Just Friends

Part 38

*1 year later*
Throughout the year, you were a grieving mess. Diana went by your room a few times to check on you. She sometimes brings chocolate coated strawberries, just like what Niall usually brings. You just want to cry. You're coming back to Sydney for just four days to attend Matthew's first birthday celebration. Michael met you at the airport and drove you back. You went silent, but Michael took your hand and gave it a quick, reassuring squeeze. Throughout the ride, your mind still wanders to the months you and Niall have been together, and how you fell completely and deeply in love with Niall. Sometimes he would just come by on finals week with a box of pizza or even a Starbucks drink... When you're sad, he would come over with comedy DVDs and chips. If anything, Niall was the perfect boyfriend. Was. You travelled light today, so you left Michael's car with just one baggage on hand. You went inside your house, Michael following suit... and as soon as you turn on the light... "WELCOME BACK!" They shouted. Your mum, dad, Ashton, Luke, Calum, Michael's mom who's carrying Matthew, Michael's dad, and even Diana was there. Your lips tug up slightly. "You guys shouldn't have." You say. Diana came over to hug you first. "Niall is happy up there," she says. "I'm sure he wants you to be happy too." For the first time, Diana looked sincere as ever. You almost tear up. She's right. Niall would've been happier if you went out the dorm and started living your life. Tomorrow is Niall's death anniversary... and Matthew's first birthday. You didn't know whether to be happy about it or not. You smiled at all of them, these people who stood by you during the hardest of times. A tear fell from your right eye. "I'm just going to settle my luggage upstairs." You manage. Michael immediately grabs ahold of your luggage and carries them upstairs. "Got it covered." He calls back. The others who were left engulfed you in a hug. Your dad being the first. "We're just a phone call away, sweetpea. Don't bury yourself in grief. Call us." He says. "Yeah. You never call us. At all!" Calum agrees, pouting his perfectly plump lips. You only smile, because you never really called anyone, except Diana.

That night, you enjoyed the time with the people you love the most, including Niall. He's always in your heart. Always. People are having fun, you thought... So so should you. "Hey," Michael beckons you to sit with him as he scoots over to make room for you. You sit, the side of your leg overlapping with Michael's jeans. He wraps his arm around you from behind. "You haven't been happy all night." He says. "I am," you whisper. "I am." You say, more affirmation in your voice. "I see a little glint of sadness in there Y/N. It's been a year... I'm sure if Niall was here he would've asked you to be happy. Let someone else in, Y/N. Please." His voice is almost pleading. But it just hurts... "Mikey, if Niall was here I wouldn't be moping around like this. But I think you're right..." You say. Michael hugs you tighter, saying nothing more.

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FINALE IS UP NEXT. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR COMING ALL THE WAY FROM INSTAGRAM TO READ THIS!!!! I LOVE ALL OF YOU!