Heat Waves // Calum Hood 5SOS

Chapter 21

•Dionne POV•

Throughout the week, I confided in Tyler to help with my assignments - he seemed to be getting along fine with his. I'd gotten a lot of my presentation planned out, but of course that family assignment was the one that was holding me back. I went through the collection of photos I already had as Tyler tried to assure me that they were good enough; that I could do some editing and story telling to make them adequate. I wanted to believe that, but when I sat in my bed looking at those pictures alone, I just knew I had more work to do than I could even explain to Tyler.

Speaking of Tyler, I also ended up inviting him to the little arcade trip that was coming up. Unfortunately, Charlie couldn't make it because she got given a load of work during the week that she insisted on focusing on, like the competent biochemistry student she was. Meanwhile, I was putting off my work for as long as possible.

When Saturday finally came around, we all decided to meet at the arcade - and I was feeling weirdly nervous. Calum had messaged me a few times during the week, once again the usual funny or cute or interesting post. Only difference was that I wasn't really sending any back - I think my mind was just... elsewhere. He tried to call me again while I was with Tyler, but I let it ring - not necessarily because I didn't want to talk to him, but because I didn't want Tyler saying anything.

After how excited he and Sameera decided to get about the potential of Ashton and I being a thing, I didn't want Calum to become the topic of conversation... and I didn't want anyone to get their hopes up, just to be let down. Anyone.

When we showed up at the arcade, Michael and Calum weren't there yet so we all decided to start playing on our own. Tyler and I took off towards the air hockey, which is literally my favourite arcade game, and before I'd even started playing I could feel the competitive excitement taking over me. We began to play, and I immediately started off by scoring a goal against Tyler and letting out an exhilarated laugh.

"Oh you're in it to win it, huh?" Tyler laughed at me as he pulled the puck out of his side of the machine.

"I'm just here to have fun." I giggled, already hunched over with the pusher in my hand, ready for Tyler to hit the puck across the counter and keep the game going. We started up again, Tyler continuing to make fun of my intensity. I scored a couple more times before Tyler hit the puck against the side and it slid right past my hands, right into the goal. I pursed my lips tightly and clenched my jaw, glaring at Tyler who widened his eyes and held his hands up defensively. 

"Still fun, right?" He snickered, and I scoffed before smiling.

"Duh." I rolled my eyes, pulling the puck out and hitting it across the counter again. We kept going and I scored more, but when the puck flew towards me again I moved to quickly and watched my hand fly right past the puck instead of hitting it, resulting in Tyler getting another score.

"You fucker! You motherfucker!" I blurted out as I jumped back frustratedly, slapping my hand over my mouth as I laughed at my own overreaction.

"Oh bitch you're, like, scary." Tyler laughed at me, crossing his arms over his chest and raising an eyebrow.

"Jesus, you'd think you owe her money or something." I heard a voice come from behind Tyler, and looked up to see Calum approaching with an amused look on his face. Michael waved from Calum's side but he was quick to divert away from Calum, likely to find Blaire.

"Right? She's literally winning and I'm still being abused." Tyler scoffed, and I bit my lip bashfully.

"I'm just passionate." I shrugged, pursing my lips to hold back my laugh.

"I respect the hustle, trust me." Calum nodded as I turned back to pick up the puck and hopefully complete the game with Tyler. "My turn next, yeah?" He suddenly asked.