Vague

Chapter 12

*Zoey POV*

It seemed like I'd forgotten what table manners were, I just grabbed a bit of everything we ordered and started eating. After I'd finished about half of my plate, I was reminded that I was with Niall. I probably made him think that I'm super weird. Mentally, I face palmed. I never seem to be able to control my love for food.

I looked up to Niall to see that his food was forgotten, as he stared at me. It took me all I had to not go 'aww', he's so freaking cute. He noticed that I'd caught him, and a slight blush appeared on his face. Do boys blush too?

"Um.. don't you wanna eat?" I didn't know what else to say.

"Yeah, I-I am not too hungry but yeah" Niall Horan is not hungry? Next thing I know, fish will be able to fly.

"Okay, but the food is really nice. This is great place, thanks for bringing me here" I would surely drop by this place again when I could.

"Dyouwannagobacktmyflataftertis?"

"Excuse me?" He's so nervous, his face is tomato red. I thought he as a really carefree lad, from what I've heard and read. This is like a completely different side to him.

"Do you wanna go back to my flat to hang out, after this? It's just round the corner. But it's really okay if you don't-"

"Hey slow down! I will go, it'd be really fun to hang out with you. Plus, you're cute" I loved making him blush, which was happening for probably the fifth time today.

We sat in silence for some time as we complete our lunch. The waitress came back with the bill.

"Are you one of those feminist ladies who insist on paying half of the bill?" he enquired humorously as he pulled out his wallet.

"No, I'm not, not especially when I'm out with Niall Horan" I smiled. I really liked this lad. But I don't know if I want a relationship or not. It's too early, and I don't even know whether he likes me or not. He probably doesn't, he's doing this just as a good friend. Who would like a potato like me?

"I would!" he piped up. Holy shit, did I think all of that out loud? If I did, I will punch myself in the face, and yes, in a public place.

"You would what?" I tried to look as clueless as I could.

"You just wondered who would like a potato like you. One, I would, and two, you're definitely not a potato. Even if you are, you're a hot potato" he grinned, ear to ear.

If he was trying to make me fall for his cuteness, then it was definitely working. I just slapped his arm, and got out the door of the restaurant. He caught up to me, and put an arm round my shoulder as we walked back to his car. He still looked nervous, but more at ease than earlier.

"Niall! Who's this girl with you?" 

"Niall Horan!" 

"Is she your new girlfriend?" 

"How's the new album going?" 

"Niall speak to us!" 

"What's her name?!" 

"NIALL!"

Flashes going off everywhere. I hid my face in my arm quickly, I didn't want them to get a photo of me. They probably did, but I didn't want them to take any more pictures. I hated the thought of being in news, being the talk of people. They didn't know my story, and they'd probably start judging me. Why did this perfect day have to be ruined this way?

They seemed to appear out of thin air, literally. One moment, we were cheerfully walking out of the hotel, next moment, we're surrounded by paps who loved to nose into people's lives.

Niall guided me through the small crowd till we reached his car. He opened the door and I slid in as fast as I could, and he closed the door behind me. I finally removed my arm from my face, the car had tinted glasses so it was not possible for them to catch a glimpse of me. Niall got in and started to drive away.

He looked over at me, with a worry etched on his face. "I'm so sorry Zoey. It was my fault. I decided to come here since I thought they wouldn't find us, but they did. I should've guessed that. I shouldn't have got you here. I'm very sorry. Are you mad at me?"

"It's okay Niall, I think they didn't get a proper picture of me. If they did, it's time for me to get ready to face all the insults hurled at me everywhere I go. Oh the perks of hanging out with one fifth of One Direction!" I joked, but I was afraid. I didn't want to become the centre of abuse of some 12-14 year old fans. There were more mature fans, of course. I was a fan myself, and I am too. But some part of the fandom can't bear to see the boys with any other female.

"I'm really very very sorry, I didn't mean for all of this to happen" he took my right hand in his left, and rubbed circles with his thumb. He was trying to soothe me, and it was working. I can imagine how tough it can be for him, constantly being in the spotlight.

"I understand, and it's okay. I can handle whatever will happen. But why are you driving like a maniac?"

"I'm trying to shake them off, and it's almost done. Do you still wanna come over, or do you want me to drop you off at your home?"

"I think I should go home, Lisa might be at home already now. I haven't told her where I am, and she'll get worried." it was partly true. The main reason why I didn't want to go today was that I didn't want the paps to get pictures of me entering his flat, I didn't want anyone to have wrong ideas about us. I could hang out with him some other day, I really wanted to.

I saw his face fall for a second, but then it was back to it's usual cheerful look. "Okay then, but we'll catch up again soon okay?", he asked hopefully.

"Sure! I would really love to! I had so much fun today..."

We had arrived at my home. I hoped Lisa still wasn't back, or else she'd have my head for not informing her and going out, leaving the house free to be robbed. Niall got out of the car, and opened the door on my side.

As I got out, I didn't know whether I should hug him or not.

"I had a great time, Zoey" He hugged me, and I kissed his cheek. I was myself shocked by what I did.

"Um.. I had a nice time too. Hope to see you soon" I released him, and turned and walked to the door. As I opened and entered, I saw him with a huge grin plastered to his face. He blew me a kiss and walked back to his car.

Today was a perfect day, despite what happened. I'd do anything to spend more such days with him.