Oh I Do Like Guys, Just Not You (L.S)

Chapter 20

A couple hours later, Harry stops pretending to be asleep - he didn't get a proper rest anyways, since Louis left, too many thoughts swiveling in his mind, and too drained to do anything about them.

The only thing that makes him feel a bit lighter, is that Liam knows, that he knew all along, sparing Harry for the fright of having to tell him. And in hindsight, Harry has no idea how he thought Liam didn't know.

Liam still sits beside him on the couch, barely looking when Harry snatches his phone from the table, not really interested in the movie on screen. As soon as he turns it on, four new messages light up his screen - all of them at least three hours old, meaning they're from before Louis came over. He reads the oldest one first.

From Louis: Um hi, Haz. First of all, I'm sorry.

From Louis: Second of all, I really need to talk to you. I know you probably don't feel like talking to me.

From Louis: But call me?

From Louis: You know what, a call won't do. I'm coming over.

That's the last text, and according to the time stamp, Louis did really come straight over after sending that message, just to be told he couldn't talk to Harry. He really appreciates Liam telling his friend to get his shit together though, because Harry can't handle another rejection - which is why he didn't feel like talking things out in the first place.

But he knows, they need to. It's better to get it over with, so Harry can start feeling better. So, he responds.

To Louis: We can talk.

The response is almost immediate, and Harry can picture Louis anxiously checking his phone every other second - just like he sometimes does when his mom hasn't been home for a little while too long. Harry really doesn't like the idea of him making Louis feel like his mom does - like he is being abandoned, or that he is all alone.

From Louis: Thank you! Now?

From Louis: Never mind, I'm coming over!! Not giving you time to change your mind.

And suddenly, Harry realizes he is still wearing the clothes he slept in, having stayed on the couch with Liam the entire day. He quickly excuses himself, determined to look at least half-decent, so Louis can see what he is missing out on by being an absolute dick.

Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rings again - Louis apparently just figured out how to use one today, considering he usually just walks straight in - and Harry is almost ready.

It's beginning to become a bit chilly outside, as they're playing on the last accord of autumn, so Harry throws on an oversized brown sweater, the sleeves a bit too long as well, serving as impromptu gloves.

He rushed downstairs just in time to hear Liam greeting Louis, who is now standing by the front door for the second time that day. "So, you made up your mind?"

Louis fiddles his fingers nervously, so out of character for his usual energetic and confident self.

"Um yeah. I think I did a long time ago actually. Just took me a minute to admit it. So, umm... Can I talk to Harry?" There's a moment of silence, as if Liam is considering forbidding his best friend from seeing Harry, but then he shrugs. "Well, that's not really up to me, is it?".

"No no, of course not. Harry said we could talk." Then, as an afterthought, he adds. "So, you don't mind me dating Harry?"

Liam releases a scoff as he drags a stumbling Louis into a hug, his words barely audible from where Harry is standing. "No, of course not. I mind you acting like an idiot when you're obviously in love with him".