Lost

Chapter 33: Close calls

To be honest, I don't think I did this chapter justice :\ Post your reactions as you read.

Zayn's P.O.V. 

Zayn was shaking uncontrollably. The sudden anger that overpowered him was hard to contain. He couldn't see straight as he paced back and forth in empty side hall. Not able to stop himself, Zayn let his fist collide with the wall. The pain searing through his knuckles had barely registered in his mind when he withdrew his fist. He was just too riled up.

Earlier, the moment Zayn realized he was losing it, he forced himself away from Niall and Claire towards this empty corridor. He saw the group of fan-girls walk away from them when they realized Niall was not the superstar's gay boyfriend like they thought he was. Zayn also saw Claire leave when the purpose of the kiss was served, but he was still raging. He knew it was staged, it was just a show, but the image of them kissing replayed in his head again, and again, and he was losing his sanity over it.

"Zayn?"

Before Zayn could comprehend his actions, he had already grabbed Niall by the collar and slammed him into the wall.

"Did you mean it?" Zayn asked through his clenched teeth.

"What the –"

Zayn shoved him harder.

"Tell me, did you mean it when you kissed her?!" Zayn asked again, the quiver in his voice underlining the hurt and betrayal that he felt.

"Stop it, man!" Niall protested, shoving him back forcefully. "What the fu-"

When Zayn slammed him into the wall a third time, he saw Niall raise his fist but he did not dodge the incoming punch. It collided with Zayn's cheek, the force of impact turning his face to the side. Zayn closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. His fury rose a few notches. He took deep breaths to contain it, hoping  Niall would get away from him, because now, he was seconds away from hitting him back. Instead, his blond friend shoved him again.

"You know it was staged!" Niall fumed. "They think I'm your gay boyfriend. You know it was –"

"A mistake!" Zayn returned hotly. "You better not pull that stunt again, unless -" 

"Trust me, I won't!" Niall reassured quickly. "I'm sorry, man. It won't happen again, I promise!"

"I don't want her getting hurt, Brownie, I swear if --"

"Zayn!" Naill warned.

His eyes had strayed to a spot behind Zayn and he stiffened. 

"Claire's here," Niall muttered.

Zayn released a slow breath but did not turn around. He looked down at his busted knuckles. His heart sank knowing she won't like this. Niall however, was frantically looking around for a way to avoid the confrontation between him and Claire. Before she could catch up, Niall was dragging Zayn towards the other end of the corridor.

"Go, clean up!" he whispered urgently. "The restrooms. Just go, Zayn!"

Just as Claire caught sight of the two boys, Zayn hid his busted hands in his pockets and walked into the restrooms.

"Hey," he heard Claire greet Niall. She was rather breathless like she'd been running, or was it because of their –

"Damn it!" Zayn shook the thought away.

"I just went to her room. She was there, and so was Asim," Claire informed Niall. "He won't budge, though. I think you have to go and get him out of the way."