It's Better In Black & White ✎ n.h.

Chapter 12

Paige's POV 

"Are you single?"

I practically choked on my fry when the question left his mouth unexpectedly. I did not see that one coming. The whole conversation had been light and well, not serious.

I'm sure my shock was very visible on my expression but I couldn't force myself to hide it.

"You're last question?" I questioned. He nodded slowly.

I looked down at my food. 

"Um... well..." I started. 

I couldn't look up at him, or meet his eyes. Guilt for not telling him before hit me so hard I felt like throwing up. 

Oh, God. God. He's going to hate me. He won't like me anymore ... wait, since when do I care if he likes me?

"Paige?" his face was completely blank. I knew my hesitation was answer enough but apparently he wanted to hear me say it.

"I... well... technically no, I'm not single" I said it as slowly as I could, hoping something would happen before I finished, but nothing happened.

I quickly looked up at him to see his reaction.

"What does 'technically' mean?" he questioned, still wearing no expression. 

I let out a breath.

"It means that... technically, I have a boyfriend back home" now it was out there, all I could do was wait for his reaction.

He looked at what little food he had left on his plate, ignored it and took a sip from his soda. 

"Good to know" he finally said.

I stared at him in disbelief.

"That's it?"

"What am I supposed to say?" he asked me, defensively.  

There it was, the hurt behind his annoyed tone. I knew this would happen.... this is the reason why I never told him, even when I had just met him. 

"I... I'm sorry, Niall" I murmured quietly. His expression softened at my words.

"Why? You haven't done anything".

"Then why does it feel like I did?" I asked.

He sighed deeply and shrugged.

"You could've told me you know, before today" he finally said.

"I know...".

"Then why didn't you?" he questioned, but surprisingly, there was no accusation in his voice.

"I don't know, I guess, I thought..." but I stopped there. I thought what? That he wouldn't like me if he knew I was with someone? That he wouldn't have even looked at me twice if he knew? I can't tell him that!

But thinking about it made me realize this was true, these are the real reasons why I never told him. Deep down... I liked Niall.... and I wanted him to like me.

Niall's POV 

"It's complicated" she stated.

"Isn't it always?" I asked with a smile, which she reciprocated reluctantly. 

"I guess you're right.."

"So, tell me. What's going on?" I honestly wanted to know. If things were going well with her relationship she wouldn't have hid it in the first place. That thought gave me hope.