Let's Fanboy/ Zayn Malik

Chapter 16

It drizzled a few hours ago. The ground was a little muddy but, the plants and trees around looked all fresh, green and lively, unlike me. I looked tired and sleep-deprived. Not being used to waking up early was a reason too. I like sleeping a little too much. Everybody knows I shouldn't disturbed during the time when I'm catching up on my lost sleep as I tend to become cranky and snap at people.

Waking up wasn't a pleasant experience either. Niall's right foot was stretched across my stomach and Liam was snoring loudly right beside me when the birds chirping outside woke me up. Harry and Louis were quietly huddled up in a corner who, to my surprise, didn't cause any inconvenience. I didn't let them sleep peacefully either, I pulled the covers off Niall and Liam who gave up on getting it back and finally agreed to go the bathroom stalls so that we could get a shower.

Breakfast was at nine-thirty, we had half-an-hour to kill so we went down for a brisk walk. "We'll do some adventurous stuff too, today,"-Liam said, kicking a pile of fallen leaves. "I'm eager to see what they came up with,"-Harry added. I whistled to myself as we walked. Suddenly, I felt a hand draping itself over my shoulders. Looking back, I saw Louis smiling at me. Wow, is he out of his mind? He doesn't even like to be around me. "So, how are we doing, Malik?" "Uhh... Good." The fact that he never called me by my first name was weird too. "You know, there's this story about a cave somewhere near the waterfall here. It's said to be haunted," he continued. "There's a strange flickering light inside it. I'm really curious about it, if I got a chance to go there, I would certainly take you with me." Was this his way of proving how much of a scaredy cat I was? I'm not really keen on this idea. I don't even know why he would discuss a haunted cave that too with me.

"Guys, let's grab something to eat. It's almost time,"-Liam spoke, checking his watch. We strolled idly towards the tables where the food was set. Some of the girls were there too but, Lilac wasn't in my sight. So, I decided to take my plate and choose what I would eat until she came. I had a hard time falling asleep last night as I kept replaying whatever happened at the river shore. It all felt so good. I have been single for years. I'm not sure what Lilac would call our relationship. All I want is that she too wants something concrete like I do. Maybe I'm just overthinking? Maybe that kiss didn't mean that much? But, then again I remember her reaction. It held too many emotions to be a one-time thing. Well, I have so many questions and no answers.

As I was munching on my sandwich, I saw Lilac walking towards her camp with some wet hair clinging to her forehead and a pile of clothes accompanied by a towel in her hands. She was returning from the bathroom stalls after a bath and I hope she comes straight to breakfast after keeping her stuff in her tent. Debby was with her too, she was engrossed in a conversation with her. I looked to my side to see Liam mindlessly playing with his food and staring right ahead at something. Or somebody to be more appropriate. He had a major crush on Sara from his chemistry class but, he never really made a move. "Go on, talk to her,"-I pushed him forward but, he just shook his head and looked down at his plate. I huffed and started thinking about how I used to be like that too. I mean I still am but, just a little less of a dork.

After a long wait, Lilac finally showed up. Her lips formed a little smile when she saw me as I stepped towards her. "So, how was your night? Did you sleep comfortably?"-she asked. "No, I didn't. And I blame you for that,"-I spoke in a playful tone. She giggled as she knew exactly what I was talking about. "You know, about that. It just happened so quick that I didn't even get a hold of the things. But, it did feel good,"-she bit her lip. "You don't have to be in control of everything in order to feel bliss. I'm glad that you didn't get uncomfortable, it was hard for me to hold myself back,"- every word of this was true. "Why would I get uncomfortable around you? When I'm with you Zayn, I'm at my best."-she grinned.

I grabbed her hand as she shyly wrapped her fingers around mine and then I led her to the table. "So, what are we? Friends? Lovers?"-she whispered. "You see Lilac; we're actually the perfect mix of everything. With all the awkwardness friends share with a dash of romance; we're the kind of couple you see in movies."-I said. "Well, that's true." This wasn't the way I had planned it. I wanted it to be perfect when I asked my girl out. But, I guess things just had to happen this way. Whatever it was, it was for good. In the end, both of us are happy.

The girls sitting across us were talking about the cave Louis told me about. "There's a story about it how the lights are seen during midnight. It really creeps out, Mandy."-said the first girl. The other girl, whom I assumed to be Mandy, replied-"We have been told to stay away from that but, I want to check it out." "Earth to Zayn!"-Lilac rolled her eyes. I was so busy eavesdropping that I forgot I had this precious, little girl sitting right beside me. "Yeah, Lilac. I'm listening." "We're going for boating and bird-watching today," she declared. "Please be with me during the day, I get really bored,"-I spoke, sounding needy. "Aww... Of course, I will,"-she cooed.

We assembled in front of the river as a few boats were pulled by the shore. The water looked calm yet deep. "Five people can go at a time,"-Mrs. Henley announced. "You want me to stay with you or shall I go with my girls?"-she questioned. My answer was pretty obvious; I would never want her to stay away from me. We were given a demonstration about how to row the boat and the use of oars. Some life jackets were kept inside the boat just 'in case'.

I planted my feet in the boat first and then, I stretched a hand towards Lilac to help her up. She carefully stepped into the boat as she stood against my chest for support. Three other boys climbed in and we all settled down. "This would be fun,"-she cheered and enthusiastically grabbed an oar. I grabbed one too and stood behind her to be her support in case she fell back when our boat lurched.

The winds were strong, her long hair were getting blown by them in every direction. "Don't you just love this? In the lap of nature, amongst the crashing waves and winds that kiss our faces..."-she said in awe. "Well, not exactly kissing, winds are slapping our faces."-I threw in which made her laugh.

I wondered how long this was supposed to take. But, I didn't mind it until I had Lilac to add in her witty comments and be her usual, adorable self. I felt a tap on my head. It was a water droplet. She felt it too. "Whoa, it's raining. This can't be good."-she shrieked. "Guys, if the rain gets heavier, it would be a problem for us."-One of the boys said.

Oh God, I don't want this to end bad. Troubled waters have always freaked me out.

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