If You Only Knew

Chapter 26

Four Years Later

"PAYNO LAD, HURRY UP!" Louis shouted, his voice echoing up the staircase as he paced back and forth at the bottom. He was wearing his usual bright grin, but today, there was an extra layer of tension behind his eyes. His heart was racing, and he could feel the weight of this moment settling on his shoulders.

"Tommo, man, relax, it'll be fine. We'll get there on time," Liam's voice floated down, calm and steady, as he finished tying his shoes. Louis could hear the faint sound of Liam's usual nonchalance, but that only made him more agitated.

"This is the biggest day of my life, Z! Tell him, we need to go," Louis pouted, his brows furrowing in impatience. He had tried to take a few deep breaths, but the excitement—combined with the pressure—had his nerves buzzing like a live wire.

"Louis, man, relax," Zayn's voice rang out from the hallway, laced with laughter. "I don't know how Harry put up with you for so long."

"Z... that isn't helping!" Louis shot him a glare, but there was no malice behind it. It was more of an exasperated expression. "Sorry, Louis." Zayn smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "Come on, let's get in the car. Liam's finally ready."

Louis smacked both Liam and Zayn on the back, ushering them out the front door, his movements quick and jerky, as though time were slipping through his fingers. They clambered into the car, the tension between them light but palpable as Louis's fingers gripped the steering wheel with a force that made his knuckles white.

As the engine hummed to life, Louis pulled out of the driveway, the familiar streets of their neighborhood passing by in a blur. "Do you know when the others are coming?" Louis asked, his voice tense but trying to sound casual.

"Niall and Lottie should be here soon. Niall texted that he's five minutes out," Zayn answered from the passenger seat, his tone warm, trying to ease Louis's nerves.

"Okay, well, let's just wait in the car until they get here," Louis muttered, the sound of the car's tires against the pavement providing a rhythmic comfort, even though his heart was still pounding in his chest. "So, Z, now that you're officially a university graduate, what are you going to do?"

Zayn leaned back in his seat, his eyes focused on the passing scenery. "I've got an interview with a company that does contract work for other businesses. They help design logos and websites. It's a pretty big opportunity." His voice was steady, confident—a perfect reflection of the career he was about to step into.

"That's awesome, mate! I really hope you get it," Liam chimed in from the back seat, slapping Zayn lightly on the shoulder. "What about you, Li? Any interviews lined up?"

"I have a couple next week, so fingers crossed!" Liam's voice was filled with a quiet hope, his eyes watching the road as they neared the park where everything was happening today.

Louis's nerves seemed to momentarily settle, his thoughts racing through all the possible futures that were waiting for them. "Oh! There's Nialler pulling in!" Louis exclaimed suddenly, excitement creeping back into his voice. Without waiting for a response, he opened the door and jumped out, his heart lifting as he spotted Niall's familiar, carefree figure getting out of the car.

"Tommo! How are ya doing, lad?" Niall's grin was contagious as he stepped toward Louis, his voice full of warmth and energy.

"I'm doing great, Nialler," Louis beamed, feeling the familiar rush of happiness that always came with seeing his friend. He turned to Lottie, who was standing by Niall, her hand gently resting on her growing stomach.

"How are you doing, Lots?" Louis asked, his voice softer now, filled with the tenderness that always came out when he spoke to his sister.

"I'm doing good, Lou. How are you doing, big brother?" Lottie replied with a smile, the joy in her voice slightly tinged with concern as she watched him carefully.