✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

A lot to process. ⏯ N.H.

The studio lights glared down, casting a warm glow over the five members of One Direction as they settled onto the plush interview couch. Niall Horan fidgeted slightly, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt as the interviewer, a well-known personality known for her probing questions, took her seat opposite them.

The questions started innocently enough, revolving around their latest album and upcoming tour. But then, like a storm brewing on the horizon, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

"So, Niall," the interviewer began, her tone taking on a more serious note, "I read in some recent interviews that you've been open about your struggles with autism and ADHD. Can you tell us more about that?"

Niall's breath caught in his throat, his heart rate quickening. He exchanged a brief glance with his bandmates, searching for some semblance of support in their familiar faces.

"Yeah, um, it's something I've dealt with for most of my life," Niall replied carefully, his Irish accent soft but steady. "It's been a journey, but I've learned to manage it."

The interviewer leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Some people might say that being in the spotlight, with all the pressures and expectations that come with it, isn't the ideal environment for someone with those challenges. How do you respond to that?"

Niall felt a knot forming in his stomach, but he forced himself to maintain his composure. "I think everyone faces their own challenges, regardless of their circumstances. And being in this band, with these lads," he gestured to his bandmates, "has been an incredible source of support for me."

The interviewer seemed unsatisfied with his answer, pressing on with more pointed questions. Niall's discomfort was palpable, his shoulders tense as he struggled to find the right words. But he soldiered on, determined not to let the scrutiny get the best of him.

Across the couch, Liam, Harry, Louis, and Zayn exchanged concerned glances. They could see the strain on Niall's face, the way his hands trembled slightly in his lap. But they also knew Niall well enough to know that he wouldn't want them to intervene.

So they stayed silent, offering silent words of encouragement through supportive glances and reassuring smiles. They made a silent pact to keep a closer eye on Niall, to be there for him in whatever way he needed.

As the interview drew to a close, Niall breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the reprieve. He knew the scrutiny wouldn't end with this interview, but for now, he was thankful to have his bandmates by his side.

Later that night, inside the tour bus, the atmosphere was a mix of exhaustion and lingering tension from the interview earlier. Niall sat quietly on one of the couches, his mind still replaying the interviewer's words like a broken record. The noise from the bus's engine, combined with the chatter of his bandmates, felt overwhelming, each sound amplifying his unease.

Liam, ever observant, noticed Niall's distant expression and furrowed brows. He gently nudged Zayn, who was sitting next to him, and nodded towards their friend.

Zayn followed Liam's gaze, concern etching his features as he watched Niall's discomfort. "Hey, mate, you alright?" he asked softly, leaning closer to Niall.

Niall blinked, tearing his gaze away from the window. "Yeah, just... still thinking about the interview, I guess," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry, who had been quietly scrolling through his phone, looked up with a sympathetic smile. "That was rough, Nialler. But you handled it like a champ."

Louis nodded in agreement, his blue eyes reflecting genuine concern. "You did great, mate. But if you need anything, just let us know, yeah?"

Niall managed a weak smile, touched by their support. "Thanks, lads. It's just... a lot to process, you know?"

Liam placed a comforting hand on Niall's shoulder. "We get it, mate. You're not alone in this."

As if on cue, the bus hit a particularly rough patch of road, jostling them all. The sudden movement sent a spike of anxiety through Niall, his senses overwhelmed by the combination of motion and noise.

Zayn's eyes widened in understanding as he noticed Niall's distress. "Hang on, I'll be right back," he said, disappearing into one of the bunks.

Minutes later, Zayn returned with a familiar set of noise-canceling headphones, a weighted blanket, and a collection of stim toys. He handed them to Niall with a reassuring smile. "Here, mate. These might help."

Niall's eyes widened in surprise, gratitude flooding his chest as he accepted the items. "Thanks, Zayn. You didn't have to..."

Harry waved off his protest with a grin. "Nonsense, Nialler. We've got your back, always."

With the headphones in place and the weighted blanket draped over his lap, Niall felt the tension slowly melt away. He fiddled with the stim toys absentmindedly, the rhythmic motion soothing his frazzled nerves.

The rest of the journey passed in companionable silence, the boys keeping a watchful eye on Niall to ensure he was comfortable. And as they finally arrived at their next destination, Niall couldn't help but feel grateful for the unwavering support of his bandmates.

Together, they were more than just a band. They were a family, bound by a bond that nothing could break. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, one step at a time.