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OS based on this text post I saw please: ‘Does somebody wanna be fake engaged to me for like 2 hours to try free wedding cake samples’ “Does somebody wanna be fake engaged to me for like 2 hours to try free wedding cake samples?!” “Louis! Stop yelling. I’m trying to finish my essay.”“That is so not the answer to my question,” sasses the boy with the striped T-shirt and red pants. Lauren huffs as she speeds type on her laptop. Sitting pretty much relaxed in her black graphic tee and jeans-covered legs. Her entirety occupying the whole couch. It is another chilling day on a Friday afternoon but of course, there is always someone or one moron rather, who finds it satisfying to disturb her peace.“Yoo-hoo! Hey! Hey, you down there!” Louis keeps pointing to her even though she blatantly ignores him. “Yes, you! Typing like bat-shit crazy! The one with bed head hair!”That last comment definitely catches her attention and she ceases punching her fingertips on the keyboard. He grins triumphantly when the brunette eventually lands a hard stare on him. Arms across her chest, she raises her eyebrow unimpressed. “Really?”“What?” Louis feigns clueless.“There’s no one here to entertain your childish antics, Louis. Seriously. And get off the coffee table!”“Well, you’re somebody here,” Louis pouts and looks down at his plain socks. “Oh, look at that! I’m not even wearing shoes!” Smiling to himself as he wiggles his toes through the holes. Lauren sighs, putting away her laptop. “What were you screaming about anyways moron?”“Aww! Come on, didn’t you hear me?” He cups his hands over his mouth and obnoxiously shouts. “Is anyone here smart and lucky enough to be my fake fiancée for like 2 hours tomorrow and try free wedding cake samples?”Once again, Louis stretches his signature evil smirk at the annoyed Lauren. He could have sworn her eyeballs rolled upwards just like the emoji. If his words could not register, he hasn’t got a clue how to make her listen anymore. Meanwhile, the poor lass is still covering her ears. Listening to his hysterical voice has never been as irritating as today. She cannot even remember what she just heard.Now standing with hands on her hips, she frowns at his aloof smile. “Louis William Tomlinson! You get down here this instance before I come up and drag you down by your ears!” Raising his hands in surrender, he jumps down and towers over her.Moving closer to her, he starts singing, “Nobody can drag me down!” Inching closer and snapping his fingers, he repeats, “Nobody! Nobody!” As soon as he finishes singing, he makes a cross-eyed face to her and that’s when she loses it. Lauren grabs Louis by his left ear and pulls him towards the kitchen. Ignoring his protest with every step they take, she lets him go once they’re there.With a frown marring his childlike features, he rubs his unfortunate red ear. “Why are we in the kitchen? I’m not hungry.” He comments, confused.Lauren shrugs. “I’m making sure you wet the towel before wiping the coffee table. Also, I want to remind you not to forget the sanitising spray this time. It serves a purpose called eliminating Tomlinson’s stink off the table.”Louis flinches. “Pfft! Give me some credit, woman. I so know how to clean a house!”She is about to argue back when he rests his hands on the wall on either side of her head. His abrupt approach causes her to lean back. The gap between them shortens drastically. Since being playful didn’t make her say yes to him, perhaps she can fall for his method of seduction. The British accent drips from his mouth. “My dear Peaches. You didn’t answer my question.”“What question?” Lauren does not hold back from a scowl. “If that’s what you call a proposal, only a grandmama will go with you.”Louis instantly wails. “I’ve never been insulted like this before! I’m just gonna hide right here.” She inevitably bursts into laughter when he hits his head on her shoulder, concealing embarrassment. Still chuckling, she deliberately pecks his temple. “Honestly Lou. Why can’t you go bother someone else asking her instead?” Louis gasps loudly and covers his mouth in mock horror. “Honestly, Lolo that is not how you talk to your Prince Charming! And you know I can’t do that.” He moves away from Lauren and opens the fridge, enjoying the cool air on him. “I don’t want to brag but without a doubt, the girls will be all over me!”She rolls her eyes while he continues blabbering. “So instead of this charming fabuLouis breaking their hearts by asking them, he decides to choose his one and only.”“Wow, who can that be?” She questions with sarcasm.“If I choose someone else, I’ll be breaking your heart. And we all know you’ll constantly be green with envy. Pun intended.”“Sure whatever you say, my little heartbreaker,” she pats his cheek before walking away but he blocks her. Leaning against the counter, he crosses his arms against his chest. She mimics his posture. “Stop playing coy darling! I know you want to be my fake fiancée.” Louis waggles his eyebrows. “Don’t blame me if you can’t see that we are indeed a great couple! Blame your glasses…or eyes.” “There’s nothing wrong with my eyes.” “It’s too green,” he states and as soon as Lauren frowns and opens her mouth to argue, he continues, “and sometimes it’s trying to imitate my brilliant blue ba…orbs.” “You’re talking absolutely no logic. Maybe just maybe you’re green about my green eyes. Cause it changes colour unlike yours.” “Now look who’s the immature one. The point is you don’t see that we’re the OTP in college,” he smirks and puffs out his chest.“Oh Louis, I do see it now.” “Wait, what?” Louis asks, puzzled “You do?”“Yeah. I see how much you hopelessly want me to go with you.” Lauren closes her eyes, inhaling and exhaling deeply for theatrical effect before she speaks slowly. “And I also see your changing smirk when I tell you yes.”As expected, he starts to smile. “It’s a yes that I won’t go with you.” Persistent as always, he tugs her wrist gently to pull her against his warm body. “Listen, let’s make a deal, yeah?” Louis offers, seeing how he has no other choice. “If you do this, I’ll plead with Steve to have you in my group for our final assessment.”Lauren jerks her head at him, face astounded, “Lou, what are you trying to say?”This is a great deal Lauren is well aware. Louis happens to be one of the few chosen leaders for their Music Major. It’s crucial to have a strong group for their final project. They are each expected to produce an EP after all.He exhales before fixing his stare on her, “I’m saying that I am willing to have you on my team instead of Perrie.”“Goat girl?” She tries hard not to snicker when noticing him visibly swallowing his pride like literally. “But that’s huge though! Do you realise the risk you could be taking? Besides, are you trying to start a catfight by separating Jade and...”“I thought you would like to team up with Jade and Thomas?”“True but...”“Don’t tell me you want DJ on board. I don’t want to deal with your Manibear being Mama Bear. I’ll pick Ally for you if she’s...”“Pez vocals are off the charts! You could have high scores for your team!” “But I’m in love with your voice there’s a difference!”“Yet I wasn’t your first choice. I’m not a rebound Louis!” She folds her arms and glares at him.Sighing and gaze landing elsewhere but hers, “I know and I’m sorry you feel that way. It’s strategical but selfish of me to put your feelings aside.” Louis takes her hands in his. “You know I could finalise my team by next week right? Give me a chance Lo. I was insecure about myself and my voice,” he trails off sounding softer with every word.He looks away but she cups his chin instead, “I love your voice Louis and I know you’ll make it better than fine. I have faith in you. I wish you would too.” Silence fills the air. “What if you didn’t stick to your bargain because of your unwise brash decision?”He scoffs, “Ironic much? You just said you have faith in me.”“That I do but seeing how you would put your name in jeopardy by not having the best female vocalist in our class, now that intrigues me.” Noticing that he prefers to stay mute, she eggs on, “Yep you’re really desperate and I wonder why. Won’t you enlighten me Loubear?”He groans at her glorious smile. She pulls his shirt lightly before leaning in. Her grin widens when he gulps uneasily.****Flashback: Earlier, that Friday morning…* Louis hastened his steps while ferociously typing on his phone. He was running late but was eager to get his usual breakfast. He mentally cursed himself for engaging Lauren whose messages were nothing but lecturing him, as usual. Yep, nothing new he thought as he typed another message. What was new then, however, was when someone collided into Louis once he was inside the bakery. “My apologies, I…Louis?” His body cringed as he heard a low voice in a British accent that is almost too familiar. Louis dreaded every second of lifting his gaze to meet the owner of that haunting voice. His blue eyes bore into confused light green ones. He realised the softening countenance of the boy with curls and quickly hardened his expression. “Watch where you’re going you blundering baboon!” Louis spat in rage. Frowning, the boy mirrored Louis’s scowl. “Nice knowing you haven’t changed.” “Woah aren’t you glad we’re not together anymore ey Harry?” “Very much indeed,” Harry shifted his gaze downwards before staring into the blue orbs again. “And you should watch where you’re stepping on.” Louis hesitantly looked down and picked up a brochure underneath his sneaker. He scanned through it and scoffed. So it was true then he thought. All week he heard rumours going around college about the wealthy junior being engaged. He always brushed it off not wanting to believe it. “Wedding Cake Exhibition? Whom are you getting married too? Yourself?” He chuckled at his own sarcasm, eyes shut and arms hugged his midriff.“Laugh all you want Louis. I’m not letting you step on my happiness. Figuratively or literally.” Louis was still in fits of laughter.“You may be holding onto my future in your hands, literally but there’s no stopping me.”“Really? Are you saying words like literally now? Clearly, she’s rubbing off on you. I won’t even say she’s rubbing off you figuratively or literally. Oh wait, I already did!” Harry balled his fist on Louis’s tee and glared. “You leave her out of this! She’s not like anyone I’ve dated. She’s not that kind of girl!”Louis swatted Harry’s hands away and sneered.“Such a shame that you wouldn’t take me seriously, Louis. I’d probably invite you to our engagement party but your lonely self could ruin the ambience.” “Excuse me, playboy,” Louis raised a brow. “What makes you think I’m alone when I’m not? I’m very much engaged thanks for assuming without asking.” Harry snorted. “Seriously? Well, surely, I feel sorry for whoever she is.” “Rest assured, she’s happy with me,” Louis growls as he paces closer. “Unlike yours whom only feels obliged to be with you!” “Stop telling fibs Louis, don’t you ever learn?” “Coming from someone who’s choosing wedding cakes like some excited forty-year-old woman!” “Look, Louis,” Harry gritted his teeth. “I haven’t got time to play with you.” The junior was about to turn away when funny enough he realised his body was not ready to leave the senior. What was more surprising was that Louis was not moving either. Harry could not help but smirk. “My fiancée can’t stop talking about this exhibition.” “Excuse me, did I ask?” Louis flamboyantly snaps. “Aren’t your fiancée excited for this kinda stuff?” Harry lengthened his smirk. “Unless… she’s not even real.” Louis twitched his eyes and fumed. “She’s real, Sherlock! I’m not like you who enjoys telling everyone he bumps into that he has a freaking fiancée! Of course, you don’t hear me walking around the school telling the whole campus I’m already engaged. And no, I don’t need some stupid fancy party to prove that I’m engaged already.” Harry’s poker face annoyed Louis but before he could comment, Harry remarked. “Are you done, Louis? Are you going to predictably tell me when you have a fiancée?” “Yeah! My fiancée and I are going strong and long, far longer than yours!” “You don’t even know when I’ve proposed.” “No! But it doesn’t matter because I proposed first before you do!” “I’m not listening to this anymore,” Harry initiated the move to leave the conversation. Louis, however, was not giving up. “Hey! Don’t you dare walk away from me! I’ll show you how gorgeous my fiancée really is! She’s gonna put your girl to shame! And you’ll be bawling your eyes out at how beautiful we are and you wish you could be us instead!” The pacing lad eventually stopped his stride and smirked over his shoulder. “We’ll see you tomorrow at the Wedding Cake Exhibition then, with your make believe fiancée. Don’t chicken out on me,” Harry held back a chuckle before walking away. Louis managed to shout just as the junior was stepping out, “I’ll be there tomorrow you arse! And she’s real, stupid boy with curls!” As the clinking bell marked Harry’s exit from the store and out of sight, Louis huffed and folded his arms across his chest once more. It was going to be a long day, he thought to himself. *End of flashback.****
For how long Lauren has been waving her hands in front of Louis, he does not know. He does know however that his nips will bruise due to her pinching. “Ow! Lolo!” Louis swats her hands away, scolding her in the process. “That really hurt! What is wrong with you?” “Like fucking finally! I’ve been trying to get you back to the real world! You should be thanking me for saving you from your dreaded La-la Land!” “Why bother? You’re pinching me into entering Lolo Land!” He tries to soothe his poor aching chest by doing circular motions on the affected area. “Do not sass me Loubear! You’ve been zoned out for Lord knows how long when you’re supposed to be telling me why you insist on going to that exhibition.” “Right…” Louis slowly drags on purpose. He looks elsewhere while whistling out a tune to his previous song, completely disregarding Lauren whose hands placed firmly on her hips while she taps her feet impatiently. “Are you telling me or not?” Lauren asks, more fiercely now. “It’s just for two hours Lo,” Louis tries to evade the question. “Besides, you can sample free wedding cakes! It’s only for engaged couples, though. Here’s the info.” Louis hands her the brochure he retrieves from his back pocket. Lauren scrunches her nose. “Lou you really need to wash your shoes,” she mentions his footprint on the front. While flipping the page, she asks, “Why are you so eager anyways? Did they offer you carrot cake?” “Is that a trick question? They have Sherbet mind you.” “Dang Louis, anyone could just pretend to be engaged just to taste wedding cakes.” “Right? That’s what I was proposing we do!” The longer she remains quiet browsing through the brochure, the more nervous he gets. He tries to convince her by attempting to lure her in by mentioning a topic he knows would distract her.“Think about our group Lauren. It’s a good deal on my part and yours. You help me, I help you. Sounds good? So, what do you say, fiancée?” “Why do I even put up with you?” “Because I’m the Lou to your Lo,” he grins adorably. Rolling her eyes, “And I put the Lo in your Lou. There, I won the argument. You still trying to be all smooth now?” He raises his hands in surrender, “Not gonna argue with you, my Peaches Baby.”She fails to hide the rosy colour of her cheeks at his charms. He decides to not tease her about it and let it slide this time, for now. “How did I do? Well enough to be your fiancé?”He lifts her chin so that their gaze meet before he caresses her jawline. Both withholding shy smiles as they admire the emotion behind their irises. “Hold on darling...you are actually beaming, so I’ll take that as a yes!” “Well, are you sure you aren’t forgetting something?” Lauren wiggles the finger on her left hand. “Oh-oh!”****The next day, Saturday morning* The sweet-scented brunette saunters to the dining area. Surprised is an understatement as her jaw hangs mid-air. The breakfast is their usual meal but the set-up is pleasing. Louis is standing idly by the dining table. His hair is styled in her favourite hairdo. Smartly groomed in a blue tux, with knee length tight pants. Lauren nearly loses control when she notices heart shaped candles on the dining table. Although it belongs to her, he happily lit it without consent. Hiding away her irkness, she gazes on the approaching lad who gently places her hand on his arm. She instantly blushes by the gesture as he guides her to the chair. Once seated, he grins shyly. They look at each other for a moment, admiring each other’s presence while silence fills the air.“A noteworthy person like you deserves nothing but the best,” Louis resumes his ever-praising speech, intending to scald her cheeks hot red. “I can never describe the way I feel when I’m with you, Amor my love.”Amused that his cute princess looks so lost and not knowing how to react, Louis comments further. “If you redden anymore I’ll be sure to call you tomato my dear Lolo carrot.” Lauren bursts into giggles, the kind that is childlike and totally adorable.“Ah, that’s the sound I’ve been waiting to hear,” Louis says, wiggling his eyebrows repeatedly.“Louis!” Lauren ducks her head to conceal the heat that is burning her cheeks. “Stop…” she drags in a baby voice.“I want to do this properly Lolo. So allow me,” He takes out the black box from the pocket of his navy blazer and kneels on his left knee.She gasps and covers her mouth with both hands.Their eyes connect once more, oozing with tender affections. “So what do you say Peaches? Will you willingly be my lovely, beloved fiancée? And till…sleep, do us part?”He opens the box to reveal the delightful jewellery, grinning from ear to ear. “What do you say ey…um…tomato?”Louis senses the swift change of expression and gulps in anticipation.“Oh, Louis I can assure you that my cheeks are heating up right now and not for the same reason as before,” Lauren answers keeping her calm, oddly enough. “Is it the colour? I pick green to match your irises! Do you want blue to match mine instead?”“SERIOUSLY LOUIS?”“Yes Lauren, seriously,” Louis looks and answers innocently.“RING POP? A FREAKING RING POP?” She yells in his face.“What? I thought you love Ring Pops.”“THEN WHERE IS THE FUCKING CANDY?” The blue-eyed lad has the nerves to take a good three seconds peering inside the black box. Looking back at Lauren, Louis chuckles. He leans forward for a kiss. “Eager aren’t you?” Jabbing a finger on his chest, “Louis William Tomlinson! You have the cheek to eat the damn candy! How dare you! How freaking dare you eat a candy from a girl! I could really cry right now!”She hides behind her hands. He quickly gets up in panic upon seeing her so upset. Footsteps are heard as she peeks through her fingers. He retrieves a larger box from a nearby drawer. Kneeling in front of her again, he gladly unveils the contents that almost takes her breath away. Rows of multi-coloured packets of Ring Pops candies occupy the yellow box. “Oh-oh, waterworks are coming,” Louis smirks.“It’s not…I’m not…” She huffs, avoiding eye contact. “It’s just dust. SMH.” “Yes and I’m currently peeling onions. SMH.”Lauren giggles wiping the tears resting in her eyes.Louis ends up sitting cross-legged on the floor, one hand holding the box while the other hooks under his chin. “Peaches, you’re touched aren’t ya? I make you cry and smile at the same time. Now that’s what you call pure talent. Don’t doubt me anymore, love.”She shoves his shoulder lightly. “Heartbreaker.”Her one-word response tickles him. He cackles, “Only breaking others hearts to be with you.”
That rendered her speechless. She beams with an obvious blush colouring her pale tone. “Why didn’t you present me with a proper Ring Pop in the first place, Loubear?” Lauren manages to pout. “Did you even wash the ring you presented? I don’t want to be touching anything with your saliva attached.”“I’ve cleaned it, Peaches, rest assured. Besides, I so know you,” he smirks cheekily. “If I present you with a Ring Pop with the candy, you’re going to suck on it repeatedly. And I don’t need such obscene visuals early in the morning.”“LOUIS!” She slaps his arm hard. “You and your filthy mind!”He doesn’t bother arguing that pretty hard hit as he is busy laughing his arse off. “I’m pretty sure that’s you darling, not me. Oh well, there goes my one month supply of candy. What I wouldn’t do for you ey Lolo. No, but seriously it’s a yes, right?”*** “Louis. I love you. Really, I do. But if we’re heading where I think it is, I’m gonna have to kill you.” “You can kill me later love. Now let’s go.” Parking right smack in the middle of the carpark, Lauren gulps. The venue of the cake exhibition is none other than their own college.She folds her arms instinctively.“Nope, I’m not going. I bail,” Lauren reconsiders aloud. “I’ll find another musical group to join, maybe with one of my girls.” “Aww, Lolo! Don’t do this. Don’t think too much. I know you’re way smarter than me but this time, give it a rest and play along.” “No! No way!”“I’ve already mentioned that I’m engaged! You can’t bail on me now!” She turns her head towards him at lightning speed that he is sure she’ll sprain her neck. “Who did you tell? Why didn’t you mentioned it to me before?” “It might have slipped my mind,” Louis drags his sentence slowly, a tell-tale sign that he’s lying. “Lie to me again and I’ll make sure you sleep outside of our apartment door.” Huffing, his legs bounce nervously as he looks elsewhere. He brings his fingers near his mouth to bite his nails. Reading his actions, Lauren knows not to question him further as upset is written all over. She clasps her hand over his. “Louis...” “I just need you to have faith in me, just this once. I swear I don’t mean to drag you into this or take advantage of you. If anyone asks you for how long we’ve been engaged, let me handle it.” “I don’t want to be kept in the dark with your suspicious motives. Don’t you at least owe me an explanation?” Thinking of a good explanation exhausts his brain as he drops his forehead on Lauren’s shoulder. “Can I tell you after the event?” “But…” “Are we going inside or should I drive you home?” *** Cake tasting exhibition welcomes a large crowd of diverse couples, from career-oriented adults to college students as young as them. The booths display a wide range of choices, enticing their customers with vivid striking colours, decorations and aroma. It is amazing to see the college graduates offering their cake tasting for free. Such an opportunity cannot be missed by those dreaming of such delicacy at its finest on their special day. Basked in the melodious tune from the speakers around, Louis and Lauren merrily exchange opinions on the cakes they tasted and viewed. At times, their tastes complement each other and at times they do not. It isn’t long till a familiar voice hollers. Subconsciously, Louis gently pulls Lauren closer, his hand never leaving her waist. “Oh my god! Is that really you Lo?” A cheery voice greets Lauren before squashing each other in a tight embrace. “Hug attack!”The raven haired beauty slowly turns to face her friend before dragging her words, “Hey, Ally, funny I didn’t see you...” “Oh Lauren honey, don’t go blaming on my height now. I’m actually tall, you’re just taller, that’s all,” beams Ally.“Oh no, I wasn’t implementing that. I guess I’m just surprised.”Ally chuckles, “You should be fully aware that I’m stationed here silly! I’ve only talked about this exhibition like a hundred times!” ‘Damn’ Lauren thinks internally, how could she have forgotten? She sure wishes her face doesn’t betray her right now. “Lo?” Normani appears behind Ally, followed by Dinah who towers over them. “Time for Hug Attack!” The smallest one cue in for a bone crushing hug.“Squeeze!” The tall young one squeezes them into slight suffocation.The first rule of their sisterhood, embrace at first sight, always. The quartet has been best friends for years and waited for the youngest one to graduate before enrolling in the same course and college. Recently, they were nicknamed 4H, since they’ve known each other since High School. But mainly, the name is based on their surnames, Allyson Brooke Hernandez, Normani Kordei Hamilton and Dinah Jane Hansen. And as for Lauren Michelle Jauregui, well, her last name is pronounced as H so yeah it fits. Dinah casually slings her arm around Normani’s shoulder, eyeing the couple. “Aye, who do we have here?” “Hey, ladies, what are you doing here?” Louis hopes he doesn’t sound too nervous. Normani narrows her eyes, “We could ask you the same thing.” “We’re here to taste cakes, like duh!” “Uh-uh, in a Wedding Cake Exhibition?” Normani comments on Lauren’s reply. Lauren is quick to point at Louis, “It was his idea!”Dinah snorts, “Yeah sure.”“Highly unlikely Lo guys are not exactly into cake tasting.” Ally nods, “I agree with Mani. The evidence is evident today.” “The next thing you’ll be saying is that you’re engaged,” Dinah laughs with Ally and Normani joining her. Lauren and Louis look at each other awkwardly. Yet their arms are all over each other. Realising how the couple did not join in their laughter, Dinah speaks up again, “Wait, are you really trying to say you’re engaged? Like, you’re not pulling our legs are you?” “Ah!”The group of friends immediately covers their ears when Normani squeals, “I wanna hear all about it! Girl, show me your ring!” “Um, it’s not ready yet so I’ve decided to use my gran’s pearl ring. You know, when they asked to look at the engagement ring during registration. Apparently, my dear Louis here got my ring size wrong, isn’t that right?” Lauren arches her thick eyebrow at him who shrugs nervously. “Boo!” Dinah lightly shoves his shoulder. “Dinah Jane!” Ally scolds lightly before a smile appears. “Oh well, since you’re here I must insist that you both try the cakes from my booth. Norminah here offers to be a great help to me. Although, they think I didn’t see them subtly eating my cakes.” “Can’t blame us, Short Stack.” Dinah grabs Lauren’s wrist, “Come on boo, she’s got Mango cakes.” Ally pants a little catching up with them, “Yeah and I’ve experimented on this fruity flavour from the candies we bought earlier. From that green thorny fruit with yellow flesh. We got those from Singapore, remember those sweets?” Lauren furrows her brows trying to recall their holiday trip on the first week of April. Ally speeds off to her booth excitedly before Normani tugs on Lauren’s other wrist.***Leaving Ally’s booth, Lauren continues licking the mango cream covered spoon contently while Louis has his eyes wandering elsewhere. There is not a sight of the one he is looking for. The one who forces this exhibition on him. He starts to feel fooled by the curly haired prick. Lauren tosses the empty spoon at a nearby bin and turns to Louis’ scrunching face. “Oh-oh.” “What?” Louis promptly responds. “You got that ‘I’m about to break wind face.” She says trying to shove him towards the gents. “Pfft don’t make me the scapegoat when you’re the one who wants to do it!” His tummy rumbles violently and she simply raises her eyebrows. “Okay, okay fine, I’ll go. Just stay here. Don’t go wandering off,” he protests as he heads towards the particular location. The brunette smiles, still waving at her pretend fiancé who keeps looking back at her as though she will disappear from him. Lauren spots a bench nearby and decides to have a seat after what feels like an hour of walking and tasting. For a brief moment, she instinctively glances at her side and something catches her eyes. Two caramel orbs stare right deep into her soul. She does not even realise she is staring back longer than necessary. Those eyes are too familiar to ignore. Her legs react accordingly as she gets up, eventually tearing her gaze away from those eyes. She rushes her steps. “Lauren…” A voice creeps at the back of her neck, striking her nerves numb. A hand clasps on her arm. “Get off me!” Lauren jerks away, turning towards the face she never plans to see at this joyous place. “Lauren please…” pleads Camila, not lifting her gaze off her favourite emerald eyes, not even for a second. Ignoring the death glare that’s killing her, she continues, “Just hear me out, Laur.”For a moment, they turn deaf and blind to the world around them. Irises fixed on one another while their hearts beats a language only those two understand. ‘Laur’ is the affectionate term Camila uses for Lauren. Not gonna lie, Lauren still feels her heart flutter. There is only one tone in which the name is being said all the time. And just the sound of it conveys all the feels: love. “You fucking left me! After five long years, you have decided our fate for us!” Lauren closes her eyes against her will and looks away. “So now I’m walking away from you.” Camila yells when Lauren shows her back on her. “Don’t act as if I’ve never reached out to you!” Lauren shifts her attention back to Camila. “Leaving was my last option! You know that, Lauren.” Closing in she snarls, “You’re saying I made you leave is that it?” The slender brunette hangs her head in defeat and mumbles softly, “I didn’t say that Lauren.” “It’s so like you to just hide away and run Camila,” she scoffs. “It wasn’t easy leaving you Lauren please believe me…” “You’re here at this very exhibition. What does that tell me?” “I could say the same about you but I don’t want to fight with you Lauren.” Inching and sparing barely a space between them, “Seems as if you’re accusing me of starting any fight between us.” For a moment Lauren swears she sees glossiness in the younger one’s eyes. Staring at each other and staying mute, the world stops countless times for them.Camila has no idea if Lauren counted but her name keeps rolling off her tongue like the norm. ‘Lauren’ is the name she calls whenever she wants the green eyed goddess to take note of serious conversations. It’s both formal and familiar. The cleft chin beauty hopes the older girl can sense the sincerity she tries to convey. “You know that is not true Lauren. I have genuine feelings about us! Reciprocating your love is all I’ve ever done but I told you it will be difficult on my part. I have restrictions of that you’re aware. After all, it’s not like you’re the one who needs to enter a lavender…” “Any problem here ladies?” Lauren breathes relief as the witty cheeky voice breaks in between them. Her saviour curls his arm on her hip, pulling her nearer. The petite brunette looks at the contact before shifting her gaze. It isn’t long till they are greeted by someone, imitating Louis’s gesture on Camila. That simple act blows a fuse of patience in Louis as he heaves a glare on the green eyes happily smirking back. Louis brushes his hand along Lauren’s hair tenderly before she rests her head against his collarbone. He loves holding her near, a little overprotective over his girl and his pride. When Lauren meets the rival green, she begins to understand Louis’s feelings. Her hand makes its way to his back, rubbing gently to soothe him. “Well, well, well,” the curly haired bloke drawls behind a sneer. “Fancy seeing you around here, Louis.”“Not fancy seeing you though,” Louis grunts back.Harry ignores it as he gives Lauren the once-over. “With her nonetheless. I’m truly surprised.” “Get your shit together then,” Louis scoffs before smiling proudly. “She’s real and gorgeous and way hotter than your Minnie Mouse. Now you finally believe how engaged I am with her.” “Minnie Mouse happen to grow on me while you’re taking my fiancée’s old flame, the vampire. Real classy,” Harry pecks a kiss on Camila’s head. “Come on Mils, let’s leave.” “Yeah, go ahead and find some corner to weep! You’re the one who took my fiancée’s old flame first!” Louis gives a hard cold laugh. “We have the best thing you’ll never have, it’s called pure love!” Spinning round, Harry has his shoulders perked up. “Hold on a second. What did I just hear? Never have pure love, you say?” Camila flinches, knowing something awful is bound to happen. “Harry, don’t.”Her words left unheard as Harry is already consumed in anger. “Do you really think that just because you came here as promised, jumping along with your fiancée will actually make me regret breaking up with you?! You think I want to take you back and leave Camila behind! Wow, you love to see me suffer! Seriously, Louis, how selfish can you get, huh?!”“Said enough? Now you tell me who really wants who back? Shouting like some five-year-old. Think you can get married with the limited patience you have?” Lauren instantly holds Louis as though at any moment, he can just shatter to pieces. With his hand against hers, she can tell that he tries convincing her that he is alright. Camila watches Harry being cold and silent, knowing how horrible he feels right now. She rubs her hand on his chest to calm him. The ballroom lights and ray shine on her diamond ring making it sparkle, catching the attention of Lauren and Louis. Lauren lowers her head when she feels the pang in her chest she has grown so accustomed to when it comes to the other girl.“Ah yes, the diamond cost me an arm and a leg but it’s all worth it for my beautiful fiancée. Unlike you Louis, I actually got an exquisite ring for my wife-to-be. You don’t.”“I send it for washing! No one had an issue with it except you! Well, Miss Cabello, good luck living the rest of your life with his arrogant arse!” Louis playfully winks at Camila, pulling Lauren away from the spot. “I’m sure it’s worth his curls!” “Hey!” Camila barks back defensively. Harry pulls her to face him instead. “Haz?”“Sorry, I...” Harry attempts to apologise. Camila smiles and tousles his curls. “Not your fault. Louis is the usual jerk he always is.”Listening to the girl chuckle, Harry cannot stop himself from pulling her into a bone breaking hug. Camila accepts it and soothes him while her eyes remain on the brunette who is getting further away from them. “I hope you know how much I appreciate you being here with me Mils. It’s at the expense of your relationship but I sincerely hope I can make you feel at least half of what she’s able to give you.”“We’ll figure it out Haz. Surely I would want her to understand and someday I wish she would give me a chance. I just don’t want her to be out of my life completely. It’s hurting me more than I’m ever able to tell her.”“You still love her?”“I’m trying to move on Harry,” Camila sighs and runs her hand through her hair, a habit she picks up from Lauren. “Even if we’re not together, she’ll always stay in my heart forever.”***“Hey, there’s another mango cake booth! You love them, don’t ya, Lolo?! Come on, hurry before they finish…” Louis halts in his excitement as her hand is pulled away from his grip. “Lolo? What’s wrong?”“Are you fine with the way it is?” Lauren creases her brows. “Stop acting tough around me.”He laughs with his hands on his hips. “What are you talking about? Why so serious?” “You want him back, don’t cha? Still yearning for that curly ex of yours, using me to make him jelly. I mean, of course, he should be envious. There is no way anyone can replace me in your heart,” she deduces from what she experienced earlier. “I won’t say I want him back, Peaches,” Louis sighs, raising a finger and shaking it. “No way. No way-eh-eh-eh.” “I’m serious, Loubear!” Lauren pouts. “If you want, we can go back and talk things out. I’m here for you, Lou.”“If you insist on talking about this, then tell me why did you try to run away from her, huh?” He arches a brow at her. “Say it. Go on.”She turns away, irked. “So not fair.”“What is? Love is a wicked game,” Louis chortles, clinging his arm over her neck. “You know I know. You know I’ll remember you and I know you know I know that you’ll remember me- Y’ouch! Lolo, that hurts.” Lauren watches the lad rubbing his ear, grumbling under his breath but she knows something is up when he starts singing. He probably tries hard not to be saddened by what Harry said earlier. Briefly, Lauren touches his cheek before planting a kiss near his lips. “There, there.” Surprised, Louis stares at Lauren with red surfacing his cheeks. Little does he realise, she only did so because Camila still has her eyes on them and the kiss makes the latter stunned with her jaw hanging in shock.*** After laughing aloud to each other’s silliness, Louis and Lauren cackle their way out of the exhibition and towards the carpark. “Just great. Of all the people I came across you two.” Enters another familiar voice disrupting their happy time together. Louis pulls Lauren to stand behind him and glares at the lad with the slope quiff before him. “Oh wow, it’s you!” Louis purposely ends his words with a high pitch note and peeks at his girl behind him. “Say, Lolo. What’s with today? Is it National Meet-Your-Ex slash Asshole Day?” “Stop with your bitchy sass, Lou,” Zayn grunts, side-hugging a blonde. “I know it was you when I heard the loud obnoxious laugh I was so familiar with.”Zayn looks between the two and shakes his head.“So he’s the new boy on your list? Thinking he can even be compared to me?” Zayn scoffs. Louis mars his face with the ultimate annoying look. “What are you talking about? A list? Your name is probably the last one on it because duh, Z!” An electric stare is induced between the two lads, Zayn is beyond pissed with Louis’ crappy mouth. Lauren is simply enjoying the grumpy look from the tanned boy, giggling behind Louis’ back to muffle herself. “Mind waiting in the car babe?” Zayn addresses the blonde who simply looks at Lauren and Louis momentarily before dismissing them.Moving closer, “So I’m guessing you decide to get engaged years after I do huh?” Zayn says eyeing Lauren who also dawns a black leather jacket. Anyone can see that Lauren and Zayn are in similar outfits rocking it out in a black ensemble. The people could also have mistaken that they are a couple. “If you’re so happy you wouldn’t be pissed about Lauren and...” “Believe me when I say I wouldn’t wish you the best for playing games behind my back. Did you even tell him you made out with a brunette girl a couple of times?” Louis is about to reply when Lauren covers his lips with her index finger. “What the hell are you talking about Zayn? I had never cheated on you with Louis! Not even once in the three years that we’ve been together! Yeah it’s true I was in a relationship with a girl after you but not anymore. I’m a loyal person and you of all people should know that.”She sighs before adding, “We were best of friends Zayn, the three of us. The troubled trio as they called it. I would never be unfaithful to you and going off behind your back with our best friend! I thought you would trust me enough, Zayn.” Lauren’s voice cracks towards the end. Zayn directs his vision straight ahead, avoiding the crumbling façade he sees in Lauren’s green irises. He blinks and shifts away from her, pocketing his hands before addressing Louis. “I just witness the two of you being all lovey-dovey here at a place for engaged couples! All I know is that what happened between us wasn’t my fault. I saw how affectionate you two were. It’s not farfetched knowing you tryna steal my girl.” Louis takes a step forward, head to head with the admittedly fetching erstwhile friend. His temper rising at the wild accusations tossed towards the girl who did nothing wrong in their past relationship. “How many fucking time must she convinced you that she is telling the truth. Don’t blame her! Put your anger on me instead! Pick someone your own size Zayn! She has done nothing wrong but to love you recklessly and maybe that is the flaw! I won’t stand quiet when you’re talking trash about my girl!”“If I ever see your mom, I’ll tell her you’re to blame, Louis,” Zayn states firmly, meaning to sound cold. “She’ll be so disappointed in you.” As the Bradford bad boy makes way to his car, Louis hangs his head low and clenches his fists. Any mentioning of his mom always strikes a chord in his heart. It’s a touchy subject that he tries to avoid at all cost. Memories becoming more painful seeing how he would love to have many more years with her. Lauren faces a stiffened Louis. Her hand finds his, her fingers gently forcing his fist open, intertwining their fingers together. She squeezes his hands to reassure him that things will get better. Through stinging tears, she tries her hardest to focus on him and offers kind words. “I’m here Louis. Just hold on.”*** Their car ride home is filled with silence. The only interaction between them is their joining hands. Lauren doesn’t question why Louis pulls over at the grocery store and makes her wait in the car. True to his words that he won’t take too long, she spots him emerging with two bags. Seat belt tucked safely, all he says is that he needs to get fucking wasted.Louis sighs before turning his head towards the passenger seat. Lauren is focusing on twiddling her thumbs with a sombre expression. He set aside his sorrow and decides to cheer her up. Smirking, struck by a brilliant idea, he starts the engine towards the intended location. She follows him absentmindedly not bothering to question him as they are queuing up. Minutes later, when they are seated in the cinema, she looks at him before raising her left brow. He grins, knowing what the gesture translates to. As the movie starts playing, his smile broadens upon seeing her beaming. Even though it’s the fourth time this time, she is still laughing hysterically watching The Boss Baby. Mentally patting himself on the back for a great job, he drives to her favourite sushi place for dinner. Her spirits lift up visibly as the night lights up the sky with brilliant stars shimmering brightly. So here they are, hours later waiting for midnight. On the black couch in the apartment, drunk as planned. Their giggles fill the surrounding with hands barely caressing each other’s clothed bodies. He suddenly lifts her bridal style and making their way towards the bedroom. “If you’re a cake and I’m a cake, do you know what that means Lolo?” “Double twin cake that’s what we are.” Chortling, Louis comments, “No, no I meant if we’re like together, together kind of cake.” Lauren has the widest grin with her lids shut in bliss. “I don’t know Lou, I’m supposed to rest my mind today. Tell me, Lou.” “You’re a cake, I’m a cake and when we get together we’re a wedding cake!” Lauren burst out laughing at his ridiculousness. Her laughter is so contagious even Louis is unsuccessful in holding back. He joins laughing with her for quite some time. “Laugh all you want Lolo you know it’s true. You can’t get rid of me and you don’t want to!” Tugging him further into her, she scoffs before answering with pride. “Say whatever you want Louis for at the end of the day you always,” her lip inching closer to his, breathing heavily, “always come back to me.” * * A/N: Heyya lovelies! This is our first fanfic written together! We are so excited to share it with all of you. It is Louren centric but with Larry and Camren. Hope you enjoy this as much as we spent writing this piece. Thank you so much for giving our fanfiction a chance! Happy Days!Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/story/107562475
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* Saturday Morning, 1 week after the Wedding Cake Exhibition *
Picture this; enjoying the best part of an amazing dream, only to be interrupted. Then, waking up completely forgetting what you were dreaming about in the first place, loathsome right? Well, Lauren knows how it feels alright. Deafening knocks on her apartment door nearly bursting her eardrums in the early hours of that Saturday morning. With eyes squeezing tight, Lauren lets out a hysteric sigh. She grumbles reluctantly, climbing out of bed before making her way to the door. If she finds Louis making that ruckus, she will throw her basketball right at his annoyingly charming face. Whoever is behind the door better be prepared for battle. Nobody and she meant absolutely nobody is allowed to disturb Lauren’s beauty sleep. Blinking a few more times, she unlocks the door and swings it open with her throat loaded with curses, ready to fire shots to whoever is on the other side. “LAUREN MICHELLE!” Unfortunately for her, someone beats her to it. Lauren gulps, her eyes could have literally popped out of her skull. “Mom...” Lauren mutters, still weighing in whether she is awake or dreaming. “What are you two doing-?” “Hi, Lolo!” Her dad hollers before squeezing past the door to suffocate Lauren into a bone crushing hug, slightly lifting her off the floor. Her mom is still tapping her foot impatiently with folded arms. “Mom, Dad...” Lauren manages to speak despite the tight embrace. “Not that I mind but why are the both of you here? Where’s Chris and Taylor? Why…” “You’re engaged?” Her mom blurts just as Lauren tries to get her words out. She takes a step inside and resumes her pose, hands on her hips that is. Frowning, Lauren slightly struggles to release herself from her father’s firm hold. “Where did you hear?” “Why didn’t you call me?” “Mom…” She is about to speak again when her mom cuts off her words yet again. “Answer me, Lauren!” The green orbs girl flails her arms up. “Is it interrupt Lauren’s Day today? Really?” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t start with the sass young lady! Answer my damn question! Are you engaged?” Her dad pats her head. “Hey, congrats you two-” Her mom turns her head so fast it can cause a whiplash. “Michael! Do not encourage her! This is not why we are here for!” “Corrections! This is not why you came here for. I’m here to support my little girl!” He rests his arm around Lauren and pulls her closer. Beaming with eyes shut in content, she replies in a baby voice. “Thanks, daddy!” “Peaches?” Lauren winces at the sound of the voice. Only he is fond of calling her that nickname and dragging that word unnecessarily. She turns quickly, hoping to warn him before it is too late. But it is too late. The boy with messy brown hair is already out of the bedroom, yawning loudly before rubbing his eyes. “Who is it, darling?” Lauren can hardly breathe, let alone give him an answer. While Louis stands there clueless, her parents observe the boy only in boxer shorts and shift their gaze to their daughter who is in tank top and shorts. Looking back and forth between the two youngsters, Lauren sees the wheels turning in their heads and opts to give a comment. “We weren’t fucking.” It was soft yet audible. Gasping aloud, her mom reprimands, “Language Lauren!” As soon as his head is ready to function, Louis recognises the unexpected guests. It has been quite some time since he has last seen them. He grins as he hurries over, “Good morning, Papa J and Mama J! What are you doing here?” “Shopping. What does it look like?” The older woman sasses making Louis grimace instantly. Yep if Louis had forgotten about it before, he definitely remembers it now: Lauren got her sass from her momma. Louis averts his gaze to the man embracing Lauren, stretching a smile and happily giving a wave. Not getting the same response, he cocks his head to the side, a little baffled. Probably he is being a tad too happy at a seemingly wrong time. His gaze returns to Lauren whose eyes happen to be fixated on his crotch. He looks down and realises he is still in his boxers. “Right. It’s not like we were drinking till we got drunk last night-” “Louis!” She yells, slapping his arm. “Don’t say it out loud, moron!” She tries to do some damage control before Louis could make the situation even worse. “What?! Is it Interrupt-Louis Day?!” Louis shouts back in reflex. Folding her arms, Lauren pouts, “No, it’s Interrupt-Lauren Day, dammit. I got interrupted three times earlier.” Mimicking her posture, he crosses his arm, barely covering his bare chest. “Winner,” he comments with that signature smug expression that makes her roll her eyes. “That I am.” “That’s my baby girl!” “Michael!” the mother yells again, reminding them she is here. Hurriedly, yet awkwardly, Louis busies himself by fixing his hair as if it will compensate the lack of clothing on him. Lauren’s mother refuses to strip her disapproving glare off him still. Louis tries to seek refuge in her father’s eyes, but the usually chill guy has a stern expression on his face. This does not look good at all. Louis forces a gulp down his throat. He can tell what is going to unfold before him, biting his lower lip in discomfort and slowly stepping backward. He almost trips until Lauren eases her hand into his, pinning him down on safe ground again. Her grip reminds him that she will not let him go through this alone. Lauren and Louis hold hands tightly as they both face her parents. “Mom, Dad, it’s really not how it is or how it looks like.” “Really?” her mother gives an exaggerated gasp. “What about the engagement then? Don’t tell me that it’s not what it is too?” “What engagement?” Louis murmurs absentmindedly until a hard slap hits his plump bum and he sees stars in front of him. “Oh, that! I um, Mama J, um, I-” “Hold it, Loubear,” Lauren folds her arms and looks at her mother. “Firstly, what gives you the impression that we’re together like that?” “It was Camila,” answers her mom. Noticing the immediate frown attached on her daughter’s face, she continues, “We met in the grocery store last night. Sinu thought it would be a good idea and I quote, ‘Invite Lauren and her family to the engagement party’. And that’s when Camila mentioned about inviting ‘Lauren’s fiancé as well’. So you tell me, Lauren; why am I not hearing this from my own daughter?” Mike questions, “Who else knows about this Lolo?” “Only Dinah, Ally, Normani and Niall. Only because they were so nosey.” “Don’t you think it’s a bad idea not to tell us?” Mike’s face falls, adding more weight to Lauren’s guilt for not coming clean in the first place. Louis is baffled by the question though. It is surprising how such a seemingly small lie has turned the tables. He starts to curse that Minnie Mouse in his head, for being the smarty pants and inviting Lauren and her family. Obviously, she is up to something and once again he rakes his brain for a proper answer. Lauren gets ahead of him though, as usual. “I’m sorry but I can reassure you it was just a misunderstanding,” Lauren says in a soft voice. She looks at Louis momentarily. Louis grins, taking the hint to continue explaining. “Lauren’s right. Whatever bit Camila said is not true. The engagement thingy was my silly idea. I didn’t think it’s going to get so out of hand. I don’t mean for Lauren to get in trouble with the two of you so I apologise.” Lauren smiles up at him, impressed that he is taking full responsibility. Her parents, however, show no sign of letting up. In actual fact, they are very distracted with something else. Gaze landing elsewhere, her mom scoffs. “You know it’s hard to take you seriously with your one piece.” “Clara,” Michael tries to keep her in check. “What? It’s true Mike! I mean it’s a different thing if it’s polka dots but it’s red boxers with pink hearts all over! Pink! Why does he even own that?” Lauren grunts, “Oh for fucks sake…” “Wow, way to go, Peaches,” Louis holds back a chuckle. “Cursing in front of parents.” Lauren flips her hair in retort. “Excuse me, what can be more vulgar than you appearing in undies in front of my parents?” “Please, Lolo. I still have some dignity not to walk around naked-” Another horrific gasp escapes her mother while her father stares murderously. “I’m sorry!” Louis shrinks behind Lauren. “I didn’t mean to welcome you in this outfit. Did you know, Lolo presents this as a present for my…” Lauren quickly covers his mouth and chuckles awkwardly. “Okay, Louis that’s enough, go and change, sweetie.” Louis nods and disappears into his room in a hurry to get dressed before things can escalate. He is laughing inside knowing how embarrassing it is that her parents are now aware of that precious gift. Coming out of the room, his mind is already reliving the events a week prior. Her parents are eventually seated with the two, conversing over tea and biscuits. After what feels like forever, they accept his reason. Louis is glad that he manages to clear the air and that both parents are satisfied with his explanation. Sure, they may not be an engaged couple for real but it’s too late to change their story now. “So you see, I really don’t think it’s necessary for us to be there,” Louis concludes. Sighing her mother replies, “I know that the two of you may not want to play the engaged couples anymore but we should all be there next month.” “Mom can we not go? Just go with dad and the kids.” “You know we can’t do that Mija, our families are quite close. They would be very disappointed. More importantly, she’s your best friend Lauren. Even though you told me you’re not as close as before, surely it wouldn’t hurt for the two of you to attend? She invited you Lauren, both of you. It means she wants you there.” At the sight of Lauren’s green eyes hidden behind her eyelids, Louis reaches out to lightly squeeze her enclosed fist resting on her lap. She’s fighting tears it’s not hard for him to tell. Her dad asks the inevitable, “Whatever happened between the two of you anyway? You were so vague about it. And here I thought you’d tell your daddy what went wrong in your life Lolo. Years of friendship doesn’t just cease for…how long has it been? Four months?” A loud gasp is suddenly heard from Clara, making them turn to her. “Is it because you came out sweetie? Does that makes her feel uncomfortable and your friendship just drift away?” Lauren stares at her mom with wide eyes, unable to utter a word to her. Her mind speaks louder than her heart, restraining her from revealing anything about it. She faces Louis who immediately captures her green eyes, somehow knowing what is on her mind. Louis lets out an elaborate sigh. “Pfft. What? No. Why are we even talking about this?” “Are you Lauren?” Clara cocks a brow at him. “I’m talking to my daughter, not you.” Mike folds his arms before releasing a long breath. “Okay, okay no need for this sass fest to carry on any longer. If there is no issue between you and Camila, then there is nothing holding you guys back from attending the party.” The older man signals to Louis for some support, expecting him to be a man and take responsibility. Louis gulps a hard one and without thinking further, he acquiesces to the man’s request. “Well, we really don’t have a choice, do we?” Louis looks at Lauren and gives a nervous smile. “Peaches?” “Oh dear Lord,” Lauren covers her face. **** * The following month; the Engagement Party “Tell me why am I here again,” mumbles Louis as he holds the car door for her to step out. “Well, I’m your fiancée that one time and so now you’re my fiancé this time.” Closing the car door behind, Louis takes a good look at his partner. It will be another rendezvous with their exes once again and dare he admit, had nightmares about this night. It is his fault they have to go through this again. There must be a way out of this. A flick of a finger hits his forehead, snapping him from his thoughts. “What was that for?!” “I know I’m so hot that you can’t resist me but don’t stare at me like some dish you want to eat,” Lauren sassily teases him. “Let’s get inside.” “Of course, of course.” Louis softly chuckles as he offers her his arm which Lauren readily accepts and walk towards the main entrance of Harry’s family mansion. “Loubear wait,” she halts them just before he is about to ring the bell. She fixes his hair and spikes it more while ignoring his scrunched up almost pouty look. “If your mom yells at you this time, I’m gonna let her blame you for taking your sweet arse time,” Louis grumbles, submitting to Lauren’s invading fingers. “I was fashionably late!” she huffs confidently. “And I’m not the only one to blame here. You and your mess of a wardrobe, it’s giving me a headache.” He sneers, “More like a massive headache.” “Not funny Louis. I’m so going to make you wear formal clothing all the more now.” Despite his childish retorts, Louis obliges to Lauren’s working hands. The hyperactive lad is known to not keep still and is always fidgeting but with her, he complies willingly. With a final touch, Lauren smoothens out any creases on the lad’s grey tuxedo. The colour of his tux is a match with her smooth silken satin, long grey evening dress that elegantly envelopes and accentuates her lovely curves. “I don’t like tux.” He attempts to adjust his blue tie but she swats his hands away and does it for him. “And I don’t like you,” Lauren tightens the knot of his tie. “So are we even now?” “Is it really that difficult for you to say that I look good in a tux?” Louis grabs her hand from his tie and smirks. “I’ll love you all the more if you praise me.” Impressed that the lad has the audacity to flirt with her now, she pulls away from his grip and arches a brow. “Any idiot will look good in a tux.” “God!” He flaunts a desperate yell, giving up the banter and pulling his collar. “It’s just so hot and stuffy in this bloody suit! I feel suffocated, Lolo. I rather put on my arse fitting scuba diving suit than this bundle of cotton!” “Yeah, and I’ll wear a bikini here,” she rolls her eyes at his whining. “I reckon that is a great idea! Let’s go back and change! The beach is not that far from here too,” Louis turns around only to be pulled by Lauren. “Stop it! This is like the thousandth time you came up with excuses!” she scoffs, “I told you we will do this together.” He exhales a loud one and pokes a finger on her cheek. “Then promise me that you will wear that beautiful smile when you’re with me.” Instantly, that said smile makes its way between heated cheeks. She takes both his hands into her warm hands, looking at him with that beaming smile. With Lauren looking breath-taking as always, he instinctively draws closer and presses a lingering kiss on her temple. Pulling away, Louis presses the door bell and shifts his gaze towards her. She turns away shyly, the blushing cheeks and beaming grin etching her appearance. “You better not look like a tomato when your parents see you. I don’t want your parents to think what I’ve done that got you all hot and bothered.” He slips a chuckle. “Zip it.” She tries to control her death glare from appearing while ignoring him suppressing his laughter. ** “May I have your attention please?” The husky voice amplified through the speakers grabs hold of his audience’s attention. Everyone in the hall settles down and look towards the highlight of the party. Harry stands at the microphone stand while clinking a spoon to his glass. Camila stands next to him, lacing her hands and retaining a breath-taking smile. “My fiancée and I would like to thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate this marvellous occasion!” The curly brunet pauses letting applauds fill the venue. Before he continues, he looks at Camila endearingly. She smiles back and leans against him, feeling a little flustered by the hoots and claps for them. Harry puts down his glass and wraps an arm around her waist. He continues his speech, “Tonight marks the one month anniversary of my engagement to my beautiful fiancée, Ms. Camila Cabello!” The place erupts in cheers while some offer a standing ovation. “Haz, stop exciting them too much,” Camila pats his chest, knowing the man can get overboard. Harry bends down closer to her ear. “I just feel like making you special here, Mils. Give me a break.” “You sure are ignorant. Those girls at your right are preparing my funeral,” Camila nudges to look at where a group of ladies with stabbing death glares. He coughs and huffs. “As if you don’t have stalkers. Look at the extra expenses for those bloody bodyguards because of you.” She flinches and notices the black uniformed men at the doors. “Whatever sail your boat. Hurry with the introduction.” “I will if you stop interrupting me,” Harry straightens his stand and extends his dimple smile at the crowd. “Now for all of you who may not know, Ms. Camila and I go way back. We were friends for the longest of times. When I was up in the clouds, she brings me back down, rooted to the ground. And you know what they say? I heard them say; ‘If you want to marry, marry your best friend’. And I may not know the level of truth in these words but I’mma find out for myself and will tell you if it’s worth the trouble.” He chuckles, prompting the guests to do the same. “Mils, my dear, would you like to say a few words? Give her a round of applause people where are your manners?” Harry hollers lightly. Camila stops Harry from moving away by grabbing his cuff. He chuckles forgetting to adjust the stand for her height. When he is adjusting it, the crowd snickers, amused at their cute interaction. She scrunches her face before he leans and pecks her cheeks, too close to her smoothly sculptured lips. Damn close for Lauren and Louis would admit. Even from a far, one can notice the growing blush on Camila’s tanned cheeks. Her redness can compete with the heat of envy emitting from the seated couple in grey. “Thank you, Harry, for your generous words. Dear beloved guests, Harry and I welcome you here. We can’t thank you enough for all the well wishes. It’s been so surreal getting to know Harry and his wonderful family. We are eternally grateful. I feel a sense of security whenever you’re here Harry, you mean the world to me especially when the stars refuse to shine.” The silence makes her anxious as she rambles on, “Wow, I’m in way too deep aren’t I? And it’s only an engagement party.” She visibly relaxes when most of the guests chuckle heartily. Harry decides to step in and raise his glass higher. “A toast, to my wonderful star, Camila.” “Camila,” the chorus of people offers a toast in perfect harmony. ** Louis sips his champagne with an arm resting on Lauren’s chair next to him. After watching the affectionate couple’s speech, he anticipates her to talk about them. He is not really prepared to talk about them though, not when they are with her family. When he turns to Lauren, her brother starts chatting her up and her sister joins in. A relieved sigh escapes him as he watches the princess conversing excitedly with her younger siblings. Thank goodness, her brother and sister are here to save the day. He leans back, enjoying the view where she is talking freely without a care in the world. She is the most beautiful like this. It is also an honour to be seated among the Jauregui’s family, reminding of his own family back home. After listening to a silly joke from her father, Lauren hurls back for a hard laugh, embarrassing Louis that he creases his forehead and looks directly at her. He then notices someone else staring at her too. Lauren tries to explain the joke to Louis but she finds a disturbed look forming on his face. She follows his line of sight. Warm caramel eyes look right into her bright emerald ones. A burst of panic needles Lauren that she quickly turns away and drops her gaze on her lap. A hand holds one of hers giving her a reassuring grip. She does not need to look up to know who it belongs to as she laces her fingers with Louis. “Oh my god, she’s coming here!” Clara hushes in panic. “Everyone act normal, okay.” “Hello, everyone. I’m glad that you can make it. It’s so good to see all of you. Is everything fine?” Camila speaks soothingly in a soft yet audible voice, standing in between Lauren and Louis but subtly inching closer to the older Latina. “Everything is fine, dear,” Mike responds politely and offers a warm fatherly smile. “I’m glad to hear that. Please help yourself with the food,” Camila offers again. “Harry and I extend our gratitude to all of you for being here. He’ll come around shortly. In the meantime though, may I have a word with Lauren for a moment?” Lauren squeezes Louis’ hand tightly before letting go. Confused for a moment, he looks at her, who gives him a side smirk. He knows she is convincing him that she will be alright. Louis doubts it at first but nothing can stop her even if he tries. Looking up with a wolf-like grin he replies. “Sure, Camila. And thank you for the invite as well.” Camila awkwardly mumbles thanks while Lauren reluctantly gets up to join her. All eyes rest on the two ladies when they move away from the table. He hopes Lauren knows what she is doing. Even so, he continues to stare at them until they disappear into the crowd. Standing before a bandstand, Lauren leans against the ceramic cream pillar and steals a sight of the girl next to her. Indeed, she is speechless with how effortlessly beautiful Camila is in that red dress. Lauren looks away into the crowd only when Camila looks up. “It was the Banana shortcake package that we chose from the cake exhibition last month.” Camila begins the conversation. “Do you like it?” Lauren deliberately hums, knowing this is not her real intention to talk. “Not bad. Definitely not something we would choose but duh it’s obviously what the two of you would choose.” “We?” Camila gasps. “I was talking about Louis and me,” Lauren smirks, combing back her hair with her fingers. Camila blinks away painfully. “I honestly didn’t think you’re going to come-“ “Just stop, Camila. I don’t want to hear any of your explanation,” Lauren decidedly walks away. “I wasn’t- I’ve said what I needed you to hear that day,” Camila raises her voice to stop Lauren in her steps. “I deserve to know your side of the story, Lauren!” “Forget it! You’re not getting any explanation from me!” Lauren spins to snarl at her. “Can you at least tell me one thing though?” Camila asks, not tearing her eyes off Lauren. “Harry told me you and Louis had gotten engaged before us. So how am I the bad guy here when it’s clear that you’re trying to move on way before me?” Lauren is trying to disregard the hurt that is laced in the young Latina’s plea. Seeing as there is only silence, Camila speaks up again. “I believe I have stated clearly how this temporary arrangement works, Lauren. You know we can still have a shot and make it work. All I need is more time.” “More like fucking years!” The green eyed brunette finally snaps. “But none of that matters anymore, Camila. I’ve trusted you only to have you betrayed my love for you! Whatever it was between us, let me be clear about it Camzi dearest; there was never us, it was never real and you meant absolutely nothing to me!” Like thunder striking a rough storm, those words hit where it hurts the most, her fragile heart. Camila never imagined hearing those words being uttered by Lauren. She cannot think straight anymore. The emerald irises that she loves so much is now filled with hatred for her. The petite brunette clenches her fists and stares harder through her teary eyes hoping Lauren is faking. “How could you say that? Would it make any difference if we made it official and I can live without secrecy?” “I don’t do relationships!” Lauren rebuts without thinking. From the silence that follows, she can tell the older one meant every word she said. “Why are you trying to deny something so obvious to us, Lauren?” Taking a stubborn step forward, Lauren grits her teeth, “Goodbye Camila, I hope you’re happy now!” Camila continues her plead, hoping she can bring back the Lauren she knows. “Am I really that repulsive to you now? Does every ‘I love you’ exchanged between us meant absolutely nothing, Lauren?” Her tears prickle down her cheeks uncontrollably. All this while, her heart clenches with every cyanide spouting out of the raven haired girl standing before her. Trying to hold on a little longer, she gazes deeply before muttering defiantly, “Real eyes realise real lies, Lauren.” Lauren is quick to turn and leave as angry tears are clouding her vision. If she takes a moment longer, she might see the shaking mess of a slender girl, sinking to her knees. Turning back is never an option as Lauren storms forward, slipping through gaps between standing guests. Little did she realise, her family captures the sight of her running away. The parents are overwhelmed with worry, intending to console her. Louis comforts them saying she will be alright. Trusting the lad, the family agrees before watching him chases after her. When a car appears out of nowhere and crosses Lauren’s path, Louis tugs her back, holding her tightly. “Hey, love! That’s dangerous!” “We’re leaving,” Lauren insists putting up a tough front. Seeing the girl in a crying frenzy, Louis holds her hand and pulls her to their car. He settles her down on the passenger seat and takes off his coat to put it over her bare shoulders. Her tears are escaping like there is no end. All he can do is to brush away the wet strands off her face and hook them behind her ear. “Louis!” Hearing his name being called, Louis painfully tears his gaze off her and looks up. His face scrunches in disgust. “Why are we not moving yet?” pouts Lauren in between sobs. Instead of giving her an answer first, Louis turns on the engine and plays her favourite song. “I’ll be right back. Let me just clear up something first yeah?” All he gets is a nod in response but that is good enough. Closing the door, he takes a few steps away from his car. He stops the moment the caller stops in his tracks, breathing hard after the sprint. The two lads look at each other, both with a pissed off face. “I didn’t know you can be this selfish, Louis! Walking out after you made a horrible mess!” yells the lad in red silk shirt under a black blazer. “Woah, kid!” Louis scoffs. “I definitely cleaned up after I ate at someone else’s place.” “Stop cracking jokes, seriously!” Harry hisses, pulling back his curls in one grip. “I found my fiancée crying on her knees, for goodness sake! Are you satisfied now? Ruining my happiness and let me live in misery?! Is this how you behave in my party, Louis?!” “You’re the selfish bastard here!” Louis shouts back and points at his car. “Your girl is not the victim! It’s my girl! She feels obligated to be here against her will. After your girl fed her good food, she thinks it's deserving to trample my girl’s heart like some wasted cake! What’s the big idea?! Is this some twisted vengeance she’s trying to put on us?!” Green eyes widened at the sight of the crying brunette, hiding her face behind her hands. Harry covers his mouth to hide his own shock. “It was a mistake coming here,” Louis reaches his calm state, pocketing his hands. “If I’d known she’d be leaving in tears, I wouldn’t have agreed to come at all.” “Wait, Louis,” Harry calls him again before he turns away. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Everything is just a mess right now. We cannot continue like this, fighting every time we cross paths and seeing our girls get hurt. I mean, we are already engaged with someone else. If we can sit down and solve our differences, we don’t have to go through this all over again.” Louis for once is tight-lipped. Harry proposes peace between them so unexpectedly. It is so unlike him because Louis had always known Harry’s ego as big as the ocean. A dark chuckle escapes Louis. “Whatever you said is impossible.” Harry steps forward and retorts, “We haven’t even tried it yet.” “What do you seriously expect, huh?” Louis asks, burning a glare on the curly boy. “Do you think we can be friends again? Don’t give me this crap. Whatever happens between us was a load of bullshit.” “You don’t mean that,” Harry interrupts him. “Right now, I have her as my life companion,” Louis ignores his words. “I’m a lot happier with her than with you. She means everything to me and you know what it does to me when you taunt the people I love. I’m sure you want to be happy with Camila. So let’s settle this right here and now. We’ll go our separate ways and never cross paths again. The end.” “That’s not fair to me,” Harry grits his teeth. “I don’t have any say in this.” “There is nothing you can say that will change anything.” “You want me as bad as I want you, Louis.” “Hey, is it really appropriate to crack a joke now? Seriously?” “You want to see me again. Say it.” “This is really wasting my time-” “You said I’m always in your heart, no matter what. Tell me right in my face that those words mean nothing to you!” Harry has always believed those words like a lifeline. They are the same words that helped him through tough times during their secret relationship and even when they are not together anymore, Harry still clings onto those words. Better now or never. All Harry wants to hear is Louis making fun of it. If he does, Harry will be convinced and walk away with no regrets. But the denial he seeks goes unheard. There stands Louis in his white dress shirt and suspenders, surprise etching his face as though he is not prepared for this at all. “Say it,” Harry demands. Hesitation dreads Louis to answer as he looks down and shrugs his shoulders weakly. Louis cannot bring himself to deny those words at all. The helplessness Louis is showing causes Harry’s eyes to burn. Louis is always known for his spontaneous comebacks but when the mention of his promise to Harry surfaces, he struggles to speak. “You can’t say it,” Harry chuckles despite a teardrop escaping the corner of his eye. Louis flinches and raises his fist at Harry. “S-S-Stop with this emotional shit!” “But Louis- wait!” Louis ignores his plea and rushes to his car. Once he is seated, he drives off deliberately turning the corner to avoid Harry but the younger lad cannot even budge. He continues standing in his spot, unable to tear his gaze off the boy in denial. Just like Lauren, Louis cannot take the chance to look back and see the sight of their old flames’ teary eyes. ** Standing on the balcony, Camila stares into the darkness of the night, trying to soothe her reddened eyes. Lauren’s voice continues ringing in her ears, the pain weaved permanent twisting with her heartstrings. Camila grips her chest and tells herself to be strong. Harry appears behind her, noticing her quiet moment. Massaging his own face, he toughens himself up. He takes off his blazer and gently drapes it on her back. Camila intends to turn but his strong arms wrap her first causing her to remain as she is. “Haz...” Camila mutters his name. “Just so you know,” Harry hooks his chin on her shoulder, “the guests already left and so are the rest of the crew. Our parents are playing Monopoly with our sisters.” He scoffs before adding, “For them to already be in the business industry, you’d think they’ll not want to deal with a game like that but no, give them all the practice they need to be as ruthless.” She stretches her lips to form a small smile at his comment. “Well as for you dear Mils, you either stay here or if you’d prefer it there than I’ll take you home.” She manages a weak smile and rests her colds hands on his large ones resting on her flat tummy. “Sorry that you have to take care of everything.” “Don’t mention it. There are some Banana cakes left by the way,” he tries to cheer her up. “Haz...” she bows her head. “Was I wrong? Inviting her here? Inviting them?” Harry pulls back and turns her around so they face each other. “Thought you needed this for some sort of temporary closure.” “It didn’t turn out well,” Camila forces those words out painfully, suppressing the urge to cry again. “This must be the biggest mistake I’ve made in my entire life. Proposing this and letting her go-“ He exhales slowly. “Do you regret me?” She whips her head to meet his insecure green eyes, “Never! I never regretted you in my life, Harry, never ever.” Harry stretches a genuine smile when she answered honestly and without hesitancy. Surprised, Camila watches him frowning slightly, only then noticing the faint shade of red in his eyelids. He has been crying too and she knows it is definitely because of Louis.The thought of him trying to hide his water works with his dimpled smile astounds her. “Good answer,” he chuckles, “Or else, I have to take that ring back.” “Haz!” she gasps dramatically and smiles sincerely as the tears collected in her eyes retreat from falling. She grabs his hands, giving him a firm grip. “Let’s get inside.” He refuses to budge, causing her to look at him with worry. “Mils.” She swallows. “Yes, Harry?” “What is the difference between a bird and a fly?” “Um, wings?” Her brows deepening in thought, “Is it wings?” “Nope. A bird can fly but a fly can’t bird.” It only takes mere seconds before loud melodious laughter breaks through the silent night and soon enough he laughs along at how tickled she is. “Your turn Mils! Don’t leave me hanging here.” He throws his head back laughing, pressing a finger on her tanned face. She slaps his arm and marches inside with irk. Here she is, worried about him but the curly idiot pulls a joke on her. Catching up to her side he casually mentions, “It’s mutual, Mils. I can’t let go either.” Camila halts and faces Harry. The curly hair of his almost shines under the stars. He twists the ring on his finger before watching her. She looks at her own ring too. Her downcast eyes are stinging again. “I’m so sorry for taking you away from him.” “No,” he shakes his head vigorously. “No, you didn’t. In fact, you proposed the right thing. We’ve got our family business and reputation to save. The decision was hard but think about it in a larger picture Mils. You saved the day today. And tomorrow, I hope to save yours.” She nods her head weakly while trying to force a smile. The memories are hurting way too much and time does nothing to numb it. “Heads up!” Camila jolts at his sudden yell and before she can breathe, Harry carries her off the floor bridal-style and snickers. “Come on Banana Babe! Let Banana Boy whisk you away!” The brunette cracks into giggles and tickles him. He sets her down to avoid any accidents since they are both as clumsy as they can be. As soon as her feet touch the marble floor, she sprints off to avoid his vengeance. Thus starting a chase between them. They giggle and chuckle their way to ease the pain they so desperately want to end. Their fate is not in their favour but their feelings remain unchanged. At times like this, they can only wish that their love for their true soulmate prevails. “You’re going after him again one day, someday. Aren’t you Harry?”
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* Fast Food & Friends *What’s a good way to spend time on a chilling Saturday noon?Brunch perhaps? What would make it even better though?Brunch with friends like… DUH! Or does it?It’s a usual routine for the girls to hang out, gathering in fast food restaurants or cafés for brunch. Today, however Dinah, Normani, and Ally have plans for takeout.“Oh, there she is!” Ally waves at Normani, stretching her hand up as high as she can.Dinah pulls the small one back to her seat. “Seriously Short Stack, you don’t have to stand up! Have some confidence that Manibear can see you just by hearing your voice.”“Biggie’s such a meanie,” pouts Ally.“Thank God I made it here punctually,” Normani sighs in relief, sliding into the seat in front of them. “You better be.”“Says the one who is always late.”Crossing her arms, Dinah defends herself, “Used to be late mind you. Now you’re just taking your sweet ass time to get here.”Normani gasps, “I rushed here after I reschedule hanging out with them! All for what? For you Dinah Jane! I ain’t having this conversation with you.”Ally stands abruptly and claps her hand before dividing her attention to the two bickering girls. “Alright girls, time to stop arguing with each other.”“We already stopped Ally.” Dinah and Normani say in sync before locking eyes.“Oops, sorry. That was awkward,” Ally mumbles as she sits.Normani furrows her brows. “My makeup is melting due to the heat. I didn’t even touch up for fear of being late.”Dinah smirks, ready to laugh at any moment. “Don’t tell me you run all the way here Boo.” “I don’t run, I brisk walk. You said it’s an urgent DNA meeting before brunch at Lo’s!” “You sure I didn’t mean to say DNA as in Dinah N Ally?”“Oh no, don’t you dare start again Dinah Jane. Anyways Manibear, we already ordered your favourite buffalo wings,” Ally shows the box of wings like some model representing a prize in a variety show.“Extra tangy?”“You got it girl, extra tangy!”“Aww, thank you! That’s what friends are for!” Normani cheers as she grabs some fries. “So, whaddup?”Dinah swallows a gulp of Mango Juice and rests her elbows on the table with laced hands under her chin. Normani’s brow twitches seeing the youngest one act like some detective examining clues on a cold case. She quickly turns to Ally who is innocently humming to one of Shakira’s hit songs, Hips Don’t Lie.“Do you think we’ll even get to see the ring?” Dinah speaks in a low voice.Normani narrows her gaze. “Please don’t ruin my appetite. I don’t like talking about ghosts when I’m eating.”“I was talking about Lolo’s Engagement Ring, Mani!”Normani chuckles.“Answer the question, Boo!”“Damn. No baby. There was never a ring on her,” Normani slurps Dinah’s Mango Juice. “And how long has it been since the Wedding Cake Exhibition?” Ally answers Dinah, “Quite a while, two weeks ago if I’m not mistaken.”“And you both didn’t find it strange? How is it possible for them to be engaged without an engagement ring for so long?” Dinah probes further.Normani squints her eyes a little and frowns, “They could be faking it but why would they do that?”“Didn’t Lo say they were there for cake tasting?” Ally adds. “Louis probably accompanied Lauren. I mean, I told her about my stall many times before and she definitely cannot resist my cakes. I think she came over to surprise me, which is so sweet of her. Isn’t she such an angel?”Normani and Dinah exchange looks, wondering if they should break her optimism. Ally is just one of those rare girls who only sees the good in her friends. The truth though, Lauren obviously did not remember Ally’s involvement in the exhibition. Lauren looked like she was the one who was surprised when she was spotted by them. Dinah cannot forget the shocking look on her face when they gave her a hug.“Well,” Dinah drawls, “Lauren did mention she had a ring but couldn’t wear it since British smarty pants got her ring size wrong. But just the thought of them together is nuts though! When did they even love each other like that to the point of getting engaged and oh, oh no don’t tell me…Girls! Do you girls think she got knocked up?”Normani spits her juice while Ally chokes on her drink.Wiping her mouth, Normani glares at Dinah, “Couldn’t you wait till we’re done drinking before you go on blabbering crap?”Ally lets out a small sigh, “I doubt that DJ. Don’t you think she’ll talk to us first if she’s really, you know?”Normani tries to explain. “Maybe the engagement is just a made up joke so they could taste the cakes? They cannot miss the chance to eat our irresistible cakes, right Ally?!”“I know right!” Ally quips happily. Dinah widens her eyes, gobsmacked at how Normani is encouraging Ally’s optimism. The small one continues, “Besides, you’ve blown up our group chat and she still refuses to answer. Clearly, she’s not bothered by people knowing anything going on between them.”“Why didn’t Lauren and that brat shut people up? It’s hard to believe they won’t mind the whole campus knowing about it.” Dinah crooks a brow in question. “We all know how much Lauren values her privacy!”Biting off the fries, Normani comments, “If there’s a rumour going on it’s probably one of those who attended the exhibition.”Ally blinks hard, fixing her gaze on the blonde girl next to her. Normani senses something not right about Dinah’s frown. “It pains me to say this,” Dinah looks at Normani in the eyes. “That’s my fries you’re eating.”Normani instantly hyperventilates. “DJ! You don’t just change the subject like that! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”“Hey, I specially ordered an extra-large but that doesn’t mean you can have some when you almost never share your food!”“I do share my food with you! You’re the only one I’m willing to share my food with!”“Girls, not again, please don’t start bickering. Moving on to a serious note now. Regarding the engagement rumours around campus, do you think it’s her?” Ally inserts her soft-spoken voice. The other two girls notice worry in her expression.* That afternoon *“Okay. Spill!” Three voices chorus in harmony as soon as the lined up in front of her.“Woah, woah, woah! Can you girls not say it in sync like that? Honestly, it’s freaky. I gotta feeling that ya’ll practice this before barging in.”“Don’t pull a Black Eyed Peas on me, Lauser. Stop stalling it’s never gonna work on DNA.” Dinah starts the conversation as she plops beside the green-eyed beauty. Only the tall blonde would have the initiative to combine Lauren with loser and adding it to her list of names to irritate the raven-haired brunette. It’s either that or Ralph, after Ralph Lauren. Dinah is also the first to refer to herself, Normani and Ally by using their initials, claiming it sounds way better than 3H.Lauren stays seated on the couch, trying to ignore her three best friends who are annoyingly staring at her. When they all decide to inch their faces close to her, she gives up.“You three going against me now?” The three ganging up on her like this is not only appalling but in Lauren’s view, funny.“Sorry, not sorry babe but I’m with my Bae on this one. Quick tell us the details,” Normani sits on Dinah’s lap and wraps her arm around her neck. The tall blonde locks her arm securely around Normani’s waist. That leaves little Ally sitting on the bean bag not too far away.Now that all of them are seated, Lauren scoops her salad. Just when she is about to chew, she notices the continuation of the trio’s stare on her.The brunette drops the fork and sasses, “What is it with you girls? What is so wrong with me eating salad?”“No, no. There is nothing wrong with you eating salad,” Normani heads the conversation.“Ouch! Dinah! What the hell was that for?” Lauren shouts, caressing the thigh that Dinah slaps hard.“Explain, now! You’ve got lots of explaining to do! Getting engaged without informing us you fool. You’ve been changing subjects regarding your engagement. Then last but not least, last night’s party.”Sighing, Lauren rubs her hands over her face repeatedly. She huffs while mentally questions herself, to tell or not to tell?It’s a short tale really but with the girls shrieking in excitement and couldn’t stop interrupting, it takes Lauren like an hour to explain. Moreover, the girls insist that she tells them the story from A to Z.“I mean it’s not a big deal that we’re engaged. We’re not fucking…”“No cursing,” Ally interrupts. “Do you even understand what it means by getting engaged, babe? Mani, go tell her!”Normani blinks her eyes repeatedly, surprised that Ally leaves the explanation to her.“Being engaged means that you accept Louis’ proposal.”“Wrong!” Ally slams her fists on the table making them jump on their seats. “Being engaged means that you have decided that this is the man you are going to spend the rest of your life with! You are going to exchange vows in the name of God and be the mother of his children. You are going to be part of his family! Are you ready for all that, Lauren Michelle Jauregui?!”“Hey, don’t call me by my full name,” Lauren leans back, exasperated. “Give me a break, girls. He asked me out of the blue. I didn’t have time to tell all of you. And last night’s event was not something I wanna be discussing now. It’s still freshly embedded in my head and I would like to feel a little numb before telling you girls about it.”Lauren bows her head, the dark tresses flow by the sides.Dinah exchange looks with Normani then Ally. “Lauren babe, you know you always have our support. We got your back girl. If you need time then take all the time you need.”“Yeah, girl, sorry for my outburst,” Ally giggles nervously. “We just want to make sure you’re okay and not bottling up all your emotions.“You know we care about ya a whole lot and we’ll always be here when you need to talk.” Normani reaches out to mess Lauren’s hair.“Thanks, girls,” Lauren straightens up, attempting to smile.Dinah smirks, “You sure it’s not because you’re knocked up?”Lauren gives her signature death glare before shoving the taller one. Raising her brow to stress how unimpressed she is, Lauren grits, “No! I’m not knocked up moron!”Ally stands, “Now, now let’s all eat before the food gets cold.”While they eat, Lauren decides to come clean sooner than later. She figures that her best friends deserve to know the truth. And she would rather let them hear this from herself rather than someone else but now is not the time. “I just ate all of my salad, give me a round of applause.”Ally claps while Dinah and Normani simply ignore them. They are feeding each other crackers not bothering with the mess.“Guys you better pick up this ish, this is not yo house.”“Don’t worry mom, Lauser will get it.”“Hey,” Lauren whines before pouting.Sighing, the mother of the group offers her help. “Not to worry, I’ll help you, Lo.”The brunette with the widow’s peak beams, “Thanks, mom.” Stretching her small frame and hiding her yawn behind her tiny hand. “Alright girls, it’s time for my nap time. I better get going. Mani, DJ are you coming?”“Not yet,” smirks Dinah.“Dinah Jane Hansen!” Normani reprimands.“I so do not need to hear that,” mumbles Ally.“Ew. Same here. Annoying ass.” Dinah flicks her finger at Lauren’s response.“You still owe us, Ralph! Not inviting us over when Mama J and Papa J are here. It’s been a while since we saw them. I wasn’t even doing anything that day.” She huffs in annoyance.Ally smirks, “Oh really? Are you sure you weren’t doing Monibear or should I say Moany-bear?”“Allysin! Turn back to Allysus!” Normani shrieks in embarrassment.“Hey Smalls, don’t think we are unaware of that date you went with Tori!”“It’s not a date Biggie!”“Oh yeah? Then why are you blushing Allycat?”Lauren simply shakes her head chuckling heartily. * Meanwhile at the bowling alley... *“Strike!” Louis thrusts an elbow down in victory, watching the cute animation on the screen of his scoreboard. Bowling never fails to be a remedy for stressed students like Louis.“Come on, where is the love for Tommo?!” Louis spreads his arms widely.A grunt escapes the blonde at the opposite seat. “You only score a strike after four throws.”“What you say, huh?” Louis looks down at his classmate. “Take a look at my screen,” the Irish lad cocks a brow. “Four strikes. That is what you called awesomeness!”“Awesome my arse!” Louis laughs. “That is all the bamboo boy’s score! You’re just sitting there eating those chips! Man, I can’t believe you’re the one who actually invited me, Horan!”Niall laughs his heart out, tickled by the fact that he managed to fool Louis. “Chill, bro! You know I suck at bowling. That’s why Shawn’s here. See, he doesn’t need my help at all.”“I’m just here, ya know, to make use of my free time,” Shawn grins widely. “And Niall, thanks for making me flattered.” He strikes a pose before throwing the bowling ball.Another strike for Niall’s team. Louis is disgusted. “Stan, make them cry!” He cheers for his best friend from back home.“I have your back, Tommo,” Stan nods and grabs the ball. “I’m about to show you a skill I have been training for the past years. It took a while for me to perfect it. All the blood and sweat will be wasted no more. This is the day my life finally found its meaning.”Louis crinkles his nose while Niall shivers suppressing his explosive laughter.“Wow, can’t wait, mate,” Shawn sneers light-heartedly.“Shut up scrawny! Let him concentrate.”“Behold, Typhoon Ferris wheel!” Stan tosses the ball down the aisle with all the weight of his body. Niall bursts into laughter and gets even louder when the ball strays into sideways, hitting one pin.“Seriously, Stan?!” Louis points at the screen. “Is that what you call a bloody skill?”Stan shrugs and chuckles. “Did I say the skill is to hit at the very left corner?”“That’s rubbish!” Louis shouts moving his arms around dramatically.Niall recovers from his fits of laughing and chugs a bottle of water. “Lou, come on! Let’s buy some snacks. I’m out of chips.”“What the hell? Are we here for bowling or eating chips, Irish?!” Louis fumes. “Come on, come on.”Niall pulls him away and waves the rest to continue playing. The Doncaster is still marring an angry face. Niall clings an arm on his shoulder, still giggling.“You have to bring that scrawny boy along.”“I still have no idea why you and Lo dislike him but like I said, he’s here for bowling,” Niall chuckles again. “And he’s paying the tabs.”Louis quickly breaks into a smile. “Good call. Now that I can’t complain.”“I know!” Niall responds as cheerful, finally calming the brunet down. “He’s a member and a pro. So he gets discounts. Good thing I’m sharing the dorm with him.”Louis nudges an elbow. “Don’t tell me, you have hots for him.”The blue eyes widen and red shades surface on his cheeks. Niall and Louis have been the best of friends since high school. They share the same interest in music as well as crushes. Louis has always known Niall being gay, even before he met Harry. If it was not for Niall being around, Louis could have never been in a relationship with a boy. “We’re just friends, ya know,” Niall smiles nervously as they reach the store. Louis pats his back. “But you’re hoping for more.”“I don’t think he’s over his Cameron crush.”“What? That was freshman year dude how is he still not over it? Besides, from what I can see Dallas is straight. And here you are still waiting, when will you make a move mate? You know what, I’m always here to help ya.”“Yeah, like really,” Niall snorts, browsing the chips. “Aren’t you supposed to be busy for your upcoming wedding?”Louis blinks confused, “What wedding?”Niall laughs. “What wedding, you say? Come on now! It’s already horrible enough that I have to hear such news from your fiancée. Now you’re not going to tell me the details.”Louis grabs his shoulder. “Talk English to me, Nialler.”“Well you’re getting married to Lauren, right? Not only you two were seen at the Wedding Cake Exhibition last month but people saw the both of you with matching outfits at Styles’ party last night. And you were with her family too. Damn it, Lou. If that’s not proof you two are together, I don’t know what is. I can’t believe I thought she was pulling my legs.”“You mean everyone in school knows about this? How?” Louis covers his mouth in surprise. “It’s called social media Lou. Where have you been?”“This is bad!”“What’s bad is you didn’t tell me,” Niall locks Louis’ neck with his arm. “After that curly boy, you decided to hit on your roommate. Are you that desperate?”“No, no,” Louis breathes, slapping Niall’s arm. “You’re getting it wrong!”“I better be your best man, Lou!”“Let me talk!” Louis gasps and bites on Niall’s arm, “For goodness sake, cut down your chips. Your fats suffocate me.”Niall releases him while Louis soothes his throat, catching his breath. “Come on, Lou. I’m your bro,” Niall fixes his once-in-a-lifetime serious stare on him. “Such big news like this makes me happy. Of course, it shocks me at first that you would actually get over Styles but I didn’t really expect you to keep secrets from me. If she is whom you think you want to be with, talk to me. I’ll support you, Lou.”Louis sweeps his fringe of hair repeatedly, avoiding Niall’s eyes. “Sorry, lad. Maybe the timing is not in my favour. I... I was really going to talk to you about it.”Niall cocks up a brow and crosses his arms. Watching Louis with his head bowed low, it is inevitable for Niall not to feel sorry for him. It is obvious that even now Louis does not feel comfortable talking about it.“I have to wait then.”Louis looks up at Niall who is smiling widely like an idiot. Louis smiles back, appreciating Niall’s leniency on him. “Now let’s get my chips!”“Seriously, you have to cut down those chips!”* Back at the apartment.... *“I’m home, love!”Louis announces, sauntering after a night well spent with the boys. He dumps his keys on the basket and moves to the dimmed living room. A chuckle bubbles at the back of his throat when he reaches the couch. The raven-haired beauty is lying asleep with the laptop on her tummy. She must be working on her project and staying up late again. He has every urge to tease her but instead, he stares at her for a moment, soaking the serenity basked in her.He remembers yesterday’s event clearly, bringing her home in tears. Then they cuddled to soothe each other’s hearts; a few rants and banter in between. They found solace before sleep, waking up like nothing happened the night before.They know the more they ignore their feelings, the more painful it will get. Louis sighs, walking over and he lifts the laptop off her. Carefully placing it on the table, hoping not to wake up a demon goddess instead of the sleeping beauty. He glances at her, before checking the clock on the wall. The night is still young but clearly, she must have been exhausted.“Hey, babe?” Louis pats her on the shoulder. “Wake up. You’re gonna catch a cold sleeping out here.”“Don’t...” Lauren mutters in her sleep. “Don’t go...”Louis creases his brows. “I’m pretty sure I’m the one asking you to go to your room, Peaches.”“Why did you leave me?”“Who’s leaving?” Louis is frowning. “Look, Missy. Wake up-““Camzi...”Her face scrunches tightly, as though saying that name almost takes her breath away. Recognising it to be her old flame’s pet name, Louis grins softly. She is probably dreaming about that girl. It tells so much that behind her tough act of not caring, she still cares. His smile turns into a smirk as he grabs the end of the couch, shaking it violently.“Emergency! Emergency! There is a giant pink elephant in the room! Everyone vacate now!”The massive force rippling against the couch sends Lauren to sit bolt upright, eyes wide open and hands gripping the couch for dear life. Her vision eventually clears as the couch stops moving and a burst of laughter is ringing in her ears.“Louis Tomlinson!” she berates, already having her feet on the floor. “I’ll kill you!”The British lad cackles, hugging his stomach at the same time running in circles with Lauren. Magazines are flying at him but he dodges skilfully. He catches one but loses his footing and tumble backward, landing his round bottom on the floor.“Ouch! Good riddance, what’s gotten into you? Are you trying to kill me?!” Louis pants, catching his breaths just as Lauren holds the remote up high.“I’m the one who almost got a heart attack, you moron!”Louis flails his arms up high, surrendering. “Okay, okay! I’m sorry! I was just playing with you!”“Playing with me? You mean frightening me while I’m asleep?!”“That dream of yours is definitely more frightening than my joke,” Louis pouts, folding his arms, not knowing his words made Lauren flinch. “I should be hailed for saving you from the torment, ya know. Instead, you’re trying to attack me with a freaking remote, nice.”“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lauren scoffs, putting down the remote. “Whatever,” Louis sighs and climbs on his feet. “I want some tea.”The lad enters the kitchen and fills the kettle with water. She notices his change of mood but her eyes are glued to her laptop instead. She attends to it, checking her work eagerly.“You sure you want tea and not coffee in the middle of the night, Loubear?”“Doesn’t even matter anyway. I don’t think I can sleep tonight.”“Why not?” Lauren yawns as she saves her progress before switching it off. “Is something bothering you?”“Nothing much. Just that the whole school knows about our engagement.” Louis brews the tea leaves, stirring his spoon in the mug. “Niall told me so. Said you mentioned it to him. I’m not sure what to expect when I go to classes now.”Lauren sighs, leaning her head back on the couch. “Oh, you poor oblivious boy. I mean I’ve heard some rumours going around campus but didn’t expect much and no one else asked me about it. Luckily the girls didn’t slit my throat for keeping it a secret from them for so long.”He snickers, “Call yourself besties but you hid it from them.”“Shut it! Knowing you, you either avoid Niall’s curious questions or make up another lie!” She marches into the kitchen to wash her mug.“Tish, girl. Boys lie all the time! It’s part of being a man. I preach it!”“Preach the wrong things, you mean?!” She smacks his bottom as she leans next to him, “You’re insufferable.”“Yet you’re still here my beloved fake fiancée.”Irritated, Lauren pulls his ear teasingly, as they both laugh among themselves. While they wait for the tea to cool, they exchange stories of what happened earlier.“I swear,” Louis sips his tea and smiles. “The next person who’s gonna ask me about it again, I’m gonna say, yeah, we are together like we’re made in heaven and you’ll be invited to our wedding at the shorelines of Miami Beach, bitch.”“You wouldn’t dare to say that, Loubear,” Lauren mocks him outwardly.“Watch me.”* The next day, Sunday morning... *“I’m coming! I’m coming!”Louis yawns as he briskly walks towards the apartment door. He grumbles in spasms of frustration, hoping to yell at the early bird. He swears if he is mad enough, he will throw a kick first before greeting whoever is out there.The door lock jiggles and Louis opens the door widely. As soon as his eyes draw the features of the lad in front of him, he is frozen stunned. The next moment, he bursts in a high pitch shriek, striking the brunette roommate into an alarmed mode. Her bedroom door is swung open. Instead of asking what happened, she tosses a pillow at her roommate with a hard blow, silencing the wail that can break the window glasses. “You’re alright, Louis?” the visitor tries to help him stand, after getting floored.Lauren comes closer and captures the face of the visitor. “Matt? Matt is that you?”The tall handsome lad with stubble smiles generously and waves. “Hola, preciosa!”Sitting in front of his long-lost estranged younger brother, Matt; Louis begrudgingly retells the same story all over again.“Seriously Lou!” The younger lad is still covering his face with both hands. “You don’t know how shocked I was when Harry asked me! My jaw hangs open for a whole minute I think. Caught off guard by a sudden soon to be in-law. Thank goodness I already had plans and couldn’t make it to his engagement party. I must have looked ridiculous.”“You always look ridiculous,” Louis spits with arched brows, much sharper than his brother’s bushy ones. “Now, run along now boy. Shoo Matty shoo.”Lauren scowls, “Louis! That is not how you speak to your brother! And what did you say yesterday about the next someone who asked about our engagement?”Louis bats his eyes at her nervously, seeing her arch her brow at him back. “What did I say?”“I so feel like hitting you right now,” Lauren narrows a glare at him.Louis simply groans, falling back on the couch. Why of all times, Matt has to appear now?Matt nods in assent. “Be my guest, Lauren. He hardly ever takes care of me.”Louis switches his bitchy face on. “Oh for goodness sake, you’re a grown-up man! Look at that half-hearted stubble. And that Mario moustache. What I should maybe consider taking care of is you singing Teletubbies in the shower.”Earning a loud laugh from Lauren, Matt looks away shyly. “Okay, stop right there! Instead of humiliating me, can you at least keep a lookout for me? Is that too much to ask, Louis? You know like, being that big brother and have my back, keep in touch once in a while.”Louis throws his head back in laughter. “I did!”“No, you don’t.”Louis leans forward, one finger pointing down the young lad. “Go and check it yourself on the net! When was the last time you logged in? Caveman era?”This time it is the young brunet who scrunches his face. “If you meant leaving comments like that then you’re demented.”“It shows that I care enough to stalk you.”“Aww, isn’t that sweet?” Lauren smiles at Louis before looking at Matt. “You’re lucky your brother is keeping tabs on you after all.”“Lauren, have you seen what he wrote?”“Not yet I haven’t. Knowing Louis, oh-oh, how bad was it?”“How about having him comment; ‘Why the long face Matty’ on every single picture of mine? I lost count the number of times he did that! Firstly, I don’t need someone to remind my friends about our similar but different face. And, secondly, for goodness sake, it’s Matt, not Matty, Lou!”Matt mirrors his older brother and crosses his arms across his chest. For once, Lauren is impressed that the younger brother has some sass like his older brother. She cannot stop smiling watching the two squabbling over little things. It is so like Louis, acting out his role as the eldest and being tough with Matt as compared to how gentle he is with the Tomlinson girls.“It’s Louis to you and not Lou.”“That’s your nickname.”“Not to you. Call me Lou and I’ll call you Matty.”Deciding she’s seen enough pettiness, Lauren takes charge, “Alright boys no more arguments okay? Now Matt join us for brunch will ya?”“Nope, he’s going home.”“I’m not talking to you, Louis. It’s my turn to cook so I’ll have a say on who stays.”She ruffles Louis’ hair as soon as she stands up earning another groan from him. Matt rises up from his seat and opens his arms wide to Lauren and she happily embraces him.“I’m happy that you’re my sister-to-be.”“You’re welcome anytime here, Matt. You know that.”Matt smiles, “I know.”Keeping a close eye on them, Louis yells, “Hey! Watch where the hands are! Go any lower and you’re in trouble. That’s my girl!”Lauren hopes that she can hide her embarrassing blush that is making an appearance.Resisting an eye roll, Matt looks back to her, “Muchas gracias.”“Don’t mention it,” she replies before Louis quickly stands and prises them away from each other.Matt smirks and tries to annoy Louis, “Lauren? Quisiera tenerte cada primavera…”“Yeah, yeah stop trying to sweep her off her feet by your Spanish. Show off,” Louis sulks with crossed arms. He knows that the young one is trying to push his buttons knowing that even a toddler’s vocabulary is so much better than Louis.Lauren chuckles knowing exactly what Matt tries to do. She pecks Louis’ cheek and moves to the kitchen to prepare a simple dish while the two arrange the dining table. Louis has been giving Matt all sorts of dirty looks which the young brother is trying his hardest to ignore him.“Why are you making faces at me?”Louis shrugs, “It’s like looking in the mirror so you make faces.”“You know you’re really good at being the annoying older brother.”“Rather than being pathetic like you.”“I’m not pathetic!” Matt huffs in irritation.“OH MY GOODNESS! Are you boys starting a fight again?”“NOPE!” The brothers answer immediately with both eyes growing wide upon hearing the seriousness and mild anger from Lauren.It’s still weird for Louis to be around Matt. After all, they have only reconciled in these recent years after having separated for so long since their parent’s divorce. Louis was five and Matt was three. Matt stayed with their father but turns out that he is adopted by their father’s sister and her husband. Louis has stayed in Florida after their mother remarried his step-father and relocated.“Thanks for the meal, Lauren,” Matt says as he walks to the door.“No problem,” Lauren offers a wave. “Adios hermano, take care on your way back!”“Yeah. I hope to see you more now...”“Now shoo,” Louis gestures with his hand as he holds the door open for his brother.“So this is it,” Matt leans closely to Louis so he can whisper to Louis’ ear. “You have totally given up on Harry, huh?”Louis widens his eyes, “That is none of your business, so leave.”Matt grins in full pity of his brother, seeing the sadness surface on the glistened blue eyes. “Just so you know, he hasn’t given up on you.”The older lad winces at the sentence as soon as Matt pulls away from Louis’ ear. The brothers have a stare off, he practically understands what is going through that dense head of his older brother. When love affairs are concerned, Louis is transparent about his feelings. Matt can read him like a book.He is not giving in, responding to his irritated heart as he musters some strength to push the taller boy out of the apartment. Before Louis can close the door, Matt hinders him, casting a serious glare.“Aren’t you going say something about it?”“I told you to let it be. Don’t interfere and get out!”“Wait!” Matt fights against the force from Louis in closing the door.“What do you want now?!”“I’ll help!”“Help in what, idiot?”Matt manages to exploit his height and muscles, opening the door widely so he can tower him. “I can help you mend what’s broken. I’m close to Harry as you know.”“Of all things, why would I want you to help with that?!”“I’m your brother, whether you like it not. And I can tell you are not fine.”“If you are me and you have to choose between Harry and Lauren, who’d you prefer?”“Why would I want to even consider taking my boss, dimwit?!” Matt growls. “I’m here because I’m worried about you.”“Sounds like you are worried because you see me weak! Hey, I’m older than you and I can surely take care of my sweet big arse. I don’t need someone who has never been in my life for years but has the bloody guts to barge in and tell me what to do! If you want to get his good side so much, why don’t you suck up to him instead of me?”Matt stands in silence, gobsmacked by his brother’s burst of tantrums. “Go away,” Louis drops his shoulders, exasperated. “Go to his side like you’ve always been. After all, if it was not for him, we could have never met, right?”The piece of memory that Louis treasures keep playing in his head. When the two were in a relationship, Harry was the one who assisted Louis in finding his long-lost brother. Harry even gave Matt a job so he can cope with his expenses.Louis hisses at the good memories that painfully led him back to Harry. He wouldn’t have despised seeing Matt if he does not remind him of his ex.“Leave me alone,” Louis stares at Matt’s eyes, meaning every word coming from his heart. “Fine!” Matt cusses in defeat. “Suit yourself! Do whatever you want! Stupid Louis!”The door finally closes and Louis literally falls on his knees, feeling the harbouring pain rekindle behind his chest. He turns around and sees the brunette folding arms, standing with a concerned look on her face.“What happened?” Lauren asks him, with a cooing voice.He immediately hugs her legs, sighing. “My sisters are much more precious and cuter than that brat.”Amused at his sarcasm, Lauren giggles, patting his head. “Awe, Loubear. We’ll fly there someday yeah.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
*The next day @ Campus Lecture Hall*"Thank you for your kind attention." Professor Williams ends his briefing with a megawatt smile.The massive screen of the lecture theatre is written with the words 'The End' followed by an applause from the audience. Soon, the room is filled with the commotion of students leaving their seats, multiple conversations happening at the same time that Lauren believes is called white noise. While everyone around her is up and about, already sharing thoughts and ideas about the special event excitedly, she searches for her headphone, hoping to plug her ears as she waits for the flow of the enthusiastic crowd to recede.Due to Matt's surprise visit, she has a hard time sleeping than usual with conversations between him and Louis resurfacing in her slumber. It kept her up all night and if she didn't realise how important this is, she would skip this session without a doubt. She can hardly pay attention during the orientation and wonders if she was wasting her time indeed.As a result of her late arrival, she could not sit with her girlfriends. Slipping into the back seats half asleep and messaging the British moron who continues to rant about his brother. The rest of her time spent cocking her sarcastic brow at the pretentious pile of humans who seems to be drooling over Jesse the lecturer.Her mind starts to wander elsewhere as she waits, her world slowly drowned in loud rock music drumming in her ears. A few cackling couples stand in line with arms all over each other. Lauren cringes at the sight and looks away immediately. A long thread of curses plays in her mind, as her eyes drop its gaze on her light up screen of her phone which she constantly put on silent."Hey, Ralph, where you at?"Lauren groans at the nickname and tousles her hair. "Somewhere at the back. Too many people. I can't go anywhere.""Seriously?!" Dinah shrieks into the speaker, easily curving a smile on Lauren's lips. "Damn, can you at least see me? I'm with my Queen and her short Lady-In-Waiting."Lauren snorts. "Have you been more insane lately? If they heard you, you may or may not be in trouble.""Don't give me that sneer! I can see you smirking at me! Give me chills!""So much for being tough D-mac," she sneers."Shut yo mouth. Which side you at? Is it left? Oh, wait! You can't tell your right from your left. And don't you dare roll your eyes behind my head!"Lauren bursts into giggles, eventually standing on her toes trying to spot the blond tall girl. During her search, her gaze catches a flip of brown hair that is all too familiar. One hard swallow down her throat, Lauren stares into oblivion, isolating the breath-taking view of the beautiful brunette, queuing up with her clique of friends at the other end of the theatre.At the far distance, Camila could not have noticed her stare. She is behaving like her usual self, goofing around with her friends that used to be potential victims of Lauren's jealousy. Right now, she accepts them as the company Camila needs. If it is a man who tries to take advantage of this crowd to grope her, Lauren is ready to put on her shades and pulls out her sniper rifle, aiming for the pervert's head.Damn, what is she doing?She is quietly hiding behind, checking her ex-flame out.This is wrong. They had some sort of closure at the party, didn't they?But looking from afar is not against rules of a breakup, right?They still live on planet Earth and they have one in a million chances to meet again. Well, not necessarily true though since they are in the same college and would likely to cross path every once in a while even though Camila had switched classes this final year.Still, this is just too creepy. Sneaking a sight of Camila from afar although Lauren has poured hatred the last time they met."Hey, Camila! Over here!"Shouts someone who is waving not far from the row of seats where Lauren is.Her heart plunges to the ground as the brilliant brown eyes avert her direction. Lauren dives her head low, crouching."Oh hi Perrie! Wait there!""No, no, no," Lauren grumbles. "Why the hell is this goat chick here in the first place?"Knowing that Camila is coming towards Perrie, who is practically standing near the row ahead of where Lauren is, it feels like an apocalypse is about to happen. Turning her head to start crawling on the other end but instead meeting a dead end. She cusses with remorse for not leaving early, accidentally hitting her head against the table top."Yo, Lauser! Don't go all mumbling on me!"Lauren realises she is still on the phone with Dinah. "I'll meet you outside. Call you back later.""Hoi wait..." She ends the call and pockets her phone. Stuck but thankfully the table provides the best cover as she hears the familiar steps coming closer."Pez!" Camila arrives, giving the blonde girl a brief hug. "How you've been? I didn't know you would attend this orientation!""I've been good thanks! Oh yeah and clearly this orientation for charity concert is for a good cause so sign me up! I'm the only one awake this late noon anyway while the other girls are snoring away at home." Perrie speaks in her thick but understandable British accent.Camila giggles at her last comment. Her smile slightly wavers however upon the tall blonde's next sentence."I called to personally congratulate you on your engagement with Harry. Also, I would like to apologise and on behalf of Jade too since we didn't attend the party last Friday night. Jade wasn't feeling well that day so I rushed home as soon as class was dismissed.""Thanks, Perrie. I do hope she's feeling better now.""She's recovered but I didn't want her attending classes till tomorrow. It upsets her not being here but I'm concerned about her. Enough about us now, what about you? I must say I did not expect you to be with him although the two of you are cute. From what I've observed, if there is anyone whom you can't stop talking and thinking about, it's her. Look I'm sorry, I just find it a little hard to comprehend. So...what did she say about this engagement?"Lauren cowering under her black leather jacket holds her breath not knowing whether she wants to hear this. She can just ignore and put her headphone back on. Nevertheless, half her heart yearns to hear what she has to say."I don't really know what you're talking about," Camila giggles nervously. "You don't have to worry about me though."Perrie narrows her gaze at her, as it is clear that Camila chooses not to talk about it with her. Camila has her own reasons and Perrie has no right to pry any further."What's there not to worry when it's you, Camila? When you were coming up here, my heart was preparing for a heart attack just in case you're gonna trip and fall," she jokes to lift away the tension between them.Camila slaps her on the arm lightly before laughing. "What the heck! Stop treating me like I'm the clumsiest girl on this campus when both Harry and Ari are equally clumsy if not more so! Well anyway, nice talking to you! I have to head back to my cool friends who are cooler than you!""I'm a tad hurt that I'm so gonna tell Ari & your fiancé about your klutz comment," Perrie smiles while both Camila and Lauren cringe when the foreign word is mentioned."Anyway, see ya around Pez!" Camila waves and heads towards the stairs leading to the exit."See ya!" Perrie chuckles, waving back.Shoes stomp away causing Lauren to peel away from the jacket. The conversation ended and they are gone. She sighs in relief that Camila did not notice her there. Nonetheless, learning that Camila has somewhat talked about her with someone else has Lauren's eyes burning.Didn't they promise to keep their relationship a secret except for a trusted handful? What makes Camila think it is okay to talk about Lauren to others when there was no official relationship between them? And is it really true that Camila cannot stop thinking about Lauren?Did she actually think she can conceal her feelings perfectly when she talked about Lauren? Even a baby can tell how transparent she is. She is too gullible to even make up a lie. It's not that difficult to literally read her feelings like a book.So can someone tell Lauren, how the hell can Camila manage to keep their relationship a secret?Confusion brims in her head but a bubble of happiness burst behind her chest. Somehow elated that despite their former secret relationship, Camila talked about her to someone else once or probably many times. She wonders who else the petite brunette carelessly talks to regarding Camren. Yes, the ship name she created back when they were teenagers and madly in love. Not that they have stopped loving each other but denial is just as strong if not more so."Hoi Lauser!"The loud yell of her nickname sends her standing upright, facing Ally who is stood in front of Normani and Dinah."What are you doing down there Lo?" Ally creases her brows before chuckling adorably. "Everyone is outside, girl!"Dinah sneers, clinging an arm with Normani. "She thinks she's Batgirl, playing hide and seek.""Oh, shut up...""Don't tell my baby to shut up Lo," Normani warns as she tightens her hands around Dinah's waist who has a huge grin plastered on her face from being defended.Lauren rolls her eyes as she slips on her cool black leather jacket. "I'm hungry."Normani smirks, "Yeah and we all know how weird you get when you're hungry.""My Bae, she's always weird hungry or not, thirsty or not." Lauren rolls her eyes again for the umpteenth time.Ally chuckles before she straightens her expression. "To KFC!"***Clouds in the afternoon sky are painted in orange hues. The heat in the air is slowly decreasing, though it is still hours before darkness arrives. Louis is done with his additional class and is marching to his car. Hooking one bag on his shoulder, browsing his Instagram when Lauren calls.Smirking, Louis answers. "Yeah love. What's up? Missed me so soon already?""I have hot news.""Wow totally ignored be but okay. Just text me, babe," Louis unlocks his car with a press of a button. "I'm driving now.""No, you're lying! You are not even a mile near your car!""Dear Lord, are you stalking me, fiancée!""Don't say that out loud! So embarrassing! Oh my God!""Okay, I am one leap away from my car now.""Who cares?! Just stay put and listen! I have to tell you now!""Come on! We can talk later. I'm coming home early. The class almost killed me. Listening to you while I'm on the couch holding a cup of hot Yorkshire tea is more pleasing than being at this dimmed stuffy carpark.""I said I have to tell you now! Which part of my sentence don't you understand, moron?!"Giving in to his frantic flatmate he leans back on his car, enjoying the breeze whip his feathery brown hair."Okay, Peaches. Go on, spill.""I overheard a conversation between her and goat girl.""Woah," Louis holds back from laughing. "Since when you became such a creep?""Hey! I didn't literally stand there to hear, Loubear! I just happened to be there!""Where are you right now?" Louis looks around him, hoping to spot her."I'm outside KFC.""The one near the park?""Yeah.""Cool, I'll come over.""No! The girls are inside.""You are with them and you call me? My, my. You sure miss my sexiness that much.""I want to kill you so bad.""Love you too," Louis laughs wholeheartedly."Can you, for the love of God, just listen?!"His laughter subsides and he blows a sigh. "If it is about her, isn't it better when I'm there with you? I'll gladly offer you my strong muscular biceps to lean on and cry. Though you're gonna have to wash my shirt that you tear stained Peaches.""Pfft," Lauren snorts while her cheeks defiantly redden. "You still have the guts to flirt with me.""Like always," Louis laughs. "So stay there. I'll be there in a flash."Lauren grumbles exaggeratedly. "Fine. If you're taking more than ten minutes, I'll ditch you. Bye.""Hey!" Louis looks at his phone, grunting at the fact that she ends the call abruptly. "Peaches can be so ugh annoying! I feel like spamming her phone right now!""Yo Louis.""What?!"Louis spins around with anger burning in his eyes. The sight of the one who called shocks him that his mouth hangs open.The last person he would like to bump into finally emerges. The quiff-haired lad smirks, removing his shades and clipping it on his collar. He pulls out a box of cigarette and bites one bud for himself before offering the gobsmacked lad."Care for a smoke, Lou?"Louis clicks his tongue in disgust. "What are you trying to do now, Malik?"He knits his brows, smiling softly. "Something I should've done a long time ago.""It's too late now."A flicker of flame emits from the stick in between his lips. Smoke gushes up, veiling the handsome face of the city's deejay, Zayn Malik."Better late than never.""Look, Malik. I have to go.""Please, Lou. Give me five minutes. That's all I need.""Too bad I don't have that five minutes to spare you."Louis opens the door only to be slammed close by Zayn. Knowing Lauren is waiting because of him, Louis is fuelled by guilt and anger. Louis scoffs loudly before grabbing his erstwhile friend's shirt.As he is about to curse Zayn, he finds sadness in those caramel eyes. Something inside him aches for Zayn, telling him that the quiet mysterious boy has managed to approach Louis with all his strength and heart, hoping to reconcile. Zayn is not someone who would do such a thing unless it is important to him.Such as the friendship between him, Louis and Lauren or rather what they used to have.Zayn seems to realise how much he treasures their friendship and is not planning to leave until he makes it up with Louis.He cannot lose this chance to make it up with the duo.Louis releases him eventually. "Two minutes."Zayn widens his eyes, surprised."I give you two minutes. Hurry up and speak, Zayn.""Thank you, Lou." Zayn takes a deep breath, "First of all, I extend my condolences, I'm so sorry, I just heard about your mom's passing only recently. I swear to you Lou I would never make a comment like that just to hurt you. I didn't know and I hope you can forgive me, bro. You know I would never stoop that low if I had known. She's a great woman whom I cherished and respect loads."* Meanwhile at the park*Closing the book in her hand, Camila blows away the strands of hair concealing her face. Her mind replays the story of the main characters in the novel as though she has met them in real life. She knows this is just one of those distractions she can use to keep her mind off that certain beauty.Many months have passed since they broke things off yet the wound in her heart is still fresh as before.That green-eyed beauty has her wrapped around her finger. No matter how hard Camila tries to forget that incident, she keeps remembering every time someone asks about the engagement. Some are innocent, barely knowing the conflict between her and Lauren but still obviously concerned about her.The sky seems to darken quicker than she realised. Checking her watch to gauge the time that Harry will pick her up soon for dinner. He is at the office right now, attending business matters. She decided taking a breath of fresh air and reading her current favourite book will help give her some peace of mind.But she has been sitting pretty long now. She should walk a little to relieve the stiff muscles.With that thought, she strolls down the path."If you're taking more than ten minutes, I'll ditch you! Bye!"That voice! Camila heard it and quickly finds a tree to seek cover.She holds her breath, peeking to confirm her beliefs. When she spots the brunette in black slumps back on the bench, she gulps hard.It is Lauren.For them to choose the park as a waiting place for their fiancé feels like fate is working for them. Camila is in high spirits that she cannot help but smile. Although they are at a distance, she is grateful to see her again.Lauren has always been the same. Acting cool yet dorky at the same time.Silently throwing tantrums, fixing her hair and checking her phone. She probably hits the keypad on Twitter, ranting so much and then delete because it is just not cool of her. But Camila knows better.The little things about Lauren, Camila memorises by heart.As Lauren is oblivious to her presence, she keeps staring at the beauty in her line of sight. The profound feelings are felt every time her heart beats. Though any form of a relationship ended last year, the pain never lessened for a moment. Her mind serenades her name in loops and the exclusive nickname she has given to her, Emerald.A hand grips her shoulder from behind, causing her to jump in fright. Her scream is quickly silenced by the hand from the one who scares her."Harry!" Camila whispers angrily.He grins. "What are you doing? Since when you are playing detective, sneaking behind a tree?"Irked, Camila frowns and drags him away from the tree, further away from Lauren. As soon as they are far from the spot, Camila releases his hand and drops her shoulders. Harry intends to tease her but from the slouch, he grows worried."Don't tell me," Harry sighs. "Are you mad that I made you wait too long, Mils?""Tell me, why do we choose to torment ourselves here? I mean we could just switch schools so that we don't have to cross path with them from time to time." She voices softly, bluntly ignoring Harry's whine.Another sigh escapes him. "I told you before and I shall tell you again. We're in our senior year. It would defeat the entire purpose of us being pioneers here."Her brown eyes connect with his green ones. Green, not emerald. No matter how hard she tries not to compare it, she can't help it. To make matters worse, he knows. He knows every time she gazes deep into his orbs, she's trying to find what it is the emerald irises used to hold. As much as the fact could break him, it doesn't.There isn't a need to tell her that with every glance, he is yearning to be looking into blue ones instead. Sure, he is burdened by that guilt but at the end of the day, they are both the same. They are two individuals longing for someone they had to let go off, at least temporarily until comes the time the souls find its matching flame."Will you promise me something Haz?"Harry holds her gaze sincerely and pockets his hands. "You know I'll promise you almost anything Mils."Listening to his consoling sound gives her a sense of tranquil. She wouldn't mind hearing it daily at all. It's just that even her ears seek the enthralling alto feminine, smoky huskiness only her different yet unique soprano raspiness can match.Camila turns to Harry fully, giving him all her attention, "I need you to promise me that you will try to help me win her back. I'll do the same for you, Harry. Can you please promise me that?""You don't have to tell me that," Harry snorts with his usual pride. "I'll do it for you even if you don't say it. Now, let's get moving. I'm starving."He proffers his hand and she hesitates before slipping her hand into his. Gripping firmly yet gently reassures her that he is real and is here for her. She truly appreciates his concern. He may not look bothered but it is just him acting cool.Though not as cool as the girl in the leather jacket."You really want him back," Camila smiles half-heartedly, saying that out of the blue as they walk to the car. "He should be lucky to have you chasing after him even after what happened."Harry smirks. "And you think she doesn't think that about you? You're kidding yourself."Camila pouts, "She said she doesn't want to see me anymore.""So did Louis. We both know that has to be a lie. At least, he is a pro in lying. She, on the other hand, you can see right through her if she lies. And I am still having doubts about their engagement.""I didn't want to bring this up earlier but did you manage to talk to him after the party?"Harry huffs, "I lost count how many missed calls and messages I gave him. He probably blocked me by now. I wanted to do a sneak attack but I don't have the luxury of time to do that. When I have it, I'll grab him and kidnap him.""Haz!" Camila gasps. "You wouldn't. What are you trying to achieve here Stockholm Syndrome?""If I have that chance," Harry chuckles. "But I have you now so I have to think of a better plan.""Smart move," Camila huffs."What about you, Mils? Did you try contacting her?""That is out of the question. She changed her number since we broke up. I had no idea how to get her to reciprocate unless fate brought us together."Laughing, "Again with your soulful speech. But you know letter writing works too you know.""Shut it. I just saw her before you came ruining the moment.""You mean that is why you were hiding behind the tree? It was because of her? Why is she even at the park? Having a picnic with some friends?""I think she is waiting for him."Harry stalls in position stopping their tracks. "Mils. Did you just tell me that we had the chance to meet them and we are walking away now?"Camila blinks. "I don't think it's appropriate to sneak on them.""Don't be like that, Mils! Let's head back!" Harry pulls her into a sprint and heads back to the tree."Haz! This is not right!""Don't you want to talk to her again?" Harry says as they run."I heard that she'll be around there for only ten minutes.""There's still time!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Walking nearer towards KFC, Harry speaks. “How about this Mils, you know how jealous she can get. It really doesn’t take much for us.”Camila scoffs, “What good would that do Haz? Do you honestly think she’s going to interrupt us?”“Unpredictable she can be Mils. Just think about it.”“It’s so cliché though Haz. Would you like to test the waters to see how he would react instead?”“So…we up our game whenever they’re around?”“And if they shove their love right in front of us we might be the ones who end up in tears instead.”They stop by the main door while Harry’s eyebrows furrow in concentration. Mind in depths searching for answers.“I’ll remember to prepare tissue boxes then.” He leans in to peck her temple, “Think about it Mils. So, shall we do this?”Camila is feeling the nerves on almost every inch of her skin as Harry opens the door and they walk in hand in hand.“Can you act more natural, Mils?” He whispers wearing a mischievous grin. “Unlike you, I’m not good at fooling people Haz.”“Wow, are you saying I’m good at acting? I’m flattered really. But my heart is as good as dead if you know how fast it is beating right now.” Taking a seat, she voices her concerns, “What if I mess up? What if I embarrass myself?”“Hey,” Harry locks their gazes together with his hand over hers. “We’re in this together. We want them back for ourselves, right?”Camila smiles and nods at his words.***“Ally, please smack me or something.”The big round eyes of the eldest among the girls stare hard at Normani. “Excuse me? If you want to play that game, ask your babe not me.”“Yeah,” Dinah snorts and folds her arms. “I can’t help feeling a little hurt here. Lucky I have some fried chicken to please me.”Normani fidgets uneasily in her seat and gestures to duck their heads down. “2 o-clock! 2 o-clock! Don’t be a genius by obviously staring at them Dinah!”Dinah covers her mouth in shock. “Oh my god, it’s them.”“Who? Who?!” Ally squeals in between the other two girls’ arms.Normani’s breathing hitches. “It’s Lolo’s you-know-who and her owl, I mean partner.”“What?!”“Stay down!” Normani stops Ally from her abrupt move to stick out her head. “Damn, why are they here of all places? And Lolo is still at the ladies. If she’s going to come out-"Dinah suddenly giggles, cutting Normani off, “We all know what that means.”“Seriously, Bae. Can you be serious now?”“I mean, she came out or rather is going to come out.”Normani groans as Dinah tries hard to stifle her laughter, “I’m thinking of ways to smack her Ally.”“Girls please!” Ally hushes them. “I’ll go get Lauren while you two do something about them.”“Wait, what?” Normani gasps as soon as Ally stands up and begins to leave. “Allycat!”***Lauren pouts as she washes and dries her hands, bitter that Louis was late and they could not meet at the park earlier. What is adding to her annoyance is that Ally has been trying to make her stay in the ladies for almost five minutes. She does not find it funny at all. Her fried chicken is impatiently waiting to be devoured by the jet black haired Latina, she is sure of it.“I’m telling you Lolo! Norminah is always making out in my presence on purpose to make me feel like a third wheel.” Ally mewls, holding tight onto the raven-haired girl’s arm. “But you are third wheeling them. Like most of the time.” Lauren is busy focusing on her mirror image, fingers working frantically on fixing her wild mane.“No, Lolo…”“Ally,” Lauren glares at her mildly not to scare her off. “I love you and all. But I’m not in any position to say anything else. Let’s just go my tummy has been drumming non-stop since just now.”“But Lolo! We can’t go out there!” Ally tries to block her path.“You do realise that you’re mini-me right? There’s no way that you can actually block me.”“If I’m mini then you’re a meanie. Oh dang it, what am I saying...” Ally stomps her feet comically before getting interrupted.“Seriously, why are you trying to stop me from leaving? The floral scent from that damn air freshener is suffocating me already!” She grumbles maintaining that pouty look.“Okay, fine. I’ll speak but promise me you won’t freak out, okay? ” Ally puts up her innocent face.Lauren cocks her beautiful lined brow at her. “What?”“I think this place,” Ally leans closely to soften her voice, “It’s haunted. We must leave now.”Hearing those words should have frightened Lauren but she smirks instead. “Really, Ally?”Ally nods hesitantly, naively thinking it would scare Lauren off.“Then, I’ll go help sprinkle holy salt everywhere and on top of your head if you can’t reach it. I’ll definitely shower you with tonnes of it so you’ll be protected, okay honey?” Lauren pinches Ally’s cheeks and pulls her by the arm. “Now let’s go before my chicken gets eaten by phantoms and I become too hungry to save the girls from the ghosts.”Ally creases her brows. “Wait, is this place really haunted?!”As soon as Lauren reaches the dining area with her hand still clasped onto Ally’s, she spots someone hard not to miss. That lustrous brown wavy hair that belongs to no one else but one person, in particular, is there at the very corner of her emerald eyes. Before she questions why the girl is here, her focus is shifted to the person that is accompanying her. If it is just a friend, she would not be bothered or feel as bitter as she is now.But it is the dreaded fiancé, the man who gets to enjoy those caramel eyes and Camila’s sweet voice surrounding him instead of her. Staring at them makes her forget about the world around her, even Ally’s murmurs cannot snap her out of it. She is too absorbed by the sight of their interlocked hands on the table. Are they here to dine or simply detonate the frustration she has been bottling inside her all day long?“Yo Lauser! Hurry up!”Her trance is cut off immediately by the yell of the youngest one at their table. “Your chicken will get cold and you won’t like it!”Normani smiles widely. “I will eat it. Don’t make me.”Lauren looks down, realising that she was sucked into her own feelings that she is momentarily unaware of her friends. She is not alone, after all. Dinah, Normani and Ally are here to support her no matter what. They are the best people you need when you are facing a crisis like this.Ally tugs her hand and leads the way this time. Lauren offers a small appreciative smile and follows, yet she cannot help but glance at that couple again. “You could have at least hinted at me, Allycat.”The oldest member looks over her shoulder and forces an awkward smile. “I’m so sorry Lo. My bad.” “We’re just looking out for you Ralph.”Lauren glares at the youngest. “Yeah and thanks to your loud howl, everyone thinks what kind of weird name I have. If someone’s going to come here and call me by that name, I will be haunting you tonight.”Normani sighs. “Anyway, if you feel uncomfortable staying here, we can pack these and go.”“Are you kidding me?” Lauren grabs a chicken and takes a bite. “We came here first so there’s no way I’m leaving because they are here. And I have you, three dorks. What more do I need to be contently eating my chicken?”“Peaches! I’m here!”Everyone’s attention turns to the lad who announces his arrival at the door. Lauren almost chokes on her chicken. “There’s your annoyingly irritating fiancé. What do you see in him though?” Normani grumbles.Dinah giggles. “Well, now they all know you are Lauser Peaches.”Lauren groans and stabs a death glare at Louis who is trotting his way to their table.***Harry cannot lift his eyes off Louis ever since he entered the place.Watching the lad smile widely and freely sends tingles behind his chest. Harry holds back a chuckle, still amazed by the oblivious Doncaster boy who never cares about what people think of him and acts all naughty and playful like he always does. Not to mention, Louis is always dashingly cute in his oversized sweater and skinny jeans.“Hello, Earth to Harry, do you copy?”Harry snaps out of his stare and looks at Camila. “I was checking the billboard menu.”“Really? Do you really have to lie to me? Your eyes aren’t binoculars, you can’t read it from this distance. You might as well say ‘Accio Menu’ Harry.” Camila points out and folds her arms. “You’re obviously distracted by him and I thought here we are supposedly acting all lovey-dovey!”“Okay, okay,” Harry raises both his hands. “I admit. So should we get something to eat?”Camila sneaks a peek at Lauren. “I really think we should leave.”“But he just got here.”“You can stay if you want.”“But we’re in this together,” Harry grabs her hand again. “I’ll order your usual favourite. Just stay here. Promise me please.”“But Haz…” Camila drags his name while looking at him with puppy eyes. “I’ll be quick. I just need to have a closer look at the menu before making up my mind.”Harry stands up, grins at her and walks away.***Louis beams before grabbing the vacant chair nearby and sits comfortably next to Ally while facing Lauren. “Finally manage to navigate yourself in Miami?” Lauren shoots him the first question before he can even greet her friends. “I can’ find you at the park so I came here, genius right? I know I was late I’m sorry Peaches. Someone was holding me back...”“That doesn’t mean you can come here and interrupt my ladies afternoon Carrot.”Louis giggles. “Ladies, I’m sorry to interrupt but we have you know some things to sort out.”“It’s okay, Louis,” Ally smiles back kindly but the other two are glaring rather suspiciously at him.“No, we don’t. So leave already. We can talk at home.”“Well, you see, I have something urgent to tell you,” Louis brings both his hands together. “I know I’m being invasive but we really need to talk alone like right now.”“What’s up really?” Dinah finally breaks her unusual silence. “Do you have to keep it from us and leave us in the dark?”Louis gulps. “That-That’s not it. I just-"“If you want to sit here and interfere with our routine Ladies Lunch, at least buy us something to eat. This place does not come for free,” Normani adds the pressure on Louis. “Ain’t gonna be easy for us to hand her to you all alone you know.”“You’re right,” Louis nervously smiles and stands up. “I’ll buy something. You girls want anything to add to your trays?”“I thought you never asked!” Dinah suddenly grins. “Get me large Mashed Potato and Lemonade. Make it fast, I can’t wait to share it with my Queen.”“Aww baby, ain’t that sweet? Louis, I want Hot Wings. Large. Pronto.”Ally shakes her head. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.”“Okay, what about you, Peach- Lauren?” Louis hesitates to call her nickname because she looks murderous right now.“Just get me a large Coleslaw.”“What, are you dieting?”“Leave already!”“Okay, okay. I’ll be back. Secure this chair for me,” Louis chuckles and walks away.Louis sighs loudly when he is a good distance further from the table. The girls can be hard on him sometimes. If only Lauren was alone, it would be easier for him. He is feeling burdened by the fact that he had a talk with Zayn earlier and does not know how long he can hold back from talking to Lauren about it.He also cannot deny that Lauren is feeling edgy just now. She usually sasses out her anger but this time she acts so seriously that it is almost a dream, or actually a mere nightmare. She seldom behaves like this.Perhaps Lauren is tired after a long day.Or maybe she is caught up about meeting Camila like what she said during the phone call.Or simply pissed off with Louis’ late coming again, as usual.He grins to himself. When will there ever be a day Louis does not annoy her to the core?Reaching the counters, he drops his shoulders seeing the lines. Apparently, there are only two serving counters. He takes the shortest one and recalls the girls’ orders while looking at the menu hung above the counter.“Nice see you here again, Louis.”The Doncaster lad jumps a little, connecting his blue eyes straight into green ones. “You?!”Harry grins with all his charms out. “What a coincidence.”Louis cannot even breathe. He is too engrossed in thinking about Zayn that he did not even think he would ever meet Harry here. In pure instinct, Louis looks towards the seats. To his dismay, his hunch is right. Camila is seated not too far from Lauren’s table.No wonder Lauren was behaving edgy.Camila is here with this curly boy.“What are you getting?” Harry pockets his hands. “I’m trying their Signature Sandwich.”“Shut up,” Louis spits in reflex. “Don’t act friendly with me.”“My, my. Impolite much my dear Louis? At least be kind to another patron here.”“Another patron, my sweet fat arse.”“That’s what he said. And nope. I don’t like you sharing it. It belongs to me alone.”“What are you talking about?! And why are you here?! You don’t even eat fast food!”“Exactly. That is why, once in a lifetime, I should give it a try. And destiny makes us meet, again,” Harry winks at him, making it the last straw.Louis grabs his shirt and fists it. “Get your girl and leave.”Harry holds Louis’ stare for seconds wrapping his hand over Louis’ fist on the shirt, enjoying the jolt that almost tears the blue-eyed lad into two. “Too bad I don’t plan to. Is that a problem? Is it because you cannot resist me?”With a quick stomp on the shoe, Harry yelps in pain and releases Louis from his grasp. “Get your shit together, curly boy. My fiancée is here too. Have some respect!” Louis hisses and continues to move in the queue. Fortunately, the person before him is done with his order and it is Louis’ turn.He recalls the order and then slides a glance at Harry. “Just wondering, is that Signature Sandwich of yours big enough for two? Because I want to share with the beloved love of my life. It will be fun having to stretch the cheese between our teeth.”Louis could have sworn his words are making the counter staff blush beet red. He still manages to smile triumphantly at Harry who is snorting and gritting his teeth angrily. “I think so, sir,” the staff finally answers Louis after the romance crap Louis throws at him. “Anything else?”Handing the cash, he adds, “Oh no that is all darling. Thank you.”Harry snorts, “It’s ‘Thank You’ and not ‘Fang You’. See what happens when you mixed around with a vampire? They bite and all you think about are fangs. Fang you, sounds too wrong though.”“Shut up,” Louis grits. “Strutting around here like you know stuff. Just get your arse outta here and go to some fancy bistro by the beach now, won’t you? What? Scared that the wavy waves will blow your curls away?”Harry smirks. “God, this never gets old.”“What?!” Louis yaps.“You always step up your sass game when you’re jealous.”“Jealous? What are you, kindergarten? All I’ve been telling you is to get out of here!” Louis raises his voice and turns to the staff. “Did I sound jealous?! I don’t right?!”Louis is about to continue exploding when Harry puts a finger on Louis’ lips.“Shh. I’m ordering now. If you want me to buy you something, we can meet later tonight,” Harry winks.Louis is somehow lost in Harry’s green gaze. It is as though he is sucked into the aurora in the sky. His eyes are always something Louis always enjoys staring at but then, another flash of green comes to his vision, remembering that Lauren and the girls are waiting for him.Without a word, Louis takes his tray and brushes past Harry. Harry tries to make a word when Louis shoots him a death glare. “Leave me alone, dimwit.”As soon as Louis is far away, Harry blows a sigh. ***“Everything alright?” Lauren asks as soon as Louis reaches their table.When he sits next to her, she creases her brows upon seeing his troubled expression. She is not ignorant to miss his interaction with his ex-flame at the counter. He leans back and slides a pleading gaze at her. “Think we could cuddle?”Without awaiting any reply Louis slides his arm on her shoulder. Lauren shows no resistance despite the presence of her friends. They do not seem to mind actually since they are eating their share of food. He holds her close enough so that she is leaning on his shoulder before he pecks her forehead.“What is going on Lou?” she asks again.Sighing, he finally answers her. “Zayn happened. He apologised for his inappropriate comment the other time. Enough about him for now. What are we gonna do about our old flames?”Thinking their cuddle could earn that couple's envy, Lauren heard them giggling instead. She steals a glance at them, frowning seeing Camila and Harry leaning their foreheads together like some lovesick fool. It definitely hurts to find her doing what they both used to share but with someone else. She looks up at Louis who reflects the same frown as hers. His eyes are fixated on them nevertheless. Lauren does not need to ask because it is as clear as day that he probably had that kind of moment with Harry too. She glares at them, hard.“Fuck it.” He chuckles at her cussing and massages her scalp so that she turns her head to look at him instead.Louis fidgets, shifting his gaze towards Lauren. “You don't like this cuddle?”She sighs. “No, that’s not it. I just can't decide between leaving this place or whether I should be breaking that facade over there. Whatever it is, I'm not that masochistic to stay here and look at them.”“Well, if you want to leave,” Dinah wipes her lips with a napkin, “we should all go. I’ll pack the rest of our food. My appetite is ruined by your PDA.”Normani nods ignoring Lauren rolling her eyes. “A good excuse to leave this place and not face that and that.”Louis grins. “We're pretty good here, right, Peaches?”Lauren exchanges glance with the girls and then Louis. “Yeah. I'll be fine. Text you girls later.”The girls shrug, do their handshakes and make their move without Lauren. They do not miss seeing Camila pretends not looking at them leaving. Camila pulls Harry by the hand, triggering him wide-eyed.“Why are they leaving without her?” She questions, resisting to stare at the couple.He sips his drink. “It probably worked. Our presence caused some stir.”“Yeah,” Camila cocks a brow angrily. “That’s what you think. But knowing her to pick that boy over her friends is a first! I almost let the thought of them being real cross my mind. Even Dinah looks calm about them cuddling-"“Chill, Mils!” Harry holds her hand in both his hands. He hushes her, combing back her hair behind her. “Don’t fall into their trap.”She creases her brows and sees him glancing at them. He grins and moves, sitting beside her, cuddling her just nice and not forgetting to peck a kiss on her cheek.“What now?” Camila is utterly confused.“I know his game like the back of my hand,” Harry whispers into her ear. “He is challenging us by having their time alone and not leaving. I can tell your girl won't back down either.”“Haz, I don't think we should continue,” Camila pleads.“The game has only started...”“I'm being serious here, Haz. Harry!”Harry starts burying his face at Camila's neck, causing her to stiffen. “You know I won't do anything to hurt you. Just relax…”“Just stop...”“Lou?” Lauren notices Louis is distracted and she instantly looks at the couple. Her heart clenches at the expression Camila is making. Eyes shut, mouth slightly ajar and not fighting back her grimace when Harry has his face close to her neck. Lauren is clutching her fists, squeezing the napkin in her hand. Louis, however, grabs her hand so suddenly. She then feels like she is being absorbed by his intense blue eyes. Louis seems to pick up Harry's challenge, going against each other by showing affection to their partners. Lauren frowns, seeing Louis' hand shaking as he is trying hard to hold back his anger for being provoked in that way. She kisses his hand and hugs him, putting her head under his chin.“I have you Boobear,” Lauren says in a baby voice. Louis sighs. “Lolo, you don't know him or what he is capable of.”Lauren cocks a brow at him when suddenly she heard a loud gasp. Camila rubs her neck. “Did you just mark me again, Haz?”“Don't worry, love. Not somewhere obvious,” Harry nuzzles their noses, happy that Camila plays along with the fake hickey idea. “Your fabulous hair will cover it well, Miss Cabello.”Camila giggles. She is glad that Harry only licks her to make her laugh and not bite her for real. So she decided to play along. “Are you trying to get back at me for giving you that big fat ass purple hickey?”“Are you certain it wasn’t me who gave you that instead? I'll do anything for my beautiful fiancée.”“You're so sweet.”Louis leans his head back and sighs miserably. How dare Harry mentioned that phrase, ‘fabulous hair’; it’s their inside joke, a play on their names combined, ‘Lou Har’.“See what I told you. That bastard. I swear I want to- Lolo!”The Doncaster boy turns white when Lauren suddenly plunges her teeth into Louis' collarbone. He does not know what to do but to stay still. She soon straightens up licking her lip, pretending to enjoy it that much. Flipping her hair on his face, she pecks a kiss on his lips.Louis touches his collarbone and feels the small lump. He scrunches up, “Did you just give me a love bite?!”“Don't act so surprised. It is like our hundredth time,” Lauren winks. “As your fiancée, I'll give you what you always love.”Louis gulps feeling the glare of green envy from that table. He looks up at Lauren who raises her brows playfully at him.He smirks. “If I had known, I would have come with a turtleneck.” A loud bang of fist hits the table and they do not need to turn to know who it was. Harry reacts without thinking twice, underestimating Lauren's daring act to genuinely bite his favourite place. Harry is now eager to be on his feet and march to their table. The curly boy always has some anger management issues. However, Camila is strong enough to pin him down in her own ways. She caresses his chest, it always works to soothe him.“That vampire!” He bristles.She pinches his arm. “Stop that thought of attacking them! You started this remember?”Harry cannot even spare a glance at Camila as his head is now filled with murderous intent, hoping to boil away Lauren with his smouldering stare. Yet he is clueless that the same act had torn up Camila mentally and she is about to lose her composure too. Even though she has tried to convince him to stop, she only feels disappointed with herself, allowing Lauren to mess her up.Tears are threatening to pool in her eyes. Camila cannot imagine another daring act from Lauren. She has to stop him from provoking Lauren. There will be no end to this. Camila knows her too well. But seeing them together makes her feel some sort of way. She wants Lauren to feel her pain too.Lauren wraps her arms around Louis' neck.“So do you think that bang was meant for me?” She prims her lips. “Is he really going to hit me?”He notices that she realises the seriousness of the situation. “I'm amazed your smart arse didn't think this through. But I totally understand that you cannot resist me.”“We should leave. Perhaps I have crossed the line,” Lauren voices her thought.“Nah, it's looking good. Remember what we talked about how desperate times call for desperate measures?”Lauren sighs before smirking.***Camila watches as Harry's fingers lightly pinch her chiselled cleft chin. She is feeling reluctant but somehow too stunned to refuse. He begins with soft pecks, peppering kisses on her cheeks and forehead. She only responds by digging her nails into those lustrous curls. Harry eventually pulls back to glance at them. He triumphs a smile seeing the pissed off look coming from Louis who cannot bother to hide his curiosity. Camila intends to look but she already fears the look from Lauren. God knows Camila only adores being peppered by Lauren and no one else. “Don’t look now but I think it might be working? I can see it from the corner of my gorgeous green eyes that they are green with envy, no pun intended.” Harry wears a mischievous smug.“I’m still unsure about this.”He scoffs. “You cannot deny that you pretty much enjoyed making her jelly.”Easily claiming her feelings as such, Camila is ticked off and slaps his shoulder hard. “Only a bit! It’s kinda fun to see her reaction sometimes. Besides, it only proves that she loves me. But right now, I don't want to cross the limit.”“Mils, you must have forgotten how they reacted when we gave each other little pecks on the lips during our party. It is no different from today. They are glaring at us now. ”“Are you even listening to me?” She sighs, watching him get prouder by the minute.“Do you want to climb on my lap, Mils? I think it will trigger another reaction.”She shoots him a frustrated look and grits her teeth. “So what’s next? Do you want me to strip naked for you too? Stand on the table and whip my brassiere around like a freaking cowgirl?”“What are you saying? You know we're only playing this to get them jealous.”“It's enough,” she pushes him away. “You are too blinded with this game and have forgotten about how I feel about this.”“Are you seriously backing out on this? Weren't you excited to see her jealous?”“Yeah,” she nods with thick sarcasm. “I am totally enjoying all these kisses we shared and it’ll just be suspicious as fuck if we didn’t kiss until our mouths hung dry.”“Told you I didn’t like it when you swear Mils no matter how cute it is coming from you. Anyway, is that a yes?” She gawks at him as he is completely blinded by the game. “Have you lost your mind in the office?! I don't think I can handle her reaction if we do it.”Harry is suddenly silenced. Camila thinks that her rejection caused him to but when she shifts her gaze towards his line of sight, she totally understands why blood drains out of his face.Lauren is full on making out with Louis. As if sensing she’s being watched, her fierce eyes pierce through Camila’s soul. It is as though she is doing that just to hurt her. Camila can’t stop the immediate tears pooling her eyes and without realising it, she’s already dashing out. Leaving behind a dazed Harry who hurries after her as soon as he witnessed the tragedy.
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Who would have thought his plan backfired on him?Harry groans as he marches into the building which will be his future empire to rule. He is still trying to move on from what happened last week by burying himself with work rather than finishing his college assignments. He just needs somewhere else to be instead of college. That place reminds him too much of love tragedy.While the young businessman waits for the elevator, he pulls out his phone. His thumb automatically rings Camila's number. It is not that he always reports to her about his whereabouts but she has not been answering any call or text from him. Sometimes when he came to visit, she was never around.Harry blows a loud sigh seeing his call did not get through again. He just prays his beloved childhood friend does not do anything stupid. The sight of her taking the cab without a look back at him that day is relentlessly churning his head. He knows she is upset about what happened. Nobody wants to watch the love of your life locking tongues with someone else.Now that he carelessly lets that memory slip in, he clicks his tongue and jams his thumb on the button as though it will bring the elevator down with his command."Chill, mate! You're going to break that thing," a ginger appears behind him. "Your dad will curse you and don't say I didn't warn you."Harry forces out a chuckle. "Always have my back, Ed."Ed laughs and slaps his tall friend's back gently. "Something's bothering you?""Too long a story.""Well, I happened to be free until I reach my office.""I just don't know where to begin," Harry brushes his own curls, avoiding eye contact with his close friend in the business.Ed remains with his grin and crosses his arms. "I guess the engagement thing took away half your soul."Harry sneers. "I agreed on that. But you know who our parents are.""Like the back of my hands, legit," Ed sighs. "They can be military at their worst. I sort of hoped that things got better after you both wore the rings.""Not at all. It got worse.""She cannot be that bad.""Not answering my phone and abandoning me, totally okay. Yeah right."The elevator soon opens and the lads enter together. As Harry punches their buttons, Ed stands closely."It's Louis, right?"Harry turns to face him but Ed is not fazed by his surprised reaction. "I heard he got engaged too. Coincidence, huh?"For a moment, hearing Louis' name stabs a needle in his heart. He nearly forgets that they both hanged out together before but only that Ed does not know their true relationship."It does not concern me if he gets married first or becomes a granddad or even great granddad. Who the fuck cares?" Harry blurts out of exasperation.Ed blinks and smiles his shock away. "What really happened between you two? You two were close."Harry scoffs. "Well not anymore."The level Harry has chosen finally reaches and he nods at Ed as a farewell."Wait a second, Styles!" Ed pulls him by the arm."No more word of him in this building, do you hear me? Or you want me to place a white envelope on your desk next morning and a newspaper for job-hunting?"Ed releases Harry's arm. "My bad. Apologies, mate. I thought you're having a bad mood because of your fiancé so I figured I cheer you up by mentioning him."Harry has his green eyes widely stretched."Guess you are more pissed about him than her. No one would expect that."Harry coughs, feeling the slight rush of heat burning his cheeks. He cannot fathom why he is so open about his emotion when it comes to Louis. Ed is innocent and barely knows anything about them but his wisdom prevails Harry."I'll see you when I see you, Styles.""Same to you."As soon as Ed disappears from sight, Harry blows out a large breath."Damn it. I have to calm down," Harry puts his phone on his ear once again. "Come on. Pick it up, Mils."***This side of the library has always been her favourite. The corner nearest to the window is situated just next to the bookshelf of classical music and history. Camila can almost make a sanctuary at the table she is sitting.Surely she needs one, a place she can meditate and pray for peace.Her swollen eyes impede her from reading her book but she rather drowns herself in studies than be at her room crying her eyeballs out. It really takes a lot of courage for her to come to school, incessantly reminding herself to be strong.She has feared about what would have happened so many times that when it becomes a reality, she thinks she could try to learn to accept it and let go. It is not that she is giving up on Lauren but she is willing to understand that she cannot stop Lauren from doing whatever she wants.No matter how many times Camila begged her, Lauren refused her. Lauren ignored her at school, glared at her when she was with Harry but Lauren would never interfere. That raven-haired girl chose to hurt Camila instead of being true to her feelings.That is when she realised she has just been wasting her time putting hope that Lauren would ever come running to her.Although the incident last week has Lauren to be blamed, Camila still feels guilty for starting the challenge with Harry. She constantly explains it to herself that the actions shared between her and Harry were mainly platonic but that only makes her trying hard to play innocent.Has Camila always been innocent?Why would she be if she was the one who left Lauren without a word and returned with the news of matrimony to her own childhood friend?Camila closes her book and massages her temples. She notices her phone is blinking. Scrolling down the notification bar, not surprised to see Harry's ID filling every inch of it. She puts it next to her pencil case and returns her eyes back on the page.She has to distract herself.Suddenly a chair falls across her table, causing her to jolt back. She looks up to angry eyes of Styles."Don't look as if I can never find you," Harry proudly states and sits down facing her, adjusting his blazer.Camila blinks away. "Well, I'm just leaving.""Stop being so immature, Mils! How long are you going to do this?!" He blurts without care of the hushing behind him. "You think you can just ignore everything and things will go back to normal?"She glares at him. "You're the one who is being immature here. Check your temper, Styles.""Oh, good. Blame it all on me. I'm the one who cannot lose and cannot give in. I'm the bad guy here but Mils, have you not once considered that I'm doing this for us?! We both promised to do this until the end.""This is not the time and place to be talking about this. I'm not in the mood and I need some space. So leave me alone.""Don't you dare stand without letting me finish."Camila sneers at the arrogant lad and she stands up with her stuff in her arms. "Already did. I will text you so just leave before making a scene here-""You need me. Face it."Harry literally burns his green eyes on Camila, as though he is threatening her to obey his wishes. She is not alarmed by his sudden possessive behaviour because he always resorts to this whenever he has no other options. He is clearly desperate to settle the problem, more like he is unable to swallow the defeat because of his thick sickening ego.Before she can say a word, he speaks again."You know you're not capable of doing anything about it. I started the idea for the sake of us but you shoved the blame on me, playing the victim in this shit. So here I am trying to fix things but I am utterly underappreciated here because you are just going to walk off on this and continue to be in your own delusion that things will get normal. Wake up, Mils because I'm not your puppet-"A slap pierces through the air.Harry cups his cheek and looks up into hot watery eyes of Camila. His words easily trigger Camila into hot frustration."Enough," she utters, pulling back her hand. "I had enough listening to your selfish wants, Harry."He hisses. "You're the selfish one here."She furrows her brows and grits, "How so? Do enlighten me.""At least I cared enough to find you here," Harry kicks his chair to magnify his anger. "What did you do? Tell me.""Sorry for the trouble then," Camila wipes her tears and forces a clumsy unconvinced smile. "Forget our promise from now on."He blinks surprised. "What?""I'll do it my way and you do yours. So now leave me alone."Camila dashes away again, leaving Harry in defeated silence for the second time. *Group discussion with Louren* "Ugh Louis, I told you they are here already!""Stop grumbling, woman. I wouldn't wanna be seen with a grumpy old vampire...ow! What was that for?" Poor Louis rubs the back of his head.Lauren smirks, "You deserved it."The pair of roommates stride into the cafe where they promise to meet their team members for their due assignment. Louis remains behind Lauren as they weave through the crowd. He swears that she deliberately carries the notebook in hand only to hit him. He is sure of it by how she is hugging it with pride."Seriously, babe. How could you hit your fiancé? There must be a rule book that says it is illegal!" Louis rants, stealing her attention.Lauren sighs. "Will you give it a break? We are due this week!""You mean we're getting married end of this week?"She spins to glare at him. "I should have brought along a frying pan."He breaks into chuckles. "I didn't know you're going to cook here. My, my how domesticated is my future wife really.""Just one more word," Lauren raises a finger. "I will not only fry you but skewer you onto that lamppost out there. Like a kebab.""Feisty.""Behave."They are hastening their steps to the table where their two other groupmates gathers. Lauren would have jogged to them if it wasn't for Louis holding her back. She almost loses her temper when she sees his signal to stay quiet. He manoeuvres themselves carefully to try sneaking behind the unsuspecting duo. Near enough to eavesdrop, he covers his mouth in hopes not to let a single embarrassing giggle out."You're Yemen descent but I can be your man.""Give it up already Augusto, Jade is taken!" Louis laughs obnoxiously scaring the pair."Do you think I don't know that?" the brunet pouts, recovering from the shock."Then what were you doing to our Jeed oh dear Thomas?" Lauren remarks."Just trying my luck. See if my pickup pun would work. Jade knows I wasn't being serious, right? Jade?"Jade simply hums a reply as soon as Louis and Lauren take their seats."Louis, go apologise to them since you're the reason we're late," demands Lauren."It's okay though really, Thomas and I just arrived as well." Jade smiles sweetly her thick accent is what they are already accustomed to.The discussion goes smoothly with laughter ringing once in a while. The team clearly has chemistry which makes it easier for them. Still, the mood shifts slightly upon the next question."Alright now that we're more or less sure about the song composition, why don't we check with the book to see if there are any useful tips we could add," Jade speaks enthusiastically."Agreed, take out the book Loubear."Louis pales, "What?"Jade pouts a little, "The book Louis. Don't tell me my fellow Brit still doesn't get my accent?""Which book are we talking about?" Louis smiles sheepishly."That big blue book about song composition, you know the one recommended to us?" Thomas answers."Oh! That book. Where is it, Peaches?""Me? Why are you asking me for? You're the one who's supposed to bring it!"Louis stalls, "Thought you said you're gonna bring the book?""Notebook! I said I was gonna bring the notebook and you bring the blue book. Ugh, you gotta be kidding me...""No worries, we could always check another day," Jade tries to defuse the situation."That'll be a waste of time though since we're already here almost wrapping it up.""Or we could just go to your favourite place, Peaches. To the library!" Louis packs his things and stands."Wait!" Both Jade and Thomas shriek at once.Jade quickly comments, "You don't want to go to the library.""Yeah, you don't wanna. Crowded and all," adds Thomas.Lauren observes the two and narrows her eyes at how suspiciously uneasy they seem. "There's something that you two aren't telling. Acting all suspicious, spill it.""Go on JT, Augusto. There's nothing my machismo self can't handle," Louis insists to joke around.Jade and Thomas hold a silent communication consisting of different facial gestures. After a few nods, shake of the head and eyebrow-raising motions, they finally give in."Well, Thomas and I saw Harry looked full-blown rage earlier when we were passing by the Library. We overheard him asking for Camila."Jade looks at Thomas, urging him to continue.Sighing, Thomas explains. "Looks like they were having an argument. Somebody spammed the group chat saying the commotion between them sounds horrible that a chair was damaged in the process. Oh! And a slap was also heard."***"Peaches! Oh come on now, it's like you're sprinting. Are we doing the Olympic now?""I have to get there before it's too late!""Every man in the race feels the same, pumpkin. Everyone wants the gold medal. I'm sure you definitely win the Panic category.""Shut up Boobear and just let your legs do the running!"Louis sighs as they continue to run. "Tell me what you're gonna do once you're inside? Did you not think this through? I told you that they could have already left. The incident should be over an hour ago!""What else do you need to think when someone is slapped and a chair is broken amidst arguing, Louis?!" Lauren stabs a glare at Louis.He rolls his eyes. "It was damaged. They could have dented it here and there. It is not that anyone got seriously hurt.""So I should wait until someone gets injured? Is that what you're trying to say?"As soon as the library's entrance is in sight, Louis stops Lauren from going further and pulls her to face him, both of them panting in short breaths."Now, now Peaches," Louis smiles weakly. "Calm down, alright? This is not my Peaches I know."Lauren looks at Louis with a brief surprised look before looking at the library door. "I didn't mean to act like this but clearly something's wrong in there."Lauren combs her hair back and leans against the wall. She tries to take a deep breath only to release it in between shaky gaps. Louis pulls her head to his chest and pats her."It's alright to be worried about her. But to interfere them all of the sudden, it is so not you."Lauren finds Louis' eyes and raises her brow."You chose to ignore her," he answers carefully. "And now that she has done the same to you all week, it somehow just gets you riled up?"She continues to hold her green gaze on him. Has she ever imagined Camila ignoring her?Louis quirks up a wider smile. "Have you forgotten that you were doing the same for months?""Whatever," Lauren finally voices, shoving him back to have some space to breathe. "I swear if Harry lays a finger on her...""Then you'll what? Stop deflecting," he interjects. "Harry wouldn't hurt a fly I can vouch for that! If anything else it must be because of the incident. I told you we've crossed the line but you keep brushing it off."She scoffs. "It was your idea, 'Desperate times call for desperate measures'!""Yeah okay," Louis huffs. "I did but I wasn't the one who acted on it! You completely caught me off guard! I have the evidence under this collar!""Oh so now you're blaming me? It all started from the moment you suggested this fiancée fakery!""Then why agree to it?""Because you're my best friend!""So why did you kiss me?""It was only an act! And you were into it as well! Why didn't you stop me then?"Louis closes his eyes and wipes his face in order to cool down. Lauren, on the other hand, is trying to control her breathing."Okay look, I'm sorry Lauren, alright? I've never thought it would come to this. But don't you dare deny that we both regret it. It was written all over your face the moment we broke the kiss."The raven-haired girl looks away and crosses her arms. "You're too full of yourself sometimes.""Don't you think I'm not worried about Harry? You think I didn't know he's been absent in classes? Firstly, he's not the type to play truant. I wonder why he is neglecting studies for his family business," Louis sighs. "And secondly he won't make a scene like that unless he reaches his patience limit. And believe me, it is way too thin.""I'm sorry for snapping Louis. I lost control," Lauren huffs and faces him again. "What do I do now? What should we do to fix this? We are both hurting the ones we love Louis."Seeing tears gather in her eyes, he immediately holds her in a gentle embrace."Don't worry Peaches, we'll figure it out. And for what it's worth, you're a good kisser."He smiles upon hearing her chuckle."Oh stop it, Lou, you're making me blush.""Hey, don't get too excited now. I only said good, not great."She punches his arm.***Louis has ensured Lauren to just let nature takes its course since what is done can't be undone.Nonetheless, the absence of stories about Camila disturbs her. Since their classes never clash hence not seeing each other around is a common thing.Her hunch is telling her otherwise.Something is just not right.Lauren has been loitering around campus a little longer, hoping for a chance to take a glimpse of the brunette. It does not even have to be a close or long stare. At least Lauren can satisfy her curiosity by making sure that Camila is alive and good.She sits at the bench near the staircase and starts her laptop before taking out her file. Dinah is texting that she will accompany her after the rendezvous with her bae. Lauren takes her time and plays with her laptop idly when she spots what she has been dying to see.Camila is strolling down a path. It feels like a mile away from her.Her clothes, however, disturb Lauren to the core. As compared to her usual blouse dress, Camila dons on a loose sleeveless white top, tight latex black pants and killer high heels. Lauren gulps at what she is wearing."What the hell is going on?" She whispers to herself.Before the young brunette disappears into a corner, someone calls her from behind. Lauren does not recognise her as Camila's common friends. Matter of fact, Lauren is sure they are just acquaintances because Lauren can never imagine her walking into a library with a girl wearing almost nothing.That girl only has a pink tank top and mini shorts. Once again her heels baffle Lauren.The two ladies break into a laughter and something happen beyond her wildest imagination. Camila kisses the girl's cheek and holds it for seconds while Lauren is already breathing in and out. Then, they both separate ways, Camila barely even look at Lauren's direction."Hey, Lauser! Did you wait too long?" Dinah suddenly appears and gasps. "What are you doing to your file?! You're creasing it!""M-My bad," Lauren admits, still looking around hoping to see Camila again."What's going on? Who're you looking for?""No, no one.""Okay, I just heard some news," Dinah grins sideways. "You probably want to hear it.""Spill it.""Mila has been spotted in the same club for the past few nights. And not just any club. A female strip club! Can you believe it? She's growing up so fast.""What?""Someone leaked a video of her winning a game of shots. Do you want to see?""Do I look like I want to see it?" Lauren grunts and packs her things."Whoa, whoa, why you acting all jelly for? I'm here for you. You know the one you run to and spill your deepest darkest secret.""Dinah!""What? Am I wrong? Bish please," Dinah flips her hair.Lauren gulps, "I'm not jelly...""Sure Jan. Just save it girl. Come on now, you owe me lunch for separating me and my bae.""As if you're not living together already."Dinah glares and Lauren holds up her arms in surrender.Walking out of the campus, an unwelcoming sight greets them."May I have a moment?""No, you most definitely may not.""I'd like to apologise. I genuinely would like to apologise to you. Lorenza please...""I loathed that nickname! I told you that it reminds me of Lozenges," Lauren crosses her arms defensively.Zayn chuckles, "Yeah sure, just like how you don't like being called Lolo or ...""Yeah sure just ignore the giant pink elephant. Look, pal, my best friend clearly doesn't wanna talk to you so just back of before I give you a ...""Dinah, it's okay," Lauren tugs Dinah's arms and hands her the car keys. "Could you wait in the car? Thanks, Dinah. Trust me, I better get this over with. He won't stop stalking me otherwise.""I got my eyes on you pal," Dinah narrows her eyes threateningly at Zayn."So, Louis gave me two minutes to talk to him and I'm hoping your generous heart could spare me five?""Three. Since you took too long to finally apologise. Should I feel hurt that you seek Louis before me?""I've known him since we were kids and my accusation...""And I was your girlfriend. Now I know where your priorities lie as usual Zayn, I'm not the first as always.""That's not true! You're the first and only girl that I have ever loved!""So what happened after me? Huh? Don't tell me you didn't fall in love again that's hard to believe. What about Perrie? Small world ey? Or what about the blondie, whom you're engaged to?""I broke it off, it was PR of some sorts, I'm a DJ and she's a model. As for Perrie, you have got to be joking if you think she's interested in me. I was helping her sort out what she truly feels for Jade. I know you're a jealous person but even this is top notch jealous crazy Lauren."Lauren stays silent knowing Zayn is right. Seeing how she refuses to respond, the jet black haired bloke continues."I can't tell you how sorry I am Lauren. Yes, I took too long. It wasn't easy gathering courage to face the one person you love and hurt the most. I wanna do this properly Lauren. You deserve so much more than an uttered apology."His eyes carry a sadness that words are not enough to explain. He appears sincere in what he has spoken. She tries to evade his apology but is not that heartless to ignore his plea."So what are you planning to do now?" She cocks a brow at him.He releases a heavy sigh. "That's the question I don't have the answer myself. You don't know how disheartening it is to learn those wild accusations I used to hear then, turned out to be real in the future.""What do you mean by that?"Zayn creases his brows, fighting his irritation to verbally say it. "I heard you two were engaged. That proves a lot about why scandalous rumours about you two came about when we were together."Lauren blinks in shock."I didn't believe it the first time," he smiles nervously. "But now whenever I see the two of you together, it is not as farfetched as I believe.""So it is true that you were stalking me. Had a hunch and it was right, you said your apologies so what else is there to it really Zayn? Told you before Louis and I were never a thing in the past. What happened between him and me, it happened years after you which is fairly recently, to be honest."Zayn senses Lauren up her game of defensiveness. He should probably not pry more than he planned to. This may be his last chance to patch things up between them. There is no point dwelling what he felt about their engagement and scandalous rumours. He may walk away from here and not gain anything at all which defeats the entire purpose."Please, let me buy you dinner some time," he breathes a daring move."Well, I'm engaged," she smirks. "You can't have dinner with me alone."Zayn smirks even wider, not surprise of her sassiness. "I've talked to Louis about it. All I need is one more chance to prove myself. Will you please consider, Lauren Encantadora?"Lauren looks at him with a puzzled look. Somewhere in her heart tries to persuade her to accept him but her mind persists to divert her attention on what she discovered about Camila.Seems like so many things are happening at one time. It weighs heavily on her.
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“I told you a hundred times! I’m pretty sure I could fit!”Louis leans back and sighs. “I cannot agree more. It suits pretty well indeed.”“You gotta help me in this! Before...” Lauren gulps and stops short, trying hard not to say something wrong and jinx her compromising state.“Before? Before what Peaches?” He smirks evilly, eagerly waiting for something funny to happen.“Before I use shrinking powder to shrink all your boxers, Carrots!”“Peaches, I really admire the fact that you are acting as though we are already a married couple.”“Lou, is your mind on hibernation mode? Can't you understand the dilemma I'm facing right now?!”“Do enlighten me. What makes you think you can still fit in that little black dress Zayn bought for you when you're in freshman year?”She turns to face him, finger pointing at him like he’s a child to be reprimanded. Just as she takes a step towards him, an unmistakable sound of agonising embarrassment fills the air. Her dress rips a little at the side and her face is flushing red.Louis explodes in laughter, slapping his knee, watching Lauren's face turn hot and reddens. She grits her teeth and grabs her hairbrush, tossing it at him without any hesitation. The lad continues with his fits, amused at the raging lady whose dress is barely covering her chest.“I mean,” he manages to speak, wiping a tear out of the corner of his eyes, “you were bloody skinny then. But now you have Peaches...”She grabs him by his shirt. “Stop laughing your ass off and get me out of this shit or you’ll regret it, I mean it!”He raises his brows. “I thought you want me to help you zip it up.”“I don't think it would work anymore, Louis,” Lauren frowns.“So which would work better, pulling up or pulling down? Bear in mind that it's your gorgeously ginormous peaches that is causing the problem,” Louis attempts to stifle his chuckling.“Whatever! Just get on with it, this tight dress is killing me! Pull it up but be careful not to let it rip further.”“As you wish, Princess Peaches.” He stands behind her.“Hey! Hey, do it in front of me!” She barks. “I want to see you so you don't do anything stupid behind my back, you know, like literally.”Louis creases his forehead and sighs. He moves in front and holds a firm grip on the sides of the black dress.“Wait!” she suddenly shrieks.“What now?” he grumbles, slumping his shoulders haggardly.“Close your eyes.”“What?!”“Come on now Lou-Lou, no peeking Carrots. Or would you prefer a blindfold?”“Eww! No thanks, Peaches! I’m not into your kinky shit!”Ignoring the slap on his arm, he gently pulls it up, fighting hard not to open his eyes. As soon as the dress passes her head, he opens his eyes instantly. Both his blue orbs lock on green. They hardly realise they would be in this suffering close proximity again.As their breaths mingle, their gazes become entwined into a trance. They can recall the last time they locked lips like there is no tomorrow. It was full of passion despite the fakery written all over it. The intention to make the other couple envious was poisoning their minds to a point of desperation.Little did they realise, they were just desperate to claim someone’s lips as theirs.Watching Lauren remains quiet before him, somehow gives him the chance to take the lead this time. He senses his face inching forward on its own. It is remarkable to Louis that she is not showing any sign of resistance.When her long eyelashes start to flutter closed, he bites his lips. She moves her head forward in order to place her forehead against his. They both sigh heavily at the same time.Something is definitely wrong.This is not the Lauren he knows. She is probably stressed about something that she is not thinking this through.Luckily though, they managed to stop in time before things progressed further and worsen their complicated situation.Even if Louis wants to kiss her, he does not have the stomach to take advantage of her.He quickly pecks her cheek, making her shoot her eyes open. Before he captures the disappointment in her eyes, he carefully places the dress over her face and walks away.Lauren removes the dress and shakes her head subtly, trying to recover from the shock. Her mind is still in a jumbled up mess, barely making space to understand what she really wanted just now. Did she somehow imply that she wanted a kiss from him?She needs to snap out of it. She is supposed to be more sane and smarter than him. Grabbing a tee, she quickly puts it on before following Louis.“So do you want to tell me why you suddenly decided to fit in that?” He saunters into the kitchen. “What did he say earlier?”As soon as Lauren drops herself onto the couch, she speaks, “The usual. Forgive me, give me a second chance, sort of.”Louis comes over and places two glasses on the coffee table. “So, you decided to wear that on your dinner date with him.”“No! When did I ever mention about going on a date with him?!”“He was asking me whether I would allow it since I am your infamous fiancé. I told him off that it was not a good idea. Matter of fact, I don't see why we should give him a chance. He does not deserve our sympathy after what he did to you. I seriously think that...”Louis halts his speech noticing Lauren is not with him. She is not paying attention to what he is talking about and is staring into a distance, somehow disconnected from reality in all. He notices her lack of energy and focus, which hurts him more than being ignored.He leans forward, searching her eyes. “Is this about Camila?”That name triggers a jolt in the raven-haired woman.She stabs him with a glare. “What?”“Don't tell me you are actually considering a chance with Zayn so that you can forget her.”She gulps, seeing burning anger in his eyes. Obviously, he is not happy if she thinks that way, a wrong reason. Going back to your old flame in order to forget the other is playing with fire.Surely she isn’t blindly choosing to return to someone who caused her enough heartbreak, thinking that it was not as bad as the current one.Zayn's sweet words and smiles seem victorious as they are luring Lauren to think the love she shared with him before can be attained back.“I did not consider that!” Lauren abruptly yells, fisting her hands, “I don’t need a rebound.”She huffs and crosses her arms.Louis exhales and places a hand on her knee, “I just want you to be careful okay? Not just with your heart Lauren. I don’t want you to be hurt again. I’ll be here whenever you need me, okay?She nods and all signs of anger immediately fade. His soothing words are an antidote to her heart that has been poisoned by two former lovers. She is beyond grateful that he has been by her side from the start.He ruffles her hair and tucks some stray strands behind her ears. “You are incredibly beautiful, Lauren Jauregui.”“Oh, Louis, are you only realising that now? After all the years being my newly beloved fake fiancé, how could you not have known?” Lauren bats her eyes at him.He smiles his cheeky smile and chuckles. “Hello? Is my sassy fake fiancée back already? Because I poured the drink ages ago and if she won’t get drunk with this orange juice then I am totally hurt!”“Who drinks orange juice to be drunk in the evening?! I don't need Vitamin C to go to bed!”“But Vitamin C is good for your frowny face.”“You should drink your milk for your lack of height.”“Excuse me,” he gasps loudly. “I'm tallest among my sisters!”Lauren breaks into giggles, elated that she can still joke around with Louis. No matter how many heartaches her previous loves can bring, she will be fine as long as he is around. They both always have each other's back as always.***The black Audi pulls over at the side road, its skidding screech grabbing attention from the raucous drunkards. Harry climbs out with a hard slam of his door behind him. He walks the streets notorious for its long stretch of pubs and bars. Spotting her, he marches towards the group.He hisses at the sight of the brunette clinging her arm over a mildly dress girl around their age group. Harry's hand flies to her wrist, tugging her away from the scene. Camila whimpers loudly but obliges, tripping on her feet every now and then.When they are almost close to his car, Camila knocks his grip off. “What are you doing, stupid?”He winces hearing her voice which was once melodious now wavers deliriously. It is amazing how alcohol can change someone you knew since diapers into someone who is a total stranger.Harry takes a closer look at her. Girly coloured lipstick stains both her tanned cheeks. She is now giggling when she picks up the disgust from his expression.“There is no point talking to you right now. You won't remember or understand,” he bellows.Camila sneers. “What wouldn’t I understand? Are you not speaking American or Hispanic? Speak a language I know Harry not Potter! Brush up on your Parseltongue now won’t you?!”“Stop with your drunken nonsense! Let's go. We’ve got a reputation to uphold or have you forgotten that already?”“Eww don't even touch me, moron!” She slaps his hand away. “I'm staying here! I’m not done partying! So go home already. Ari is waiting for me!”“Ariana?” Harry scoffs, looking over at the group to see that said woman twiddling her fingers at him while pouting. “You promised me you are not going back to her again! Isn't that what sparks our engagement in the first place? To maintain all of our images!”“Don't yell at me!” she yells instead, lolling her tongue at him. “I told you I will do it my way. So scram!”She turns around but he is quick to carry her over his shoulder.“What the hell! Put me down!”Harry tosses Camila onto the front passenger seat and fastens her seatbelt. He rushes to his seat, and without his own seatbelt locked, he hits the accelerator, speeding out of the bitter scented street. She keeps on whining and yelling until she loses energy and falls asleep.A jolt disrupts her sleep when he accidentally drives over an obstacle.“Fuck! Where am I again?”“No cursing.”Camila turns and sees Harry gripping his steering wheel hard and his jaw is set. Well, she can only recall not being too drunk or not being too sober either. Here he is driving her back home again. Upon closer inspection, she notices that his seatbelt is not buckled. She knows he must have been so angry that he doesn’t give a damn about his own safety.“Haz, your seatbelt...”“Shut up!” He roars interrupting her.Yep, he is definitely angry all right.“I’m sorry, for everything. Could you just, fasten your seatbelt first, please? I don’t want you to get hurt.”“Already hurt.”“Haz I’m serious! Do the belt yourself or I will! Don’t make me!”He begrudgingly swerves to the side and parks before fastening his seatbelt.Camila clears her throat, “Now, we can talk like adults.”“Oh, so now you want to talk like adults?! Where have you been the past week Mils? Partying around like crazy, getting drunk...”“I wasn’t that drunk. My shots were monitored.”“Yeah? By who? A non-sober you?” He snarls.She snaps her head to face him, anger coursing through her, “Fuck off Harry! I know how to take care of myself! I have my friends watching over me! Especially Ari! She is concern about me unlike you!”“Sure, where is she now? If she’s really concerned, she wouldn’t allow you to party in strip clubs...”“I make her do it okay!”Harry frowns his eyebrows in confusion. He stares at Camila who is trying to keep her cool, “What did you say?”“I dragged her along with me. She didn’t wanna, keep saying it’s a terrible idea. But I need someone to look out for me, you know? Someone I can trust.” She takes a pause, inhales and exhale to regain composure.Struggling hard not to break down, she continues, “I’m not saying what I did is right but I guess, sometimes you just want to be lost just so that someone can find and rescue you. My knight in shining armour hasn’t found me yet Haz, I thought if I were to emulate her habits, I could bump into her in the clubs. I was wrong. She found love in someone else.”Camila hides her face behind her hands to stifle her sobs. Without delay, Harry brings her in his warm embrace, tucking her face in his neck.“I’m so sorry Mils, I had no idea. Guess it makes sense what you said. Although, there are less destructive ways to go around it Mils.”He caresses her arms in hopes to calm her down and console her, “I get what you’re saying, and I really do. Your wellbeing is my utmost concern though, Camila. You need to be mindful. I really wish you could talk to me about it. I know I’m not the first person you would want to speak to but I want to be there for you.” *** Shortly after her breakdown, Harry takes Camila home with only silence accompanying them throughout the entire ride.Figuring that he needs to take his mind off things, he goes back to his office. Since hardly anyone is still working at this hour, perhaps he could find peace. But he was wrong. Troubles keep creeping in his thoughts.The sense of guilt is stemming in. If he did not pressure her, this would not have happened. He should not have provoked her. Now that she is turning into a lost soul drowning in alcohol and there is no one to blame but him. He should know better, should have taken his responsibilities more seriously even if their arrangement is within a certain time frame.Harry begins to wonder if he is always driving his partner to the edge of giving up.Louis gave up on him.Damn it. Engaged or not, Harry never change at all.His smartphone suddenly rings, interrupting his trance. Without checking the display, he answers the call.“Yes, Ma’am. What?!” He stands, “She went off again?! But how did you find out? I just dropped her off an hour ago! Oh dear Lord. I’m on my way. I know where she might be. I'll call you later. Bye.”He dashed off hurriedly and cusses. “Mils, have you gone mad?!” *** Loud music blasts the large speakers in the newest club in town. It is Friday night, everyone's partying like it is their homecoming in college. Youths are rocking hard on the dance floor while neon lights shower them with certain brightness in an otherwise dimly lit venue.Standing at the DJ booth, punching fingers on his keyboard and swiping the discs like mad, DJ Malik escalates the tempo, inducing headbanging and breakdancing moves. The crowd howls and laughs, eventually soaking in his techno-utopia.Tables not far from the dancefloor are placed by the bar. Louis and his friends decidedly knock some shots onto themselves for fun’s sake. Niall, however, believes only Louis is taking his alcohol with some sort of vengeance in mind.“Slow down, bro!” Niall grabs the bottle of booze from Louis. “You brought your car here, remember? Who's going to drive if you're going to be pissed drunk?”“Shut up!” Louis sassily cuts in and snatches the bottle back.Niall sighs. “Look. I can help you talk to him.”“I can do it myself, thank you. I'm just thinking of the best way not to embarrass myself in front of all these people. Just seeing them actually makes me shit myself. How the hell did he become this popular? He was just some lame bad boy a few years ago!” The Doncaster rants with hiccups in between.“He is obviously not the same as the Zayn you knew...”“Who the hell is that tall scrawny loser?” Louis shamelessly points at a corner.Niall turns and scoffs. “That's the club’s latest addition, I heard his name is Colson or something like that.”Louis hiccups. “Tell him to stop staring and winking at me. Does he have any shame?! I'm engaged!”“You're the one who has no shame talking like that!” Niall huffs.“Leave him alone, Nialler,” Nathan pats him on the back. “We're here to have fun. Let's move it. See ya later Louis!”Niall is reluctant but eventually acquiesces to Nathan's hand in his. Louis burps disgustedly watching the two escape him.“When did they become an official couple again?” he groans. “What's with people and secrets?! I'm a good secret keeper!”The tall guy that caught Louis' eye finally approaches his table. “Hi. Colson here, you are?”Louis looks up at him with a cocked brow. “Who cares about you? Not me that’s who!What the hell do you want? I haven’t got loads of money yet so shoo and find someone else. I ain’t a Suga Daddy boy!”“I was thinking,” he takes the seat closest to Louis. “You're not from here, aren't you?”“Yeah, I'm a proud Doncaster lad. Do you have a problem?”Colson smirks. “I just know you're not from here. I wouldn't miss a pretty face like yours.”“That is slick and gross,” Louis scoffs. “Aren't you going to scram and leave me alone?”“Actually, I rather dance somewhere else than here. I won't deny the newbie DJ is good but I know a better DJ than him. Want to check him out with me?”Louis dunks another shot and burps. “I thought nobody would ask. I am getting sick listening to this Bradford boy's lame arse music!”Colson lengthens his smile. “Good to hear that. Let's go.”“Don’t touch me,” Louis slaps his hand off his shoulder. “I'm old enough to walk on my own.”The two of them heads to the entrance, without their friends’ knowledge. Colson tries to walk close to Louis but even at the drunken state, Louis manages to maintain a gap with the tall one. Just as they reach the carpark, Colson reaches his own car and opens the door for Louis.“You know what,” Louis chuckles nervously. “I changed my mind. I'm going to head home. Nice chatting with you.”When Louis turns, Colson grabs his arm. “Don't be such a party pooper. The night is still young.”“Let go of me, you twat.”“Not that easy.” *** “Damn it!”Harry kicks the trashcan by the road and slams his fist on the boot of his car. His face is dampened with sweat after barging into every club in search of his fiancée. She has not been answering her phone nor replying his texts. He is sure that she’s here again because of her social media check-ins. Yeah, sure she refuses to answer his calls but leave traces like this, brilliant, he thinks sarcastically.“I just have to report this to the police! I had enough of her recklessness!” He cusses and opens the door of his car. “You really have gone too far, Mils!”“Ahhh help!”Harry freezes by his car, picking out that distinct yelp amidst the noise from the surroundings. As much as he wants to ignore it, he cannot have mistaken that cry owing to no one else. It has to be him and him only.“Can't be. Why would he be here?” He closes his car door and looks around him. “This place is only for the rich born brats. Did he come here alone?”Harry is hesitant. Perhaps he is too exhausted that he starts to imagine things. Somehow his heart urges his aching body to move and briskly walk from alley to alley.He is about to pass the third alley when he captures a sight of two embracing lads at a dead end of the passage. Except that it doesn’t look like lovely lovebirds. The one against the wall is definitely fighting to be freed.Standing at the corner, Harry glares hard at the tall physique towering over Louis. The shorter lad's mouth is held closed by the stranger's hand while his body is caged under the iron arms.“Stay quiet, queer,” Colson giggles darkly, deliberately pressing his body onto Louis. “Don't be so stubborn. You're only going to make things worse.”Louis' screams are muffled behind the hand. Harry is shocked to see such a scene unveiling before him.“You were looking at me with such puppy eyes begging for my attention. All gays are the same, right? Any boy you see, you just want to be in his pants, right?”Harry clenches his fists tightly, daring a step and will risk everything to save him.“Ahh!”Colson falls onto the ground, hugging his stomach. Louis has gone for the knee attack, a skill any football player is proud of.Louis pants hard, spitting away the sweat which came from Colson’s hand.“Go fuck yourself!” Louis bellows. “You're wrong thinking I would bend over to any carrot-carrying species!”“But your friends...” Colson whimpers.Louis snorts. “So what if my friends are gay?! That does not mean I am! I’m engaged, nincompoop! If I ever become gay, it's only going to be with Harry!”Harry has his jaw hung open.“Ahh, what am I saying?” Louis palms his head. “Damn the vodka.”Colson takes the chance and rams a fist at Louis, sending him flat on the wall. He aims for another punch when a hand grabs him from behind.Staring into smouldering green eyes, the tall bloke shouts, “Who the hell are you?”“I'm Harry. And welcome to hell.” Harry throws a punch so hard that breaking bones are heard against his knuckles.An agonising high pitched scream resounds in the alleyway as Colson covers his bleeding nose.Harry doesn’t stop there though. He throws a few more punches wherever he can. His aim is to weaken the opponent not to annihilate so he is still careful. Within a few seconds, the tall lad is already swaying like crazy.Colson lands onto piles of trash, a total knock out. Harry regains his breathing and attempts to block the pain his hands had suffered. He refuses to look at the state his hands are in.Louis blinks to see that Harry is in front of him. Thinking that he is dreaming but the blood oozing out of his mouth is not fake.“Why...” Louis mutters. “Why are you here?”Harry takes out his own handkerchief and cups it onto Louis' chin. “Does it still hurt?”“Answer my question!” Louis pushes him back while holding the handkerchief. “Did you stalk me?!”“I wish I was,” Harry rests his palm on the wall, taking his favourite position by towering over Louis. “I heard everything.”Louis widens his eyes in a large stretch. “I don't know what you're saying.”“You know it. And if I would have followed my heart,” Harry brings his lips to Louis' feathery brown hair. “I wanted to lock you up and not let anyone lay a finger on you.”“I'm not your damn trophy.”“Of course not. There is nothing much you can do with a trophy.”“You really have some nerves talking to me like that!” Louis yells and walks away. “Stop following me!”“You're drunk. Let me take you home.”“I'll grab a taxi.”“The rates are outrageous. It'll cost you. Come on. It's dangerous here.”“You're the dangerous one! Who punched a guy until he's totally gone?!”“He’s still breathing! Just one time. I won't ask for more,” Harry smiles his innocent grin. “My car is over there.”Louis looks at him with a lack of trust. “I'll sit behind.”Harry raises his brows. “Sure if you want to lie down.”“I'm not...”“Seducing me?” Harry chuckles. “Every breath you take already does that. Come on now.”“Of all people, why does he have to be here?” Louis mutters to himself. “Fuck me.”“What did you say? I think I heard...”“I'm not going to take your car if you're not going to stop that flirty habit of yours!”“Okay.”That smirk on Harry's face is the death of Louis.They enter the black Audi and Harry starts the car. He passes Louis his phone for the GPS but Louis refuses. He will direct Harry by himself. Knowing how stubborn the older lad is, Harry gives in and drives away.“So why are you here?” Harry asks, glancing at Louis' reflection in the rear mirror. “I clearly remembered that I warned you about this place.”“Shouldn't you be the one telling me first?” Louis fixes his gaze on the outside.Harry bites his lips. “Camila was there.”Louis snorts. “I didn't consider you both as wild party goers.”“I was fetching her actually. I took her home but she came back here again. I lost her.”“What did you two fight about anyway?”“How did you know?” Harry looks surprised.“If the whole campus managed to find out about your engagement, they will definitely know about your fights. Is it about what happened at KFC or wait, was it the library?”Harry smirks at how blunt and direct his ex-lover is. “You both fought too, right? That is why you are here.”Louis shakes his head and blows a breath. “It's not that.”“Come on now. I told you my reason.”Louis grits his teeth. “It's Zayn.”“What?” Harry snaps. “Is he trying to take her back? That means she's going to leave you...”“Don't get your hopes high,” Louis hisses. “I'll never let her go back to him.”Harry grins, looking at the angry face by the mirror. “Do you need help?”“Settle your own things first! Camila might just bump into her old flame and leave you!”“Maybe she already did,” Harry sighs and pulls over at Louis' apartment.“Wait, what?” Louis gazes back at Harry.Harry shakes his head refusing to answer.Louis rolls his eyes and exits the car. “As much as I hate to say this, thank you. And don't let a word about this get to anyone.”He playfully zips his lips. “Goodnight, Louis.”Harry rolls up the window and drives away in a rush. Louis is standing there feeling all mushy and wrong.“Why can’t I hate him?!” *** Camila sits by the window, staring at the moon again. She hears footsteps and hastily wipes her tears.An arm drapes herself around her tummy and she can’t help but lean back at the familiar warmth.Ariana shows her a mug of hot drink with her free hand.“Be careful. It is still hot,” Ariana hands it to her. “Your favourite. Hot chocolate with marshmallows.”Camila grins. “Thank you, Ari. I can always count on you as a friend.”“Well, we had history,” Ariana smirks, combing back Camila's locks only to sense discomfort.“Ari, I know I shouldn't be here.”“Don't be silly. Whenever you have problems at home and you need to escape for a while, you know where to find me. And I am glad I can be of any help. So, drink up while I prepare the bed.”She nods and Ariana leaves.Camila stares at the mug, carefully bringing it to her lips. She blows on the surface of the chocolaty beverage before sipping a bit. Unfortunately, it is not the same.Never the same as how Lauren prepares it.She walks a few paces to place the mug on the table. Reaching for her phone, she read Harry’s reply of ‘Okay’ after Camila texted him that she’ll be staying over a friends’ and that she’ll call him back the next day.Camila moves towards the windowsill. Returning her gaze at the moon, she whispers, “I'll definitely win you back. I definitely will.”Lost in thoughts, she flinches slightly at the alarming presence of Ariana placing a kiss on her exposed shoulder.“Just relax,” Ariana whispers and wraps her arms around Camila once again. “Isn’t this like old times? I’ve missed you I won’t lie.”“I can’t.”“I know.” Ariana sighs, “Don’t worry about it Wifey, come on, let me show you to your room.”“My...my room? What do you mean by that?”Ariana hands Camila a set of keys.“But Ari...”Camila is silence by Ariana placing her finger on Camila’s lips. “If I’m not sharing this house with others and you’ll be sharing a room with me, then you’ll have a good reason to worry. You get your own room and the other two rooms are already occupied. It’s the least I could do Cami. I insist. It’s a form of my apology okay.”With that, she leaves her alone. Ariana’s family owns resorts and they have two terraces for themselves. This current one has rooms rented out to their course mates. With a heavy sigh, she walks up the stairs to the only open door and lands on the bed in exhaustion.
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Chapter 7“Hold it, so you two have actually broken up?” Lauren slightly frowns as she questions the older brunette.Jade simply shrugs as they continue their walk down the path after a short group meetup. Little did Lauren realise, she discovers something unexpected.A slight smile adorns the petite girl's adorable face. Bringing about such a past can be a bother but Jade takes it kindly.Lauren expresses her feelings with a long sigh. “I didn’t think it would happen though. How did I not realise it?”“Well yeah, you’re pretty occupied yourself I must say,” Jade chuckles.The green-eyed beauty shrugs in return, “True. I never would have guessed Jerrie broke up before. I mean you two are cute.”“Thanks,” Jade blushes. “Maybe it was meant to happen. Look on the positive side at least we figured out how to make it work this time around. Even better than we had anticipated. Though the biggest obstacle we’ve overcome was definitely the starting.”“How difficult was the situation again?” Lauren promptly asks, too curious to hold back.“Oh you know, the back and forth. She was with Zayn for 2 years when she can’t resist my womanly charms. Not that I was trying to wreck them, I’m no home wrecker. She found out I had a crush on her long before she made things official with him but she wasn’t sure herself. I never blamed her for her confused feelings. It must be tough on her. I could only imagine.”“I admire how understanding you are, truly. Zaynie said he was trying to help Pez figure out her feelings for you.”“That’s true. Look, I know it’s not my place to say this especially since you have DNA and they are your best friends but as a dear friend, I’d like to say that things would work out for you both. I can feel it. And no, I don’t mean you and him. I apologise if what I’m saying is out of line. I just want you to know that you can talk to me. We girls should stick together. Sisterhood and all.”Lauren keeps her eyes downcast while absentmindedly kicking pebbles along the path. “Don’t worry about it, there’s nothing to apologise for.” She then smiles at Jade, “I appreciate your support though Jade, thank you.”They finally reach their destination, Jade’s home. Well, more of a rented house really. Jade hurries to the living room, couldn’t wait to see her other half.Jade hollers greetings at her housemates and kisses her tall blonde girlfriend excitedly before her brown eyes land on another pair of brown eyes.Her eyes widen in realisation before she greets the guest awkwardly, “Oh, hi there, didn’t know you were visiting today. It’s a nice surprise nonetheless.”Without getting a chance to respond, another voice enters the area, “Hey Jeed, are you sure I’m not-”.Lauren’s query is still hanging as her jaw hangs open.Both Ariana and Camila breaks apart from cuddling on the sofa that instant.All eyes are alternatingly looking at her and a certain brunette.Just when things couldn’t get any more awkward.How long this weird staring contest is, no one knows but you could only open your mouth for some time before drool threatens to drip.Lauren clears her throat and addresses the owner of the terrace instead, “Hi, Ariana. Sorry I didn’t mean to intrude. I’m just here for Jade and I’s…our group project. I won’t even be here long-”.“Nonsense, you’re welcome here anytime Lauren,” Ariana cuts off her ramblings with a grin. “Make yourself at home.”“Thanks, Ariana.”To Lauren’s surprise, Ariana lets out a chuckle, “Oh Lo, Ari is fine. And like I mentioned, help yourself, this is home.”Lauren offers a tight-lipped smile still uneasy at the tension surrounding them. She takes note that her former lover is avoiding giving her any attention.Ariana seems to notice Camila tensing up and whispers, “If that is alright with you?”Lauren heard it and sees how Camila swallows a gulp before nodding slowly.“Jadey, Ari just informed us that Cami is staying with us for a while,” Perrie turns to Jade, arms still wrapped around her girlfriend’s waist though they are both sitting on separate one-seater.“That would explain her surprise earlier,” Ariana chuckles again, “I’d inform you sooner but you left rather early.”“That’s okay. Welcome aboard Cami, it’s nice to have a dear friend who understands bows as much as me.” Jade offers a sincere smile to which Camila giggles softly and smiles back happily. “Also, I’m glad that my Perrie Winkle here has someone to jam out with on her new guitar.”The blonde one smirks at the older brunette. Inching closer, she murmurs invitingly, “I still haven’t properly thanked you enough for that generous gift my Pickle…”“Oh, where are my manners?” Ariana decides to interrupt them to avoid listening to Too-Much-Information. “Lauren, you’re hardly here, let me show you around the house and get yourself reacquainted. Come on.”Ariana tugs her hand out the living room’s sliding door and leads her towards the stairs. She keeps her voice low since they are just a short distance away. “You know I’m super protective right? Pretty sure we have that in common.”“I suppose so.”“She didn’t tell me much and I have yet to hear your side of the story. I don’t want to be picking sides cause I like you too Lauren, you’re a friend. However, if I have to, I’d probably pick hers.” They walk towards the end of the hall and stop outside the two bedrooms.The girl with the high ponytail sighs, “We both had a history with Cami but I don’t want her to feel uneasy. Whatever awkwardness you two have got going I trust you to be the bigger person and be cordial. Can I count on you to do that?”Lauren subtly shakes her head in agreement, “Yeah, for sure. I’m really glad she has you as her support.”“I’m really hoping we could all be friends at least.” Sighing, “Anyway, that is my room and this room is where Cami sleeps. Keep up now, I’ll be showing you the patio and kitchen.”They walk down the steps crossing the living room to get to the patio area before entering the kitchen via a side door.“Who’s hungry for lunch?! Jesy and Leigh-Anne shout together and emerges from the kitchen carrying large pizza boxes.Lauren feels like this is a chance for her to escape, “Wow, would you look at the time? I should be going home...”Jade looks at her pleadingly, “But you just arrived not too long ago, stay a little while won’t you?”“Yeah, come and hang out with us!” Leigh-Anne encourages.Jesy flips her hair, “Don’t tell me the smell of food doesn’t make you hungry.”“I’m not hungry,” as soon as Lauren says that however, her tummy protests aloud as though not liking being ignored.Jesy smirks before dragging her to the only available seat left on the three-seater; the one beside Camila’s left. Great, just great. There’s a small space in between them but no one comments on it.“Hey Jade, choose between Pizza or Pezza,” Jesy teases, looking at Jade who seats diagonally from her. “I’m kidding you two get Fish and Chips so that Pez will always remember home.” She turns to a puzzled Lauren and explains, “Pezza loathes Pizza so I got these two lovebirds Fish and Chips. Also, ‘cause Pez names every other food that doesn’t go with fish during a game of Pictionary once.”“Shut up Jessica!” Perrie pouts adorably, “That was only one time!”“Yeah remember like that one time when you finally manage to wake up at the crack of dawn recently and you go bragging about it for weeks,” Leigh-Anne adds.Leigh-Anne hands Lauren the plate and cutleries while the others are busy with choosing what flavour they want to try. “We definitely won’t be forgetting that game anytime soon. You know what? We definitely need to play that the next time Mani, DJ and Ally are visiting! Mind you, we lot can get crazy competitive. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya,” Leigh-Anne singsong the last sentence as she looks at the green-eyed sitting on her right.“Our lot is hella competitive as well. I can only imagine how crazy it’ll be with ten girls around playing games all day and night. I’m definitely into it,” Lauren grins.Again, Camila is silent while Lauren observes the others. Perrie and Jade shares worried glances between them and Ariana’s face seems expressionless. Only Leigh-Anne and Jesy seem oblivious towards the tension.“So, what were you all doing before we got here?” Jade asks.“We just finished writing questions to Would You Rather when Lesy,” the blonde narrows her eyes at Leigh-Anne and Jesy who is sitting across her, “...insists that lunch should be served together.” Perrie answers.“Go on,” Ariana directs towards Lauren, gesturing at some pens and papers on the coffee table. “Write the options, fold them then drop it in the box. You too, Jade; minimum three and maximum five questions. We’ll give you five minutes while we devour our food.”“Are you sure it’s safe to eat while playing games?” Jade questions.Her blue-eyed girlfriend replies, “That is what I’ve been saying, baba! They said I’m the only one so concern about it. Not that I’m against it, I’m so hungry I’m starving.” Perrie pouts again and Jade pecks the pout away this time, unable to stop herself before taking a few minutes to write her questions.“Okay, I’ve written my options, what about you Lo?” The raven-haired girl simply nods and drops her papers in the box on the centre of the coffee table.Ariana claps her hands to get their attention and mixes the papers around, “Alright, rules are simple enough, you’re not allowed to skip questions even if they are written by you. We’ll go anti-clockwise direction this time. Urgh, I can’t wait! Well, since you’re the latest addition, you’ll start first, Lauren.”Lauren gulps and picks one at random. She clears her voice and reads, “Would you rather wear a different pair of socks or shoes?” Seems simple enough. “Shoes. I don’t like wearing socks.”She knows that Camila would choose socks any day. The girl sleeps with socks. Seating so close to her somehow brings back old memories.Camila sighs and reads next, “Would you rather wear bows or beanies? Definitely bows.”The cleft chin brunette knows who would wear beanies though. The very girl next to her. What’s up with the questions regarding clothes though? She wonders as the round finishes and none of the other girls has options related to clothes.Two rounds have passed with the girls giggling at some of the most ridiculous questions.For this third round, however, the questions seem tougher as Lauren reads aloud, “Would you rather choose the sun or the moon?”Lauren swallows uneasily. The story of the sun and moon is the story she relates to with Camila. Are the questions purposely testing them? Coincidence much?“I...um...I...I’ll pick the sun.” She stutters. From the corner of her eyes, she sees the person next to her staring a little too long at her before picking up a random piece of paper.“Would you rather...” as soon as Camila sees the sentence, she hesitates. Gulping and blushing, she continues, “Would you rather...um...hug the person on your left or right?”“Hold it!” Ariana snatches the paper, “that’s not what I wrote!” She shows the paper to the others briefly and reads aloud, “Would you rather make out with the person on your left or right?”Everyone looks at Camila, waiting for her to answer. Time seems to pause a little too long however as she keeps staring at the box of unfortunate little things that seems to mess up her mind.Ariana finally nudges her after what seems like an eternity, “It’s okay, I know you’re gonna choose me, Wifey. Anyways, it’s my turn! Would you rather have friends with benefits or be friends with your exes? I say be friends with my exes.”“How do you do that though? Staying friends with exes? I don’t think it’s possible to do it. How do you manage it with Cami, Nate and Don?” Perrie asks curiously.Ariana shrugs, “It’s how you end things in the first place. Usually, you’re friends before turning lovers and naturally, you would want to cherish the friendship. You look at it from a positive angle and you realised that each relationship teaches you different things. You love and lost. Then, you simply grow. Avoid making the same mistakes. Just be thankful to them for the good moments and what good things they have taught you. So, you’ll find me saying, Thank U, Next!”All eyes linger at Ariana in awe of her explanation.The comfortable silence is interrupted when someone comments, “Isn’t that what you say to people after you’ve taken the orders at the counter?”Suddenly, a peal of loud obnoxious laughter breaks through and all pair of eyes turn to Lauren while Camila simply blushes. After all these years, Lauren is still the only one who laughs at her jokes.“Hahahahaha! Good one Camz!” Lauren is totally unaware of her slip up but Camila widens her eyes in shock. The young brunette cannot hide the little smile forming on her lips no matter how much she wants to fight it.“Thank you, next,” Ariana nudges Jade, signalling her turn.After the third round is over, Perrie pauses the game to get drink refills. Lauren offers to help and hurries after her.“Oh hey, Lauren. What would you like to drink?” She opens the refrigerator and scans through the variety of choices.“I’ll have what you all are having. Just thought I’d help you out and maybe, well...I’d also like to clarify something with you if that’s okay?”Frowning slightly, Perrie turns to face her, “What is this about?”“I just wanna know if it’s true, that Zayn is with you to help you realise your feelings for Jade? I’m sorry that’s really kinda blunt but I don’t want this to hover over. He kinda asked me to hang out with him as closure. I know it sounds weird to tell you but I don’t want any awkward tension between us.”Perrie snorts, “I don’t give a damn about that boy anymore. Did we love each other? Yes. Were we in love with each other? No! Doubt I’ll be as cordial if meet again though. When he broke things off abruptly, yeah that hurt me I’ll admit. But forget that boy, I’m over it. I have Jade now and I’ve never been happier. She’s definitely the one for me.” Her lips curve upwards and cheeks flushing a light crimson.Lauren smiles sincerely. She can see the dreamy look both of them wear whenever they talk about their other halves. “I’m really happy for you two. Truly, you both are such an adorable pair. Not to mention inspiring.”The blue-eyed brunette grins, “Thanks, Lauren. That means a lot.” Her eyebrows knit together, “You know, I don’t know what gives other people the impression that we don’t like each other very much. Was it because of Zayn?”The green-eyed simply shrugs, “Possibly. People like catfights. Pitting women against women as usual. So who knows really? Oh but I am sorry that you’re not in the same group as Jade for our final project. I should have said no.”Perrie rolls her eyes good-naturedly, still smiling. “Remind me to blow Louis’s ears off for separating Jerrie for the project. Just kidding, don’t worry about it. Jade said perhaps we could concentrate better this way. Anyway, my baby’s right so we are all good no worries. But if she compliments your eyebrows again then we might have a problem.” She glares mockingly at the younger girl.They chuckle and carry the drink containers back to the living room. Playing for two more rounds, Lauren finally bids farewell. She’s disappointed when Camila chooses not to acknowledge her even now.“We really need to invite DNA next time, it’s been too long since we hang out as a large group. We so need another Ladies Night!” remarks Leigh-Anne excitedly.Jesy nods enthusiastically, “Yeah, tell them we’ll be having a Harry Potter marathon and that we won’t ever start till they’re finally here.”“Tell the trio I’m inviting them all for a slumber party. Only girls allowed,” adds Ariana, mouth widening in hopes it’ll happen sooner than later.“Sounds great! I’ll let them know. Farewell girls! Thank you for letting me hang out with you,” Lauren hugs the girls and bids them goodbye as they respond with a synchronised chorus of ‘Don’t mention it’.***That evening, a black Jaguar parks outside the apartment. The owner of the car removes his shades and beams.“A black Jaguar, really?”“Reminds me of you. Besides, we’re always wearing black anyway. It could very well be our baby. I call him Erick.”Lauren rolls her eyes but Zayn ignores it and opens the car door for her instead. “Thing is we’re not together. And that name belongs to my cousin. I’m super weird out now, it’s a gross thought Zayn.”Sighing, he raises his hands in surrender, “Alright, I’m sorry. I thought it’ll be funny since the little guy looks like you & I combine. I’ll rename this car Zauren and no, it’s non-negotiable.”The entire car ride is quiet and a short time later, he parks the car and leads her to a classy restaurant. Once they are shown to their reserved table, he helps her get seated before settling down.Under the bright chandeliers surrounding them, Lauren can’t help but admire how fetching Zayn looks with his all-black tuxedo. She even thanks him for being such a gentleman he has always been. Clearly, some things never change.“I’m admiring how your red lips compliment your red dress beautiful. I know you loathe it when you’re being labelled hot but that is not how I see it. I appreciate the efforts you took to look divine even if you’re doing it for yourself and not for me or anyone else. I compliment you because you’re beautiful and I want you to know that Lauren. It’s nice to see a girl smile.”She faces him only to read the candour in his eyes and witness his all-time dazzling smile. Her cheeks turn rosy as she beams as well.“Well, thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself; fetching. You don’t have to but you did put in an effort to look marvellous even if you’re not doing it for anyone but yourself. I want you to know that I appreciate it too.”Zayn laughs heartily, hiding his caramel eyes behind his eyelids. “I would love to hear more.”She smiles wider, amused by his sudden shamelessness. Grabbing the menu and decides to place an order, her companion is in agreement as he grabs a book for himself too. Unknown to him, she is more interested in concealing her mild blush than the delicacies.“I hope you don’t mind but I saw your social media and read that you’re trying some vegie diet? That is why I booked this vegetarian restaurant. I really hope you like it here. Looks like the spaghetti with mock meat is on special.” he simpers, “I remember you always wanted to try mock meat.”She creases her brows a little and fakes a chuckle, “Well, actually, I ate plenty of them before.”He shifts in his seat uneasily looking rather upset. “Even so, would you mind having one with me? Then it will be doubly special.”The green-eyed girl feels somewhat guilty. It seems like he’s making such an effort to redeem himself. Hence she happily agrees and he gets identical orders for them. To avoid overthinking things further, Lauren just continues her usual antics and chats with Zayn like they are as close as before.While eating, she gulps when he beams and offers her a taste of the same dish, trying to spoon-feed it to her. Her mind is flashing with images from the past recollections.“Is something wrong?” he cocks an eyebrow seeing her remain tight-lipped.She jolts, witnessing the guilt hovering the Bradford boy. Almost abruptly, she chortles and attempts to recover fast. “It's nothing! Just, reminds me of old times, huh?”In the midst of calming him down, she munches the offered food quickly. He grins and they resume eating in silence with stolen glances and shy smiles. Just as she is finishing her dish, she feels nauseous again. She felt it earlier when they arrived but now it appears as though her tummy is getting really sick.“Lauren, are you alright? You look paler than usual.” Zayn suddenly looks worried as he observes her with every passing second.“Yeah, I'm alright- oh my God! Excuse me!” She clutches her tummy and covers her mouth.“Lauren!” He only manages to raise his hand before she dashes towards the ladies.He is clearly dumbfounded but takes a sip of his drink quietly. Knowing that he needs to calm down and not over-react by chasing after her as he would go about chasing clouds. He should stay where he is and hopes that she will be okay. She wouldn’t appreciate it if he barges in the ladies just to check up on her.It’s only been a short while but Zayn anxiously looks around while he waits nervously. He inevitably overhears a group of women on the neighbouring table chatting excitedly. Initially, he hasn’t got a clue what are the terminologies they use but soon gets a general idea when he notices a few of them massaging their bellies of different sizes.Out spurts the drink that went through his throat. He quickly grabs the napkin and pats his lips. Covering his mouth, his eyes remain cemented on the empty seat across him.Lauren...is expecting?To think of it, she stays with Louis ever since college started. And they are so close that they had gotten engaged.Wait, was there a reason why they are engaged? Is it really because of love? Or is this their reason?To cover up a mistake?His mind is going all haywire trying to connect the dots. He doesn’t even realise that he has been figuring things out for the past half an hour. Or that his face has paled considerably, too shocked to function. Unmoving, staring absentmindedly with the same conclusion playing repeatedly in his head.“Zayn!”The lad turns behind and his eyes widen. Speak of the devil, Louis appears and rushes to his table.“Where is she?” Louis asks him with concern brimming his blue eyes.Zayn points towards the restroom. Speaking softly and without vigour, he probes, “What's going on? Is she sick? How did you even know we’re here?”Louis smiles faintly. “She called me. She only wants me to attend to her. I got her medicine with me too.”“What?” the raven-haired boy utters and pauses his speech when he glances at the plastic bag containing the medicine.Written in thick bubbled fonts are the words: Bouncing Bump’s Clinic for Women and Children.The caramel eyes only shrink at the mere sight of it.“Gotta go,” Louis moves away but halts for a moment. “Oh, I'll be bringing her home myself. She shouldn’t be here, you know. Not good for her condition right now. So see you when we see you!”With that last sentence, as though confirming Zayn's suspicion, Louis vanishes into the corridor leaving the lad with a gobsmacked expression.Lauren is expecting!“What took you so long?!” Lauren barks at Louis who barely reaches her.“I dropped by the clinic and got you some anti-vomiting pills. You know, to calm your temper by taking a chill pill.” He hands the plastic containing medicine and a small bottled drink.“Ain’t in the mood for your sass Louis.” She is about to thank him before realising something that makes her eyes widen in horror, “Bouncing Bump’s Clinic for Women and Children?! Did you actually go to a Gynaecologist for nauseous pills? Are you fucking kidding me Louis William Tomlinson?!” she fumes as she uncaps the bottles of medication and water.Louis huffs. “What is wrong with that woman? It’s the only one nearby! And you, who asked you to rush me huh?”His eyes trained on her as she greedily swallows two pills and gulps the drink.“Shut your mouth moron! But thank you by the way. I told you just now that it’s all the mussels you are pestering me to eat! I quote you; Oh, it’s not everyday Chef Louis is showing off his fine seafood culinary skills!” She yells only to feel an ache in her tummy. Groaning, her face scrunches up uneasily.He grins and rubs her stomach. “Shh! There, there. Control your anger now. You might hurt what's inside.”“What’s inside?” Zayn suddenly intrudes, eyes glued to where Louis places his hand over her tummy.Lauren blinks at his appearance and carefully moves away from Louis. The caramel eyes slowly land on the pair of green ones instead.She feels her heart slowly cracking at the despair reflected in his eyes.“It's nothing. I'm sorry to leave like this.” She manages a whisper.“At least let me take you home,” Zayn almost chokes.Genuine concern is written all over his face. Yet it’s clear from the way his voice breaks that he is maimed by the unexpected surprise.“It's fine. Louis is here and he can take care of me for now. Thanks again Zayn and sorry for the mess. Let's go, Louis.”“I may not look like it but I'm a responsible gentleman you know. Come here, my dear sweetheart,” Louis gently pulls her closer and brushes her hair softly to comfort her.Zayn gloomily watches them leave him behind. The two are far too comfortable to be just friends or roommates. The way Lauren easily chooses Louis over Zayn, there is no doubt there is something more than just friendship in Zayn’s mind. He clenches his fists and closes his eyes.After absorbing the new information, Zayn is convinced.There is more than just an engagement between Lauren and Louis.And his heart never hurt more than this moment. *** “I told you, Harry, just because she was there last week, doesn’t mean she’ll be there today! You don’t have to drag me all the way here and bribe me with delicious frap,” the brunette sips her drink greedily. “Nonetheless, I do appreciate the gesture, thank you!”Seeing her companion stoically calm after her outburst, she grabs his attention again. “Seriously Haz it’s just way too early! I’m loving my new room at Ari’s! I do need my beauty sleep!”“Mils, it is ten a.m. You call that early? Seriously?” the curly haired boy answers patiently. His eyes focusing on a particular store all this while.”“That’s beside the point! My point is, it’s still too early to be talking about us...” she drags her speech the usual way he would, twirling her straw in her frappe.Harry raises a thick brow at her and suppresses a smirk. “Actually, it’s not about us.”Camila gives Harry the comically confused expression with her jaw still hanging ajar. “Wow. Well, that’s a first.” His façade crumbles shortly after that.She catches on how nervous he appears and decides to take it easy on him, “What’s up Hazza? Are you okay? I can’t recall the last time you seem so out of it.”Sighing, he faces her, his demeanour becomes serious all of a sudden. “There’s a reason I need to drag you here at this time. I don’t know how to explain it to make you believe me. Do you see that store across the street? Guess who I spot while I’m minding my own business proposal?”“I don’t know Harry. I’m half-awake so I’m all hazy. Who did you stalk while you were minding your business proposal?” she drawls and waits forever for him to reply.“They’ve been there for nearly 45 minutes blimey!” He comments instead, eyes shifting to a blue car he is so familiar with.“It’s a huge ass store, what do you expect? You’re still not answering my question Harry and let me tell you, I got tons of questions haunting me...”“Louis and Lauren.”That seems to snap Camila wide awake as she straightens her posture before blinking the sleep out of her eyes and frowns.“It’s a toy store, Harry.”Harry leans closer, “It’s not just some ordinary toy store Mils! Take a closer look, it’s a baby store, they’ve been there for almost an hour. Why would they be at a baby store? Suspicious don’t you think? I’m really sorry Mils...Mils?”To his complete surprise, she laughs at his face.“What? What’s so funny?”“Oh my, what’re you trying to say? So what if they’re shopping at a baby store? They could just be getting gifts! Besides, Lolo has goddaughters...” she stops laughing when he scowls in confusion. “Look, who’s to say they had already left while you’re out with me? If you’re not convinced, why don’t we just go in there then, shall we?”“What if they are expecting a kid together Mils? Did it not cross your mind? What good would it do if we head there? I know they’re still there by his damn car he loves so much.”“I seriously doubt it. You might have mistaken his car with someone else’s. Come on then Harry, let’s just go check it out. Hey! Do you know what would be even better? If we prank them by stating that I’m expecting instead!”“Oh, no Mils I’m not playing that game again! Have you not learned your lesson? This is totally insane...”“You can follow my lead or stick your ass here. Imagine what it would be like if I tell them the sob story of how you leave me to shop alone in my current ‘condition’. It won’t look good on your reputation that’s for sure. Your choice Haz.”Camila leaves without waiting for him. Before she takes another step, she turns to Harry and smirks, “I’ve got the power.”
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Chapter 8The morning breeze attempts to cool down the hot noon air as it sweeps gently across the street. Dead leaves rustle against the floor, and some are crushed under the urgent steps of passersby. Harry does not know why he is analysing whatever is surrounding him. Of course, he is just relying on his ears and skin.His green eyes are hidden behind the sunglasses. It is not meant to hide his identity but merely to mask his hesitancy and uneasiness."Can you stop being a wimp, Hazz?" Camila huffs, with her hands on her hips.Harry groans internally, not liking the unexpected sassiness. She needs to cut down her time spent with Ariana. She is learning the wrong things; more like, ways to annoy him."What exactly are we going to do when we are in there?" Harry chooses to stall time, again. "We haven't discussed this thoroughly." Camila massages both the ends of her beautiful carved brows. "We are going to find out if your Boobear shot the gun.""Urgh! Stop rubbing it in, Mils!""Well, you're the fool believing it!""How can I not? They are roommates for God knows how long, and they are suddenly engaged! Now they are at a freaking baby store! The pieces of information are pretty obvious!"She sighs and approaches him with a smile. "Listen, Hazza. The last time we are in this kind of situation, you were the first to barge in and made them jealous. Why not now?""That was before Mils. How long are we gonna keep playing these games? Can't we just let it be?""You can't expect me to believe you based on your mere assumptions. What is it that you're hiding?" Harry remains quiet. Seeing how Camila crosses her arms, he finally lets her know what's bothering him. "Why aren't you worried? You're not bothered that your loved one is going to start a family with someone else other than you?"She puts her hands in the pockets and walks straight to the door. "I refuse to believe it unless I have proof. I think there is something you know that I don't. Could that be the reason it disturbs you more than me?"He blinks and looks at the concrete floor. Memories start to flood his view."Yes." *FLASHBACK*It happened quite recently. Leaving the college café with a take-away coffee, Harry tapped his screen keyboard and replied to the messages he received earlier. Some colleagues from work tried to get hold of him even though he is in school. Harry wished he could ignore them but the more he avoids them the more messages are coming. He has to acquiesce nevertheless."Wait, Lou!""Don't touch me!" Harry turned his face towards the sudden burst of voices too familiar to ignore. He found them in a short distance, somewhere by the entrance to the lecture theatre. Harry captured the sight of the infamous Deejay with the quiff grabbing Louis' wrist roughly. He involuntarily moved closer but not too obvious to be noticed. He pressed his back firmly against a red brick wall near them."Tell me the truth!" Zayn demanded an answer. "I want to know the truth!""I said, let go of my hand! What the hell is wrong with you?!"Louis tried to head-butt him but that agitated Zayn even more as he grabbed Louis by the collar. Harry could only tighten his jaw, becoming more curious about what was between the two lads that brought them in a brawl. "What's this all about Zacky boy?" Louis' voice was clear in exasperation, somehow as clueless as Harry.Zayn, however, is about to erupt hearing the common mistaken name of his. "Stop stalling around! You damn well know what I'm talking about! Tell me, it's true, isn't it? All my suspicions all this while. You knocked her up didn't ya?!"Harry immediately covered his mouth as soon as he recalled he needed to be quiet yet his heartbeat betrayed him. Zayn could have fought with Louis over anything. Harry never thought they would drop a bombshell.His gut challenged him to interrupt them when he heard Louis' response. Louis exhaled a loud sigh and placed both hands on Zayn's shoulders. "Look, mate, what exactly can I tell ya that won't upset ya?"'Is that the best response you can give?!' Harry screamed in his mind. 'At least try to deny it!'A beat of silence ensued. It settled Harry into a different course of emotions. He knew Zayn and Louis were close, and they would not just leave quietly. Unimpressed, he snuck a peek. He was surprised to see the tanned lad looked so defeated.And Louis, he was basked in his angelic light, soothing everything down."Remember when we were younger?" Louis grinned. "Joking around making empty promises. One of them is to make each other Godparents. Well, I can promise you that if all goes well, you'll be a Godfather." Zayn looked away while Harry leaned harder against the wall. The denial that he hoped was unheard of."I'm not sorry Zayn, what's done is done. Look, I'm in a hurry. We'll catch up some other time mate." Louis tapped his shoulder and rushed off.Once Louis' back disappeared around a corner, Harry slid over to find Zayn slumped on the window pane. The said boy looked over the towering figure. He looked up and blinked his adoring eyelashes repeatedly. Quickly, he straightened himself up."Zayn.""Harry." Zayn turned away and lit up a cigarette. Puffing out smoke he started the conversation, "How much did you hear?"The boy with the curls simply shrugged, "Not much to conclude what you were conversing about.""Yeah right. Don't matter, I can't believe you still like that reckless brat." Harry coughed to cover his sudden blush. "And I heard you're chasing after Lauren again.""I was too late. Shit.""What happened that made you all mopey?""Wouldn't ya if your loved one is having someone else's love child?" he snapped."I don't believe it.""Suit yourself. Why else would they agree to marry each other.""Do you think that's the reason they're engaged?" Harry chuckled weakly, convincing no one.Zayn stared at him from the corner of his eyes. "Do you think I would get angry over engagement with a non-existent ring?" Harry shrugged. "Knowing you, you get angry over almost anything. Where's your proof?""Why don't you ask him yourself!" Zayn walked away only to have Harry tugged his collar."Get your hands off me if you know what's best for you."Harry raised his hands in surrender, "Okay. Perhaps you've forgotten who these two are when you were gone. I will enlighten you that they are merely platonic and maybe eternal roommates if you must. Even so, jumping on each other and make a baby, something is wrong. I mean, for the good of mankind, why would they do such a thing? Unless it's some drunken mistake." Zayn snickered and shook his head in disbelief."How thick are you?" Zayn poked his chest. "Do you need me to spell it out for you then fine! Lauren vomited repeatedly when we went out on a date. We had decent food at a high-class restaurant. There can't be any trigger to her sudden nausea."Harry creased his brows, gesturing half-heartedly. "She probably had something before it.""Sure. Go on a dinner date with a full tummy! Congratulations!""Hey! No need for sarcasm! I'm merely giving out suggestions, for free mind you!" Zayn huffed, "She was fine. And Louis came to her rescue behind my back and gave her anti-nausea pills for pregnant women."Harry was dumbfounded. He was finally at loss of words.Zayn raised his brows, certain that his last statement finally sank in. "This engagement could probably just be a cover-up. You know like at least, they get the married excuse before starting a family. Don't you think I could be right?"Harry finally released a loud blow of breath and noticed the consistent beeping of his phone. The messages were not enough to distract his current state of mind right then. It never crossed his mind that Louis would have done it with Lauren and got into such trouble. They were best friends, or even more than that but not to the extent of crossing that line. He would not have trusted any of Louis' girlfriends beside Lauren. Even the engagement did not suffice to ruin all his trust.Nevertheless, knowing she would be carrying Louis' child; Harry was getting slowly depressed."Look at me, Styles," Zayn grabbed him by the shoulder. "I haven't confirmed it with either of them. But when I do, we both need to work together to separate them." Harry could barely respond to him as he caught sight of Louis doing handshakes with Niall and gang. If Harry had followed his heart, he would behave like how Zayn did earlier.No.Harry would have been a lot more barbaric.And he would not stop until he brought his babe far away from Lauren's reach.***"Well, are we going in or not? Seeing is believing, no?"Camila's speech snaps Harry from his trance, and he sighs."Still unaffected by what I just told you? Who are you and what have you done to my fiancée Mils?'"Don't quote Potter lines to me you fake fan.""Technically, it's Ron's line mind you."She groans, "If you're not going in, then I'm sticking to my fabricated fiction."If Zayn has not confirmed it, Harry rather confirmed the news with his ears. No matter how much the truth hurts.With a deep breath, he holds out his hand to Camila. He is hesitant, no doubt."I don't want anyone else to get hurt. There's no turning back this time. We should just think about the repercussions Mils, please."***"Peaches, what do you say to this awesomeness?"With one look at the item of clothing, it is instantly rejected with a firm 'NO!'."Why can't I get a soccer jersey for the baby?!" Louis pouts. "We are going to be on the same team anyway!""Of course, we should get the soccer boots too," Lauren mocks him with dripping sarcasm. "Oh, better yet, we'll get the babies to wear heels.""Now you're just being cruel! We can customize pink soccer boots!""We are not freaking about getting any soccer stuff!""Urgh Louis Junior is gonna be super sad. No thanks to Mama Lolo." Lauren bursts into giggles, "Pink soccer boots? Louis Junior?""Exactly what are we getting again? We've been here for hours...," Louis drags on the last word just to irritate her further. Getting no response, he probes, "If you're not gonna pick the clothes, then let's go back to the...""NOOOOOOOOOO..." It's Lauren's turn to imitate his antics earlier. "We're not going back to your favourite section Carrot! Honestly, we could have gotten all great gifts if you weren't so distracted with the kids' toys.""What? Do you think I'm not going to act like a kid at a toy store? That's unfair," he drawls.Lauren pulls him by the hand, and they walk down the aisle. Louis cannot help but blush, and he holds her hand tightly."What's on your mind, Peaches?" Louis looks at her with a goofy grin."Oh Loubear," Lauren chortles. "I sometimes wonder how you're gonna act once you've become a father."***On the other side of the store, the couple with sunglasses on is getting restless in their strides."We've been walking circles for ages! I don't see them anywhere! Are you certain that a blue car belonging to a certain someone is still there?""Why blame me? You're the one who's so eager to stalk them. And for the record, I haven't seen them either. No thanks for wasting my precious time Mils."Camila huffs, "How am I wasting time? I was just..." "Cooing over banana onesies of every colour imaginable," Harry interrupts her and sigh, feeling ridiculously bored. The next second, he feigns excitement and comments, "We've been at the onesie section the entire time! It's no wonder they're nowhere to be found!"Rolling her eyes, she replies unenthusiastically, "Somehow I would rather deal with your anger than your fake enthusiasm, and sarcasm combined.""All I'm saying is you can't find buried treasure just by standing here!"Camila rests both hands on her hips, "You're itching to go to the toys section, aren't cha?"Harry grins genuinely, "Guilty as charged." *That night*Walking out of the door that reads 'For Authorized Personnel Only', the brown-haired lad wears an award-winning smirk. Louis is proud of himself for coming up with an excuse to explain his tardiness for being late for his night shift. Lucky for him, his manager bought it but the suspicious lift of the brow he got is giving him ideas that tonight will not be easy. He faces the floor which he is about to serve. Hopefully, this night would not get any better or worse.Passing by the bar stools, even with his head held high, Louis seems to be inattentive to his surroundings. He tries not to fall into any trap that will get him into trouble, especially after getting caught for being late.His steps, however, come to an abrupt halt when a few spoken words reach his ears. He turns to realize the words are meant for the one on the other side of the call. "Mils, I told you, Banana Baby, I was feeling bloody terrific," the deep voice slurs and chuckles drunkenly.Louis cannot believe his ears or his eyes. That one person who made his life topsy-turvy is sitting not far from two feet away from him. Louis didn't mean to eavesdrop. Okay, maybe he did but just a tad though. What else can he say? In his defence, he might as well finish what he started.He is intrigued."Wait...what?" The curly man speaks with a sharp edge to his voice. "What do you mean you're reaching soon?" Louis suddenly recalls his manager's lecture and pretends to wipe a table nearby. His mind rather stays questioning why Harry is here in the first place. He has to admit that he does not want to see his proclaimed soul mate here too. Not many of his friends know he works here and having those two knowing kinda sucks.Harry slumps forward even more. "Soon, how soon? Since when did you drive? You better not be driving my Range Rover Mils! That's my baby damn it! Oh... Chauffeur, yes of course. Ciao."Pocketing his phone, he finishes his drink in one big gulp. He takes a moment to stand despite his head spinning uncontrollably. After he managed three steps away from the stool, he wobbles and helplessly gives in to gravity. His arse almost hits the floor, if it wasn't for some knight who supports some of his weight.He turns to the sight and laughs, "Oh hey, look Mils; I'm hallucinating my dear Louis!" It takes everything in Louis not to swat the hand squishing his cheeks, making it seems like he has fish mouth or something. Louis keeps reminding himself that the young lad is not in the right state of mind."Oh wait!" Harry dramatically stops walking or stumbling rather and points a finger towards the ceiling. "If my Mils is not here yet, then who am I talking to?""Shut up and just move," Louis warns him, and he guides the taller lad forward.Harry chuckles heartily while Louis perseveres bringing the lad to the exit. The two lads barely had the time to wait when a red hot Maserati pulls over right in front of them. "Harry!" Camila runs to him and gives Harry an awkward hug, seeing as one of his arms is slung over Louis's shoulder. After settling Harry at the passenger seat, Camila acknowledges the one who brought Harry out.Of all people, he is the last person she wants to talk to right now, but she cannot ignore the fact that she found Harry with him.Turning to Louis, she addresses him with an annoyed tone, "How did you happen to be where he is? Did you stalk him?"Louis sniggers, "Excuse you. I still have dignity. And you're welcome." Camilla raises her brows. "Are you expecting me to just let this go and take him home as if nothing happened? Like how I found my drunken fiancé with his arm over his ex's neck?""Please girl. I don't mean to have any bad blood between us," Louis sighs. "All I'm saying is that if it wasn't for me, he would have fallen flat on his gorgeous arse! He's clumsy like you! Also, who knows if he's the one stalking me instead?!""Then what are you doing here?" She asks with furrowed brows."Well, you only get to wear this awesome outfit when you sign in as a member of the staff. In layman's term, I work as a bartender here," sasses Louis. "My school fees aren't gonna be paid by themselves, you know." Camilla smirks at his aloof self. Sometimes he wonders how Lauren can live with him."Did you tell him?" she asks. "That you work here?""Why would I even? Only Laur knows and now thanks to coincidence, you two know it too!""Not unless we keep it from him.""What are you saying?" Louis's brows creases in trying to understand."Well, he's drunk and now dozed off. Unless we tell him what happened, where we are, he wouldn't know. That is until he checks his phone and realizes he sent me his location here."He studies her calculatedly, "You'd go that far in keeping secrets and not tell him the truth?" Camila exhaled loudly and takes a step closer to Louis. "Where do you think it will lead us? We'll be running around in circles! He might as well stalk you here!""Well, we won't get anywhere by hiding things from him either!" He rebuffs as fiercely as her.She glances at the slanderous lad and takes another look at the Doncaster."It's super exhausting playing this running and chasing game. I don't want to keep this a secret but think about what will happen if we told him what happened tonight." Camilla expects something from Louis, maybe rage or perhaps tears to show how much he cares for Harry. What she got is only a half-hearted shake of his shoulders."Maybe he won't even bother coming back," Louis kicks some loose pebbles on the pavement."How can you be sure about that?""Insecure much?" He grins mischievously.That is enough to trigger all her unhappiness into exposure. She huffs, "This has to end Louis! You and him! Shouldn't your focus be on someone else instead? Let me worry about my fiancé! Let me decide what to tell him! I would so drag your ass in and drive you home too but you know it'll only worsen things. You know he would lean on you instead of me.""How can you be sure about that?" he repeats her question."Because I know so. I heard him calling out to you in your sleep." Camila shakes her head in disappointment and disregards the shock etched on his face."That's impossible," he whispers and avoids eye contact again.She's getting in the car but not leaving until she has her final say. "Promise me, you'll take of her won't you?" Louis is still in shock after what was said about Harry. He gives in and listens to what she wants to say about Lauren."Right now, I might have lost the chance with her. She's given it to you so don't you dare fail her this time okay. Make sure she's well-rested, avoid giving her any pressure, ensure that you give her the best food. She needs all the support she can get especially from you. As much as it kills me to say this, I wish you all a very happy family."The car drives away, leaving Louis surprisingly amused. He turns toward the bar and pockets his arms."Guess it was not only Zaynie, who had that idea." *The next afternoon*Not even a day has passed yet Harry's accusation continues to bug the petite brunette. She had a nightmare that she caught Lauren with a baby bump walking towards her. It was madness. She pretended that it did not bother her when the news came around but whenever she is by herself, her mind overthinks it.And right now she is still thinking about it while her lecturer is explaining music history.Only when noises and chatters distract her, she snaps out of it, just realizing the lecture is dismissed. She blows a sigh and begins to pack her things. Walking to the exit doors, she notices stares and glares darting towards her. It was not something she knows nothing about. She is a nobody in college. They probably found some sort of stories about her, brewing more gossips with junk.What she does not know is that someone, in particular, is right outside. The green-eyed brunette has been waiting impatiently, waiting to stomp over. Just as she had been hoping, the figure she hopes to see is all alone. Wasting no time, Lauren marches over.The taller one lightly shoves the other person against the wall while showing a crumpled article she had been gripping mercilessly."Really? You're expecting now?" Lauren growls.Reading the headlines, Camila wears a shocked expression that Lauren refuses to acknowledge. Camila sighs and looks elsewhere. She appears dejected but Lauren is far too angry to take notice."What did you expect? What right do you have to be angry, Lauren?"Brown orbs connect with green, which lasts for seconds before Lauren pulls back and looks away. Camila tugs one side of her lips and slumps her shoulders, clearly fatigued."Can't even look me in the eyes to tell me?" Camila senses Lauren's urge to fight back, but it is to no avail. Lauren did come with full throttle anger, but she is defeated by a single look into those brown orbs. Camila's words sting her too, making it difficult for her to respond."Running away, evading answering my questions. It's all standard Lauren's behaviour, isn't it? Some things never change."Camila holds dearly on the glint of hope that Lauren can make something up, just like how she always sasses her way through everything. But right then, Lauren chooses silence. Camila shakes her head in disappointment and moves away.Her sudden departure struck Lauren back to life, and she slams her hand against the wall, trapping the petite one who shrieks in surprise. Taking a deep breath, Lauren asks, "This is not supposed to happen."Camila blinks her warm eyes at Lauren, who is squeezing the article. Lauren somehow found her words again.Lauren leans closer, not ignoring the small step back Camila took. "When you told me to wait for you, I had waited for you. When you said it's just a marriage of convenience, I believed you. But now, it's different. You want to know why? You hid the truth behind all of it!"Lauren chokes back a tear and grips the paper eye-level. "Or maybe, just maybe you forget that this truth you're hiding is the most important thing you should be telling me before everything else! The very reason behind the sudden proposal!""Oh don't act all mighty on me, Lauren!" Camila interrupts, slapping the arm away from hovering her head. Lauren holds her breath, not quite expecting her fierce rebuttal. She snickers, " Is this temper of yours a new change too or is it because you are having two heartbeats now? Are you sure it's not two pieces of your broken heart? You know, the one I broke when we're still...""Shut up!" Camila bursts, moving away for a safe gap between them before facing Lauren again. "How dare you challenged me when you're doing the same thing. So what if I did explain everything to you? Will you listen to me and be honest with me with all your heart? And even if I hid every possible truth from you, I was never once deceitful about what I feel for you. I'm still in love with you. Do you care? Why don't you care?" Lauren hisses. "Oh please! Can you answer my question before shooting me with another one?""You are always like this! Whenever we come to a point of talking about what matters between us, you take a detour! Mind you, you brought it up in the first place!""Listen, Camz. Whatever between us was no news to read all about it. You know it, and I know it. It is fine because, hey it is between us until Mr Curls comes in the way."Camila scoffs. "He has a name!""Don't interrupt me! When I found about your engagement, it was through Louis. And now you want to make it big by letting me know from a goddamn paper?" Lauren seethes. "Pictures plastered all over! It's a masterpiece, here, let me read it for you: Camarry is spotted at a baby store recently which confirmed that the two are going to be parents...""That's enough!" The paper in her hands is snatched away and thrown right into the trash. Lauren looks up, taken aback at the interrupter.The tall lad grabs Camila by the shoulder, pulling her close. "You okay, Mils?"Camila barely nods. She smiles gratefully when Harry casually swings her backpack on his shoulders instead. He wraps a protective arm around her waist, and she moulds her body to his like second nature. All the while, Lauren is glaring with green eyes. "Sorry, that Mr Curls has to come in between you two," Harry smirks, earning a hotter glare. "I should have arrived sooner but got held back in the meeting."Camila smiles and leans tightly against him. "It's alright. Mini-me and I didn't wait that long.""Anyway, I've got your medication and supplements in the car.""Okay," Camila chimes. Before moving away, Harry turns to the person he pretended is not there. "And you, what business do you have with my fiancée? You two are nothing more than old flames so let it stay that way. I don't want you hurting this lovable beauty in my arms."Lauren scoffs. "Don't get full of yourself, Styles."Holding Camila by his side, Harry leads them to walk past Lauren."Heard about your progress with Lou. Perhaps congrats are in order aye?"Lauren widens her eyes, looking confused. Harry stands at her side, staring at her from the corner of his eyes. "Then again, aren't things getting more complicated knowing that you went on a date with Zayn the other night. He sure looks heartbroken at the news.""Zayn..." Lauren mutters."Just how do you do it? I find it fascinating," Harry drawls amusedly."What are you talking about?" Lauren bravely replies."How you consistently break their hearts? First Mils and now Zayn. Who's next, Louis?"Lauren grunts and chooses to walk away first."Congrats again heartbreaker!"Harry manages to shout loud enough for Lauren to hear. Nonetheless, hot tears are already streaming down her face. Even if she wants to deny him, she cannot. *At Louis' & Lauren's apartment that evening*Louis knocks softly on Lauren's door. "Hey Peaches. I made some hot chocolate like you always love.""Go away."He huffs and places the cup on the nearest table and glances at the door before leaning against the wall. The lad has a rough idea of what happened to her since news spread like wildfire in college.Harry and Camila are having a baby.Louis sighs and knocks on her door again. "Do you want to build a snowman?""That is like the hundredth time you said that! And it's not even winter!""Well, it feels bloody cold out here without you," he forces out a smile. "Please, Lolo. Whatever you heard; it is still a rumour.""Shut up," he hears something thrown at the door. "It is Endgame for us!"Barking out a sarcastic laugh, "Endgame? Are you sure, baby? Why are you giving up so fast?" "Because there is nothing I can do now! And all of this would not have been worse if it is not for your stupid plan of faking engagement and stuff! Damn it, Louis! I'm the one heartbroken here, not her!""Peaches, we're both heartbroken.""Boobear...""Won't you come out and give me a hug?""I... I'm just not strong for this.""Bullshit. You throw tables-""Is this the right time to joke off like this?""You are clearly in love with her." On the other side of the door, Lauren sits on the floor and hugs her knees. A grin creeps on her lips reluctantly."So are you, with Harry.'"Lolo," Louis sits by her door. "Is it time we act selfishly?"She manages to chuckle. "Haven't we always be?""This time, when I mean selfishly...I'll call off the engagement whenever you're ready.""Are... are you sure?""But first," Louis knocks playfully. "Do you want to build a snowman?"Lauren opens the door and pinches his cheek. "Let's go. I believe I have some stashed marshmallows waiting to be munched!""Yeah!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
*Two Months Later*The storm that loomed over the two couples seems to have calmed down within the two months. Lauren and Louis pretended that nothing happened, as though the news of a possible lovechild was not enough to break them. As graduation draws near, they continued living in college like any other student. Even though they made a pact that they will act selfishly when it comes to getting back their beloved, they are not entirely enthusiastic about it. Their engagement was still ongoing as for now.It was clear that they are clueless about handling it on their own. Be it, Lauren or Louis, the idea of obtaining their loved one independently is pretty far-fetched. Lauren, however, is not exactly wasting her time. After that incident, she maintained a distance from Camila. That does not mean she does not steal secret glances, being extra precautious in case others caught her in the act. She is not as subtle as she thinks. Louis and Harry could spot her yearning look on several occasions.Camila is not blinded to it; she just pretended not to notice.She has made herself clear that she is tired of chasing Lauren because she would never hear the words she yearns to hear. On the other hand, Louis attempts to appear in Harry’s usual route in and out of college. Chancing a bump or a random connection of eyes is all Louis hoped for. His plan is as clear as day to Harry. The green-eyed lad remains aloof, strutting about the campus with an ‘I don’t give a damn’ attitude. If Louis is not coming to him on his own, Harry holds his pride steady and proceeds with his purpose in college and other worthwhile matters.It dawns upon the Doncaster lad that it is not him who is keeping the distance between them. The younger one is avoiding him, widening the gap that was already set between them. Harry also knows how to make use of the distance, like how he always laughs and chats away on the phone with whoever or walking in groups, surrounded by his friends.Louis could only swear under his breath. He feels envious at the people he’s directing all his attention to, especially when Harry is with Camila. It’s heartache all over again in Larryville or rather, Louisville. Meanwhile, one couple is already on the way back home from college.“Haz, I feel like we are in some sort of time loop.”“Time loop? Wow, I’m impressed. A music major is talking about quantum stuff.”Camila sneers behind a grin. “All I’m saying is that we have been like this for a long time. Push and pull continuously. There is no stop to it.”Harry hums. “The tables have turned like it’s supposed to. So, aren’t you supposed to enjoy it?” “Hazza, can you please read between the lines? She turns towards him swiftly. “I sensed that they wanted to come to us, but they are waiting for something that I’m unsure of!”He laughs. “Isn’t it hilarious? I thought we should enjoy this. We’ve suffered long enough. Too many tears.”“No, I…” Camila flips her hair back and slumps at the window. “I can’t tell if my heart can take it anymore. I’m not enjoying any of this, Haz. I’m afraid there’ll be many more tears.”“Mils, don’t you worry,” Harry grabs her hand. “I have a wonderful surprise for you.”“Is it something about the upcoming graduation ceremony?” Camila pouts. “I’m expecting that humongous banana plushy you promised.”Harry manages to smirk at her before looking at the road ahead. “Even better.”“Hazza! Tell me!”“Promise me, you’ll wait a little longer. You’ll see.” He smiles sincerely, couldn’t wait to surprise her. “Give me a clue at least.”“Well, let’s just say I’ve taken care of certain things in regards to the grand opening of our hotel before grad.”“Yikes. Here I am whining while you have a surprise for me. Oh my gosh! I need to surprise you too!”Chuckling, “Chillax Mils, I’m just trying to make things better for you.”“Aww aren’t you a sweet darling? You know, if we’re both into each other in that sense we could naturally end up being together for real.”“I know Mils. Wouldn’t pick anyone else but you.” ***“Hey…”Camila thought she was hearing things. After getting her change for her purchase of a soft drink, she turns around and meets the long-sought green eyes.Her smoky, husky voice is the same as she first heard it.It is soft and gentle yet commands immediate attention.Everything else seems to cease except the beating of two hearts. Camila distracts herself by slurping her drink, looking anywhere besides Lauren. “So hmmm, how’s your final project? Are you catching up to the deadline?” Lauren initiates a conversation, a fair topic to talk about.Camila refuses to look at her. “Yeah, coping as usual.”She gives a dead end, not bothering to ask Lauren anything.Lauren forces out a smile. “That’s good to hear. How are you, physically?”Slurping aloud and getting annoyed, she replies, “Alive.”A loud exhale is heard, and the young one freezes. “Look, I know I’ve hurt you more than I could ever imagine. It’ll probably take years to mend our friendship,” Lauren squeezes out those words like poking blades into her arm. “I could give you the sincerest apology, and it wouldn’t suffice.”The shorter brunette naturally finds the green eyes and looks at them longingly. Lauren feels a slight relief seeing the brown eyes she missed dearly. She would dare say she is almost undeserving to be looked at like that.Lauren takes a deep breath and maintains a small smile. “I don’t want to live in regrets, and I know I’ll leave my life in regret if I never make it up to you. I’m genuinely sorry…”A hand in the air signals for the speaker to stop talking.Lauren is tight-lipped, staring at the small hand she used to hold. The soft drink in Camila’s hand is tossed into a nearby trash can.“Is that all you have to say?” Facing down, knowing well what Camila wants to hear but Lauren has not yet mustered the will to confess to her.“I have no more will to fight a dousing flame,” Camila admits bluntly. “It takes two willing souls to fight for love. Not a fight against one another but a fight for our love. Now it feels like there’s no way out.”Lauren creases her brows. “Love is not without scars, love. I told you that I wasn’t perfect. And so are you.”A wind gushes between them, flipping both their hair elegantly. They maintain that stare for a moment before Camila blinks away and checks her watch.“Look, Lauren, I’m busy at the moment so you had your say, and I had mine. Is there anything else?”She fidgets uneasily, and Camila can tell she’s nervous about something. The raven-haired brunette takes a breath before apologizing again, “Also, I’m sorry about your loss. I read about it in the papers and I…”Interrupting her again, the young one replies, “Urgh! It’s so easy, isn’t it? Some fucking troll edited a picture of mine, and some trashy sites start spreading lies about me! And guess what? The public believes it in an instant.”“Wait, what? So you mean you never?” Lauren is stuttering.“Don’t believe everything you read or watch in the media. Haven’t you been paying attention in class?”Camila rolls her eyes unimpressed with the poor attempt for a truce. She leaves the older one who is trying to trail behind. “Camz wait, please! I can’t let you walk out of my life with the wrong impression. I’m sure you’ve probably heard it, but, indeed, Lou and I never meant to start a family or even thought about it at all. It’s just a huge misunderstanding between Zayn and Harry. Honestly Camz I never considered anyone else in my life!”Camila’s footsteps echo back to Lauren, no signs of stopping.With fists curled up and eyes shut tight, and finally, Lauren pours her heart out.“It upsets me greatly that you and Harry are entering a lavender marriage.” Camila swallows hard, letting those words ring in her ears. She hears faint footsteps behind her before it stops abruptly.“I’m disappointed and so fucking heartbroken without even thinking about how you’re feeling. I’m very sorry Camila.”She wants to turn back and look at Lauren. She wants it so badly.Lauren only measures the seemingly long distance between them. She speaks a little louder every time she steps further. Hoping the younger one could hear her word by word.“I should have kept an open mind and listen to you. I hope it’s not too late if I’ve decided to wait.” As Camila turns the corner, Lauren becomes frantic and chases after her. She grabs her arm, “Wait, Camz, please. Please just listen to what I have to say...”“Don’t speak. It’s been a secret for the longest time. I’m tired of loving somebody that is not mine…”“I’ll break it off. I’ll move back to my parents' place. Then, we can be together after your PR is all over.”“Then what? Once you have me do you want me still?”“Of course! You keep me burning. This fire could kill me if anything. But in the end, you’re always worth it.” They both stare in each other’s eyes deeply. They gravitate towards each other no doubt. As soon as Lauren leans in, however, Camila turns and breaks the trance.Camila soon disappears into another building, leaving a restless brunette who feels defeated enough to just let her go this one last time. ***Dangerously carrying stacks of boxes down a short staircase, the young businessman manages to walk down the stairs. Cursing under his breath since the elevator is under maintenance at the wrong time. He is going to meet important clients and has mentally prepared himself to watch his language.He is successful until he trips on one of the lower steps.“Fork!”With an ungracious fall, he lands on the floor sending the materials flying everywhere. The fear of losing important documents rushes him to collect whatever that has fallen out of the boxes. A pair of hands appears in his need for help. The young man is pleased that someone is assisting him to gather all the files strewn and thank the person without glancing.“Same old clumsy Harry,” Louis chuckles. Harry snaps his head around to face him. His lips turn downwards, and Louis can tell that his presence is not wanted. As soon as the materials return to their respective boxes, Harry turns his back at Louis.Louis crinkles his nose, not pleased at the younger’s reaction. Louis watches Harry attempting to carry the same four boxes on his own. The older lad takes his chance to snort in amusement.“What are you, Incredible Hulk?” Louis deliberately takes to boxes in his hands, ignoring the younger one’s protest.“Hand over the boxes! I can handle it! Get out before I lose it! What are you even doing here in this building, trespassing?”Grinning, “Oh, is it working?”“What is?”“Me trying to impress you.” Harry rolls his eyes at how shamelessly annoying he can be. “Just give me the boxes and make your way out.”“Ouch,” Louis groans. “I know that I’m not that someone you wanted to see but graduation is upon us, and I would like to repair the damage between us.”Being the stronger one, Harry forces himself to carry the boxes again. Louis stumbles back a little while Harry makes his way straight ahead.Louis pouts as Harry ignores him. The blue-eyed lad tries again, following behind, “What I said didn’t fall on deaf ears, did it, Harry?”Harry has learned to be immune to Louis' provocation.Sighing at the cold treatment as though he’s invisible, he tries a different approach.Louis grabs him by the shoulder. “Haz…” “DON’T TOUCH ME! Don’t you dare touch me?” Harry bristles, eventually breathing deeply to cool down slightly.Louis notices Harry fidgeting his ankle, followed by a painful expression. “Don’t put pressure on your feet and let me check.”“I'm fine.”“Is that an acceptable excuse coming from the heir of this grand enterprise?” He stoops low and holds the lad's ankle which earns a loud groan.“Touch me again and I'm calling security.”“You won’t be groaning if that’s the case,” Louis looks up. “Stop being stubborn please, I’m swallowing my pride here dude!” Slowly, Harry places the boxes on a nearby counter and surrenders to Louis's fingers carefully examining his ankle. “Well? Since when do you know anything about ankles?”“Not much but I play football remember? I’ve seen loads of injuries. It seems like a sprain, you can check with a doctor since you refuse to trust me.”“I never said that.”Louis blinks hard at Harry's response, hardly expecting such a rebuttal. Harry would have just pushed him away like before. Seeing a chance right there, Louis straightens up to face Harry and lands a hand against the wall Harry is leaning on, directing those wandering green eyes back to the blue ones.“If you trust me, will you give me another chance?” Louis coos. “Let's… Let's grab a drink and talk about this. Like old times.”Cocking a brow, “I’m in the middle of work. And you're supposed to help me with my ankle.” “Take a break. You need it more than I do. I mean, you’re probably lacking sleep, tackling both school and work. Are you trying so hard to fall sick or something? Bet that girl doesn't take good care of you well enough. More like you're taking care of her too much. I mean, where is your brain sometimes? What… Just what the hell did you see in her? Isn't she just a childhood friend?!”Tension builds in the air instantly, as Louis has no control over his emotions. He is having Harry cornered and yet the younger lad does not treat him back like he always did, be it flirty or gentle. Even his brain has understood that Harry is not reciprocating. His heart, however, refuses to give up.Seeing Louis speechless, Harry scoffs and shakes his head. “You are so horrible at this. Just leave.”“What?” Louis deadpans, watching Harry easily slap his arm away, and continues on his way. “What the hell, Harry?” “So much of you saying you wanna fix things between us. All I’m hearing is you making a fool out of me. You have no right to talk trash about the girl who shares my joy and tears. She’s been there for me since day one yet I had forsaken her for the sake of you! So just go, Louis. I'm happy with how things are right now.”Harry quickens his steps towards the meeting room as Louis chases him.“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I’ve been gathering the courage to clear things up about us, about Lauren and I.”Harry does not slow down at all.“That prick Zack and his stupid assumptions screw things up more.” Harry reaches a door that requires a pass.Louis tries hard to get Harry's attention. “Okay, okay! Come on, Hazz. It's all on me! Yes, yes! The main bulk of our fight is because of my lack of understanding! Call me a fool if that makes you happy!”He found his pass and shows it to Louis. Knowing Harry cannot tap with the boxes in his hands, the older lad assists to tap and when the beep is heard, Harry snatches it back and slams the door behind him.“Hey, I'm not done talking, Banana freak!” *Two weeks before Graduation, Friday afternoon*“Milk or Silk,” Camila contemplates between the two choices.“You can’t be called Camilk if you ain’t drinking milk.”Camila clutches her chest in shock but smiles genuinely nonetheless. She reciprocates the embrace before asking, “How have you been Manz?”“Good. We all missed you by the way.”It has been long since Camila heard anything that makes her happy. “Aww, Manibear, I missed you all too! You know, at least you have each other. I only have Harry. Oh and Ari too.” Normani sighs, her bright smile diminishes slightly, “I know we shouldn’t let things drift us apart and for that I’m sorry.”“It doesn’t even matter anymore. I’m sorry too for making the distance between us unreachable. Anyway, are you sure you ain’t stalking me? This is like the second time you bumped into me here.”Normani rolls her eyes good-naturedly, “Trust me, if I’m stalking you, it’ll be way more times than this.” Her face fell before admitting, “I did tell DJ that it was okay to text you, you know. She’s still afraid.”Camila frowns a little, “What? Why? She’s got nothing to be afraid of.” “Yeah but my baby feels guilty,” Normani grins softly. “She couldn’t help but feel like she’s a horrible friend to you. You know, for not truly being there for you. When I told her, I bumped into you months back she looks so hopeful. Typing out messages to you but never sending them.”Camila grabs Normani by the hand and gives her a gentle squeeze. “Perhaps I should be the who texting her first. We’ve been through so much together. I guess it’s silly of me to keep thinking none of you would reply to me if I reach out. I’m sorry for not putting in more effort.”Normani squeezes back the smaller hands gently. “It’s alright. I know how the drama surrounding your life can be a lot to handle.”“Urgh, it’s fucked up. Harry is already in the process of suing those media outlets writing trash about me. Assuming we’re having a child together to edited photos of me and lastly about the news I lose the baby that I never even had!” “I know right. I mean considering what team we’re playing!” The girls giggle as they decidedly head to a store where Camila can meet her daily intake of milk.“Hey Manibear, can I ask you a favour?”“I’ll be offended if you don’t boo-boo.”“Well, it’s about the grand opening of our hotel…” *That night*“Leeroy, I didn’t ask you to watch telly with me just so you could fall, asleep mate!” Louis pinches Liam on his side.Liam grunts his way awake and nudges Louis with an elbow. He adjusts himself on the couch before yawning loudly.“You couldn’t choose a better show for us to critic? My intelligence couldn’t comprehend the ridiculousness…” drawls Liam before he gets interrupted.“Oh fuck off. You just lack the most important part of your brain, and I’m sure it is not only intelligence.”“It’s a bloody cartoon!”“In which many pairs of hands threw blood sweat and tears into making them. And to create something out of a blank screen is far amazing than all those pathetic CGs with people in green suits and green screens.” Liam huffs and looks at Louis through his blue eyes. “Let me rephrase myself again. It is a Kids’ cartoon! We are not their target audience! We can do much better things than to watch how this sponge dude lives in a pineapple in which, mind you; I have no idea how it even gets there.”“Now that is what I’m talking about,” Louis chuckles. “The cogs in your brain are finally working. You can thank me later.”“For good heaven’s sake, Louis William Tomlinson. You are such a sucker!” Liam whines as he grabs the bag of chips and stuffs himself. “Next time when you ask me to come over and laugh our arse off watching shows, remind me to say no.”“Stop being a baby.” Louis laughs and munches of his chocolate bar. “You haven’t gotten much time for me Payno. So be nice and entertain me.”“Says the one who’s always with his fake fiancée.” They look at each other and burst out into uncontrollable laughter.Once Louis wipes his eyes, he recalls, “Can’t believe you got so mad that I didn’t tell you about it sooner.”“Ha-ha very funny, let’s all leave Liam in the dark. You know what? It’s like those comments you read about groups. Let’s all wear black and not tell Liam or let’s all wear hats and not tell Liam.”“Let's all get engaged without telling Liam.”Liam takes a cushion and hits his laughing best mate. “Next thing you know, you’ll be on one of the dating shows.”“No, why would I? Who would go on these dating shows anyway?” Louis whines, stealing the bag of chips and stuffing his face with them.“People like you.” Louis snorts. “Of course. Girls are lining up to have a date with me. And I’ll be there announcing that Liam has taken my place. You know what’s going to happen next.”“That I am going to spread the word that you are taken by some mysterious someone with irresistible curls.”Louis flicks a finger. “By the time they see your face, they flee home, moron.”Liam laughs hardly knowing what pisses Louis off the most. The mention of Harry always works. Suddenly, a beat of silence enters between them. Not really. Louis is eating the chips frustrated.Liam grabs the bag of chips. “Do you have Plan B?” “Well, Plan Z ruined everything,” Louis grumbles, recalling how Zayn’s involvement has poured more salt to the wound.“I was talking about another plan if watching cartoons like this will not take your mind off things,” Liam clarifies. “Look. Grad is weeks away. Don’t tell me you’ll keep up with your shenanigans long after that.”“I haven’t got the slightest clue lad,” Louis deflates, staring at the ceiling. “All of this started because I want to save my pride. Now I wonder whether I can forget my pride and save us.”Liam switches off the television and looks at his best mate. “This is Harry we’re talking about. I don’t know about his fiancée, but I know he won’t leave you high and dry.”“He is doing exactly that, and it is working.” Liam laughs. “If I’m Harry, I’m happy to know that.”Louis gasps. “What? Why?”“Well, only people who don’t watch cartoons can understand.”Louis throws the cushion pillow at him and finishes his chocolate bar.“So…” Liam drags.Louis turns his head to face him at a spookily slow speed on purpose.“Lou! I don’t like you doing that! Stop you freak!” Laughing aloud, “Well I don’t like your tone how you dragged your word hesitatingly.”Liam rubs his chin and pouts, “It’s because I’m hesitating.”“Just say what you got to say before you forget about it, dude.” He sighs and stands up to walk to the kitchen.“Fine,” Liam insists to continue. “Let me just remind you that after grad, most of us are heading separate ways so this might be the only chance you get to work things out-”“You think I don’t know that?” Louis turns to shout at him. “We tried. And they are the ones who are pushing us away now. Don’t tell me that I’m not doing my best to fix things. And hell no, I have enough of uninvited people crashing in and making things worse!” “There must be a reason why he stopped fighting for you, especially nearing graduation. And I can’t think of anything else besides their engagement. To top of all this, their engagement is not fake and grads is a special occasion too.”“No,” Louis laughs nervously. “You are not saying that they are going to-“Liam prims his lips together. “Are you ready?”“Just shut up and watch the damn cartoon!” *The next morning*Striding down the living room to the kitchen, Louis greets the raven-haired a good morning before clambering on the fridge. Closing the door with a swing of his hips, he retrieves his mug. He cannot believe whatever he discussed with Liam yesterday haunted him.Nevertheless, everything Liam said seems to make sense.Harry and Camila had been pushing them both away ever since there was news of their unborn child. What confuses Louis is that it takes them literally two months to finally reveal it is all fake. It is also the same amount of time needed before graduation. Whatever happened between them was probably planned out so that they can deter Louis and Lauren from getting to know the truth. Their marriage is probably already set after graduation.And the fact that they are going to do it pains Louis.He can barely bat an eye to sleep through the whole of last night.However, it is all just an idea from Liam. It would not be the truth if it is not out of the horse’s mouth. Louis has to calm down and not tell a word to Lauren. Things have already been hard on her ever since she tried to win Camila back. She is just as unsuccessful as Louis. “Louis! What did I tell you about leaving the coffee table in a mess?”The Doncaster lad carries his mug over and glances at the coffee table that Lauren is beginning to clear.“Sorry lady, we dozed off in the wee hours in the morning. But hey, at least we managed to switch off the TV before we go to Lala Land.”He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly all the while observing her looking at him unimpressed. Lauren folds her arms, “If I keep letting you off the hook, you’re just gonna keep repeating the same mistakes the next time. Tell you what, you clear your trash, and I’ll just organise the table.”Louis salutes her playfully and sips some milk. He cannot blame the lady for being a clean freak. He is quite high maintenance. Even so, he knows well that her anger is not rooting from the mess before her.“What are there catalogues for?” Lauren grumbles as she goes through the materials.“Oh, Payno must have forgotten to take it with him when he rushed out this morning. Mumbling something about tuxedos. Come to think of it, I should call him Stinko for leaving without showering.”“Wait, he slept here. You mean you both sleep-““We were out cold at the couch. Nothing happened, oh god,” Louis massages his forehead. “He is like my uncle, mind you.” Lauren chuckles devilishly before holding out the catalogues. “Well, your uncle might need them back.”“You know what’s better,” Louis puts down his mug and grabs the magazines. “We’ll give it to my aunt so that she’ll give it to him and at the same time amuse her because you think her hubby is gay.”“Very funny, moron,” Lauren slaps the stack of magazines on Louis’ chest.Something falls out and swoops to the floor. She picks it up for him.“It’s a card,” she flips through it before he stops her. They connect eyes.“What are you doing?” She snaps.“No, what are you doing?” He scoffs. “Whatever that is, it’s meant for Liam.”Snorting, “It won’t hurt to peek at it to confirm it belongs to him.”“Are you crazy? Do you know Liam? No, do you know my uncle?!”“Stop overreacting!” She laughs it off and opens the card.“What does it say?” “Says someone who doesn’t want to know-“ Her eyes widen immediately, “Louis, do you know anything about this?”“If I know, would I be asking?”“Lou…”Louis gulps, fearing the thing that has been keeping him awake the whole night might be written on the card.Probably Liam already knew all long.“Louis, it’s a wedding invitation for today.” Her green eyes glaze over, “Lou, it’s for their wedding.”