostitute showing up to the store. Maybe with the tips they earn or little change they have, they show up to buy their pack of cigarettes or a Kit Kat.
It can get uncomfortable when their pimps stare dead at you in the eyes while we ring their girls' or guys', stuff up. I'm just trying to do to my job, not trying to spend a night with your sex worker.
I started to tag a couple of cans with the price tag gun, overhearing the girls as they giggle and talk about something 'exciting'.
"Did you see the way he moves? I swear it's like he could grab anyone's attention, even the president!"
"And he's not far from the looks department either. It's a good thing he performs once a night, or else he'd leave all us with the leftover dollar bills scattered on the ground"
I furrowed my eyebrows, ease dropping on their conversation before I felt a pat over my shoulder. I snapped out of my thoughts before turning over to Liam as he just chuckles, leaning against the counter.
"It's never a boring day when see people like those ladies coming in, huh? They always have something new to talk about, but lately, they've been talking that particular fellow for a while now"
"Who are they even talking about?"
"Beats me. But if I had a guess, it's probably some male stripper at the club down the block. Pink Panther, I presume"
"O-Oh okay.."
The Pink Panther happens to be the most popular club in the area. Yes, it's mainly a gay club, but supposedly there are strippers who perform there for both men and women. I even heard there's prostitution. It's pack almost every night, especially during the weekends. I could see the long line turn the corner from store's window.
"Ring us up, counter boy!" One of the stripper waves, ringing the table bell.
Liam nudges me, before walking over to the register. She places her shopping basket over the counter as Liam scans through the items and places each item in a bag. She watches him sensually as she slowly chews her gum, bashing her long fake eyelashes. Her friend sucks on a cherry lollipop, uninterestedly looking at the candy and magazines.
"Will that be all, miss?"
"If doesn't include me giving you a lap dance or two, then yes" she winks, making Liam blush and clear his throat awkwardly.
"Right, that's $5.38"
She pulls out a $20 bill from her upper dress and hands it over to Liam. I watched as he presses a few buttons over the register, collecting some change for her. I kept on tagging the cans, looking to my side. Her friend looks at me, licking her lollipop, her eyes dropping down to my camera. Cocking an eyebrow, she looks up at me one more time before turning away. I bite my lower lip, letting out a sigh with only the sound of the music coming out of the speakers, breaks the silent atmosphere a bit.
Liam pulls out her receipt, putting it inside her bag before it to her along with her change.
"Thank you, have a nice day"
"No, thank you honey. I'll see you around"
They both turn around, saying their goodbyes to Mr. Peterson before leaving the store.
Liam chuckles, wiping his forehead before turning to me.
"I swear, those ladies will say anything just to try to get a couple pounds off ya"
"Or maybe something than that"
"Yeah, maybe not" he shook his head, sighing before looking down at my camera.
"Hey, how come you always carry your camera around? Afraid someone's going to steal it or something?"
"N-No, I just like to have with me that's all. Who knows if I witness something or someone worth taking a picture of"
"I see, but there's really nothing around here worth capturing. It's not that interesting" he said, patting my shoulder before walking off.
I stopped tagging the cans and looking down at the ground. 'Nothing around here is worth capturing'. I tightened my grip over the tagging gun before proceeding with my job.
"Yeah, I-I guess not"
But I hope he's wrong.
==============
"Boys, I'm closing up. It's time to head out"
I grab my stuff, hanging my backpack over my shoulder, gripping the strap tightly since my camera was inside. I step outside and so does Liam with his denim jacket already on.
Mr. Peterson walks over to the door, telling us a warm goodbye and a smile before closing the door and locking it from the inside. Must be nice live in a flat above your own business.
"You want a ride home, Haz?"
"No I'll walk, thanks"
"Okay, suit yourself. See you tomorrow"
"Alright bye"
I turn away as Liam heads to his car, walking down the dark street with only the street lights and Pink Panther club sign, as my light source. You could hear the music from the place playing loud as a few people argue with the bouncers to try and get inside.
As I was walking, I saw a few prostitutes standing at their usual spot, smoking their cigarettes. A car would pull up as one would walk to it, leaning against the car as its windows lower down.
I felt a few eyes on me, some roaming their eyes up and down at me. A small group of males were walking towards my direction, some gave me flirtatious looks as they walk past me. I couldn't help but shiver, trying my best to avoid eye contact. I shut my eyes, gripping on my jacket before accidentally bumping into someone. I lost my balance but the person catches me before I could fall on my face over the concrete ground.
"Woah, careful!"
I quickly get back on my feet, holding onto my backpack to keep it from slipping. I kept my head down, my eyes stuck on my feet. I didn't want to look up and face the person out of awkwardness.
"You should watch where you going, you don't want to bump into the wrong person"
"I-I..sorry"
"It's cool bro. Later"
I heard their footsteps walking away from me, my curiously getting the best of me. I ended up turning around, just to see a male wearing a pink fur coat with ripped jeans and black leather boots, walking off towards the group of males.
"Benz! Hurry up, man!"
Who is Benz? I furrowed my eyebrows, holding my backpack closer to me as I run off to the bus stop.
I waited almost an hour for the bus and within twenty minutes I was back at my dorm building. I couldn't help but feel relief as soon as I unlock the door to my dorm.
I stepped inside, closing the door as I see Louis and Eleanor cuddling on the couch while watching TV. They both look back at me before returning their attention back to the movie they were watching.
"Hey Harry, you're home early"
"Yeah, business was slow so Mr. Peterson closed early for the night"
"Oh, so no customers?" asked Louis as I take off my coat and shoes.
"Yeah, but mainly just strippers"
"Oh really? Again?"
"Yes. One of them even flirted with Liam, she tried convincing him to let her give him a lap dance"
"Ew gross" Eleanor wrinkles her nose in disgust before standing up and heading for the kitchen.
"I'm going to make some tea!"
"Alright! So Haz, you got any plans this week?"
"No..I don't" Oh, here we go again.
"So, losing already huh?"
"S-Shut up"
"Oh come on Hazza. You need a little excitement in your life, and I think that club will give some adrenaline, you'll feel aroused or something"
"I don't need to feel that. I'm perfectly fine inside my own little bubble"
"You're lucky Hero isn't here, or else the both of us would be dragging you down to that club by now"
"What club?" asked Eleanor, coming back with two cups of tea in her hands.
"He wants to take me to a strip club"
"What?!" she gasped, glaring at Louis before he realizes what I just said.
"What? N-No, it's a gay club!"
"A gay club?"
"Yes babe, a gay club"
"Is there something you're not telling me Lou?"
"Baby, what do you mean?"
I snorted, cupping my mouth as I silently laugh to myself. Such amazing karma to see your annoying roommate to struggle with his girlfriend in a situation like this. It's what you get, Lou.
While Eleanor was still questioning Louis's interests, I head over to my room and close the door once I'm in. I sat on my bed, pulling out my laptop from under my pillow and turn it on. As I was browsing around the internet, I noticed something trending on Twitter. I furrowed my eyebrows, reading a tag.
#BenzGoldminePINKPANTHER
Benz Goldmine? Who is that? What does that person have to do with the Pink Panther club?
"Eleanor! Babe! I swear I'm not swing between teams!"
"Louis, I won't judge you if you are. I mean, I see the way you eat your carrots so I wouldn't be surprised"
"Wait, what? How do I eat my carrots?!"
I smirked, shaking my head as I log out of my Twitter and start to work on my project. I'm glad I don't have to be dealing with those types of situations like Louis and Hero do. I'm fine with how my life is, very quiet.
Or maybe, a little too quiet.
=============
Unknown POV
Ripped jeans. Check.
Pink fur coat. Check.
Gold chain and sunglasses. Check.
High leather boots and sunglasses. Check.
Hair and light makeup. Check.
I look at my reflection one last time, inhaling my cigarette. I sighed, putting out my cigarette over my ash tray before standing up from my makeup table. I look at the time on the clock handing over the wall before standing up and heading out of my dressing room.
The music plays loud enough for me to hear backstage, I heard the guests cheering from behind as I walk past a few more strippers. They would smirk at me and even check me out but I would ignore their glimpses as I kept walking straight ahead. A familiar blonde moves the curtain while walking back from the stage, wiping his sweat off topless body with his shirt, his pants on but loose around his waist as it was unbuttoned. He notices me and smiles, trying to catch his breath as I give him a small smirk. The only person I show my emotions to around this crazy joint.
"Got the stage ready for me, Ni?"
"All yours, buddy. I have them all pumped for you tonight"
"Cool"
"Don't screw this up, Jay" I heard Paul from a distant, making me roll my eyes.
"I won't, I never do"
I stepped over the stage, standing in front of the curtain as I heard the host speaking through the speakers. His high pitched voice, shrieking in excited. Here we go.
"And now ladies and gents, get your dollars ready and puts your hands together the richest of them all..."
This is it....
"BENZ GOLDMINE!"
The curtain flings open, as the crowd starts cheering, some chanting my name. The bright spotlight shines above me as the music plays around me, the adrenaline rush throughout my body . This is all I am worth to these people, just a naked money making grinder.
Let's this over with.
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UPDATED! ❤️
The second update for this story. It might seem boring for now guys, I apologize for that. I hope to make it more interesting for you all later on. I really do hope you guys like this story because I do have a lot of plans for it in the future. 🤗
Plus, everyone needs a little 'Hustin' in their life. I always read one shots with these two and I thought why not write a story since there isn't very many of this ship 😛😁
Please excuse any unedited mistakes 😅
Please comment, vote, & follow.
Have a beautiful day, enjoy! 💕
- DAMARI 😜