brilliant discovery • zauren

23

New York always had such an exquisite skyline. From her hotel room, Lauren could see the famous Brooklyn Bridge. After a taxing day exploring the boroughs of the large city with her sister, she was worn. Her feet were sore and her joints were aching. She had symptoms of the elderly at such an early age, but the cramped living quarters of the tour bus does take a toll on people of all ages.

Although she was in pain, she wouldn't let anything deter her from the plans she had that night. The adrenaline and excitement pumping in her veins kept her revitalized to survive a few more hours.

"I wonder where he's taking you," Taylor pondered from her bed closest to the windows. Her eyes never left her phone, though. They were glued onto the screen like a koala to a eucalyptus tree. "If it's just out the building, I'm screaming."

For a brief moment. the two met one another's eyes and Taylor smirked, mouthing 'I'm kidding'. There was nothing sincere about her apology. Lauren knew her sister like the back of her hand.

Regardless, she chuckled. They had the same sense of humour. No wonder they got along and tag-teamed to pester Chris.

"I wonder, too." Lauren sighed, plopping her chin in her hand as she tapped her fingers against her cheek to the beat of a song he featured in. It became a habit of hers—absentmindedly playing Cruel. Whether it be physical or mental.

To Lauren, it was so much more than a song.

Her phone beeped. An incoming text message from the devil himself. im in the lobby :) How he managed to get past the crowd of fans that knew of their hotel, she didn't know. And she didn't have time to question as she got up and slipped on one of her many jean jackets.

"What should I say if the others come looking for you?" Taylor squeaked just as Lauren was about to open the room door.

She was leaving awfully late. Will, nor the security, knew she was going out for the night. Everyone was too busy doing their own thing, anyway. Ally was spending time with Normani and her mother, while Camila and Dinah were both with family.

She just shrugged. "Just tell them I'm with Zayn."

"And you eloped? Gotcha!" Taylor winked, blowing a kiss to her older sister, who just rolled her eyes in amusement.

"This isn't Vegas, Tay," Lauren retorted, heading out.

"Ah. So, you'd consider it if it was!"

Lauren shook her head as a ginger laugh fled from her tinted lips. "Goodnight, little sister." With that, she shut the door before Taylor could think of another smart-ass remark.

It didn't take her very long to arrive at the lobby. It was basically desserted. Asides from Zayn sprawled out on the seating area. His lanky body fit perfectly on one three-sitter leather sofa. His combat boots were dangling off the edge, though. He was careful to not flake off any dirt onto the furniture.

Lauren saw flashes of cameras from outside the hotel doors. The large, floor-to-ceiling windows, that had no shields whatsoever, gave the people from the outside a pristine view of the inside.

There were only a few fans, but enough for Lauren to expect an article of their rendezvous tomorrow.

"Hey, mami. You look stunning as always." Zayn stood up, flashing her a dazzling grin as he appreciated the ensemble she was dressed in. Black on black on black and a splash of blue. His favourite.

But other than her style, he was always pleased to see her.

Lauren had her hair tied into a bun, but she had a few strands leftover to frame her face. She tucked them behind her ear when colour crept on her cheeks. She was never much of a blusher, especially over honeyed words from a guy, but Zayn had a way of making her act unusual. Not that she considered it strange.