Meeting 1D In Your PJs Is Not Fun

Let It Begin

Zayn POV

After the video call, everyone left to go to bed. Mostly because Steph was in shock and Finley was yelling at us. So, I headed back to my room. Just before I fell asleep, I remembered that Steph didn’t have any more of my clothes for her dare. Grumbling, I collected shirts, sweats, trousers, and even some boxers. Rubbing my eyes, I knocked on the girl’s door. Silence then I heard scuffling. A high-pitched “OW!” later, Finley opened the door.

“Yes?” Batting her eyes, she smiled widely at me.

Uncertain of what just happened; I lifted my clothes for Steph. “Um, I brought these for Steph’s dare.”

“Ah, yes.” Finley stuck her head back in the door. “STEPH, IT’S YOUR BOFRIEND!” I flushed.

“WHICH ONE?!” Steph’s voice screamed through the door.

“THE CUTE ONE!” Finley bellowed.

“THEY’RE ALL CUTE!”

“THE ONE WITH TATS!”

“Oh! That one.” Steph sounded like she was standing behind the door. Finley opened the door to reveal Steph, wrapped in a blanket. Her smile broadened when she saw me. My lips curved into a smile on their own accord. Finley’s gaze shot back and forth between us.

“I’ll leave you two alone. But, remember: use protection!” Steph gasped and tried to stomp on her best friend’s foot, but Finley danced out of the way and back into the room; shutting the door.

An awkward silence fell over us. I finally held out my bundle. “Here, I figured you would need more stuff for your dare.” Steph nodded and gently took it all.

“Could you turn around so that I…?” She blushed and I quickly turned. I waited patiently until I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I saw Steph wearing my black shirt hanging over her shoulder—three sizes too big—and my sweats that she had to roll up about twenty times, with my blue boxers peeking out. She looked like a tiny, female version of me. She even sagged her trousers like me! I smiled at the thought.

“What? Is it too big? It’s surprisingly comfy.” She inspected my clothing on her tiny frame.

“No! Not at all! You look dashing in it.” Steph was positively glowing at my compliment. But, then she frowned and became suddenly sad. “What’s the matter? What’s wrong?” I gently cupped her face and pulled it up so that I could meet her stormy eyes.

“This. This is what’s the matter! Whatever this is. Zayn, I’m going to be gone in about a month. A relationship would never work. I’m going to go back to Washington and you’ll stay here. I’m going back to Dylan and Beatrice and be drab me. You’ll stay famous and have girls thrown at you!” Tears began building up in her eyes, but none fell.

I felt betrayed. I guess I knew that she wouldn’t ever say yes to any of us, but I still had hope. We both knew that we had feelings for each other. But, even though she could be flirty, she would never allow herself to be hurt again. I wanted to protest and say, No! This will work! but, it wouldn’t. I opened my mouth to protest, but closed it at Steph’s expression.

A crazy idea began forming in my frantic mind.

“What if you didn’t have to leave? Hear me, you could stay here! You could go to school here and be with us. With me. You could say that you forgot you passport or fake an accent.” I began rambling until Steph stopped me by placing her finger on my lips. She weakly laughed and looked away, letting her hand fall.

“We both know that would be impossible. I’m an American citizen. Who lives in a town controlled by the government and bullied into making scientific break-throughs. As soon as my name pops up, I’m gone. I don’t have my passport. I don’t even have my phone!” Her bottom lip began quivering. I couldn’t bear seeing her cry, so I wrapped her in my arms. She immediately hugged my waist and rested her head on my bare chest. I kissed the top of her salty hair and laid my cheek on her head.