The Ghost Counselor [Ziall] [MAJOR EDITING]

39~ Sanity.

"What is up with you mate?" Liam's voice made me break out of my reverie, and I just shrugged. We were now seated at the cafeteria table, many people surrounding us. But Liam's gaze told me he was going to strangle it out of me later if I didn't tell him. I looked around to see Harry and Louis were engaged in their own conversation and the same with everyone else. I leaned closer to Liam.

"A guy came up to me when I was leaving my house. And he told me that, uh-"

"What, was he dangerous? What did he tell you?"

"Not really." I sighed. "He was really confused. He was sputtering. But Liam. He knew my name," I frowned.

"Whoa, wait. Are you sure Zayn?" Liam asked seriously and I hesitated.

"I mean I'm not really sure. But it seemed like he did. But that's not the weird part," I bit my lip in agitation. "It's like. The brief moment I had seen him, I can't forget it. I can't forget his face. I can't get him out of my mind-"

"Was he really that attractive?" Liam teased and I groaned.

"I'm serious Liam, please. This has been nagging at my mind all morning."

"Okay sorry," Liam nodded for me to continue.

"It just feels like I've seen him somewhere before. And I can't remember where. It's so annoying!" I shook my head in frustration.

"Hey, Zayn," Liam clasped my shoulder comfortingly. "Why are you getting worked up over this? Deja vu is a common experience. It happens. You'll forget about it tomorrow. He must have been some random guy who confused you for someone else and 'sides," Liam shrugged, "You said so yourself you're not even sure he said your name."

"Hey, peasants!" Louis called out and we all snapped our attention to the feather haired boy.

"Harry has something to share." The curly haired boy smiled nervously, fiddling with his bracelets. "Um, my big sister's boyfriend got us a few passes for a local band's gig at the lounge bar with that fancy name... You guys can come if you want to."

"Pssh, of course they want to!" Louis rolled his eyes. "Underaged drinking and music that'll make your ears bleed. You in boys?"

It wasn't actually my crowd, so I shrugged. Liam was actually keen on going and I was in the minority so I had to choice but to relent.

How bad can it be?

~*~

NIALL'S POV

As soon as I stepped into the admittedly posh and R&B themed lounge bar, a heavy sickening feeling developed in my gut, and I felt that tonight would be nothing but eventful.

I had to break Josh's heart on his birthday, I can't wait any further. This was eating at me, and I can't be with Josh because I'm not in love with him anymore. It won't be fair for him. I'm only doing what's best for him.

I saw my group of friends and approached them, chatting a bit, but I couldn't concentrate, only thinking about what I had to do right now.

I had no idea if this was the right thing to do, breaking up with Josh. Should I just continue my life the way I got it back, without Zayn?

Fuck no. It would kill me and I would do anything to get Zayn back, get back to the way we were. And if not that, just have day which I can spend with him, when both of us are humans. That's all I ask.

After sipping a few drinks from the mini bar and striking up a few more chats, I asked one of the guys around our table, "Where is the birthday boy?"