When Worlds Combine - A WWC Sequel

55; Notes, unexpected visits, and bad news

"Um, hi," I finally speak, clearing my throat and shuffling on my feet. I felt very, very nervous.

"Hi," he says back, his eyes watching my every move.

My hands gripped his shirt tightly and I held it forwards awkwardly. "I, uh, I found this and I thought you might want it back." I hand it to him and he gingerly takes it.

"Thanks." He clutches it to his chest, eyes still on me.

I look down at my feet, trying to think of something to say. This was a bad idea, this was a very, very bad idea. I shouldn't have come. This has just made things between us much worse. He doesn't want to see me. We're both trying to move on. This was such a bad idea, I-

"Do you want to come in?" He asks suddenly.

I glance up at him to find he's moved from the door, opening it up more. His expression is soft and simple, his eyes still so focused on me.

I give a half smile. "Sure." He moves aside and lets me in, closing the door behind him.

"Thanks for bringing this." He holds up the shirt, chucking it on his desk. He grabs another shirt lying on his floor and pulls it on. "Sorry it's such a mess in here."

"Where's Neil?" I ask, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"He's staying with his family for a few days. His grandmother died. Sit down."

I look around for somewhere to sit and decide Neil's bed is the safest as it's clean and not too close to Zayn. I cross my hands over my lap stiffly.

Zayn takes a seat on his own bed, leaning his arms on his knees and hanging his head. This place looks like a damn bomb went off inside of it; there's smashed furniture and clothes everywhere and glass and paper. It's also very dark; it looks like it hasn't seen sunlight in weeks. It reflects Zayn greatly.

"So, uh, how have you been?" I ask him.

He looks up at me suddenly but doesn't speak for a bit. He trails his tongue along his bottom lip, hesitating. "Yeah, I've been good. You?"

The air between us is very tense. It's like I'm sitting with a complete stranger but I guess, in a way, he is one. He is not the same person I previously knew. I feel as though I'm meeting Zayn all over again.

"Yeah, yeah." I nod, fiddling with my fingers. "I've been okay."

"How are your studies going?"

"Oh, they're alright. I have an assignment due in on Friday, it's quite a hard one."

"Oh yeah? I'm sure you'll do alright."