chapter ten.
POV: Elaine
I tried to speak but nothing came out of my mouth. Everything's happening too fast and I don't know if I could fully grasp onto the fact that Niall just asked me out for lunch. That means we'd be seen out in public, have the paps take pictures of us; we're giving the world another drama to talk about. If I go out with him, it would be an entirely different realm. If I don't...well then, i'll be regretting it. Either way, I wouldn't be silenced so I gave in and agreed to go.
"I still can't believe this is happening." I pushed myself up the chair and enveloped El with my arms. "Thank you, it means so much to me." I mumble against his shoulder.
"And you still think I'm always being an ass." He remarks jokingly and I swat him. "It took a lot of work and effort, but I'm pretty sure it paid off seeing how happy I made you."
"I really am." I nod as genuine as I could manage. "I really am happy. Thank you." I smile at him.
"Alright lil sis, time to prep up, your date will be here soon." He ruffles my hair.
"Date? Really? As if." I turn back and got out of the room into the hallway.
Okay, it is probably kinda sorta like a date. Except maybe he doesn't see it that way. Except maybe he does too. Fuck it.
———
Coming back home was useless because I didn't even bother to change my clothes. Not that I chose not to, I just spent the entire time thinking about how ridiculous it is to have THE Niall Horan ask you out for lunch. I didn't even think this was possible. I thought they could only happen in a parallel universe where Niall isn't a popstar and I'm not a fan, where we're both just ordinary persons meeting under a fate-driven situation.
I think about Niall while I was putting the key into the ignition, I think about Niall while I was starting up my car's engine, I think about Niall as I drive back to the studio where we're supposed to meet. And I stress about wanting things to go well.
A few minutes later, I pull up by the side of the road at the back of a sheen black Range Rover. My heart started to thump in nervousness. It could be Niall's. Or it could be just anybody's that happened to be going in the studio too.
I have to stop stressing myself over. I heaved in a breath and walked in the studio.
POV: Niall
There she is.
It felt weird to be nervous on a somewhat date. It's been a while since I last asked a girl out for lunch. I don't want things to go out of hand. My body shivers at the temp my air-conditions were set. Will this be too cold for her? Will offering her my jacket make things gauche? Should I set the temp colder so I could casually hold her hand to keep her a little warm? Will it be fine?
POV: Elaine
"Elaine."
It was only then when El called me, that I noticed I spaced out. "If I die, don't worry because I'll die happily." I say monotonically.
"The hell are you talking about?" He gives me a weirded out look and laughs. "You might wanna go there already, Niall's been here for like half an hour already."
