24

                                    

                                          
ZAYN'S POV
                          
A #1 song, a highly anticipated album on the way, and a promising music career should have Zayn feeling on top of the world. And of course he's happy about the blessings he's received, but he can't help but feel a bit empty. 
                          
He's got fame and fortune now, but not genuine happiness. 
                          
Liam's betrayal definitely did screw with his head for a couple of months, and it was hard to get over. The sadness he felt still lingers though, and it probably will for a while. But seeing Liam again made those feelings disappear for a bit, and made him feel somewhat happy. 
                          
Walking back to the suite after his run in with his ex, he joins the party once more to blend in with all the happy partygoers. Most of the people in the room involve models, rappers, and actors he hasn't met and he really doesn't care to. 
                          
Walking to the kitchen, he makes his way to the fridge to pull out a beer. He's unscrews the cap and takes a long swig, enjoying the bitter taste on his tongue. 
                          
He looks around and notices Harry sitting down on the couch looking sad,  definitely not the right mood for a huge party. 
                          
Setting the beer down he walks over to Harry and sits down next to him. 
                          
Harry notices him and smiles at him. "Hi Zee. By the way, you're welcome for the intrusion with your ex. Looked like you needed to be saved."
                          
Zayn gulps but laughs it off. "What's got you looking so down babe?"
                          
He notices Harry staring intently at two dancing bodies, realizing now what has the younger man down. 
                          
It's Louis and Ally, dancing way too closely along to Big Sean's Bounce Back. 
                          
"Hey, c'mon Harry, it's okay. You even said yourself that you were fine with Louis and Ally."
                          
"I know, but it hurts. We only dated for three months but I still really care for him and like him" Harry says as he looks away. 
                          
When Zayn had found Harry that day at Louis' apartment after his breakup with Liam he was surprised. Louis had been the one pressing him to date Harry but it turns out Louis was already dating Harry. 
                          
Harry was Louis' new client and needed promo and Zayn was a new artist on the rise, it seemed like a perfect match. 
                          
But after three months of dating Louis called it off, wanting to keep things with Harry strictly professional. 
                          
Louis had kept in contact with Ally after meeting her at Lauren's house, the same day when everything took a turn for the worst. They had both connected fast, and now made their relationship public. 
                          
"He left me so fast and got with her, I can't really understand it" Harry says turning away. 
                          
"Hey, cheer up babe. You're gonna get me down. I'm the only one allowed to be sad, remember?" Zayn says nudging Harry. "Besides, it doesn't mean you aren't a catch, like have you seen yourself? You're hot" Zayn says, smiling at Harry, watching him smile as well. 
                          
He sees a flash going off, and sees the professional photographer invited to take pics of them acting affectionate, something he'd totally forgotten about. 
                          
Whispering, he tells Harry to look at him and he does. 
                          
"Shit I forgot these pests are supposed to be here" Harry says, and before Zayn can respond Harry leans in and kisses him, catching completely off guard. 
                          
He quickly recovers though and dominates their kiss, making their full blown make out session look believable. 
                          
He feels Harry hold his face with his hands, and he pulls away, just staring at Harry. 
                          
He never really noticed how beautifully green his eyes were, or how rosy pink his lips are. He gulps and looks away, realizing the camera man had already left. 
                          
Harry is the first to break away from their stare off, looking really flustered. He excuses himself to go to the bathroom and leaves in a hurry. 
                          
Zayn stays sitting on the couch, a weird feeling going through him. This kiss with Harry was different– definitely different from the other kisses they had to share. Seemed more intimate and less forced, and he liked the feeling. 
                          
"There you are!" he hears a voice say, turning around and realizing it's Lauren. 
                          
She takes plops down on the couch, adjusting her dress. 
                          
"What's up Lo?" Zayn says as he grabs his drink from the table and takes a sip. 
                          
"I saw you earlier with Liam" she starts off, making Zayn turn beet red. 
                          
"What's going on Z? I thought you were done with that situation" she says, disappointment evident in her tone. 
                          
"Lo, I just wanted to see how he was. No matter what happened you knoe he's always gonna mean something to me" Zayn says looking down at his hands. 
                          
Lauren sighs in frustration, "I know that Zee, I just want you to be careful. Please don't fall for his trap again, he doesn't deserve you. He played with your heart and your mind for his own sake, he doesn't really care for you"
                          
"For fucks sake Lauren, I just said hi to the guy! It doesn't mean I'm gonna get back together with him!" Zayn says raising his voice at his friend. 
                          
Things remain silent, neither of them saying anything. 
                          
Zayn finally breaks the silence, turning to face Lauren. "I'm sorry for yelling at you Lo. I know you care about me and want the best for me"
                          
Lauren leans in and hugs Zayn, "you know I love you, asshole. I hate seeing you hurt" 
                          
She pulls away and smiles at him, making Zayn give a puzzled look. 
                          
"So I also saw that little moment with Harry" she says poking him. 
                          
"Well aren't you very observant" Zayn says rolling his eyes, feeling his face getting hot. 
                          
"Spill." Lauren says, smiling. 
                          
"There's nothing to tell. You know our situation" Zayn says non chalantly. 
                          
Lauren laughs, getting up. "Just so you know, I ship Zarry" she says winking and leaving. 
                          
Zayn laughs, then looks around the room and notices Harry across the room talking to Normani, both of them have smiles on their faces. 
                          
Lauren approaches them both, hugging Harry. He hugs her back, and they all three look very invested in the conversation they're having. 
                          
Zayn smiles to himself, the same weird feeling returning. 
                          
He pulls out his phone and looks through his contact list, finding the name he wants to speak to. 

                          
To: Liam
meet me tmrw at the 
constellation club at 9pm

                          
Zayn puts his phone away and gulps, getting up and heading to the drink table. He grabs the Jose Cuervo bottle and decides to no longer think about the situation he's in. 
                          
But as he parties on, he can't stop thinking about a certain someone.. and he doesn't really want to stop. 

                          
×××
                          
A/N: yes it's tru im alive and decided to finish this got damn book. 
                          
ziam or zarry end game... 👀 who knows??? 
                          
NOT EDITED. it's 2:30 am and I'm taking my ass to sleep.