ZAYN
I was bored with the same old. Hit on girls, talk to stupid people and attend classes. I despised the last part the most.
Anas looped his arm around my head and I slapped it off. "Go annoy someone else,"
He pouted like a little boy. Then turned his eyes to the girl in front of us. I watched interest flash in his eyes.
"Do I know you?" Great. He was going to leave no girl without flirting with her. It was a sadly predictable fact.
She let out a contemplative 'hmm'. "Let me see. Anas Wahab. The guy who once peed in prep?"
His eyes widened and I couldn't help but chuckle. At the sound of my laugh, the girl's gaze fell on me. I didn't bother looking at her.
"That was Ibrahim," He spit out, practically fuming. "I'm the interesting dude that all girls love. You're about to become one of them."
"Sorry, but piercings aren't my thing," She said, not at all sounding sorry.
The girl interested me and that's why I wouldn't even look at her. When we'd bumped into each other, I'd felt that spark. But that kind of attraction only led to heartache. And a little girl had already broken my heart into pieces. I didn't even have anything to give to somebody else.
"Ouch," Anas clutched his chest, seeming more amused than hurt. I know he's into her because of the attitude. And for some reason, it makes me want to kill him.
She's not mine, I reminded myself. She's just a stranger.
"Dude," Zeeshan butted in. "Don't give her gooey eyes. She's bad news."
"You're just mean, Zeesh," Anas said, eyeing the girl who just got out of her shiny red Lambo. He was such a douche.
"Why am I even standing here?" Ninja girl muttered to herself, turning to leave.
"Hey!" Anas seemed to be done staring at the other girl's certain parts because his attention was back to ninja.
Gosh, why was I calling her that? That was so douchey.
"Can I at least get your name?" He flashed her his cheeky grin and Zeeshan fell into fits of laughter.
Sometimes I wondered why he laughed so much. But I knew. I already knew he'd rather laugh than worry about his family problems.
That's how we all are, right?
Ninja girl—shit, I really needed to stop calling her that—froze. Such a simple question and she looked genuinely frightened.
"Well," She said, acting nonchalant but I could hear the tremble in her voice. "I'm the girl you stole nuggets from in preschool."
Anas cracked a genuine smile. "Honey, trust me, I've stolen many nuggets in my life. Specify, please."
She drew in a breath that we all heard. "You'll know very soon. Please don't unnecessarily bother me."
"He just asked for your name," Zeeshan screeched. "I don't get why girls have to act all crazy and shit. Leave if you don't want to tell."
I gritted my teeth and cut him off with a glare. "Mind your tone,"
"Shut the heck up, man." He blew out an angry breath and marched away.
I stared at his retreating form for a minute before turning to Anas. "The same?"
He nods, eyes darkened. "Don't be hard on him, Z. The shit's getting rougher."
I felt guilt twinge up in my chest. But I knew he didn't want me to go check up on him. Not when he was like this. He liked to be left alone.
The school bell rang and I swear the whole parking lot filled with groans. Not me, though. I liked to keep my opinions to myself.
"What class do you have first, honey?" Anas was back at it, running to catch up with ninj—covered girl.
I sighed, glad to be left alone. My relief was, however, short-lived because Biya put her arms around my neck from behind. I knew it was her because of her too-sweet flowery perfume and because she was the only one tall enough to cling to me like that.
"I missed you, baby," She said, shamelessly dragging her hands over my chest.
I unwrapped her arms from around me, turning to face her flawless face. "How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from me?"
She was undeterred. "I'm going to be this year's prom queen, Z. And then you'll have to date me."
Did she have no dignity? I just shook my head at her, wondering when she'd grow up and stop acting like we're a couple.
"Z!" She trailed behind me, telling me all the gossip that I didn't ask for. "Did you hear about the new girl? Zarish told me she was wearing long robes and that stuff poor people wear. What is it called? A naqab?"
"Niqab," I corrected her, hoping she'd shut her mouth and stop making stupid comments.
She waved a hand in the air. "Yeah, that thing. How can she be allowed to wear that?" She gasped dramatically. "What if she's a terrorist in disguise? Z, you have to do something!"
I stopped suddenly when we reached the hallways and she bumped into me. I quickly stepped back, lest she started doing weird stuff I was not in the mood for.
"We all have a school uniform, Biya." I pause after each word, hoping she'd get this into her brain once and for all. "As long as she studies here, she's bound to follow the rules. Now, can you go away?"
"We have English Lit first period, remember?" She flashed me a victory smile and I closed my eyes in annoyance.
Why do I get stuck with girls?
Nothing I hate more than telling a female to kindly eff off. Except I don't know how to be kind anymore.
"Your perfume is too much to bear, Biya. Make sure you sit far away for me."
I turn on my heels and leave behind a nagging and slightly tearful girl.
Being in the student council could be hectic and annoying at times. I had to roam the entire school to make sure no one was missing a class and to help anyone if they needed assistance.
I came to a halt when I noticed ninja girl lingering in the hallway of the third floor. I quickly hid behind a pillar and peeked at her like a creep.
In utter fascination, I watched her look everywhere to make sure nobody was there. The third floor was always empty—no one liked to visit the humungous library and the principal's office.
She sighed. "I can't do this. What were you thinking, you fool? How will you face him?"
She continued talking to herself, meanwhile opening her backpack. It amused me because I could remember another girl who was in the habit of talking to herself. It also made me sad.
Next, she slowly started unzipping her robe. It was a little scandalous watching her take one layer off although I knew she's wearing the uniform underneath. I was proven right when the black went and instead of it was a checkered white and blue shalwar kameez with a sash on one side. Her curves were still not that visible because unlike other girls, she was wearing a uniform that was at least two sizes big on her.
But still. There was a little more to see and guys always found a way to look at what they were searching for. I felt a little disgusted at myself and moved to leave when I saw her untying her veil.
A packet of crisps crunched under my foot and her head flew back. Our eyes met. Time slowed.
"Zayn," She whispered softly.
My heart clenched.
I took in the honey-coloured eyes.
The creamy complexion.
The beauty mark on her chin.
And I knew.
I just knew who that was.
What I didn't know was why she was here.
Why now.
"Zayn," She repeated but I was already running down the stairs.
Because it was too much to take in.
There were too many feelings choking me.
Too many memories with her flashing in front of my eyes like they happened yesterday.
And I couldn't bear it.