✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

Just be yourself. ⏯ L.T.

Louis watched the bustling street from the window of the coffee shop, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. He loved watching people, deciphering their movements and expressions, finding patterns in the chaos of the world. Yet, despite his fascination, there was always a sense of disconnect—a barrier between him and the rest of the world that he couldn't quite breach.

He glanced down at his sketchpad, filled with intricate doodles and sketches of the people he observed. Drawing was his way of communicating when words failed him, a safe haven where he could express himself without the pressure of speech.

Across the table, Liam sat with a warm smile, sipping his coffee. Liam had always been patient, understanding Louis in a way that few others did. He didn't push Louis to talk or to act in a way that made him uncomfortable. Instead, he simply accepted Louis for who he was—a brilliant, complex individual with a unique perspective on the world.

"Whatcha drawing, Lou?" Liam asked, leaning forward to get a glimpse of Louis's sketchpad.

Louis tilted the pad slightly, allowing Liam to see the intricate lines and shapes that danced across the pages. Liam's eyes widened in awe as he studied each drawing, marveling at Louis's talent.

"These are incredible, Louis," Liam said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You have such a gift."

Louis smiled shyly, his cheeks flushing with pride. He didn't need words to know that Liam understood him—that was the beauty of their friendship.

As they sat together in comfortable silence, Louis's attention was suddenly drawn to a commotion outside the coffee shop. A group of girls had gathered on the sidewalk, their faces lighting up as they caught sight of someone approaching.

Louis frowned, his curiosity piqued. He watched as the crowd parted, revealing a familiar figure—a boy with tousled hair and a mischievous grin.

It was Harry.

Louis's heart skipped a beat as he watched Harry weave his way through the crowd, his eyes sparkling with excitement. There was something magnetic about Harry—something that drew people to him like moths to a flame.

But as Harry drew closer, Louis felt a familiar sense of anxiety wash over him. He wasn't sure how to act around Harry, how to communicate his feelings without the safety net of words.

Liam must have sensed his unease because he reached out and gently squeezed Louis's hand, offering silent reassurance.

"It's okay, Lou," Liam said softly. "Just be yourself."

Louis nodded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. He knew that Liam was right—he didn't have to pretend to be someone he wasn't. Harry had always accepted him for who he was, autism and all.

As Harry stepped into the coffee shop, his eyes immediately sought out Louis, a bright smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, Lou," Harry said, his voice warm and welcoming. "Mind if I join you guys?"

Louis shook his head, his heart soaring with relief. Harry's presence had a way of calming his frayed nerves, making him feel safe and understood.

And as they sat together, sharing stories and laughter, Louis realized that maybe he didn't need words to express himself after all. With friends like Liam and Harry by his side, he could find his own unique way of connecting with the world—a way that was as beautiful and vibrant as any language spoken aloud.