If Time Stands Still

59- fed up

Aylin's POV

Every time I close my eyes and think I'm about to be succumbed by sleep,  some crazy scenario where Zayn breaks up with me pops in my head.

My mind has been overworking so much that I'm starting to feel like I might need help falling asleep. I look to my left and reach for my bag, thanking God that I thought to bring my pills with on this trip. This has probably been the longest time I've went without them, but when you need it, you need it.

I sit up to grab my glass of water from the shelf where my bag was on, but when I see that it's nearly empty, I head to the kitchen as quietly as possible to refill it in my tired state.

As I down my pill with some cold water, I hear the sound of someone blowing their nose coming from... the living room?

Curiously, I peek my head in only to see that it's Zayn laying down on the sofa with his laptop piled on a pillow and tissues plugged in his nostrils. Had it been under any other circumstances, I would've snickered at that.

Of course he caught a cold from earlier. I knew he would. It's probably best that I don't mention that like a smart ass though.

However, I need to talk to him.

Although, he looks pretty busy.

I should probably stop making excuses.

"You busy?" I manage to speak up.

He looks my way and swiftly removes the tissues from his nose, "You're up. Why are you up?"

I step inside fully, leaning against the doorframe as I fold my arms, "Couldn't sleep. What about you?" I ask, taking in his attire. He's still wearing the jeans and hoodie from earlier despite it being so late.

"I've got research to do still. Being here doesn't change that." He answers, tired eyes focused on his laptop screen, "It's only quiet in this house at night." His gaze flickers on my briefly, "Well, it was."

A sigh leaves my lips. Why does he have to make this harder than it already is?

"I messed up. I get it, but how long are you going to give me the cold shoulder?"

He shakes his head, still avoiding eye contact with me, "You don't get it."

"I do, but you're not giving me the chance to show you that I'm sorry." I explain, resisting the urge to blurt out that I plan on assembling the best gift ever for him. I'm aware that it's a problem of mine, not walking the talk.

Finally, he spares me a glance, but not without scoffing, "What do you mean? Maybe not right now since it's two in the morning, but you had plenty of time. I don't wanna argue right now."

"We're not arguing." I say calmly, but I feel the frown on my face, "We're just talking."

"Well, I don't have time right now. I've got research to do, Aylin." He grabs another tissue, holding it to his nose, "And I'm congested and I'm tired and I really don't feel like talking to you either."

Though I'm taken aback by his annoyance with me, he has a fair point. At least he's not giving me the silent treatment any longer. That's a start, I suppose.

"Well, again, I'm sorry." I apologize, "Really. I shouldn't have said what I said." I own up, but he merely looks away again, uninterested in my words, "And I've been thinking about everything you said... but... sure, we can talk when you're not busy."

Before leaving him to work in peace, I stand there for a few seconds, just watching him in his own world. He really is a sight to see. Tired eyes, red nose and all, it's brings me the overwhelming urge to make him feel better somehow, which also crushes me since he keeps rejecting me.