Time passed on, and nothing major really happened. Within the next two weeks, Harry and Jen became an official couple. I was happy for them, they both were no doubt cheerier in general, which made me appreciate Lou and his double date plans. Speaking of him, he seemed to be happy for them also. The first few days were rough for him, I could tell, but Zayn and I encouraged him. He didn't dare tell Harry how he felt.

In the meantime, Louis had switched plotting ideas, trying to get me with Zayn. I told him time and time again that I really wanted nothing to do with dating, but he would always say something about how Zayn was a great guy, and how I needed someone special to lean on. I ignored his silly notions and watched as plan after plan failed, and eventually Zayn caught on to it all.

"So, Lou over there seems to think we'd go nicely together." he chuckled, sitting down at our lunch table. Lou was still in line to pay for his lunch, taking his dear old time.

"Crazy, what goes through that lad's mind." I shook my head, taking a bite of salad.

"What, you don't think we'd make a handsome couple?" Zayn asked, looking me in the eyes.

"No, no that's not what I meant-" my eyes widened as I shook my head frantically.

"I'm joking, Em." he smirked, obviously amused at my flustered expression.

"Oh." was all I could manage to reply, embarrassed at myself.

"Zayn, always making the ladies go red in the face." Lou laughed, approaching the table and sitting down across from me, next to Zayn.

"What's up, mate?"

"Nothing with me, but it seems you two were in the middle of an entertaining conversation. Please, carry on." he smiled to himself.

"Not again..." I groaned.

"Come on Lou, don't tease."

"Not teasing, I'm simply interested in your statuses. Have you asked her out yet? Or Em, have you batted any eyelashes lately?"

"Would it make you happy if I did?" Zayn asked, unusually sassy.

"In fact, it would."

"Then, Em, would you do me the pleasure of being my dinner date this weekend?"

"Uhm... sure." I replied, surprised at the question.

"Finally! You two will fall in love, I promise."

I didn't realize the situation I was in until I was thinking it over in bed that night. Finally, I was about to go on a date with the boy I had fancied since, well, a long time. He even proved himself to be a gentleman, as he pulled me aside after lunch to let me know that we didn't have to go through with it if I wasn't up for it. I shocked myself when I refused, saying it would be fun. He smiled at this, and agreed. A nervous pit grew in my stomach, and didn't get any better for the rest of the week.

I had to admit, I was feeling like a bit of a whore, having been on more dates with different guys in a few months' span than I had in my whole life. Louis said that it was normal, and that it wasn't bad at all, considering that they all weren't actual boyfriends. It didn't really change my outlook, though. I felt like I was letting in a ton of guys, which I never intended to do.

I guess I never expected guys to ever be interested, either.

The whole week was filled with pokes of fun from Louis, which I'm sure Zayn had coming at him as well. The major downside from this, was the fact that Louis' mouth was very big, and word got around that Zayn was taking me out. I got even more dirty looks than usual, mainly from the girls that constantly begged for his attention, or any attention at all.

Sitting in class one day, one of the girls made no effort to be quiet around me, and flat out asked "What on earth does Zayn see in that thing anyway?" she sounded incredibly shocked, as if everything about me was utterly despicable. Another girl answered her, "Oh, I've come to the conclusion that it was a dare, or maybe he lost a bet. I'm not even worried, they probably won't even speak after this date." she giggled with a bitter happiness, making me cringe.

Why was I so looked down upon? Because I was an introvert?

I did my best to ignore everything I heard, but it all seemed to get worse. It got to the point where Zayn came up to me, out of nowhere. He scared me at first, putting his arm around my as I was walking to a class.

"Hey, I know what all those girls are saying about you. Do you want me to say something?" he asked quietly, trying not to draw attention to the fact that he was talking to me.

"No, no it's fine. I'm not really listening."

"That doesn't mean you can't hear it. I feel like this is my fault, there must be something I can do."

"Don't worry about it. Thank you though, for caring." I smiled up at him.

"Are you absolutely sure I can't help?" he pressed on. I had arrived to my class, and stopped at the door.

"Promise me one thing." I turned to him.

"Anything."

"You won't stand me up on Friday?" I grinned.

"Not for the world." he smiled.