Promise ( 2025 Updated version )

Chapter 1 - where it all began

~ Katie's POV ~

"CAITLIN, GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED! We're going to be late for our first day!" I yelled at my best friend and roommate as I stepped out of the bathroom, still damp from my shower.

"But Katieeeeeeeee," she groaned from under the covers.

"Don't 'but Katie' me. Up!" I flicked the wet towel from my hair in her direction and headed to my closet to find something to wear.

I settled on a well-loved Beatles T-shirt that was most likely my brother Calum's, paired with some high-waisted shorts. While Caitlin finally started moving, I did my hair and makeup.

After blow-drying, I quickly straightened my hair and applied a minimal amount of makeup. I grabbed my black and white flannel from the back of the chair and tied it around my waist as a finishing touch.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Caitlin was putting the final touches on her makeup after curling her hair. I grabbed my bag, and we met at the door. She slipped on her Air Force Ones, complementing her lilac, cropped spaghetti-strap tank top and white skinny jeans.

I put on my black Converse, and we headed out. Caitlin went towards her law study class, and I made my way to the art room.

Stepping inside, I noticed only one seat left, next to a dark-haired guy in a leather jacket. He extended a hand for me to shake and introduced himself, "Hey, I'm Zayn Malik."

"Katie Hood," I replied.

"Hood's little sister?"

"Yeah, you know Cal?"

"Yeah, we were both freshmen last year. He's one of my best mates."

"Oh, cool. Yeah, it's me, my best friend Caitlin, and her brother Luke's first year here."

"Luke? I think I've heard Calum mention that name."

"Yeah, me, Calum, Luke, and Caitlin have known each other most of our lives." Our conversation was interrupted by our teacher, Mrs. Brooks, who began explaining our first assignment.

"Your first assignment is to work with your seatmate and create some kind of artistic presentation of your future. It could be a painting, drawing, or photography – it's entirely up to you."

Well, it looks like we're going to be spending a lot more time together, Zayn.

~ Caitlin's POV ~

After Katie and I went our separate ways, I was so preoccupied that I didn't see the person I was about to collide with. The impact sent me tumbling backward, and the other person fell on top of me, catching themselves with their hands on either side of my head, effectively trapping me. When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring directly into theirs. Great first day – already making a fool of myself in front of the hot guy.

"Um, hi," he said with a smirk. God, his accent is so hot.

"Hi," I managed to reply.

"Are you okay, love?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm g-great." Dammit, Caitlin, why did you stutter, you dumbass?

"I suppose I should get up," he chuckled.

"Yeah – yeah, probably." He pushed himself up and offered me a hand, which I gratefully accepted. He then helped me gather the books I'd dropped.

"So, uh, what class are you heading to?" he asked.

"Oh, um, law. But it's my first year, so clearly I'm lost, haha."