"I like this. I like this very much"
She looked up at Louis' face and smiled back. She shivered as his left hand traced little patterns across her shoulder. She leaned her head back on him and let the music continue to move the two of them.
He walked in, feeling awkward in his new suit. The school gym was packed. A quarter of the people present were wallowing near the buffet table and the rest were on the dance floor. He kept his hands inside his pockets and took slow, shaky steps towards the core of the venue.
The lights were blaring and the song played its last few notes before coming to an end. Considering that it was just getting started, the speakers began to play what must be the first slow dance of the night.
He looked at the faces engaged in swaying from side to side. He quickly picked her smile out from the rest of the crowd. At that, he felt his insides shake.
She had her arms around him.
He drew back a breath; she looked absolutely radiant.
He takes your hand, I die a little
I watch your eyes and I'm in need of
Why can't you look at me like that?
He knew he couldn't stand watching the two of them. He contemplated whether to simply flee from this but, it wasn't that easy to take his eyes away from her.
When you walk by, I try to say it
But then I freeze and never do it
My tongue gets tied, the words get trapped
He'd been waiting for her to notice that he was there. When she finally did, the feeling held him even tighter. He almost expected, and kind if hoped, that she would break away from Louis at that moment.
I hear the beat of my heart getting louder whenever I'm near you
She bit her lip and smiled at the sight of him. He liked it that it was only meant for him to see.
But I see you with him, slow dancing
Tearing me apart 'cause you don't see
Whenever you kiss him, I'm breaking
Oh how I wish that was me
She kept herself in Louis' arms but, kept an eye out for him too, making sure he wouldn't just dissipate into thin air. She was well aware that Zayn was the type to suddenly vanish in occasions like these. Louis twirled her and both boys seemed even more amazed.
He looks at you the way that I would
Does all the things I know that I could
If only time could just turn back
Zayn felt his hand tighten into a fist as Louis leaned in to kiss her. His shoes suddenly became more interesting; his gaze dropped to the floor. Louis was good at making evident what was his.
'Cause I've got three little words that I've always been dying to tell you
The song ends and to Zayn, it seemed like he had to wait an eternity. He was barely prepared as she made her way towards him. Behind, closely following her, was Louie.
"You came" she said, letting out a little laugh. He wanted to believe the twinkle in her eye was because of him.
"You told me I should come for you," he said, his tone took on a kind of firmness. "And so I did"
He liked the fact that Louis was hearing this. They didn't even greet each other. They barely met each other's eyes. He was surprised she never noticed this on-going silent feud between the two of them. They'd been like this since the first time their paths crossed. Louis recognized his intentions, why couldn't she?
"That's very nice of you," she answered. "I must say, you look dashing in your suit, dear sir"
He grinned at hearing those exact same words for the second time. "Still checking me out" he replied in a cheeky tone.
She briefly glanced at Louis and Louis managed a smile. She Looked back at Zayn and rolled her eyes. In the background, the next slow song began its melody.
"I believe you owe me a dance"
He was surprised that she was the one who brought it up.
"Do you mind?"
Zayn turned to Louis, acknowledging his presence for the first time.
He could tell Louis debated with himself but, didn't show it. "Not at all"
He took hold of her hand and immediately felt his face flare up. Their feet led them to the dance floor; he held her like the last time but, with more conviction. She was so close, was it possible for her to feel what he was feeling right this second?
Feel with my hands on your waist as we dance in the moonlight
I wish it was me that you call later on because you want to say good night
He knew it was short-lived but, he savoured each second that he had her in his arms this way. He couldn't even hear the song anymore because all of his senses were focused on something else; something more important.
Just this once he wanted to freeze time and leave things like this.
Just this once he wouldn't be forced to relive everything as merely a figment of his imagination.
Just this once he wanted to believe that she felt what he felt. Just this once he wanted her to feel the same.
They danced without uttering a word; their eyes spoke for them. It was better this way; clearer.
The song ended and she left his arms to go to someone else's. Louis placed his arm around her shoulders. Zayn took a step back and let them have it. She didn't stop him from walking away and instead, held on to Louis wordlessly. Her gaze didn't leave the sight of him, she watched until he was no longer there.
Further away from everything, he went. Numb from all emotion, walking away was his only instinct.
Oh how I wish that was me