Some things change. | l.s.

11

Today was Harry's first day off since he started working three months ago apart from the weekends and he would've lied if he said he didn't need that time for himself. It didn't matter that he only had a day off because he had a doctor's appointment and Louis never let anyone come in to the office when they had such ones even if it was just a vaccination like in Harry's case.

He strolled through the city after his appointment trying to come up with anything to do, it wasn't like he had a big choice anyway. His friends were all working, but he didn't want to go home yet, so he wandered through Oxford street, glancing through the shop windows if something caught his eye. He felt good, now that he had a bit of money to spend after his account got filled with his first wages with a ridiculous amount of money for the little work he was doing, but he didn't complain. Now he could afford eating outside, now he could buy himself an overpriced coffee and some clothes so he didn't have to steal everything from Liam anymore.

The sun was breaking through the clouds in the chilly midday weather although it was May already, but it warmed up quickly so Harry took off his jean jacket and kept it in his hand.

A lot of people were on the streets and Harry realised why when he took a look at his phone which said it was half past twelve- lunch time. When he saw how packed every shop was he lost his desire of buying anything so he looked out for any cafe or restaurant where he could grab something to eat. He didn't want to go home, but firstly he didn't feel like having lunch between all of those stressed out people and secondly he didn't want to eat alone as if he wouldn't have friends and possibly get pitied or judged because of it, so take away was the best option. Maybe he found some pretty place on his way home at the park or elsewhere where he could enjoy his meal.

After another ten minutes of walking he noticed a small bistro in a less busy street not far from his work. At first he doubted he would find anything he'd like when he took a glance at the menu that was hanging in front of the entrance- most of it being different salads or light meals- and he was just about to turn around and walk away when he noticed someone in the corner of his eye.

He didn't know what made him stop and turn to the person he only saw the shadow of until now through the window of the shop, but when he did a strange feeling he couldn't put a finger on made him just stand there and stare at him.

Louis was sitting at a table in the corner, the tables around him occupied and he was just looking up to a woman with a smile who pointed to one of the chairs at his table, probably asking if it was free and he nodded making her pull it away before he lowered his head again to his phone, typing something. In front of him stood a plate with an untouched salad, unlike the glass with water and a lemon slice that was half empty already.

Harry couldn't avert his eyes, he felt stupid just standing there and looking, but he couldn't move. Seeing him sitting there all by himself although he seemed to be sunken in his phone, but seeing all the people around him chatting and laughing, having someone they could spend their time with made Harry feel uneasy and he felt sorry for him. Didn't he have anyone to spend his lunch break with? Was this usual?

He noticed a few times Louis and Niall spent their break together, but it was rare, the other days Louis either stayed in his office or left the building alone, but it never crossed Harry's mind until now that he might've not met up with anyone and was all by himself instead. Didn't he have any friends that were free?

The knowledge of how it was a few years ago made everything even worse and the familiar feeling of guilt overcame Harry which was unfortunate because it actually really hurt along with the pity he felt for Louis.

"Excuse me?" A girl smiled apologetically and Harry shook his head quickly, stepping back to let her pass and he mumbled a quick apology when he noticed he was standing in the way.