candid | Zayn AU (Completed)

5 | prom

Prom was announced around school, coming close in three weeks. For a whole week after it was announced, I faced myself on the mirror, plastering a tough and chill look. But as the simple words 'Will you be my date for the prom?' roll out, my tongue turns to knots.

It's only my reflection with the illusion of her and I'm already messing up my last chance. It's a clear no from her.

"Come on, you got this."

I envishioned her standing in front of me, wearing her gorgeous smile, waiting for me to say those words. I envishoned myself mentally preparing to ask her.

"Will you... be my d-date..."

I stopped there, unable to utter the next words as I watch my reflection's crooked smile. I'm but a dork and a creep to everyone's eyes. Why would she go for someone like me?

Shaking my head with disappointment, I stripped my clothes off and jumped into the steamy shower. I stand under the pouring water, letting the warmness soak my tensed muscles. The water flows down the drain, along with all my shower thoughts. I didn't stayed their too long, considering that I still have some classes to attend.

Dressed and dried, I entered my garage and hopped inside my car. I always preferred walking, but today's whether seems to be not cooperating at all. The blue sky was layered with dark, gray clouds and it had started to drizzle. Even the wind is blowing too hard, plucking the weak leaves off the branches of the trees that swayed against the cold, hard breeze.

It wasn't much of a long drive and I finally reached the school's parking lot. I hurried out to enter the building since the rain had gotten harder when I got here. As I wipe the drops of water off my face and shoulder, I walked towards my locker and begun taking what it looks to be important. As I go, I slowly stopped when she comes into view.

Her hair is slightly wet and traces of water can be found on her leather jacket and the tip of her ankle boots. Her whole outfit is black, apart from her white shirt. Her skirt is black and her slender legs were covered by black stockings. She looks stunning. An angel in disguise to be exact.

Facing my locker, I took a deep breath and slammed it shot. With every step I take, I tried to muster all the courage and confidence I can. My legs seems to get weaker as I get close that I didn't even realized that I was walking too slow.

"Hey hot stuff."

Jay, dressed in he's jock attire, approached her. I hated the way he looks at her, as if she's an easy bait that he can easily grabbed. His eyes roamed up and down on her body disgustingly and with great efforts, I tried not to run and push him down. It was clear who'll win if I did.

"Uhh... Hey, Jay." She greeted, trying to coat her discomfort with her being polite.

"So prom is coming in close,"

Oh no... oh no, no, no, no.

"Yeah?"

Oh no... please say no. For just this time, let me win you. For just this time.

"Wanna be my date for prom?"

No. Say no. Please say no.

"Uhh... "

No. Please.

"Sure, why not?"

All my life, I despised myself for being a coward and not being able to be brave enough to actually approach those people I wanted to be apart of my life. It had always turned my life to much worse paths of isolation. And again, I flushed myself into the depths of another isolation and disappointments as I became a weak coward once more.

I ruined my one chance with her. I always ruin my chances with her.

I see her walking away, his hand snaking around her waist, always too low for a girl's comfort. I stand here, watching their trail until they vanished into another hallway. Biting my lip, I brushed off the heavy weight inside me and walked the opposite direction. My head was low throughout the way as a bitter expression twists in my face.

I have a math class to attend, she's not in it. Maybe that'll help me clear my thoughts.

To be honest, I was wrong.

I ended up not listening to the teacher to how to solve for this problem and whatnot. My thoughts just fly back to her and my guts churn to guilt everytime I remember the chance that I let go, that I easily let it slip off my fingers. My last chance to talk to her. My last chance to tell her how I feel.

I'm so fucking stupid.

After class, I was back to square one; taking candid shots of strangers. I sit at the corner of the cafeteria, further away from the crowd. The rain's violently hitting the glass window, trying to shatter it to pieces. I randomly took a photo of it, not really sure why.

"Hi!"

Suddenly, hands gripped both of my shoulders, but my tensed muscles slowly relaxed after I realized it's just her. There's her smile, so warm and charming. Her eyes watched me with excitement as she slides to the chair next to me, but there was something in her eyes that I can't distinguish. Discomfort? Disappointment? Emptiness? I'm not really sure.

"I got a date for prom." She stated, placing her hands on my arm and giving it a squeeze.

"And who's the lucky lad?"

It hurts how I have to conceal what I truly feel in order to make her happy. The only thing making this worth it is for the fact she's happy. And the aching I feel doubles knowing that I'm not the reason behind her smile and it hurts the worst that maybe I'll never be the reason for it.

"Jay asked me out. I'm attending my very first prom!"

I raised a brow confusingly, a small smile plastered on my lips. "First prom?"

"Yeah... I was home schooled my entire life, but we had to move because of my dad's work. Now, here I am!" She says. "Tada!"

All I could do was watch her as she goes on with her story about the upcoming prom. She's already planning it all, her dress, accesories and such. I couldn't help but smile to the bright side of my situation with her. At least I'm lucky enough to meet someone like her for girls like her only comes rarely on a blue moon. I'm only a friend to her, but I guess that's better than strangers.

I'll be happy for her. I'll try. Maybe it's just not meant to happen.

I leaned against the table, remembering my camera that's just sitting there. It would be a perfect moment for me to take this shot and make her beautiful emotion last.

Sneakily, I reached my hand out for the camera, praying that it's angled just right to take her photo. I couldn't check, it'll blow my chance. Again.

And then I hear a click, she was far distracted to hear it. I'm glad she is.

"So," I quickly retrieved my hand from the table as she faced me. "Who's the lucky girl you'll take to prom?"

It was supposed to be you love, but I always finish last.