Friend Zoned

Somehow, we had ended up in the shopping centre car park, sitting in Zayn’s car. After Liam had left I told Zayn I needed to go shopping to get my mind of things and to get a few things I needed. He was free and decided to join me.

“So what do you need to get?” He asked as we entered the complex.

“Um a birthday present, a costume, some stationary and other crap that I can’t remember right now.” He nodded, pulling his hoodie over his head and sliding his glasses on.

“Costume… what kind of costume?”

“Well Mr Malik, the thing is I cannot tell you.” He cocked his eyebrow.

“Intriguing, I’ll find out eventually.” I was about to respond but was momentarily blinded. I lowered my head as Zayn grabbed my hand pulling me after him. A few more flashes went off before they left us alone.

“Fucking paps.” I heard Zayn mutter causing me to chuckle lightly. He rolled his eyes as he removed his shades in the safety of the centre, giving me small smile.

“Oh my god! Oh my god! It’s Zayn! Omg Zayn Malik! Are the others here? Who is she? Is she your girlfriend? You guys are so cute together, she’s so much better for you than Perrie! No, Zerrie was perf! Zerrie was faker than Perrie’s eyelashes! Zayn I love you, have my children!” Quite quickly a bunch of crying, screaming, excited girls had surrounded us. He gave me a sorry glance before turning to them.

“Hello.”

“Omg hi Zayn! How are you?” one of the girls spoke for the others.

“I’m good thanks ladies, just helping a friend out with her shopping.” He grinned at me and squeezed our still connected hands.

“Who is she?” One of the girls asked politely.

“This here is my friend Chelsea.” I smiled shyly at the girls surrounding us.

“Is she your girlfriend? She’s really pretty.” I blushed at the comment and Zayn grinned at me again.

“Yeah, you two look really good together, she’s definitely an improvement from Perrie.” I grimaced slightly.

“No way, Perrie all the way.” Ok let’s hope telepathy works: ‘no catfight is necessary, Perrie is a bitch but we can accept that and move on with me and Zayn being friends and no-‘.

“No, Chelsea and I are just friends,” he cut in on my telepathy and brushed them off but then leaned towards them covering his mouth from my view. “For now.” He smiled at me and winked. I cursed the blush rising to my cheeks mentally.

“I think you guys are so adorable!” One of the girls exclaimed, grinning at me.

“Thanks girls, I’m glad you support me. It was lovely to meet you but we have to keep moving and grab some stuff,” Zayn smiled sweetly at the girls.

“Ok, thank you for stopping but do you mind if we get a quick photo?” one of them asked. He looked at me questioningly.

“He’d love to, here I’ll take it for you.” I held my hand out for her phone when an older, frantic looking lady came rushing over to us.

“There you are Marissa! How come you haven’t answered your phone?” It was then she realised that the girls were about to have a photo with Zayn Malik.

“Mum this is Zayn and his friend Chelsea, can you take a picture for us because I’d like it is Chelsea was in it.” The girl, Marissa, said to her mother. I looked around confused as to why she wanted me in it as her mother took the phone out of her daughters grasp and room was made between Zayn and one of the girls for me to stand. I quickly shuffled over and the shot was taken.

“Well thanks guys, see you around.” Zayn winked at the girls and waved goodbye as they giggled and chatted excitedly. He pulled me by my hand and we continued further into the shopping centre.

“I don’t understand.” Zayn said abruptly as we entered the first shop only a few minutes after. He had looked to have been pondering on something during the short walk here but I didn’t want to pry.

“What don’t you understand?” I responded curiously.

“Not many people seemed to like my relationship with Perrie. I know it was a publicity stunt but I ended up falling for her.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

“What do you mean by didn’t like your relationship with her?”

“They seemed to know it wasn’t right, that I would end up hurt. They didn’t support it either.”

“The fact it wasn’t going to work was fairly obvious. It was the one celebrity relationship that I knew enough about to know that, and I couldn’t have really cared less, I just hopped for your sake that no one was left too heartbroken. Even Pipe’s mum – who couldn’t care less about One Direction and gets so irritated by the fact that she doesn’t shut up about you guys – called to tell us it wasn’t going to work. I think that it’s wrong of people to not support you but I guess it’s something that will happen, especially in your position. My parents couldn’t be happier with Mitch and I being together because sometimes wrong people say the right things to us and we fall in love. But seriously Zayn, don’t let it consume you because it’s in the past.” He nodded in agreement as I looked through the wide variety of smelly soups.

“Have you ever considered going into psychology?” He asked.

“Actually, that is where I have my other degree. I chose to actually do law in the end because I tend to only be able to completely block all my emotions when it comes to law. And law can actually be really fun sometimes, especially working in a junior firm, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it for the rest of my life.” I sighed, thinking about my future as Zayn chuckled.

“What are you looking for anyway?” he asked, looking around the shop.

“Oh, it’s my bosses party tomorrow and although she told me not to get her anything since I organised it, I thought she might like some champagne and something nice to relax with it.”

“You’re very well accustomed for only being nineteen.”

“Almost twenty, and yeah I get that a lot,” we both laughed lightly as my fingers wrapped around a small gift pack of moisturisers, soaps and other stuff. I held it up to him. “What do you think of this?” I asked and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ve never met her, and although I have sisters I still don’t really know what girls like. Sorry I’m not much help.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Would your mum or your sisters like to receive this?”

“Um, yes now that I think about it, they probably would.”

“Thank you, I’ll be at the register if you feel the urge to explore this shop even more, I can tell how much you love if.” I laughed to myself and turned away from the crinkle-nosed boy. I headed to the counter where I was immediately served. I placed the gift pack on the counter and dug into my large purse trying to find my wallet. My hand retracted with my long wallet but a larger hand stopped it.

“Don’t bother,” Zayn told me. I looked at him in annoyance, like hello I am capable of paying for myself. The girl who was serving us eyes widened as I whined his name, recognising the attractive boy standing in front of her.

“Chelsea, stop complaining. I have millions of pounds like what else am I supposed to do
with it?”

“Donate it to charity.” He rolled his eyes.

“Management doesn’t allow us to as we don’t know how much longer we can stay at the top and because we don’t have other career options we have to ‘watch our cash’.” He told me, handing over the money to the awestruck girl.

“That’s just ridiculous. What about the people dying around the world, your management company is slightly fucked.” I accepted the bag from the girl who smiled at me, I returned her gesture.

“I know they are but look at how far we have come. They have helped us heaps so although I don’t agree with it, I’m still going to listen to them.”

“I understand but feel in no way obliged to pay for my transactions.”

“Chelsea!” My head turned in the direction of the familiar voice. Luna came bouncing over to us.

“Luna hey, what are you doing here?”

“I told Gianni that I still needed to get my outfit for tomorrow night so she let me go early. Have you asked yet?” she questioned, gesturing her head towards Zayn.

“Asked what?” I could feel my face furrowing in confusion.

“About availability for tomorrow night.” My mouth formed the shape of an ‘o’ and I shook my head turning to Zayn.

“You know how I said that I have my boss’s party tomorrow night? Well when word got around that I knew you boys and the fact that Gianna and I are very close left the invitation open for you and the boys to attend, if your free. I’d love you to be there.”

“Is this what you said you needed the costume for?” he asked sceptically, removing his phone from his back pocket.

“Yeah, don’t worry. The theme is Burlesque because she is absolutely obsessed with it, I think the boys just need to wear suits but I’m sure it’ll be easy enough for you to look up and find something in your wardrobe.” He let out what sounded to be a sigh of relief before continuing his previous actions on phone.

“Gianna wants us in…” I cut her off with a glare, nodding my head at Zayn. I already knew exactly what Gianni wanted us to wear and I was planning to not tell anyone, lowering the risk of embarrassment before I can’t actually change anything. Her choice had been fairly obvious for the theme but I still wasn’t a hundred per cent sure what to wear and I was kind of glad that Luna was here.

“Yeah, we can come. I’ve seen the movie as well so I have a pretty clear idea of what I’m going to wear. The question is, do you?” I shook my head reluctantly.

“I know what I have to get but god knows how I’ll choose. And no, you’re not helping, it can be a surprise.” He pouted at me.

“Seeing as though that’s what I’m here for, do you mind if I steal her away for about thirty minutes to get what we need?” Luna said to Zayn.

“Of course I don’t mind, you can keep her, she’s kind of annoying.” Zayn joked and I stuck my tongue out at him. “I’ll just find a dark corner of a café and occupy myself with my phone and coffee.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yeah, no worries. Plus the coffee shop will be my safest option. Go pick something sexy for my surprise.” I imitated gaging as he pushed me towards Luna.

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“Oh take this one, this one and oh yes, definitely this…” Luna trailed of as her eyes landed on something across the lingerie store. “Come.” She gestured for me to follow her.

“This is prefect.” She said grasping the hanger and forcing me towards the dressing room.
Luna had been spot on with her choice. Our outfits were slightly different and Piper and Gianni’s outfits were all fairly similar from pictures they had shown me.

“Hello,” Zayn’s voice echoed through the phone.

“How’s your dark corner going?”

“I’m getting lonely, your 30 minutes was up 10 minutes ago.”

“I know, I’m sorry but we are ready now, everything costume-wise is sorted.”

“I’m excited.”

“Where are you?”

“Oh my god guys, that’s Chelsea Parker, Zayn Malik’s new rumoured girlfriend!” Some girl basically screeched to the right of me. I heard Zayn chuckle down the line.

“Have fun.” Was all he said before he disconnected.

“Fuck you.” I muttered into the phone before lowering it and giving Luna a pleading look which she returned with an amused smirk. I mentally cursed her before turning to the girls.

“Hey girls, what are your names?” I smiled at them.

“Oh my god it is her! I’m Hannah and this is Jess and Sarah.”

“You’re even prettier in real life.”

“Holy crap, hi.”

I laughed shaking my head at them. I had only been associated with them for a week and already so many people knew who I am. It was kind of scary.

“How did you meet Zayn, rumour had it you were rude to them?” One of the girls pried curiously.

“Oh well I had to take a photograph of them for Piper, my friend, who is obsessed with them which angered Harry and I stirred him up a bit. The other boys found entertainment from it and it just developed from there.”

“That’s pretty funny and brave.” Sarah commented.

“Are you and Zayn together?”

“Oh no, we are not together, no. Just friends.”

“You guys look good together.” Second time today, tweens are weird.

“Can we have a picture please? It’s okay if it’s too much hassle.”

“Absolutely, although I have no idea why you would want a photo with me.”

“Your image is spreading, you have become a hit on social media with your fashion sense.” My eyes widened at the new information.

“Luna can you take these bags and take the photo please?”

She nodded her head eagerly and it was only when I looked down at the bags that I was showered in a wave of embarrassment.

“Oh god.” I mumbled. I took my position between the three girls but my vision skipped past Luna and onto the figure moving towards us. The girls hadn’t noticed yet which was pretty funny.

“Okay I know it’s not really my place to ask but I just have to ask what’s in the bag.”

“Oh yeah right, it’s part of my costume for a party tomorrow night.” I told her as Luna instructed us to smile. She had taken a few photos while I was wondering where Zayn had gone. That idiot better have not been avoiding his fans and leaving them for me, not that it particularly bothered me - it was just rude of him.

A shriek escaped my lips as fingers prodded at my ticklish sides. The girls who had been talking to Luna all turned to face me, mouths dropping and eyes widening at the sight. I hit Zayn on the bum as punishment from before.

“Zayn, these lovely ladies happen to be fans of you.” I informed him, even though he already knew.

“Hey loves,” he smiled, waving at them while they gawked at him.

“Oh dear lord! Hi!” Jess gushed excitedly.

“Hello,” Hannah and Sarah said together quietly.

“How are you girls doing?”

“We’re great.” Jess replied for them.

“Chelsea and Luna both kindly stopped for a photograph, thank you guys.” Sarah turned to smile at us gratefully.

“How about you give me your phone again so you can have a photo with Zayn as well,” I said, holding out my hand. Hannah pulled the phone out and Luna took it just before I could. I gave her a questioning look and she winked at me.

The girls were having a hushed conversation with Zayn before they assembled, leaving a space next to Zayn. How strange.

“Come,” Zayn gestured to me to stand next to him but I shook my head.

“No, let the girls have a chance to just have a photo with you.” He pouted.

“Can you please just stand next to him already?” Jess asked cheekily. I sighed and reluctantly found myself in another few photos.

“Thanks so much for stopping for us,” Hannah said.

“It was our pleasure,” Luna replied.

“Do you girls have twitter?” I asked and they nodded shyly. “Score! I can follow more awesome people!” I cheered before getting my phone out and opening twitter. I opened my search bar and looked at them expectantly; they were all blushing a little.

“Um do you mind if we put it in ourselves? It’s a little embarrassing.” I rolled my eyes, silently laughing but I handed Jess the phone none the less. She found her page and I pressed follow, the others following in suit.

“Well it was lovely to meet you girls today, I’m glad you welcomed Chels and Luna warmly for me but we best be off now.” They nodded and we said our goodbyes and headed on our way again.

“I’m hungry.” I complained.

“Food, good idea,” Luna said.

“Okay, let’s get you ladies something to eat,” Zayn said directing us to some eatery. I took a seat in the corner of a dark café.

“Is this Zayn’s secret dark corner?” I asked with a grin.

“Secret’s out I guess,” he said plonking down in the booth next to me. It was only then that I noticed Luna still had my stuff.

As if reading my mind she basically threw it at me. “Here, take yo shit.” Typical Luna.

Zayn eyed the bag curiously. “What kind of costume are you wearing?” He asked, eyebrows raised.

“Um, a costume.” He smirked.

“Let me see what’s in the bag.”

“Uh uh, no way buddy. You can wait for the party.” I told him. His eyes widened but we were luckily interrupted by a waitress. I quickly shoved the bags under the chair.

After a forty-five minute-get-to-know-each-other food break, Luna loved-and-left us to get back to whatever else she wanted to do. I turned to look at Zayn.

“What now?”

“Designer brands shopping spree,” he cheered, pulling me to the expensive area of the shopping complex.

Notes

So, this hasn't gone up as quickly as I had wanted it to buuutttt I have been in hospital so please forgive me!
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