It has been a week since the beach day. Nothing has really changed. I sat in my class at Uni just staring at the clock on the wall, willing it to go faster. The professor droned on about integrals and I wasn't listening to a single word. There was a knock at the door and I shifted in my seat. A small group of girls came in with a poster. They asked the professor if they could make an announcement and he gave them the floor. A blonde girl introduced herself as Hilary and said that she was with some sorority council.
Hilary: We are putting together a university-wide formal dance that will be held 2 weeks from this coming Saturday. You can bring anyone you want, even if they are not a student here and you are not limited by the number of guests you can bring.
She continued with details about the dance. I scribbled the basics onto my hand because I had just put my notebook up. They left and our professor wrapped up his lecture. We were dismissed and I hurried out into the hallway. Another day was done. I cringed when I thought about all of the assignments that I had to do over the weekend, but when I thought about the dance, my mood lightened. I walked outside and saw Liam waiting in his car. I smiled as I shuffled over and hopped in. I put my bag between my legs on the floorboard and leaned back, letting out a heavy sigh.
Liam: That bad, huh?
I turned to face him.
Me: Not really. Just a long day, but it's good to see you.
I leaned over the console and hugged him.
Liam: Same here. Also, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for what happened the other night.
I shook my head and gave a smile.
Me: Don't be.
He smiled and we pulled out of the parking lot. He drove us back. I saw the writing on my hand and thought about the dance. I was going to have to ask them about it soon. I pulled on my sleeve so that the writing wasn't visible and Liam and I chatted about random things. We pulled in and upon walking into his place we found all of the guys playing some video game on the couch. I went up behind Zayn and started to scratch his back lightly. He immediately arched his back and let his character die on the screen.
Zayn: That feels so good! Don't stop.
I laughed and Niall immediately scooted over.
Niall: Me too!
I rolled my eyes and scratched both of their backs while they continued to play. After the game ended I stopped.
Niall: Hey!
Me: I kind of have something to ask you guys.
They all turned to me.
Louis: Anything for you, love.
Me: Would you guys want to go to a dance at Uni? It is a campus-wide formal and we can invite whoever.
I bit my lip and looked across at them. They all looked excited, but I couldn't read Harry's expression.
Zayn: Heck yes! When is it?
I gave them some more details.
Niall: Could Rose come up?
Louis: And Brooke?
Me: I would love to have them there! You guys should all bring dates.
Harry: But who are you going to go with?
I glared at him. How could he just sit there and act like I was the one being left out? I invited them.
Me: Well it certainly won't be you, Styles.
Liam wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
Liam: I would be honored to take you to the dance.
I felt my cheeks get hot and I just smiled.
Me: Why thank you.
Harry went into the other room and I heard him on the phone. He was probably calling Mandy, but whatever. I don't need him anyways. Liam is much more of a gentleman, and he is very easy on the eyes as well. We just hung around Liam's apartment for most of the day and ordered pizza to eat while we watched some action movies. This was going to be a very fun dance.

~3 Weeks Later~

I opened the door and was immediately enveloped into a hug. We shrieked like girls do when they haven't seen each other in over a month.
Brooke: I'm so excited!
Me: Me too!
Rose held up one of the bags that they had brought.
Rose: Let's get started!
We hurried in and Niall came out of his room.
Niall: Shay what is...oh hey!
He hugged Brooke quickly before kissing Rose on the cheek. They talked for a while, looking super cute, but we had work to do. I interrupted after a while and pulled Rose into my room with Brooke.
Me: You can talk to her all night!
With that I shut my door and we started getting ready. We curled, braided, and pinned our hair into place for the evening and put on our makeup extra carefully. We laughed and goofed off, enjoying each other's company. Before too long, all we had left to do was change. I could hear the guys outside my door, in Niall's living room. We slipped into our dresses. I had a fitted, colorful, print dress, Brooke had a flowy purple dress, and Rose had a sexier, red dress that was backless (Dresses for Rose and Brooke: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=44731295). I took one last look in the mirror before grabbing my clutch and opening the door. I stopped after opening the door to look at five stunning lads. They all looked so dapper in their suits. They stopped talking when we came out and the compliments started flowing.
Louis: You ladies look lovely, if I do say so myself.
Niall looked like he was going to have a heart attack when he saw Rose. I saw Harry's eyes widen and I blew him off. Liam had a smile taking over his adorable face. He made a very sweet comment on my dress and I returned the favor. We talked amongst ourselves for a while before we decided to leave for the dance. The boys had rented a limo because they wanted to surprise us. We all scooted in and left for Melissa's house. Zayn went to the door and soon returned with Melissa, who was wearing a beautiful blue dress. (Dresses for Melissa and Shay: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=44731330)
Brooke: Let's get this show on the road!
Harry: We have one more stop first.
I cringed at the thought of Mandy ruining this night, but I knew that she would be there because Harry wouldn't go to any event without a date. When she got in, my eyes bulged at the sight of her dress. How revealing could she possibly be? You could see through all of her dress, except where the beading hid the necessary areas. (Mandy's dress: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=44731366) She was practically sitting in his lap for the whole ride. She made me want to hurl. We finally arrived and went into the dance. There were tons of people there, most of which I didn't know. We danced crazily to the upbeat songs and had a blast. After a while, a slow song came on. Each couple peeled away from the group and I was face to face with Liam. He offered me his hand and I accepted willingly. One arm snaked around my waist and the other held my hand tight. We mostly talked while we danced. It felt so good to have his arms around me. I inhaled deeply, taking in the intoxicating smell of his cologne. Before I knew it, the dance was over and they were back to playing fast songs. We all regrouped except for Harry and Mandy. Nobody knew where they went. I had a pretty good idea, but I couldn't care less, so I let it go. We danced around and goofed off some more before another slow song. This time, we stood closer and I rested my head on his shoulder. I felt so safe there. When the song ended, instead of going to find the others, Liam took my hand and led me outside.
Liam: Come on.
I willingly followed and he led me into a small garden that I didn't know existed.
Me: Wow this is beautiful.
Liam: It's alright.
He shrugged and smiled at me. I gave him a confused look.
Me: What are you talking about? It is gorgeous!
Liam: Not compared with you.
I felt my cheeks get really hot and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't help but smile.
Me: You are too sweet.
He just looked at me for a while and I was lost in his eyes.
Liam: Harry doesn't even know what he lost.
I stiffened at the mention of his name.
Me: Please don't bring him up.
He nodded and held out his hand while he slightly bowed.
Liam: Shall we dance?
I laughed.
Me: There is no music
Liam: So?
I took his hand and we started moving to his own rhythm, nice and slow. It would have been awkward if we weren't as close as we are, but in this moment it felt like heaven. He began to slow down even more until we were barely swaying. His arm that was around my waist pulled me closer and the arm that held my hand softly touched my face. He searched my eyes for a minute before pressing his lips to mine and sending fireworks through my body. I lost all sense of reality and just kissed him back. We were like that for a while before a familiar voice brought me back to the real world and made me tear myself from Liam.
Voice: Shay? Liam?
I turned to see Harry standing there. My shock and embarrassment quickly turned to anger.
Me: What are you doing here?
Harry: Looking for Mandy.
Me: Well she's not here. Go away Styles.
Harry: Are you two...?
I cut him off.
Me: Goodbye.
He shut his mouth reluctantly and returned to the ball room. I turned to Liam. We looked at each other a minute before busting up laughing.
Liam: That was awkward.
Me: You're telling me.
Liam: We should probably get back to the others.
I nodded slowly as he took my hand and we rejoined the others. Harry was nowhere to be found. We had a great rest of the night dancing and enjoying each other's company. When it was over, we all piled in the limo. Mandy and Harry had caught up to us by then. We dropped her and Melissa off before returning to the apartments. Liam caught me outside the door and kissed me quickly on the cheek while the others were talking about something and whispered.
Liam: Goodnight, love.
I smiled and squeezed his hand.
Me: Night.
We were back in normal composure by the time the others finished their talk and turned to us. I waved bye to all of them as Niall helped me up the steps. My feet were killing me from dancing all night in my heels. I hugged Niall goodnight and quickly slipped into an oversized t-shirt and some shorts before falling into my bed. I fell asleep almost instantly. What a great night!