Cherry Bomb [h.s]

35

Another week goes by. 

Another week of avoiding looks. Another week of going to the dressing room during Ardere's performance. Another week of riding with Liam, Louis, and Zayn. Another week of texts that say 'take your meds'. 

It feels like it's been longer. Like it's been forever since Harry's tried to piss me off, just to end up making me laugh .

No.

I can't think like that. 

I guess he burrowed himself under my skin deeper than I thought. But I still hate him, I'm still avoiding him. It's just the quiet, I'm sure. 

Besides, I've enjoyed hanging out with everyone, going out for drinks after concerts or grabbing something to eat before sound check. 

I've decided to put my pent-up energy to good use by helping Amber with her relationship problems. While I know I can't convince her to break up with Cal, I can at least try to give her advice to not make it worse. Hopefully she'll eventually recognize the red flags herself.

It's been nice, I've been more social than I have in years now. But one negative is that I'm even more tired on mornings when we travel. Like this morning, for example, I was so tired that I forgot to put on shoes until I got to lobby and noticed how cold the marble floors were. I had to dig through my suitcase until I found a pair of sandals to put on. 

"Spencer!" Niall calls out my name as he walks over to me in the hotel lobby, pulling his suitcase behind him. 

"Morning," I respond with a yawn, "How'd you sleep?"

"I didn't," he shrugs, "Insomnia."

"Oh no that sucks," I tell him. 

"Yeah whatever," he waves it off, "Anyway, I came over here to tell you that we need to catch up on our show. It's been a couple of weeks since we last watched it."

"You're right," I say, "We need to catch up." 

"So you'll ride on our bus today?" He asks, that big smile present as always. 

"Oh, um, I don't know," I shake my head slightly, "I mean, I'm used to the other bus now. Maybe you can switch with Liam or something?" 

"Willow would have to switch with someone, too," Niall says, "It would just be easier if you got on our bus." 

"I don't think that's a good idea for me, Ni," I tell him, trying to be gentle.

"Why not?" 

I don't answer, but nervously look over to where Harry is standing, early for once. He's scrolling on his phone, the screen illuminating his face and emphasizing the dark circles under his eyes. He occasionally nods and gives short responses to Zayn, who is talking to him about something. 

"Oh, him," Niall realizes, "Look, maybe you two can switch? You won't have to be on the same bus."

"I don't know-" I start to shake my head, but Niall grabs my hand and starts dragging me over. 

"Come on," he says, "I'll be next to you the whole time. Harry's not that scary." 

I roll my eyes as we reach Harry and Zayn. 

Harry looks up, his brows furrowing when he sees me. His lips are just slightly parted, pink and soft. He says nothing. 

I don't speak either, just stare. We haven't spoken out loud to each other in over two weeks. 

"Well this is a riveting conversation," Niall says. 

"Spence?" Zayn laughs a little, "You good?" 

"Oh," I chuckle awkwardly and shift my weight, "Um, yeah I just came here to ask Harry if we could switch buses. Just for today."