all too well

five (niall's POV)

                    -FLASHBACK-

I didn't realize I liked Hannah more than a friend until we went to our first party together a few years ago. It was in LA, and I was the designated driver. We piled in all her friends and drove to the city together. That was the first time I really got to spend time with everyone. That night I realized Hannah surrounded herself with people who really did love and care for her. Seeing her in her natural element with her favorite people and seeing at how she glowed made me happy that she had that with them.  

That was the first night I realized I wanted to make her feel that way for the rest of her life. I wanted to be that person to keep her safe and make her feel special. And that was the night I was going to tell her.  

If everything went accordingly.

We pulled up to the end of the street, the sun setting down in front of us. The sky was clear and made outside glow pink. Almost immediately all her friends spilled out of the car, all in hippie attire and high heels. "Are you ready to party?" Jesse giggled, catching up to me. She was dressed in all black: a plaid mini skirt and thigh high boots. If it wasn't halloween I'd think she was a real school girl. She grabbed my arm and led me down the street, as everyone followed behind us. 

"You're going to love it! Jackie and Tom host the best get togethers! I can assure you they never disappoint."  She leaned into me, her voice going into a whisper. "You're not nervous are you?" .

I looked at her quizzically, "What's there to be nervous about?" 

That particular autumn, Jesse spent almost every chance she got to flirt with me. It was nothing I couldn't handle, it was mostly just cheeky banter. But still, I tried to make it very evident that I wasn't playing along. I didn't want her to think that I was into it. It was enough already that Hannah teased me about us dating. I know it was just for laughs but I didn't want her to get the wrong idea. 

"About all the monsters duh!" She let go of my arm and strutted beside me, looking up at the sky.

"Why didn't you match with anyone this year?" I asked, trying to steer the convo somewhere else.

"What do you mean?" 

"I just thought you'd have a couples costume with Cole." I say. This makes her turn to look up at me, and I gulp.

"Why would you say Cole?" 

I actually don't know why I said Cole, but it was too late now. So I shrug. "I thought since he has a crush on you, that he'd ask you to to come up with something with him." 

Cole never told me specifically that he was into her, but it wasn't totally a lie. I see the way he looked at her, and it was the same look I give Hannah. complete adoration. 

Also this was a nice way out, and a big hint for her to leave me alone.

"Cole? a crush on me? I can't believe I never even realized.." She trailed off, a blush rising up to her cheeks. She turned behind to face Cole, who gave her a little shy wave.  

"I can't believe you didn't even notice?" I questioned playing along, "I think tonight is the perfect night to make a move." 

"You're right!" She exclaimed giving me quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you!" She turned and made her way towards Cole.  "Wish me luck!"

"Luck for what?" Hannah says to me. She dressed in a little back dress,  with red lipstick smeared   down to her chin while she sports faux fangs in her mouth. I know she's supposed to look frightening but I couldn't be more attracted to her in this moment.