CHAPTER 40

ZAYN CARTER

Fay tilted her head, eyes glinting with that scheming look she always got when she was up to something.

"So..." she started, dragging out the word as she turned to Cole. "Do you guys wanna come prom shopping with us?"

Cole raised a brow. "Prom shopping?"

"Yeah," Fay said, nodding enthusiastically. "Blair and her boyfriend are coming, and Ari, of course." She gestured toward Ari, who was still passed out, completely oblivious to the conversation happening around her.

Cole hesitated. I knew him well enough to tell he was already considering saying *no*. Shopping wasn't exactly his thing.

Before he could open his mouth, I elbowed him.

Not subtly either.

He shot me an annoyed look. "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath.

I leaned in slightly. "Just say yes."

He squinted at me like I'd lost my damn mind, but Fay was already waiting for an answer, her expectant gaze bouncing between us.

Cole sighed, clearly giving in. "Yeah, sure, we'll come."

Fay grinned. "Great! We're going this weekend."

I leaned back in my chair, satisfied, as Cole gave me another look, mouthing, Why?

I didn't answer.

Instead, I glanced at Ari, still asleep, her breathing steady, completely unaware that she was now stuck with me for prom shopping.

Perfect.

ARIENNE CALLOWAY

WEEKEND

The weekend arrived, and as expected, I found myself waiting outside the mall with Fay and Blair, the three of us growing increasingly impatient. The sun was warm, casting a golden glow on the pavement, and a light breeze played with the hem of my white dress.

"Why are they always late?" Fay muttered, crossing her arms as she tapped her foot.

Blair checked her phone. "You'd think they'd be more excited, considering it's prom shopping."

"That's exactly why they're taking their time," I said, rolling my eyes. "They probably don't wanna be here in the first place."

Before we could complain more, Cole, Zayn, and Blair's boyfriend, Nathan, finally showed up.

Cole was dressed in a crisp button-up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, his usual charming, golden-boy self. Nathan had a more laid-back style, wearing a hoodie over a plain T-shirt and jeans. But Zayn...

I blinked.

No varsity jacket.

Instead, he wore a black T-shirt that hugged his torso just enough to be annoying, paired with dark jeans and sneakers. His hair was messy like he hadn't even tried, but somehow, it worked.

Blair nudged me. "You're staring."

"I am not," I shot back quickly, turning away before she could smirk at me.

"Finally!" Fay groaned. "Do you guys know how long we've been waiting?"

"Not long enough," Zayn said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Cole chuckled while Nathan wrapped an arm around Blair, whispering something that made her giggle.

"Alright, enough small talk!" Fay clapped her hands together. "We have so many stores to go through."

Before I could protest, she and Blair each grabbed one of my arms and dragged me inside.

The mall was packed, with people bustling around from store to store. The first place we entered was an explosion of glitter, sequins, and dresses that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale.

Fay's eyes practically sparkled. "Oh my God, this is perfect!"

She immediately grabbed a silver dress, holding it against herself. "Ari, try something on."

I scanned the racks, my face scrunching in distaste. Everything here was too much. Too shiny, too sparkly, too not me.

"I don't like anything here," I muttered, already backing away.

Fay groaned. "You're so difficult!"

Nathan chuckled. "You say that like you didn't drag us into a store full of literal glitter explosions."

Blair laughed, nodding in agreement. "Let's check the next one."

The second store had a more elegant vibe—sleek dresses, clean designs. Blair immediately grabbed a deep red dress and rushed off to try it on, while Fay picked three different ones for herself.

Meanwhile, I wandered aimlessly.

Zayn?

He was leaning against the entrance, scrolling through his phone, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"You're not even trying to look interested," I muttered, standing beside him.

He glanced at me. "Because I'm not."

Cole, at least, was making an effort. He stood beside Fay, nodding along whenever she asked for his opinion.

Blair stepped out in her dress and spun slightly. "What do you guys think?"

Cole gave her a polite nod. "Looks nice."

Fay narrowed her eyes at him. "Just nice?"

Cole blinked, realizing his mistake. "Uh—really nice. You look amazing."

Satisfied, Blair disappeared back into the fitting room.

Meanwhile, I kept browsing, but nothing stood out.

"Find anything yet?" Zayn asked, sounding half-bored, half-amused.

"Nope."

"Shocker."

I shot him a glare before turning back to the racks.

By the fourth store, I was ready to quit.

"You're so picky," Blair whined as I rejected another dress.

"I'm not gonna wear something I don't like," I defended myself.

"At this rate, you'll show up to prom in jeans," Fay huffed.

Zayn chuckled. "Honestly? I'd pay to see that."

I turned to him. "Then why don't you go home?"

"And miss watching you struggle? Nah."

I so badly wanted to throw something at him.

Nathan, at least, was being nice. "You'll find something, Ari. We still have time."

I sighed. "Yeah, I guess."

Blair's boyfriend checked his watch. "I say we take a break and get food before the next round."

Now *that*was something I could get behind.

"Finally, a good idea," I muttered, already heading toward the food court.