About the River and Cliché | Zarry

Chapter Nine

Harry wakes up at eight the next day, refusing to leave his comfy room until ten. He almost bumps into Gemma at the staircase. His sister was already well dressed with her make-up on.

"Get some clothes on! We have guests at home, don't be so sloppy." Gemma frowns at his tanktop and shorts, while Zayn walking by behind her in the same look. "Mom left some sandwiches in the kitchen, but I'm sure you can make better breakfast than that," says Gemma while adjusting her ponytail absently, "The girls and I are gonna spend a day in town. Mom and Mr. Malik are probably at the restaurant or preparing their wedding. Any plan for today?"

Harry yawns and shakes his head, watching Zayn wander around the room raising his laptop up at every corner. "Did you tell him there's no Wi-Fi in our house?"

Gemma turns around, looking at Zayn with sympathy in her eyes. "Maybe you can take him out for a walk, so he doesn't need to feel this bored."

"I did yesterday." Harry protests.

"It must have been a tedious trip," Gemma sneers, opening her bag to check on every item she needs, "he seemed pissed off when you guys came home last night. Did you say anything stupid?"

Harry tilts his head, wondering how his sister will react if he confesses the story of Zayn and him to her. "Welllll, I guess we're good now anyway."

"Oh really? Wonderful! That means you can definitely take him out, right?" Gemma raises her brow, flinging her bag with her shoulder fiercely and almost knocking off the lamp beside her. Harry catches the lamp before it hits the floor, and then gives a tired smile to the Malik girls as they walk out of the room.

"Is everything alright?" asks Doniya.

"Yes, Harry just told me he's gonna spend his day with your brother." Gemma answers before Harry can utter a word. Her voice is so loud that it catches Zayn's attention. He faces Harry, who is widening his eyes while holding a silly lamp. Harry glares back as Zayn mouths "Really?" with a smirk. Their sisters haven't noticed their interaction. Zayn's little sister Safaa asks where they are going, but Harry chooses to stare at the framed pictures on the wall instead of answering. His father is still in the photo with a wide grin on the face, and his eight-year-old self has a ridiculous haircut.

The girls leave the house in a few minutes. Harry walks into the kitchen and grabs a piece of toast on the table. When he steps into the living room again, Zayn has already given up on his laptop, crossing his arms and looking at Harry.

"So," Zayn asks cheerfully, "where should we go then?"

Harry gives him a sharp look, sinking his body into the sofa. "I dern wanna gur urnywhere." He murmurs as the toast dangling between his lips. Zayn laughs, tearing the other half of the toast off Harry's teeth then putting it into his mouth. "It was you who said there's a better way for us to interact." Zayn chews slowly and ignores Harry's death glare, "Also, 's good to go outside in such a beautiful day. Quit being so grumpy."

"Gem and your sisters might go to grocery stores or clothing shops, but I don't see you'll be interested in them." Harry swallows his piece, leaning himself to the armrest. He pillows his head on his arm, watching Zayn move his body closer.

"The one who disapproves of thisidea is you, not me." Zayn whispers, dancing his fingertips upon Harry's legs.

"Why won't you give me a break?" Harry whines and buries his face into his palms. Zayn chuckles pleasantly at his reaction, slowly drifting his fingers to the edge of Harry's pants. "More like you give yourself a break, baby."

Harry looks up at Zayn with his sleepy eyes, exhaling slightly and then sweeping Zayn's hand away. He rubs his eyes and mutters, "Fine. Where the fuck do you want to go then?"