Claire's POV

I sat myself down towards the center of the table because the three of my immature friends refused to sit next to the strangers who will be sitting beside us any moment. Don't get me wrong, I love KiKu and the whole concept with the chefs cooking right in front of you but can't they get smaller tables? It's rather annoying having strangers sitting to the right of you trying to enjoy their date.

"You look so good, Claire." Craig whispers in my ear, making my cheeks flush with embarrassment. It's a simple and endearing compliment all in one, not too forward and not too mushy.

"You don't look half bad either." I playfully smirk, shaking off the sleeves of my sweater and settling it on the back of my chair. To be honest, he really did dress his nicest for tonight and I can tell Luke did too. They both had solid black slacks on, not jeans and adorable little suit jackets that fit them snuggly. I guess you could say I'm looking forward to the rest of the night?

"It's so weird, the four of us on a date." Cassidy admits from two seats down, making everyone release a nervous laughter.

"I wonder who the fourth and fifth members of our dinner are going to be?" Luke chuckles. "I hope whoever it is doesn't try to put the moves on Claire over there or Craig will have to rough him up a bit." He adds and I can immediately tell Craig is uncomfortable by his comment.

"That won't be necessary, dumb ass." I smirk and give Luke the finger. "It will probably a husband and wife on their anniversary dinner or maybe a random college couple." I suggest, and both the boys nod knowingly. I look over at Cassidy's whose eyes are gazing out into a distance and jaw is hanging wide open.

"Or it could be Mr. Styles and Mr. Malik?" Cassidy chokes out and almost like a slow motion film, the four of our necks all snap around at the same time to see our waiter leading none of than my ex boyfriend and his roommate, strutting across the restaurant and before I know it, standing right beside our table.

"What a coincidence, hey guys!" Zayn says with a huge smile plastered on his face as he slips in the seat beside me.

"Um hey Mr. Malik and Mr. Styles... What are you doing here?" Craig asks uncomfortably, wrapping his arm around my shoulder protectively. I notice Zayn's body tense up beside me at the simple gesture, lighting a fire inside of me that I didn't expect to ignite tonight. I thoughtlessly look over at Harry, almost begging for an explanation with my eyes but it's utterly useless.

"It's our... We're here for our umm..." Zayn stammers to come up with an excuse.

"Friendiversary!," Harry chimes in,"It's our friend anniversary. We became friends on this very date, so we're celebrating." Harry saves his ass, making me cringe.

"Exactly!" Zayn smiles, eyeing Harry but more likely saying 'thank you.'

"Do you guys mind if we sit here? Would could always ask for another table--" Harry begins to say but Zayn elbows him in the chest.

"Please, stay!" Luke says as politely as he can but underneath his voice there is a shred of disappointment. I glance down the table at Cassidy who looks just as annoyed as me and at Craig who's face is screaming 'this is awkward.'

"Alright then, we'll stay. This should be fun!" Zayn smiles, making everyone laugh quietly to themselves.

Un-fucking-believable.


Zayn's POV

I hate that I made her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't leave me a choice. I can't stand the thought of Claire on a date with another guy, especially her ex who she could easily fall for again. Call me selfish, call me lovesick but I refuse to let her go without a fight.

"So Mr. Malik, how's Miss. Edwards doing? I heard you guys having been dating." Cassidy squeaks from the other side of the table. I watch as Claire releases a tiny chuckle and takes another sip of her drink, trying hard not to laugh.

"She and I ended things." I announce as if it's any of their business. It's true, I dumped Perrie the instant Claire found out. To be completely honest, Perrie is a wonderful girl but I'm just not attracted to her like I am to Claire. Maybe it's the youth, maybe it's the personality or maybe its a combination of things...

Or maybe it's because I realize how easily I could lose Claire to the bastard to my right. I know Harry has eyes for her, it's blatantly obvious and annoying as ever. I know she has something for him too, even if she wouldn't admit it to herself. Fuck, it's so annoying, I wish they never met.

The next hour is filled with mindless chatter and discussion about school and listening to their old memories. To be honest, Craig sounds like a nice guy... Just not the guy for Claire. I am the guy for Claire, not Craig, not Harry and not anybody else. I sound obsessive, but that's just love talking. And that's what I have, I have love. I love Claire.

"Excuse me, I'll be right back." Claire excuses herself mid meal and heads off to the bathroom. Everyone else thinks nothing of it, but I do. After a few moments pass, I suddenly need to use the restroom as well.

"I'll be right back." I say, excusing myself from the table and heading towards the restrooms.

I'm not an asshole, I'm really not but when I want something, I go all out and I won't stop until I get it. That's a promise.


Claire's POV

This is going horribly. I mean seriously, absolutely horrible. I had very high expectations going into tonight and instead, Zayn and Harry come and ruin the whole damn thing. I decided to go to the bathroom to send Harry a text because I refuse to even consider Zayn at the moment... Asshole.

Me: Thanks for ruining my date. :/

I send it as I sit on the bench in the rest area and sigh. This room outside the bathroom is absolutely exquisite and I'd rather sit in here all night then go back and join the awkward fest out in the dining area. Seconds later, my phone buzzes.

Harry: It wasn't my idea, love. You should know that about me.

I lean my head back on the back of the bench and release a large breath. I'm an idiot. Obviously it wasn't Harry's idea, it was Zayn's. Zayn overheard us in art today, Zayn knew I would be here. I need to start thinking more rationally.

Me: You're right... Sorry haha

I send and my phone buzzes immediately.

Harry: No problem but heads up, Zayn's on his way to the restrooms.

My stomach twists and before I can even get up to exit, the door swings open and a smirking Zayn enters the room.

"Hey Claire." He smiles, and I scoff at his oblivious, friendly greeting.

"Don't 'hey' me!" I scold him, standing up and getting in his face. "You knew I had a date with Craig tonight and you decided to come here and ruin it! You're an asshole!" I raise my hand to slap his cheek but he grabs it softly before I can do so.

"Maybe I'm not ready for you to be seeing other people yet." He says, taking a step closer towards me. I stand my ground and keep tall, trying to ignore the fact that we're only a foot apart.

"Well I am ready, I'm over you." I say, trying to convince not only him, but myself. I think I am over him for the most part... Sort of. I don't know because every time I say it, it's almost as if my brain is laughing at me saying 'good one.'

"Are you sure about that?" He takes another step closer, and my breathing hitches. I try not to swallow down in front of him, but my throat is dry.

"Stop it." I shudder, and a little smile forms at the corner of his mouth.

"Stop what?" He asks, only a few centimeters between us now.

"Stop trying to seduce me." I whisper so low I'm not sure if he can hear. It's true, he's trying to seduce me with his... everything.

"I'm not even touching you, babe." He chuckles, and I look down. He's really not touching me, and I'm weak at the knees. "Look how badly you want me? You can't help it." He says calmly and I turn my cheek away from him.

"Zayn..." I whine, and he tilts my chin to face him again.

"Tell me what you want." He whispers, his hand grazing my thigh slowly. I choke down hard and close my eyes for a moment, trying to find the words. What do I want? His hand travels higher up my thigh and towards my stomach and ribcage and breast until it cups my face gently.

"I-I-I-" I try to speak, but I'm putty in his hands. Just as I'm about to give in to everything my body is craving, I'm saved by the door swinging open and Zayn jumping away from me. When I see who's at the door, I can't help but release a few loud laughs.

"Sorry guys, but Craig was about to come in here and--"

"Save it." Zayn growls, turning towards me. "Claire, I just wanted to..." he trails off as I make my way towards the door.

"I think me and my friends are going to head out early, ok? See you both in the classroom." I smirk, and Harry winks at me as I exit the room.

Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. I literally almost just melted into Zayn's trap all over again, this time while in a public restroom and on a date with Craig. Awesome. I want to slap myself in the face a million times but I know that won't do me any good. I slip my phone out of my pocket and send a quick text before returning to my friends and finishing the night.

Me: Nice save, I owe you. Again.

I send to Harry, and get butterflies when he replies almost immediately.

Harry: No problem, and I'll think of something. :)

Fuck, Harry's a good guy. So is Craig. So are a lot of people. One this for certain though, Zayn is damn fine at trying to seduce me and I need to not fall into it.

It's hard, but I can do it. There are bigger and better fish in the sea for me and I'm ready to start looking for them, just as long as Zayn can stay away long enough.

Notes

hi guys! sorry this wasn't very good, I had my SATs saturday and so much homework to do today so this was done really quickly.

please continue to vote for the story if you haven't and comment your thoughts for more!

came up with an idea for a new story, might be posting it soon :)