They Don't Know About Us

Chapter 8

I'd like to say the night went just as planned but in all honesty I had no idea what to even expect.

"So you're the famous Courtney!" Louis exclaims, giving me a nice clap on the back. I am surprised at his genuine enthusiasm and return it with a small grin. "Heard a lot about you, love." He gives me a nice wink before sinking back to inspect the food on the table with Niall.

Zayn goes next.

I would have thought he might've be a little weary or shy but instead he goes straight in for a big hug. "I'm Zayn." He introduces himself. "Don't hurt Liam." The second part is just a whisper in my ear but it leaves me wondering what in the world he's talking about. I have to quickly regain my calm though, seeing as no one else heard the comment.

There is no time for me to debate the meaning of Zayns words though because the next thing I know I'm being crushed in big arms that smell oddly of food.

"Niall...!!" Liam laughs warningly but there's something else in his tone...jealousy I dare say?

I smile brightly as Niall sets me down, giving me a deep laugh before returning to the food.

Harry seems as cheeky as before and somehow not terrified of me!

He gives me a shy, "hello there." Adding in a wide grin, I can't help but burst out laughing. The corners of his mouth dip down while he stutters out nonsense, unsure of what has caused my outburst.

"My hair?? Did Louis put something in my hair?!?! What is it?!? LOUIS!!" His panic attack makes me feel bad and I know it has shown own my face because Liam comes up behind me to set a tender hand reassuringly on my shoulder.

"No it's just your face." Liam says, saving me.

Harry gives a playful scowl at Liam before rolling his eyes and grabbing my hand for a shake. My small fingers aren't even visible in the clasp of his.

He turns back to the food and I am grateful for the one second I get to sigh and lean into Liam. He rubs my arm before whispering in my ear. "You're fine."

His hot breath against me like that, his lips so close to my bare skin, makes my heart thud even harder than before.

I inhale deeply, nodding but not meeting his gaze.

The next hour flys by, filled with laughing and chatter. Slowly I begin to relax in a carefree persona that I know I will probably scold myself about next morning.

We are scattered out in the living area, me sitting in between Louis and Harry, Liam sitting across from me in a plush chair with Niall stuffing his face at his feet, and Zayn slouching lazily on the arm of the couch.

I join in the laughter from something Zayn said before pausing to stuff my mouth with some cake. Chewing slowly, the noise dies down quickly till it's reaches a slight silence.

"So you and Liam datin' huh?" The voice comes from my right and I know it's Harry. My face lights up like a Christmas tree immediately, glowing bright red.

"No." We both say together immediately and my heart plummets as our eyes meet. His are unreadable and afraid that mine might not be I drop them to the floor.

My heart screams at me to go cry in a corner till I felt better but my mind instructs me to stay calm. Go to the bathroom it orders.

I swallow, standing up to set my plate down on the coffee table. I laugh lightly, smiling a little to cover my conflicting emotions. "If you'll excuse me for a minute I have to use the restroom." The words leave my mouth and I'm up and gone before they can reply.

The door closes with a click and lean my back against it, using it as support before crumbling to the floor.

Courtney it was a mistake. He did not mean to make you think he liked you like that. You guys are just friends. That's all you want. That's all he wants. It's all going to work out.

Breathe.

In.

Out.

Breathe.

I repeat this a couple of times to myself before standing up. I can't meet my own eyes in the mirror as I splash water on my face. I smile at the door. Practicing. Pretending.

My face is bright with happiness as I walk out, my mouth moving to start a conversation about their singing or something but I stop dead as I realize they are all arguing.

Harry is leaning over towards Liam, a confused expression lighting his face as Liam continues to shake his head no but even I can see the confusion lighting his raw eyes.

Niall and Louis are silent, flashing Liam comforting looks. Niall gives his large foot a pat.

Zayn is the only one who realizes I've returned. "Hey Courtney!!" He says louder than necessary and I know he's only doing it for the rest of the boys. Harry sinks back into the couch and the rest of them go silent. The knot in my stomach begins to flip but my face remains strong.

"Whatcha guys talking about?" I ask as bubbly as ever.

"Nothing." Liam answers harshly, his expression looks pained as his eyes stay on the floor.

I want to reach out and comfort him but not in front of the rest of them. Zayn laughs off Liam's remark, nudging Louis.

"Looks like Liam might've eaten too many sweets!" Louis jokes on zayns cue, ruffling Liam's soft brown hair.

"Yeah and we have an early interview tomorow-our first in what feels like forever!" Harry announces, standing up the rest of them do the same. "We better be heading out. We all had such a great time! Well have to do it again at our place sometime!"

There are mumbles of agreement but my eyes are stuck on Harry's now, trying to read something from his indecipherable expression.

Niall looks longingly at his half empty plate before thanking me and giving a nice hug and heading to the door. Zayn waves, a smile lighting his face as he tells me how great of a time he had.

Harry smiles brightly, squeezing my shoulders before grabbing his coat.

"Next time you'll have to meet Eleanor!" Louis sounds excited even though I know it's just for my sake.

"See you in class.." Liam says softly, his eyes raise from the floor to meet mine.

They are beautiful.

Warm.

Tender.

Sorry.

And with that one look a pain in my chest sparks up. Different from the last time it was broken, my heart plummets to my rolling stomach.

Yet somehow my hands still itch to touch his face.

To comfort him even though the pain I'm enduring myself seems to be unbearable too.

He walks past and I hear the door click as he is the last to leave.

I stand there for a long time but still not as long as I'd like to have been frozen with time immeasurable.

My mind is silent for once. I'm unsure whether it just has not advice for me and my pathetic life or if it's giving my heart a moment to feel for once.

I hope you liked it!!! Still think Courtney's gonna end up with one of them?? What where they arguing about?? Will Liam act the same? Pretend nothing's happened?

Comment, vote, share, message me, etc!! Be sure to give me your thoughts though pleasee!!

Thanks! :)

<3 Oliviaaa (authoroftomorow)