difficult | calum hood

01

It's always starts as a normal day, doesn't it? It's insanely cliche, but it's always true. Everyday starts as a normal day, and as much as I'd hate to admit that this cliche happened to me, it's the only way I can put it. 

Because it was just a normal day. A normal day that sparked something so incredibly abnormal, something that could break hearts, and tear apart friendships - something that meant everything to me. 

My abnormal normal day really started as I was making myself breakfast. Chopping up fruit, pouring oats into a bowl, a little bit of honey. A glass of fresh orange juice with ice was already sitting on the table and I was only wearing my panties and an oversized t-shirt. 

My mum had been constantly telling me to wear more clothes in the mornings, especially when someone could come round for a spontaneous visit. However, it's Australia, and it's summer. And it's just so hot. 

I finally sat down at the table, taking a drink of orange juice and starting to eat my breakfast. 

I was the only one home, my mum had taken my little brother and sister out somewhere, and I was left alone with the air conditioning off and no idea how to turn it on. 

There was a few knocks on the door, but I ignored them, expecting it to be either Mum or a delivery man. Mum could get in with her own keys, and the delivery man could leave the delivery in our front porch, as I was not answering the door dressed like I was. 

I wandered into the living room, dumping my bowl and glass in the sink as I went past. There was voices behind the door, muffled but enough to make it out as a male voice, and possibly another one. 

Yeah, I was definitely not answering that door. 

The handle rattled and I hear a key slipping into the lock, before twisting around and the door opens. 

I was convinced it was just Mum and someone else, possibly a delivery man as well. I grabbed a cushion and placed it over my thighs self-consciously, suddenly thinking that maybe I should've taken my mums advice. 

Footsteps entered the house, definitely more than two people. 

"Zoe? Mum?" My brother's voice suddenly calls from the entrance to the house and I'm frozen. There's no way that could be him, it's just not possible. "Zoe?" He calls again and I leal to my feet, running quickly to the door to see that it is him. 

"Ashton!" I scream, and he beams at me as I jump up onto his waist, throwing my arms and legs around his body. He hugs me tightly, and tears form in my eyes. "Wh-what are you doing here?" I whisper, the tears softly falling down my cheeks. Jumping down from his body, I wipe away my tears and glance up, finally noticing the three guys behind him. "Oh, hey," I chuckle, waving at them and looking back at Ash. 

"We came here for summer." He answers, quickly giving me a side hug and smiling at Luke, who quickly shoots me a smile and leans against the doorframe. 

"All summer?" I question, wriggling out of Ashton's hold to hug Luke and Michael. 

Their hugs are nice, but make me want to melt with this absolutely melting heat that's taken Australia for the summer. 

My eyes lock with Calum's and I suddenly stiffen, him doing the same. "Zoe." He says quietly, nodding quickly at me. His arms are crossed firmly across his chest, and he's rocking his body weight backwards and forwards, his eyes not leaving mine for a second. 

"Calum." I reply, copying his actions by returning his nod. A small smile plays on his lips before it disappears and he slowly closes his eyes, only opening them again when Ashton starts speaking. 

"Yep! That's right! You've got us all Summer!" He shouts, wrapping his arms around my waist and spinning me around. "Wait- where are your pants?" He says, his eyes flickering to my legs as he places me on the ground, before his hazel-green eyes meet mine and he blushes. I shrug and hug him again quickly, before turning around and running upstairs, very aware of Luke, Calum and Michael watching me as I run. 

When I return downstairs, Luke is first to talk to me, throwing his arm around my shoulders and leading me into the living room. "As hot and toned as your legs are, I'm sure Ashton feels more comfortable knowing they're covered." He teases, pinching my cheek like someone would do to a baby. 

"Oi! Stop talking about my sister about that!" Ashton shouts, collapsing on the couch opposite me and Luke, Michael sitting down beside him. "Not that those shorts hide much." He comments, screwing up his nose and looking at me again. I wave him off, returning to Luke and starting up a conversation. 

The weight of the couch cushion shifts as Calum sits down beside Luke, leaning his arms on his knees and looking at the wall opposite him. 

I sneak a glance at Calum halfway through me and Luke's conversation, to find him sitting the exact same way as before, staring into space like he hasn't just returned to Australia after being away on tour most of the year. As I'm staring at him, he slowly turns his head and his dark brown eyes meet my hazel ones, I offer him a smile, but he doesn't return it. Instead, he shakes his head softly and looks away, his shoulder curling in and his eyeline dropping to the floor. Luke removes his arm from around my shoulders and it's in that second that I feel everything fall apart, not just my contact with Luke but everything. 

It's a weird feeling to describe, but something in your gut tells you that nothing will ever be the same again. 

A/n: 

I'm so excited for this story!! I've been planning this for ages but I just had to decide on names and which boy was gonna be who. I know there's like a million 5sos stories where the girl is one of the guy's sister's but bear with me, there's a reason I've chosen to do this. 

Thanks for reading ! Xx