Strings and Schemes

Chapter 27

I don't fight it.

"Fine," I huff. "But if anyone tries to put me in something ugly, I'm kicking you all out."

Gemma waves me off. "Please. I already picked out your outfit. You'll love it."

I squint at her, but she looks very sure of herself, so I let it slide.

Louis throws his arm around my shoulder, leading me toward the kitchen like he owns the place. "Let's eat, love. You've got a big day ahead."

Zayn trails behind us, watching me, a small smile tugging at his lips.

And despite the utter chaos of it all, I feel nothing but warmth.

I feel... home.

By the time I've had a proper meal—thanks to Liam and Niall insisting that I eat before we leave—I feel marginally more prepared for the chaos of the day.

Marginally.

"You do realize you're going to be the most famous graduate there, right?" Niall teases as he watches me scarf down the last bite of toast. "With the amount of press Zayn's been pulling lately, your name's gonna be everywhere by tonight."

I roll my eyes, reaching for my coffee. "First of all, rude. Second of all, I am not the famous one. If people start speculating, it'll be because you imbeciles broadcast everything we do on social media."

Louis gasps, actually gasps. "Me? I am a pillar of discretion!"

"You live-streamed yourself picking out my outfit last night, you absolute menace."

Gemma snorts. "In his defense, it was pretty iconic content."

"See?" Louis gestures dramatically. "The people demand it."

I groan but don't fight it. Not when I see the way they're all so excited for me. It makes something squeeze painfully tight in my chest.

They care—not just about me graduating, but about celebrating it with me.

I glance toward Zayn, who's been quiet for most of breakfast, just watching me with a knowing look in his eyes.

"What?" I ask, raising a brow at him.

He leans back in his chair, sipping his tea. "Nothing. Just enjoying the show."

"Of me being harassed at ungodly hours of the morning?"

"Exactly." He smirks. "I think it's my new favorite thing."

I narrow my eyes, but my lips twitch despite myself. "You're just lucky you got to stay in bed longer than me."

His smirk deepens. "Could've stayed all morning, Jaan, but your lot seems to have other plans."

Louis throws a napkin at him. "Oi! Save the eye-fucking for later! We're on a tight schedule!"

I flush immediately, but Zayn just laughs, smug as hell.

"Fine, fine," I mutter, standing up and brushing my hands on my pajama shorts. "Let's get this over with."

Gemma perks up. "Oh, no, darling. We're getting you ready. You? You're just going to sit there and let it happen."

I glance toward Liam for help, but he just shakes his head. "Absolutely not getting involved."

Coward.

I don't fully regret letting them take over my styling for the day.

Gemma, to my relief, picked something perfect. A sleek, tailored jumpsuit in a soft ivory tone—elegant, understated, but powerful in all the right ways. My makeup is natural but refined, my hair in soft waves that frame my face just right.