When Destiny Hesitates [ZARRY]

Chapter 9

Zayn's POV

My stomach twists anxiously as I wait for Harry outside the English classroom after last bell. I've been on edge all day anticipating this talk. We are supposed to talk about this yesterday, but nahh...he went on a date again. Hopefully this talk helps in clearing the air between us will settle my chaotic thoughts once and for all.

Harry rounds the corner looking unfairly good as always. I take a subtle steadying breath as he reaches me, hands stuffed in his pockets. Now or never Malik.

"Hey, thanks for meeting me. Wanted to chat about, uh, that stuff from the party I guess," I start awkwardly. Smooth Zayn, real smooth.

Harry worries his bottom lip, glancing around hesitantly. "Yeah, suppose we should. But um, Calum is expecting me soon so..."

My jaw tightens at the mention of Calum's name. I resist rolling my eyes with effort. Again, Calum again? How many dates do you go in a week?

"Right well, I just wanted to say sorry if I came on too strong that night," I say, raking a hand through my hair. "We'd both had a lot to drink obviously."

Harry's eyes drop to study his beat-up Vans. Distant hallway chatter fills the strained silence between us.

"Yeah, no worries, it was just a drunk kiss," he finally mutters. "Got caught up in the party mood I reckon."

My chest constricts hearing him brush it off so easily. I search his downturned face, doubt nagging at me that he truly feels as casual about it as he claims.

But before I can ask, he shoves off the wall avoiding my stare. "Anyway, it's fine. But I better get going now..."

He starts to walk off without even waiting for a response. The painful squeeze around my heart urges me to call out to him. Instead, I swallow it down and let him escape to wherever Calum is impatiently waiting to steal more of the light from his smile that I wish I saw aimed at me instead.

Luke's POV

I'm sprawled across my bed scrolling idly when a knock sounds at my door. I yell for whoever it is to come in, expecting my mom hassling me about laundry or something.

Instead, Harry slouches in looking unsure if he should stay or turn right back around. I sit up quickly, setting my phone aside.

"Hey! Wasn't expecting you," I say in surprise. Harry rarely initiates social interaction so this is new.

"Yeah um, sorry to just show up..." he mumbles, hovering uncertainty.

I pat the bed, scooting over to make room. "You're always welcome here, don't be silly! C'mon sit."

Harry perches tentatively on the edge like he's poised for flight. I study his conflicted profile and knotted fingers for a moment trying to place his mood.

"Did your, uh, thing with Calum not go well?" I ask carefully. He is supposed to have another date with Calum again today, right?

Harry's shoulders curl inwards slightly at the mention of Calum. He gives a half shrug. "No it was fine I guess. I just..." he trails off on an exhausted sigh.

My chest squeezes seeing him wrestling with something internally. I wish he trusted me enough to open up and let me help carry whatever weighs so heavily on that furrowed brow. But for now, just being here as a solid, non-judging presence will have to be enough.

I lean my shoulder against his gently. "It's all good, Haz. We can just chill if you want. No pressure to talk it out."

The line of Harry's shoulders softens marginally at the contact. He offers me a small grateful smile. We sit without speaking for a while, the silence now comfortable and warm. And I realize I'd stay right here lending him my quiet support for as long as he needs or wants.