"Leave me alone," Josh grumbles, his hands gripping tighter at my pillow. It's 2 p.m., and he is still in my damn bed, hungover and covering his head with my pillow. I want him out. I never wanted him to stay in my dorm last night, yet he did. He's still finding it hard to wake up, and I can't kick him out, no matter what I do. This room smells putrid after he had gotten sick so much, I want to bomb it with an air freshener.

"Whatever. I'm going," I huff, grabbing my purse. He groans because of his pounding head. I roll my eyes, frustrated. I shut the door hard, not caring if it hurt him even more. I make my way out of the dorm building. The sun feels warm on my skin compared to last night. Unsure of where to even go to escape him, I mind-numbingly start for the coffee shop. Where else, honestly?

"Megs," a familiar voice calls out. I whip around to find Shane, bursting into a smile as he flags me down. My heart tightens with the sight of Louis beside him, in a grey long-sleeve shirt that shows off the muscles underneath and black pants. "How is he?" Shane asks, approaching.

"Who?" I double-blink, taking my eyes off Louis.

"Josh. Who else?" Shane clicks his tongue. Right. The mention of his name alone brings a foul taste to my mouth.

"He won't leave my bed after you helped him into it. Threw up all night, and lucky for Hannah, she got to escape by staying with Ben," I frown, staring Shane down.

"What an idiot," he laughs.

"Yeah, you are," I retort with a middle finger flipped towards him. His jaw drops in a fake offence, and I vaguely catch Louis trying to wipe at his smile that instantly disappears. I turn away, my stomach in knots.

"Wait, where are you going? Want to hang out with us?" Shane asks with a hint of a laugh.

"It's okay," I mumble, despite partially wanting to stick around because of Louis. Except I don't want to be anywhere near him when around any of my friends. It's too much, especially when I've worried all night about what Jace thinks.

"Oh, come on, we're getting pizza. I'll make up for dumping Josh off to you and for the pregnancy remark by paying for lunch," Shane pleads. I spin so fast, my heart racing in my chest. Louis' eyebrows raise, and I purse my lips together. The fact that he could think it would be his makes my stomach twist. "She's not pregnant. I just sort of assumed because-"

"Shane," I cut him off, my voice rising in pitch.

"What? I'm just saying that so he doesn't think you are. Besides, we all know that your first baby will be with me anyways when you leave Josh for me," he jokes. I instantly slap his arm, and he bursts into laughter.

"Idiot," I mumble and turn away.

"Oh, come on, it's my treat. Everyone else is busy, and you've got nothing to do," Shane pleads once more. I stare up at the partially cloudy sky and let out a long sigh. "You don't mind, do you, Louis?" he asks him as well.

"No," Louis answers lowly, and there's a flutter in my stomach.

"I'll treat you to a coffee and whatever after as well," Shane adds. I let out a long sigh and face him once more. I shake my head, but Shane pouts like a child, puckering his bottom lip out.

"You're actually friends with him?" I finally ask Louis, no longer caring about keeping distant, while pointing right at Shane.

"Aren't you?" Louis finally laughs, some of his walls coming down a little as well in front of Shane. Shane is probably the least of our worries at this point. I'm too scared to even say a word to Louis in the presence of Hannah, Ali, or Josh.

"Not really," I scrunch my nose a little. Shane's jaw drops instantly, and I can't help but giggle.

"I'm taking back your birthday present. It's not that book you wanted, whatever the name was, but you would have loved it just as much," Shane grumbles.

"We both know Derek buys presents for everyone each year and writes your name on them," I call him out instantly. Instead of making a comeback, Shane's lips tremble a little to fight off a smile. "Besides, I don't want anything anyways."

"Your birthday is coming up?" Louis asks, eyes intent on me. I hesitate to say anything before barely shaking my head.

"In like two weeks. October 2nd," Shane grins. I flinch as Louis' eyebrows shoot up.

"I don't really celebrate, and it isn't a big deal," I protest with a shake of my head, and Shane's eyes instantly roll. "You two have fun, though," I scrunch my nose and turn away. I don't want to look Louis in the eyes any longer. My birthday is far from a big deal, and I don't need to be questioned on that either.

"Oh, come on," Shane wraps his arm around my shoulders and guides me toward the pizza shop down the block. I don't protest, giving up this time. He won't stop anyways. I don't feel so uncomfortable when Shane's as clueless about Louis and me as he can be.

It doesn't take long before we get into the little shop. Shane's arm slips from my shoulders, and he goes to sit at a table for four. I sit across from him, beside the window, leaving a dilemma for Louis without meaning to. Shane doesn't notice Louis' delay to sit, already grabbing a menu. Finally, Louis sits to my left, and I bite down on my bottom lip.

"Megs, what's that pizza called that we like?" Shane asks, eyes focused on the menu.

"I like cheese. You all like the Bellini Special or whatever that one's called," I deadpan. He's notorious for asking that every single time. He nods, setting his menu down.

"You should try it," Shane nods off to Louis. I twitch my nose a little and shake my head. I pick at my nails, already knowing I'll be getting cheese. "Don't listen to her. She's bland. Picky eater."

"You really know how to get on my last nerve," I point out, earning a dimpled smile from Shane.

"At least he finds my jokes funny," he points to Louis. I slowly breathe in and straighten up a little.

"No, I think you just think everyone finds you hilarious," Louis makes a jab back at him in a mocking tone. My eyes light up with amusement, and I giggle.

"Screw off," Shane rolls his eyes with a tinge of a smile. "He's a prick," Shane remarks, looking at me. I hum with a laugh before shaking my head.

"Hey, I'm Mark. I'll be taking the order for you lot," the waiter introduces himself before looking up from his pad and paper. He doesn't look too far off from our age with blonde hair and brown eyes. Those eyes find me first, and his smile brightens. "What can I get you to drink?" he asks.

"Water, please," I smile and look away. The other two order, and he parts away from us.

"Someone has eyes for Megan," Shane mutters when alone.

"Shut up," I let out a nervous laugh. Not too often do I have anyone looking my way, which probably only made me even more nuts about Louis. "You're just jealous he wasn't looking your way."

"Fuck off," he laughs. He starts to stand. "If he returns, you know what I want to order," he adds.

"Sausage, as always," I nod off. He flips me off this time and heads off towards the loo.

"Wait, is he-" Louis starts, and I clear my throat, cutting him off.

"Did you tell Jace everything?" I immediately ask, using the precious time to find out. I look into those blue eyes, worry plucking at my insides. He lets out a heavy sigh and slowly nods his head. My mouth dries up, and I desperately need a drink. "What did he say? Does he still think bad of me? Is he against the two of us being around each other? Does his girlfriend or your family know?"

"How'd you know my family was there?" he shoots me an odd look.

"Because the sister that I saw last week was following him, and behind her was a girl that looked like could be her twin and a woman that could easily be the mother of you all," I state quickly, glancing towards the bathroom.

"Mia knows. Jace's girlfriend. She didn't want to walk away after witnessing him getting so mad," he sighs. Three people in total know about my relationship. It only adds nausea to the pit of my stomach. "Jace wants to see you and apologise personally. He kept asking me to bring you around last night or tonight to do so. I told him no because there's no telling when we can actually see each other."

My insides itch with worry still. I gaze ahead, picking at my fingernails. His hand is suddenly on my thigh and my lips instantly part. His touch brings instant chills. "Relax. They won't do anything that could make it worse for you." I nod solemnly. His thumb rubs small circles on my thigh, and he never removes his hand. It's comforting, despite the risk of Shane seeing. The waiter sets down our drinks and takes our orders, just in time as Shane returns to the table. Once the waiter leaves, Shane lets out a heavy sigh. Louis' hand is still there, and my insides tighten as I gaze at Shane. He's too oblivious, but I am still filled with worry.

"This is good. Louis, you needed to get to know the girls in our group better, so it's good you finally get to sit and talk with one," Shane grins. I let out a nervous laugh and sip my water. Little does he know. "You know we met because she tried to hit on me," he starts with some lie that makes my lips part.

"No, I didn't," I gape at him. Shane laughs a little and shakes his head.

"Actually, Ali tried to hit on Derek. He had a girlfriend, but it got those three girls to talk to us three lads. Although Megan was shy and quiet at first, I didn't think I'd talk to her again after that party," Shane points out. My cheeks warm up with embarrassment, and I shake my head, despite that being the actual truth. "The fact that Josh had instantly liked you at that party is beyond me," he adds. I give a swift kick to his shin, and he jumps suddenly.

"This is why I do not hang out with you alone," I scoff.

"Well, we aren't alone," he points out the obvious.

"You two bicker like siblings," Louis observes in an off-tone.

"Anyways, I was saying I couldn't believe it because she was so shy then. Obviously, now I don't think that, and clearly, we love you and Josh together. We all know you two will be the first out of us all to get married," Shane chuckles. The vile feeling in the pit of my stomach is instant, weighing it down and causing it to drop. I look away, faking the slightest smile, so he doesn't catch on. Hearing that, especially in front of Louis, makes me want to disappear. Even his hand leaves my leg. "Speaking of relationships, this girl asked me for your number. Cute, blonde, blue eyes," Shane starts, and that only weighs down on me more.

"Not my type," Louis cuts him off in an instant. Shane's eyebrow lifts, and I am fighting off this smile.

"Well, you have tons of girls that are into you. Are you still messing around with the one girl?" Shane asks, not realising that it's me. Louis lets out a breathy laugh without officially confirming or denying that. "What is your type?" Shane asks.

"Brunette. Green eyes," Louis answers without hesitation, and my mouth dries instantly. Shane's eyebrows raise immediately, his eyes flickering to me for a second. A second too long that I can't breathe. "Elena. I'm still seeing her," Louis finally answers his previous question, and Shane instantly relaxes, thinking he is just describing that mystery girl. "She might come to my flat after this," Louis notes in a suggestive tone. Slowly I am heating up, becoming bothered. I grab my glass of water and take a sip to ease my flushed skin. For a moment, I worry that Elena isn't just code for someone else and could actually be someone else. He wouldn't do that, or I don't think he would.

"Bring her around one day or to a game even," Shane offers. Shane then changes the topic to the game last night, and I start to zone out. I give little smiles and nods here and there when his eyes fall on me, but my mind is far from here. Josh is passed out. Hungover. I have an easy excuse to be away from him for the rest of the day, and I want to end up at Louis' flat after. I'm trying to resist looking his way too much. My hands are itching to touch him. Lean into him. Feel him. That eye-rolling cologne of his only heightens this need.

Shane is distracted by his phone at one point, and I take a stolen glance with a nibble on my bottom lip. My legs cross to ignore this oncoming ache for him.

Shane falls right back into the conversation, asking about plans for next week, and I keep my eyes off Louis from that point on.

"Alright, I think I'm going to meet up with Ryan at the field to practice. Wanna go?" Shane asks Louis after he pays for lunch.

"Not at all," Louis murmurs, his eyes straying on me for the slightest moment as I bring my purse over my shoulder.

"You gonna be alright, Megs?" Shane looks at me. I hum with the slightest nod, buttoning my peacoat. He heads towards the door, opening it and making his way out. Louis grabs it and holds it open for me, my stomach instantly whirling with his stare felt. "I'll head off then. Talk to you guys later," Shane nods off. I thank him for the food, and he heads toward the field. I start in the direction of the dorms, but my arm is grabbed, and I spin to face Louis with a shaky breath. His touch is gentle compared to Josh's.

"Busy?" he asks lowly, his eyes enticing me as they slowly darken. I shake my head a little with a glance towards Shane. His back is to us, and his phone is pressed to his ear. He's not looking back.

"If we go anywhere, I've got to keep my phone on in case he wakes and calls," I whisper. He breathes in slowly, and his hand finds my lower back. He guides me towards his flat building, butterflies torturing my insides with anticipation. I keep glancing back, almost wary that Shane may see, but he's out of sight by then. The doorman greets us with a warm smile, and these nerves are plucking at my insides. Louis taps the button to the lift, and I nibble on my bottom lip. I've slowly gotten myself into this situation with him, sneaking around, and it's like a thrill.

Once closed into the lift, he's pressing me back against the wall with his lips on mine and a hand on my hip. Electricity storms through me as fast as lightning, and I am instantly heating up. His kiss is deep and slow, filled with this unspoken need I also feel for him.

The doors open, leaving me disappointed as he parts away from me. I'm drawn to him, following behind with anticipation. He unlocks the door to his flat, eliciting a bark from his dog on the other side. He steps in, shushing Finn instantly.

"Megan," Jace is heard before he is seen, shock heard beneath his tone. I suppress a groan, and even Louis lets out a heavy sigh. I take it he assumed Jace was out. I try to smile as my eyes meet those brown ones that are filled with that same look of pity that Louis gave me before. Great.