Hearts Devoured • LT&ZM

5 || People are People

Zayn wasn't going to tell anyone just yet--especially not the boys, that he was probably smitten. He felt like coming out of his shell whenever they were together. There was something oddly comforting about her presence, that even when she wasn't saying anything, he was content. Like he wanted to live. Jewel made him realise he was more than just existing in this world. He didn't know how she did it, but it was such a strong emotion he couldn't seem to describe. How can he explain something like this?

"You've been staring at her all day, Zayn," Liam murmured as they ate their barbecue. "I must admit, she's quite the looker. Didn't peg her as your type, to be honest with you."

So much for hiding it. "We're friends," he replied casually, taking a small bite of meat. "I'm taking it easy."

"You should," Liam warned. "Honestly speaking, I don't think you're over Perrie yet."

"Maybe," Zayn shrugged. "But that was like a year ago."

"But when has it been really official?"

"Why are we talking about this now?"

Liam took a sip of his red wine. "You should do the Harry-sitting tonight. He's been talking my ear off whenever he spots me. You'd think he just fell in love for the first time. 'Dani this, Dani that'."

As they resumed eating their food, Zayn stared at the bride and groom. Both of them were sitting beside each other, and even if they were seriously eating (they looked starved), they would take a pause and feed each other. Then they would laugh when things got messy. They'll turn quiet and repeat the whole spectacle. It was sickeningly sweet, Zayn thought.

But he had to agree with Liam's observation.This indeed was the first time that Harry seemed to be genuinely in love. Since he got married, how many times had he seen Harry so filled with joy even if he wasn't outright grinning? If Harry had been all smiles before, well, the man was literally non-stop happy now. Who would have thought that the group's Lothario would be the first to marry?

Life was indeed strange and fascinating...

From the corner of his eye (trying to avoid Liam from catching him), he snuck a glance at Jewel. She was sitting beside Louis, and he seemed to be making her laugh. She was so pretty when she was so carefree. Somehow, her happiness made him feel euphoric too.

Was that love then, if he felt that way?

He once thought he knew love, and that only meant Perrie.

Now, staring at Jewel... he didn't know if that was true anymore.

A part of him didn't want it to be.

_ _ _ _ _ _

After she sang Night Changes, Jewel made a graceful exit and slipped away from the applause humbly. It surprised him that she sang really well, but he doesn't spare another moment and followed her back to the trees. When he found her standing alone in the dark, he immediately felt concern flooding his veins. "Why are you crying," he prodded gently, and pulled her to his chest.

Relief engulfed him when she leaned in, as if he was the strong one. It made him want to puff his chest bigger, stand a little straighter. He run his fingers through her hair, and closed his eyes to breathe in his scent.

"I've never sang in front of people like you before, and it can get pretty overwhelming," she laughed, her voice shaking a little. "And I sang one of your songs! I feel so embarrassed."

"It was beautiful," he told her honestly, squeezing her harder. "You did sound a bit sad though."

"That song reminds me of my relationship with Dani. My previous relationships too," she said. "And it's funny that now, everything has changed. I guess the song really got to me."