The Unexpected Couple

Chapter Fifteen

*I had 'fun' hanging out with you as well. But I don't just want to hang out as friends. I want something more than that. And when I saw you with Ashton it triggered something. I like you. But it's quite obvious that you don't feel the same.*

My phone falls out of my hand and on to the bed after I finish reading the message. I run my hands through my hair and sigh loudly. I glance at the clock.

6:55

That means it's 5:55 in Texas. I quickly grab my phone from the bed dialing my best friend's number that I still know by heart.

Ring.

Ring.

Ri-

"Hello?" Her familiar voice answers.

"Mia?" I ask.

"Rain! Hey babe! What's up?"

"I need your help."

~

~

"RAIN!" A voice yells in my ear.

"Woah. Ow." I mumble turning towards the culprit of the voice.

Niall.

Freaking hell.

"Yes Niall?" I say looking at him.

"You alright?" He asks.

"Not really. My eardrum was just blown up." I mutter.

He laughs loudly making me cringe. "Oh sorry. You hungover or something?" My eyes widen and I punch his shoulder. He makes a small grunt and rubs the sore spot. "Jesus Christ."

"So may I ask why you came over here screaming my name?" I ask him. He looks lost and confused for a second before recognition crosses his features.

"Oh!" He exclaims. I roll my eyes and watch him, waiting for him to speak. He opens his mouth but gets cut off by another person calling my name.

"Hey Rain." I hear Ashton's voice. He walks up to me and engulfs me in a hug. I stiffen momentarily but relax into his arms as I realize what's happening. I glance over his shoulder at Niall who's fists are clenched along with his jaw. I give him a look and he shakes his head and walks away. I push Ashton away and grab his wrist but he shakes me off and walks away.

"What the hell?" I mumble under my breath.

"Freaking dick." Ashton says and I whip my head around and glare at him.

"What?" I ask in disbelief. I never thought I would hear those words come out of Ashton's mouth let alone about another person.

"Him and his little group of misfits have hated on Calum, Luke, and I for years." He says glaring at the group. I look back and forth between the two trying to figure out what was going on.

The only thing running through my mind was: 'I've made so many new friends but now I find out that some of the best ones hate each other?! I'm screwed.'

I open my mouth to ask why but the bell rings and everyone moves towards their first class.

"See ya after." Ashton says and walks in the direction of what I assume is his classroom. I sigh heavily massaging my temples with my middle and index finger on both hands pressing a little harder than needed into the spots. After I feel calm enough I start in the direction of Chemistry.

I walk in the room and sit down in my regular seat next to Niall. I feel him glare at me then hear the screeching of a chair on the floor. I turn my head to him and see that he has scooted farther away from me. I huff and roll my eyes turning towards the board as the bell rings.

Liam's frame appears in the door just as the bell ends. I find his eyes and he breaks his gaze away from mine quickly. I expected nothing less. I didn't respond to his text after talking to Mia for hours. I sigh and glance over at Niall. An idea pops in my head and I open the notes app on my phone.

*Why are you so mad at me and avoiding me like I caught a virus?*

I tap him and hand him the phone. His eyes skim over the screen. He sighs heavily an types a response then hands my phone back, not making eye contact with me.

*Can we talk about it after school? Fro-yo on me?*

I look up at him but he's not looking at me obviously assuming it's a yes. I slide my phone back into my pocket and focusing in the teacher. The rest of the day goes by quickly I don't talk to anyone and decide to get Taco Bell for lunch to avoid the awkwardness at the table.

The final bell of the day rings and all students stand up and file out of the classrooms. I pack my things up slowly then walk out of the classroom and run into Ashton.

"Hey." He says with a smirk.

"Hi. I have to go." I say and move around him but he hooks a finger in one of the belt loops on my shorts. I look down at his hand and the up to his face. "What are you doing?" I say.

"Admiring." He says. He steps closer and bends slightly before whispering in my ear. "You look great today." He pulls away and smirks one last time before walking away.

"This is getting out of hand." I mumble to myself. I look across the hallway for Niall but see Liam. He is glaring at me and when we make eye contact he breaks it and walks away.

~

~

"Where have you been?" Is the first thing that comes out of Niall's mouth when I see him in the parking lot.

"Looking for you. You ready?" I say.

He nods. "You can drive behind me."

I get in my car and start it as he drives to the frozen yogurt place.