2 YEARS AGO

★Chapter 19★

(LOUIS)

"We need to talk."

The music from outside echoed into the bathroom and i couldn't really tell if the reason Harry wasn't responding was because he never heard me. I saw him watch me speak in the mirror though, so i knew he noticed i had said something.

He slowly turned around, catching my blue eyes with his green.

"About what?" he asked softly.

He probably expected that i wanted to talk about us but for the first time since i had arrived in Manchester, that's not what i wanted to talk about.

"It's about Niall. I don't think he's okay."

"What do you mean?" he sent me another question, confusion evident on his face as a line creased in the middle of his forehead.

"I saw bottles of pills in his dufflebag and today before the game, i caught him popping like five of 'em."

This was the truth. Harry hadn't noticed it before, im sure because he wasn't talking to Niall but i spent every day with him. I noticed a change and when i saw the pills, i knew for sure he wasn't okay.

"Are you saying Niall's doing drugs?!" Harry walked closer to me, looking even worse confused than before.

"No but i think he's hooked on those pills i saw."

I watched Harry closely because Niall's health was really important. I wanted to do something about it but i knew Harry was probably the only one that could approach the subject. They're bestfriends after all. I just met Niall so i couldn't exactly walk up to him and ask if he's hooked. I'd probably come off as offensive and forward. When i looked at Harry though, he seemed angry and i didn't know why. Was this really a reason to be angry? Or maybe he thought i was lying. I hoped for a response from him, instead he broke away from his gaze and stormed towards the door. What the actual fuck?!

"Harreh!" i shouted, reaching out reflexively and gripping his arm. He spun around, letting go of the door handle and faced me. He had his eyes burning into mine and his breaths were heavy. I still had my hand wrapped around his upper arm and i wasnt taking it off. Not until he said something.

"How can you just walk off like i didn't just tell you you're bestfriend is popping pills."

He tugged his arm away from my hold and i didn't fight it. I was ready to argue right now because even though i know he hates me, its not right for him to think about that now of all times. But then i noticed his change of expressions and they became softer, sadder. He ran he hand through his hair and turned away for a second. When he looked back i could swear his eyes were watery. I watched him drop one hand to his waist and the other, to his mouth.

"Harry..." i called his name out again but this time, gently and full of compassion. He seemed sad now and i just felt sorry for him because i hadn't seen this side to Harry in far too long.

His lips parted to say something but he hesitated before finally saying it.

"D-do you remember how they said he died?" he stammered, full of tears and emotion. I didn't even need a name because i already knew he was talking about Zayn. I also realised why he was so upset about Niall. Zayn had OD'd and that's how he died. Obviously i had just reminded him of that by telling him about Niall.