Fighting the Distance ~ {n.h.}

Chapter 2: Wild

"And this is the science building," Chad informs me.

"I feel like I'm on a tour again," I laugh, but then pause. "Wait...how'd you know that already?" I question, since I don't have a clue where anything is on campus.

"Orientation," he tells me. "I'm majoring in physics, so my orientation session was full of science majors. Obviously most of my classes are in this building."

"Physics, hm?" I smile, raising a brow. "Someone's an overachiever...I fucking hate physics."

He chuckles, but doesn't respond; I assume he didn't have a comeback. There's a few moments of silence as we walk along the sidewalk before he speaks up. "I remember you saying your boyfriend is in a band. What's the band's name?"

I bite my lip and gaze at the ground, not wanting to meet his eyes. "Uh, you wouldn't know them," I tell him quickly, not wanting to ruin my anonymity. I'm still shocked that paparazzi hasn't been around; they must not be able to follow celebrities around college campuses...or they don't know where I'm going to college.

Chad laughs and shakes his head at my response. "What, is it some big secret or something? And you never told me his name."

Fuck.

"Neil," I respond, not wanting to take the risk. "I just don't like to talk about him much because it hurts," I admit reluctantly.

"Do you love him?" He asks. Geez, someone's pushy.

"I do," I smile, thinking of Niall. "I do love him."

"Wish I was in love," he sighs. I look over to meet his eyes, which look...empty.

"I'm sorry," I say, putting my hand on his shoulder.

"It's cool," he replies quickly, trying to shake it off. He shoots me a smile, which I return.

"So uh, where are we going anyway?" I question, not having any idea where we are.

"Back to our dorm," he laughs. "Hey, I heard there's gonna be a wild party tonight at a junior's apartment off campus before classes start. Wanna come?"

I open my mouth to decline, but remember that I promised Melissa that I'd go to one party with her. Might as well get it out of the way, I figure. "Sure; Melissa will wanna come too," I tell him.

"The hot blonde?" He asks, raising a brow at the mention of her name.

I giggle. "My roommate? Yes. Will your roommate go too?"

He nods. "Yeah, John's an animal. I like parties, don't get me wrong, but I'm not a regular," he informs me, chuckling a bit. "I don't always need to drink to have a good time."

"I don't party either," I tell him as we run across the crosswalk.

He stops in his tracks and looks to me, puzzled. "If you're not a partyer, then why the hell are you going?"

I laugh, realizing how stupid, or desperate, I sound. "I promised Melissa I'd go to one party with her, so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity." As Chad holds the door to our building open for me, our hands brush. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him tense up at the contact...what the fuck is that for? I decide not to ask him about it to avoid any awkwardness between us. When we reach our floor, Chad walks me to my door again. 

"So, what time is the party? And where?" I ask him.

"8:00, and I'll text you the address."

I freeze. I really shouldn't be getting his number, but...we're just friends. So that's okay, right?