A Hit In The Making | H.S | 1D |

Chapter 14

Harry's POV:"You won't say anything... will you?" I hear Niall ask from my place in the shadows, causing my ears to perk. I was going to have a quick shower before choosing a film for all of us to watch... but when I noticed Rachel had practically disappeared for the second time today I decided on finding out what she's up to first. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." a playful sing-song voice replies, obviously belonging to Rachel. Secret? Since when does Niall keep secrets?

As footsteps round the corner I quickly sneak past the bathroom and back into the open walkway, just in time to see the two walking in hand in hand as my heart drops straight to the floor. Disappointment floods my senses and I furrow my brows in confusion. Meeting Rachel's eyes, she seems to have picked up on my unease. So I flash a friendly grin at the two even despite the sick feeling in my stomach.

"Niall! Could you help me find the popcorn?" Liam calls from the kitchen. "You go ahead" Rachel giggles, leaning into Niall's left side and nudging his arm playfully. I can feel the jealousy rising within me, but there's no way I'm going to allow Rachel to see it. Niall laughs and jogs off, leaving Rachel and I standing alone beneath the staircase. "So... what have you been up to?" I ask casually as my eyes follow my bandmate into the kitchen.

"Oh, nothing. Niall just needed my help with something." She replies with a shrug before rubbing her left elbow. Part of me thinks she isn't telling the full truth, because that's what my mum used to do; whenever she would hide something, she'd casually rub or hold her left elbow in order to self soothe I guess. I nod in response and look in the direction of the kitchen once more, finding it difficult to believe Rachel's response.

In the distance I hear Eden shouting something at Louis and I remember that I left them both outside to continue their water fight. Rachel seems to have heard it as well, and a low chuckle escapes her lips. "What are you going to do with those two?" Rachel asks. I allow an easy grin and shake my head, unsure of my answer. All I can really think about is the sight of Niall holding Rachel's hand; the two practically flirting with each other. I thought Louis was the only one I had to worry about... but Niall?

"Well, I'm gonna go take a quick shower before we watch that movie." Rachel says, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her eyes seem unsure and tentative, almost guilty... even though she hasn't done anything wrong. But her stance remains casual, and I get the feeling she knows I'm upset about something. I sigh and flash her a winning smile. "Go on. Let me know if you need anything." I respond and gently pat her shoulder. As Rachel makes her way up the stairs I can no longer resist the burning curiosity of finding out what she and Niall were really doing back there.

"Niall are you sure we're supposed to put this much oil in the pot? It seems a bit excessive-" "For the amount of popcorn I'm making, yes." Niall retorts before measuring out a few scoops of popcorn kernels. Liam's eyes widen as he takes a step back. "Whatever you say..." Liam says unsurely. "Liam, could you go tell Eden and Lou we'll be starting the movie soon?" I ask. When Liam leaves the kitchen, I lean across the island counter directly in front of Niall and fold my hands together.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to ask him about their little endeavor point blank. There's no reason to dance around the subject. Here goes nothing.

"What were you and Rachel doing while I was out back with Eden?" I ask, trying not to sound accusatory. He pauses for a moment and picks up the salt across from me. "Oh, um... she wanted to see the pool table. Rachel mentioned it earlier and apparently she's pretty good at it-" Niall responds and walks into the living area. He's lying. He always walks away when he's hiding something. Plus, he and Rachel's answers don't line up at all.