The Bet [Zarry AU] **UNDER EDITING**

3. After A Really Long Time

The bell for the lunch rang, finally.

I started walking towards the cafeteria with my head held low. I didn't want to get my hopes high, but I couldn't help wishing Zayn would still want to talk with me. I sat in a table at the end of the cafeteria and started reading 'A Walk To Remember'.  Very manly.

After some minutes, I felt a tap on my shoulder and I shivered thinking it was one of my bullies but then I heard his beautiful voice and instantly relaxed.

"Hey Harry", he said. I looked up at him and he gave me a small smile.

"Hi", I whispered, giving a small smile to him.

"Sorry for being late, I got busy in talking with Mrs. Parker.", he said with a pout. I smiled, wishing I could kiss that pout away.

Shaking my head I whispered a "It's okay", earning a "Thanks"  from him.

He then took out his homemade lunch from his backpack and I took out mine.

"You too bring your lunch from home?",  I asked, amused.

"Yeah, you know my mom loves me very much and loves to cook for me and I too love her food. Believe me Harry, once you taste it you'll fall in love with her food"

I smiled.

God, can he get any sweeter?

"I sure will",  I said,  but not whispering this time.

"Wow, your voice is so beautiful Harry.", he said and I blushed.

"Aww, is someone blushing?", Zayn teased  and I rolled my eyes playfully at him. And then we both burst out laughing and the whole cafeteria looked at our direction. Thank God the jocks are not there, maybe out somewhere with their girlfriends.

After sometimes when we both calmed down a bit he looked at me seriously.

"Hey, I know about, you know,  the bullying", he said and I instantly tensed.

"Why don't you complain to the principle?",  he asked.

"'cause it'll only make my situation worse", I said, playing with the hem of my sweater.

"Harry...", he started but I cut him off.

"Look Zayn, if you don't want to talk to me or hang out with a worthless and weak person like me, I understand, completely. It's been nice talking to you. Bye.", giving him a small smile I started getting up but he put a hand on mine which was on the table, making me stop.

"Harry, I wanted to tell you that I don't give  a damn to what people say about you. I don't judge people by what other's say. You're not worthless or weak, you're strong and I'm proud of you Harry. So, may I have the honor to be friends with the strong and beautiful Harry Styles?", he asked with a cheeky smile.

My vision become blurry on hearing those words coming from none other thar than Zayn's mouth. I thought he'd hate me but what he said literally made my heart melt. He may had noticed my situation, so he packed back both of our lunch boxes in his back took my hand and we both left the cafeteria. He brought us into a empty classroom and made me sit on a chair and kneeled down in front of me. He cupped my face and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't hold them back anymore.

"Harry, what happened?",  he asked worried.

I shook my head. "Nothing",  I mumbled, choking.

"Then?"

"It's just that no one has ever said anything as sweet as what you said back there. I-I... ",  I choked back my words. His looked at me sympathetically.

" Oh Harry",  he said and hugging me. I hugged him tight. Real tight. I know it's been just some hours but I'm comfortable with him. I need him.

"I'll always be there for you and I promise, I'll protect you. We're friends from now,  okay?",  he said rubbing soothing circles on my back.

Unable to say anything I just nodded and pressed my face in the crook of his neck finding my comfort in there, after a really long time.

A/N: So finally,  a long update as I promised.

Love ya all...

Date: 17th August 2016