Cufflinks and Quiffed Hair // L.S.

*7*

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TW: Mentions of self-harm.

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*Zayn's POV*

After Niall's call last night, both me and Gigi were depressed.

Harry wasn't okay. I can't imagine the pain he must be going through. His hard work, all gone in the drain, it must be really hard.

I walked to Louis' cabin from my own after a call with Gigi, telling her that I was going to go talk to Louis now.

As usual, I entered the cabin without knocking and Louis being Louis said, "When will you ever learn to knock, Zayn?"

I ignored that and said, "We need to talk."

He nodded and asked, "What is it?" He sat down on his chair and I sat opposite him.

"It's Harry." I said, flatly.

He furrowed his eyebrows and asked, "What about that asshole?"

"Louis, please. Hear me out once." I requested and he nodded, asking me to continue.

"His company was closed down almost three weeks ago. The paps are going crazy; always surrounding his house. He's not been doing well. He's really depressed and isn't the same as he was before. Doesn't talk much, avoids seeing people, dissociates himself from the world. He really needs a job, not because he needs money, but because he needs a distraction from all the sorrow. To help him overcome those feelings and become cheerful again. To talk to people often again. To crack jokes and make people laugh again. To...to be Harry again."

I stopped. I wanted to see what Louis' reaction would be. Louis was looking out of the window, something he did every time he needed to focus on something being said.

He finally spoke, "So, he needs a job. What can I do about it? Help him get a job? Help him set his company up again? If you have forgotten, let me remind you Zayn that we were enemies, are enemies and will always be enemies. I don't care if he's depressed; he isn't a kid; he should know what one should do when they are depressed. Now, again, do you want me to counsel him? Or take him for therapy? Be a bit more specific Zayn, as to why I should help that asshole."

I had to bite my bottom lip to refrain from shouting at him then and there. I came up with the wittiest answer, "Because I thought that you might be a human being after all, who'd want to help another human being."

He glared at me, but I wasn't someone to get scared.

He said, "Zayn. Why don't you go to some therapist with Harry? Probably get him admitted in a mental hospital if it gets too much. I mean, I don't even understand why I, Louis William Tomlinson, founder and owner of Tomlinson Worldwide Industries, leading businessman for more than four years, help a Harry blah blah Styles, founder and owner of Styles Global Enterprises, or should I say ex-founder and owner? Anyways so why should I help some asshole like Harry blah blah Styles, who is now probably in dep-"

"Stop it!! Stop. It. For. God's. Sake." I shouted, cutting his sentence midway.

Louis looked at me shocked, but I wasn't going to budge. I said, "You don't understand that you are firstly a human. You, Louis William Tomlinson, a human being, should help Harry Edward Styles, another human being who's unfortunately going through a bad phase of life. You, Louis, need therapy. You think that you are God. You think you are the most powerful and happiest man on Earth. You don't care about anyone but yourself, because you are selfish. You, Louis Tomlinson, have forgotten your true identity. You have forgotten that you are firstly a human being, then a businessman."

He clearly looked shocked, but he said, "So, Zayn, my best friend. You are fighting against me for an asshole who you barely even know?"

I nodded, "Yes."

"Right. May I know why he matters so much to you? Are you gay? Have you moved on from Gigi to Harry?" He asked and I couldn't take it anymore.

"Because, you idiot." I said, tears slowly streaming down my face.

"He is a kind soul with a really really big heart. I've read a lot about him, about the amount of charity he does, his background is depressing enough, how hardworking he is he set up a company at the age of 20." I took a deep breath and wiped away a few tears. Then I said, "And now, due to your idol Simon Cowell, he is being called a scamster and is regularly facing hurtful questions from the paps.

And...he's self-harming. All this has made that boy turn towards cutting for help. I can't see him being reduced to such a low level. That's where I've been the past two weeks. I know, I've broken your trust by saying that I needed to spend some time with Gigi, but trust me, it never was my intention to lie to you. I just wanted to help that angel, which I still am trying to do. But, let me tell you one more thing that this isn't the first time I've broken your trust. Niall, my friend. He is Harry's best friend and ex-personal assistant. Shocked? You better be."

I didn't really care what Louis thought of me anymore. I really did care for Harry and I sure did have a bit of humanity in me to help him, if not Louis. Louis looked at me in pure shock.

I then said, "So, Louis. Will you please, being a human being, help the poor lad? By just giving him a job. You and I both know that he's one of the most intelligent businessmen of the country. Come on Louis, give him a chance at least?"

Louis till looked at me with wide eyes and his mouth slightly ajar. I thought he needed some time, so I waited. But even after a while, he didn't say anything.

I sighed sadly and said, "Alright then, Louis. Third time I break your trust, will be right now. I promised you as a kid and you believed me as a kid, I will never leave you alone. Guess it's time to change that."

"What? Zay-" He began, his voice cracking, but I shook my head.

I said, "I'm sorry Louis but...it is what it is."

"No, please Zayn, no." He said, now crying.

"Goodbye, wishing you all the luck for your future."

And I turned and left his cabin, wiping my tears with the back of my hand, hearing my ex-best friend break down crying in his cabin.

Not only had I lost a friend, but also a big part of my life.

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1120 words. Teensy little chapter, bht demotivation at its peak hehehe.

How's everyone? I promise things will get happier in this fic soon.

Vote and comment besties!!

Love,

S

P.S. Lots on the wayyyyy xx