Dare

Chapter 4

| Four |

Entering my dorm room, I was pleased to see a ready–made bed awaiting for me. Despite promising myself I would never let a guy like Harry get to me, my recent encounter had left me both irritated and exhausted. He carried nothing but arrogance and the same sly smirk which I despised, offering nothing but disrespect. I felt offended that he would even think to follow me with the same revolting intention I had rejected just moments before.

I decide to stop myself from thinking about a guy that was not worth my time in the first place. I wasn't going to see him again and I was comforted by that thought. I stare at my familiar surroundings: the room walls were an ocean blue, with the room being a fair size. Enough space for two people anyway. Blair's bed was facing the door and mine was on the opposite side. A little table complementing each bed in addition to the two desks and drawers opposite. That's all we had really and it was enough.

Preparing myself for bed, I change into something more appropriate before switching the lamp off and watching the darkness engulf my room. I crawl into the comfort of my own bed and within seconds, everything went dark.

*

The screeching sound of my alarm clock caused my eyes to stretch open. I slam my hand over my alarm and silence it, rubbing my head in discomfort. I slowly turn my head to the side to see Blair fast asleep on her bed. I was surprised the alarm didn't awake her.

I debate about waking her up or not, I didn't know if she had class or not. She always does this: being late to class or not making it at all. It frustrates me because I do care for her, this is an important year.

I slide out of bed, the cold air brushing my skin and head to the showers.

The hot water trickles down my skin and soothes me. It relaxes me and for a moment, I felt at peace.

After a while, I had left the warmth of the shower and had now prepared myself for the day ahead with a new set of clothes, make–up and collecting my bag for my first class.

*

I stand up from my seat, packing my things away and clutching my notes.

It was until I bumped into someone on the way out that all my notes collapsed to the floor. I curse under my breath and bend down to collect my notes. In the process, I notice someone lower to my level, helping me.

"I'm so sorry." A male voice apologises.

I was grateful for the apology but I couldn't hide my annoyance.

I took a deep breath, chewing at my bottom lip before tilting my head up to identify this unknown figure.

My lips part in surprise. He was gorgeous: his black hair was flicked up and my eyes glazed over the tattoos on his arm. It was Zayn. The guy was still trying his best to keep my notes in order. I chuckle to myself as he tries his best. He looks up and I couldn't help but admire his smile.

I knew him, well, I knew of him, everyone did. We're rarely in the same lectures and when we are, we barely notice each other.

"It's fine." I smile slightly.

I notice how delicate he is with my notes, almost as if he was afraid of causing even the slightest crease. He gently puts them together before passing them to me with both hands. I was a little surprised as I observed him. Usually guys just walk off and some rarely apologise.

"Nah, I know how annoying this is." he says.

We moved to the side of the walls in hopes of not getting in people's way.

They've all got a reputation, him and his group. And with what I've heard about them, I couldn't help but be surprised by this polite encounter.

"Trust me, it's fine, it's not that big of a deal anyway." I chuckle.

I bite my lip as he returns a smile.

"I'm Zayn by the way."

"I'm..."

"Ariana right?"

"How do you know my name?" I stutter.

"You're in my class of course." He chuckles. "To be fair, Niall has mentioned you before, I saw you at the party. I was going to ask if you wanted to come hang with us but it seemed Harry got there before I had the chance."

My eyes shift to the floor at the sound of Harry's name. The name I didn't expect to hear.

Out of all the people I seemed to bump into had to be a friend of Harry.

"Oh," I reply, not knowing what to say.

"So, you guys..." Zayn asks.

"No, never." I chuckle.

Zayn's lips part slightly.

"What?" I question.

"It's just Harry has quite a way with getting what he wants." Zayn laughs slightly.

"Yeah I've heard he's got quite the reputation."

Zayn chuckles, his eyes wondering down me.

"I apologise about him, he can be a bit too much sometimes."

I chuckle slightly. "It's fine."

There was a pause.

"How come I haven't seen you around anymore." He bites his lip.

"To be fair I haven't really been making much of an effort to go out anymore like I used to."

"That makes sense, I mean it is our final year."

I nod, smiling.

He admires me for a moment before speaking.

"How about we hang sometime. If you want to that is." he asks.

"Yeah why not,"

"This Friday." he states. "It will be my mates and I, there's a party, it'll be fun. That's if you're still up for a night out?"

"Yeah sure, I need a break."

I guess it's always nice to meet more people, especially while I'm still at university, even though I still get nervous.

"What's your number? I'll message you the details."

I give him my number as we finish our conversation.

"Well I'll see you around." he smiles.

I smile to myself as he walks away.