More Than Just A BestFriend

Chapter 1: Flashbacks

It hasn't been easy for either of the five, now four, Liam reminded himself, members of One Direction since Zayn dropped the bombshell. Sure, Zayn have discussed about the band's work not being his kinda preferred work with him before, but he never would've imagined the whole thing was THIS serious. Liam started feeling bile in his stomach; again, as he still thinks it was his entire fault that Zayn left the band. Zayn was HIS bestfriend. He KNEW Zayn rarely used to share his problems with anyone, Liam being an exception, yet he paid no mind when Zayn, for the first time, opened up about it to HIM out of all. He wouldn't have been feeling so dreadful if he'd ignored it for the first time. But you see, it was never a onetime thing, it was exactly THREE times Zee discussed about it with him, each time Liam assuring him that it might be due to his long distance with his family, or touring or never getting enough sleep. Liam knew Zayn was going through too much; anxiety, panic attacks and eating disorders. He knew he should've been there for him 24/7. He knew this. Yet, he didn't. Hell! He'd do anything for him in the blink of an eye without a second thought! He was so gone for him. Only if he could go back in the past and change everything.

Flashback1: 12th January 2015

Zayn P.O.V

They were all gathered in his London apartment. They've just done clearing up the place and throwing balloon pieces on the trash bins which were used during his 22nd birthday celebration. His family and some of his known "associates" left almost half an hour ago. Right now, five of them were gathered in his living room, talking about everything and nothing in their bit drunk state, except Li, of course.

Niall was sprawled in some weird way on his sofa with his left leg dangling down, while his right foot over the table. He's holding the controller, and somehow managing to eat Pringles at the same time, all the while having his steady gaze plastered over the FIFA15 playing on the big screen. He's always been the careless and the brightest one of them all. Suddenly, for a second, he let out a loud laugh over scoring his fourth goal against Brazil and leading 4-2 with England, the next moment going back to his previous form. Weird. Zayn's stomach started churning at the thought of missing his laugh for the time unknown. Louis was sitting at the corner of the same sofa, with Harry on his lap. He somehow, between the match with Niall, forgot his controller and since haven't stopped his shameful flirting with his "lover boy, both stuck in their own world, as usual. God! Hes gonna miss them like hell.

Sweat started to gather over his forehead, making his palms a bit too clammy. You can do this Zayn. You can do this! Gathering enough courage, he had just opened up his mouth, when a sudden deep voice interrupted him from his left. "Zee? You alright there, man?" Liam worriedly asked, making his way over to him, near his bedroom door. Upon reaching close enough, Li raised his left hand before placing its back on his forehead. Zayn tried his best not too shiver at Liam's touch. You see, he was already gone, for this man, with plump lips and brown eyes with a heart of gold. Not now, but since the moment he had first laid eyes on him in the McDonalds in 2010 before the X Factor. Too deep, more than a bestfriend is allowed to be. Just another reason to leave, before destroying what he have already got. Liam's brows were still furrowed along with his intent gaze, before he slowly placed his hand, back on his side. "Zee, you're sweating." he stated, making him more nervous than ever. Feeling slightly panicky, he closed his eyes and took few deep breaths. Now is the time. You can do this! Finally, he blinked open to brown pupils, still, staring at him back.

Without second guessing himself, one moment, he slipped his right hand into Liam's, and next, he was pulling him towards the others. He dropped Liam's hand and went to stand in front of his large screen. On Niall's frustrated noise, he raised his hands and clapped thrice, loud enough to gather their attention. "Guys!" he practically barked, when none of them heard his claps, except Liam. Niall paused his game and slowly sat straight. Louis and Harry finally out of their own world. Zayn motioned for Liam to sit along with them on the sofa, directly in front of him. Having all of their attention at last, Zayn let it all out.