when you sleep :: [malik]

"she's american..."

"Seriously, you need to get your license."

"Why?" Zayn asks, puzzled as he slides into the passenger seat of Justin's car. "When you give me free rides all the time?"

The car pulls from the curb.

"Hilarious, bro. Hilarious," Justin replies, running his hands lightly across his short buzz cut.

"I am pretty hilarious."

And Justin sighs, shaking his head as Zayn grins, falling back to rest his head against the window. He stares out of the pane of the moving car.

"Ungrateful ass."

"Don't pretend like you don't love my company."

Justin snorts. "Maybe you're not the company I want, man."

And Zayn laughs. "Imani doesn't want you."

Justin deadpans, and Zayn laughs harder.

"What?" He exclaims. "Like, aren't you tired of being rejected, mate?"

"She hasn't rejected me."

"Yeah...Turned you down, then."

"Real funny, Zayn. She hasn't done that either."

"Yeah?" Zayn strokes his beard pensively. "What's she done, then?"

"Hey," Justin grins, rubbing his head, "she cut my hair yesterday."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah."

Zayn smirks. "Bet she'll propose next, yeah? Got the ring ready, Jus?"

"Shut up, Zayn."

"What?" He implores. "She cut your hair," he sticks his tongue in his cheek, "that's what she does, Jus. S'her job, remember?"

"So? Dude, what's up? I don't fuck with your happiness, do I? I'm the reason you know Zhuri."

Zany snorts, staring at the cars they're passing. "That something to be proud of?" He mutters.

"What?" Justin exclaims loudly. "Can't hear you, bro."

"Introducing me to Zhu...'Cause you were stalking her sister? S'that something to be proud of?"

"Not stalking. I didn't stalk."

"Crept? You were creeping, then."

Justin chuckles. "Honestly, yo. I hate you."

"Nah. You don't."

"I think I do," he nods. Y'know what? Next time, call Zhuri. She'd be happy to chauffeur your ungrateful ass."

Zayn's clenched jaw suggests otherwise.

"Uh oh," and now Justin is smirking now, elbowing his friend from the driver's side.

Zayn jumps. "Would you let up--?"

"What?" Justin exclaims. "Trouble in paradise?"

"Justin. Get off."

"It's karma. It's 'cause you couldn't set me up with Imani."