out of the blue / n.h

Chapter 33

NIALL HORAN

“I said that I would pay it for you.” I kill the engine as I look at her picking at her wallet.

“No, I owe you so, I’m the one who pays.” She rolls her eyes at me and smirking.

“No, the guys always pay for girls. Don’t you know that?” I insist.

“No, and you’re not my guy, so,” She opens the door handle.

“I’m paying.” Thomas breaks our arguments.

“Thank you, Tommy.” I grin at him. Thank the Mighty Lord we have Thomas.

“Thomas, just—Thomas.” He scrunches his nose, not liking my new nickname for him.

“Well, is it okay with you paying?” She assures.

“Ofcourse, yeah, now come on.” Thomas laughs as he opens the door and walk out.

We spend our time in tacobell to eat and laugh about stuff. It’s pretty amusing to have a talk with Thomas. Especially Melanie. She has a rare sense of humor and she brings the happy vibes in me. Her messy ponytail, making her face a little rounder more than oval. Her navy coat with a long—sleeve maroon t-shirt and her black tights perfectly defined herself for today. And then, I just couldn’t help myself but to look at her. I blink rapidly to keep myself together. I’ve been looking at her the whole time.

“So are you guys like pretending to date each other?” Thomas asks us as he takes a bite of his nachos. "For how long?"

“For—I don’t know. We will figure it out later.” She blinks timidly and keeps her eyes on the floor. Avoiding my eyes.

Even if we’re not really dating, I have to convince her that she’s out of all the douchebags out there including her ex—lovers. If it’s not going to be me, it has to be with someone that is worth for her to love.

But, it has to be me. I’m not going to hurt her.

“Niall!” Melanie calls me out.

“What?” I blink timidly as I chuckle.

“Were you invited to the frat house tonight?” She asks as she lays her back on the sofa.

“How’d you know?”

“Nate told me to come with you. Why don’t we go there?” She gestures her head to the side.

“How come you ever cared about the frat house?” I ask her.

It’s a really bad idea. If Miles and the other guys found out I’m not planning to take her virginity, God knows what will happen. “And, no, we are not going there.”

“Why?” She rolls her eyes. “You’re one of them. And it’s not like a big deal or anything.” She throws her hand away.

 “Fine, okay,” I nod in surrender. “So Tommy, are you coming?”

“Yeah, Tommy, you should come.” She says. "I mean, Thomas! God. So sorry."

“It’s Thomas, Niall. And, I can’t. I have to be home early.” He answers.

As soon as we finish our meal, I drive Thomas back and exchange bye’s. Then I drive to Melanie’s house and see Kean’s car parked infront of the house. Maybe Nathan has been using his car.

I get out of the car and see her waiting for me as she smiles, opening the door to reveal Nathan sits on the couch with his phone. 

He lifts his face from his phone, to us as we walk down the living room. “Best couple of the year.” He says as he stands on his foot and leaves the room.

“We just got here, and the monster is out.” She says. “You do great.” She teases.

“I know.” I wink. I wish we don’t have to pretend. It all seem different now. The way she touches me. The way she wraps her arm around me. The way she talks. The way she looks at me. The way she does all things to me—even if it’s just an act—it’s completely out of my reach.

It’s only for 2 days and I’m all out of control.

I wish I can really show her what I feel towards her.

MELANIE RICHARDS

“Melanie, Niall!” My mom shouts from the kitchen. I walk to the kitchen and sit on the chair counter. “I made you guys bagel.” My mom serves a bunch of sugarish bagels out of the oven.

Niall grabs one of them. “It’s still hot.” I warn.

“I think I can keep up.” He points his eyes down to me.

“Niall—shut up.” I roll my eyes and giggle. His jokes sometimes that I can’t resist. Even if it’s inappropiate or maybe a bit too much to take in.

By the little time we rush, Niall keeps on gagging at me and so do I. My mom still would like to keep up to our pointless conversation. At the corner of my eyes, Nathan, he doesn’t give his attention much to us. 

“I got to go, got to pick up my friends.” He suddenly says, breaking the silence as he stands up, smiling to my mom.

“Okay, well, careful!” Mom shouts as he exits the front door.