Bend The Rules• njh

7⌝ Don't Chicken Out

Song of the Chapter- I Like Me Better by Lauv

His face was a mixture of relief and also fear. "Well, I mean I was waiting for you to figure it out eventually. I didn't feel like outright saying it cause like that's cocky and I didn't want to give off that impression. But we're good right?" He looks at me expectantly as if every little second before my reply mattered so deeply.

"Yes of course, I was just messing with you. Why wouldn't we be," I teased as I playfully slapped him on the arm.

Niall continued on with that gorgeous smile of his, "I don't know, I guess maybe I was worried you'd act different around me or like your opinion of me would like change."

"I'm not gonna lie Niall, I try to stay honest as possible but opinion has changed," I tried to say in the most serious voice possible. His face quickly changed back to that state of worry. "I'm a little disappointed that you're not an Irish stripper," I giggled at him, causing him to erupt into his joyful laughter. I truly mean it when I say his laughter is contagious, there's just something about it. I whip my phone out of my skirt pocket and notify everybody it's safe to come back.

I felt the presence of Niall get closer to me and soon his head was on my shoulder. "Whatcha' doing there Ton," he asked inquisitively, breathing lightly on my neck making goosebumps blossom all over me.

"You're like a little parrot Ni. But I'm telling Tessie she can come back now," I typed away on my phone and pet the side of Niall's head with my free hand.

Niall lifted his head up slightly so he was at eye level with me, our heads very close to each other. Closer than they were that day in the parking lot after our date. "Wait you coordinated with her to have her leave?"

"Yep. I figured I should let you know I found out in private. Also great new song by the way, very catchy," I speak as he resumes his spot of resting his head on my shoulder.

"Well thank you," he whispered as he hugged me, causing the butterflies to soar again. Liam and Monica show up not too long after but the other two are not found.

Liam glances around before revealing his pondering thought, "Wait Tessie and Zayn still aren't back?"

Monica snickered while giving a raised eyebrow to the group, "They probably won't be back for a little while."

"Wait. Oh my god. No, please tell me they aren't right now in that storage closet," I shuddered at the very thought. The rest of the group snickered at my embarrassment.

Monica added on to my comment, finding amusement in my uncomfortableness, "I wouldn't think so, maybe you should head over and try to split things up before boss can get to them."

"God. Fine, but I'm just saying if I hear anything, I'm gonna need something stronger than that pitiful punch we're serving," I frustratedly groaned and started off to the dreaded storage closet. After a short yet excruciatingly painful walk, I arrived in front of the door of the storage closet. I aggressively clear my throat, hating that I had to be the one to do this, and knock,"Hey um Tessie, and Zayn, my plan worked out so y'all can come out now. Try to just, um, wrap things up so Kevin doesn't catch you."

The door swings open in a sudden movement and there Zayn is towering over me. His dark brown eyes, almost obsidian like, piercing into mine.

"Thanks Toni, but we're good," he slowly spoke and winked at his final words. I practically gag at his insinuation as he scoots past me, heading back to the party. Tessie comes out next securing a hair tie her wrist. "Oh god. Tessie you did not," I cringed, "why oh god."

Tessie amused, giggled and smirked at me, "Relax T, nothing happened." She then winked, trying to wrap a arm around my shoulders. "Tessie no. Ew no, I don't know where that things been," I screeched, forcing her arm off me. She erupted into laughter and we head back to the group.