If Time Stands Still

68- birthday things

Zayn's POV

"Luke, are you winning?" I crouch down to see what he's up to on his laptop.

Each of us have been assigned a different task by Luna, and Luke happens to be in charge of the karaoke. If there's anyone who knows Aylin better than me, or rather knows her in a way that I don't, it would be her younger sister. Naturally, we took it upon ourselves to pull this little party off and I can most definitely see that Kara assertiveness coming out with every order she gives

He looks up at me, amused, "Am I winning?"

"Is it working?" I ask instead, "You got some good tunes?"

"I do. Also, someone has to duet with me for Bohemian Rhapsody."

"I'll duet with you if no one else does." I pat his shoulder with my free hand, balancing the pie in my other.

I'm not quite sure who handed it to me since I've been rushing around, but I'm certain I've been holding it for at least ten minutes as I checked on everyone.

Aylin will be here any second and we still haven't finished up. There's decorative lights that haven't been hung, furniture that hasn't been moved and electronics that haven't been set up yet. Don't even get me started on the food that isn't done yet. I wanted to go all out and order in a buffet of her favourite dishes, but her mum insisted otherwise. If there's anyone who could serve authentic Mediterranean meals, it would be her family, so I let them do their thing despite it taking forever. They said it's worth the wait and that I should just take a chill pill.

"Are you sure she likes this?" I walk towards Luna who's busy decorating the table with her two friends; one of which is a tall boy who I've noticed her being less harsh... dare I say, even a little soft on. I'll be sure to tease her about that after the party.

"Dude, trust me." She smiles, but there's a mischievous glint in her eye.

"She better not be allergic to this." I deadpan, "Unless this is your boyfriend's favourite?"

Or I'll tease her about it now. It's hard to resist.

"What?" She gapes at me, cheeks tinging bright red.

"Zayn, where do you want me to set up the projector?" Clinton interrupts, so I leave the pie with flustered Luna and follow him.

At least the birthday cake got delivered here in one piece. Since Aylin's into art, I ordered a rectangular cake replicating a canvas, with realistic looking paintbrushes, a palette and 'happy birthday' painted on top. At least I contributed to the food in some way.

"Outside?" I inquire, "What's the weather like?"

"Cold. Plus, the karaoke is in here." Clinton reminds me.

Groaning, I quickly make my way past the few people who I've met for the first time today and head to the front door. Just then, I bump into Aylin's mum who joins me outside.

"Should we have the projector out here or inside?" I ask in a rush, "It's not that cold and there's blankets, yeah?"

"It is cold, Zayn." She insists, "Maybe you can't feel it since you're still not dressed properly."

I look down at my outfit which completely slipped my mind. I'm still in the sweats and thick bomber jacket Aylin saw me leave in about twelve hours ago. God, I probably smell too.

With that thought, I instinctively sniff my armpit, but stop myself when I realize I'm in the middle of a conversation.

"It's so much cozier inside."