I wanna Just Live Right Now.
“Babe, you okay?” I knocked at the bathroom door to check on Zak. His response was muffled but he jiggled the door open and a red-faced young man stared out at me. I just hugged him tight. “Let’s wash up and re-start my movie. I’ll slip into pj pants and start some tea. You just come out when you’re ready.” I slipped on some grey plaid pants and kept Harry’s shirt on. It smelled of his musky cologne. Upon checking I saw that I did have a little of the youthberry/wild orange blossom tea mix left that my mom had sent me. I was pouring it into mugs when Zak walked out in red plaid pants and a pink AE v-neck tee with his glasses back in place and a headband pulling his hair back. I smiled at him and he mustered a return smile. As we settled in on the couch I hit play on the remote and started, “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Don’t forget I’m still your best friend and you’re mine.”
It wasn’t until when Hercules first met Meg that Zak turned the volume down and let out a deep breath. “Okay, so I’m not even upset about a bad night. It was perfect. Louis is perfect. I just have to go home soon and this uncertainty is killing me. I don’t know what will happen and I just want to be here with you and I can’t see the future and it’s all getting so real.” The last sentence came out in a lump. He barely got out the next sentence. “I just really like him, Rosie.” Tears came streaming down his face and he wiped them away as quickly as he could.
I squeezed his hand, took a sip of my tea and said, “Harry and I talked a little today about things. My concerns, really. He said we’d work it out as it happens. I think it’s great that you’re finding adventure here too and I think Louis is wonderful. If you like him and he likes you, there’s nothing wrong with taking it in strides. Every relationship has obstacles, hon. We both know that well.”
He nodded and snuggled his head against my shoulder. “I just wish I could know, you know? I’m afraid to move forward but I’m equally afraid to abandon ship this far in.” We left the serious talk there for the time being because that was a question neither of us could answer.
By the time Meg was singing “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” we were singing along. I stopped for a moment and asked, “Is it strange that I’m still wearing this? I never want to take it off..” I gestured to the shirt I was wearing. Zak raised an eyebrow in response. “Girl, please. Real talk, it was made for you. Don’t give it back if you don’t need to.” I laughed and hugged him. The lyrics sort of got to me though. I figured they were on Zak’s mind as well because we shared a knowing glance.
I bit my lip. “It is too cliche, right? Love’s a strong word.”
“I am not the right person to ask that, ha. Although you have made it… ya little freak.” He did the crazy eyebrow thing.
“ZAK! Don’t you think that’s been bugging me too?! I wish I could say I regret it… you know, like ‘sorry I’m not sorry’ or something.” I winked.
“I know you don’t so let’s not even do this right now.” Okay, this is why I love my best friend.
“Exams for the both of us are coming up.. please, no. The end is near. I’m glad mine aren’t so bad this year. Just a matter of doing it.” I said changing the subject.
“Tell me about it. All this Psych stuff is so interesting but it’s a lot to take in. Even Jason can’t make it all rainbows.” He added wistfully.
I checked my Twitter feed for the first time in over a week.. amazing what can happen when you actually have a social life. Hmmm.. a DM! How exciting!
@Real_Liam_Payne: “Rosie! Can you and Zak come out to the studio this week? Heard he’s leaving soon. We’d love to have you :)”
I merely showed it to Zak whose face reflected how I felt. Starstruck. Even after the realization hit that we’ve physically met Liam, this was still something to boast about.
