Dire {h.s.}

31

Harry Styles

I haven't slept since Avah left, her questions were starting to irritate me and the fact that I've shown her a part of my life that I've never shown to anyone before. I didn't want her to know, but the moment in the closet was something else. I regret asking her if I could pleasure her, but it was thought of in the heat of the moment. I shouldn't have asked already knowing she isn't ready for anything to that extent.

I spent all night organizing every book into each box, taping them up, writing addresses across their lids. Anything to get them out the places I want them to land, because I know that they'll just be thrown out after I'm killed. I know I'll miss everyone here, even maybe Avah. I hate to admit it, but she's someone who's hard to forget––

A knock at my door alerts me from my thoughts, and I find myself standing from the edge of my bed. This is it, they're here to take me outside. I shakily stand to my feet and manage to get myself over to the door, hesitating to open it. I could run, I could just jump out of the window and start running. But I know that there's security outside, and they'd catch me faster than anything. With my fist gripping onto the door handle, I pull it open to reveal––

Niall?

I release a big breath of relief at the realization. "Thank fuck," I breathe out, with my hand against my chest.

"What happened?" he asks, "Why are you out of breath?"

I relax. "I thought it was time."

He furrows his brows in confusion, thinking harder and trying to remember what I'm referring to. It takes a second, but I watch the lightbulb light up in his mind as his eyes widen in realization. "Oh, that. Yeah, he canceled it."

I freeze, now I'm confused. "He what?"

Niall shrugs his shoulders, "He canceled it, it's not happening anymore. Something about giving you another chance––"

"Niall, what are you talking about?" I ask in disbelief. Him giving second chances is unheard of. "He doesn't do that."

"Well," he sighs, "he's trying something new."

I stare at him with wide eyes, too confused to really listen to Niall as he continues to speak. I'm in shock in all honesty.

"Anyways, we need to go over the plan for tonight, and everyone is in the gym ready to hear it but you, so c'mon." He says, but I continue to stare at him in shock, going through every list of every reason as to why the fuck would he cancel this. I'm sure he was looking forward to seeing my head being blown off. He hates me, but he needs me, it's why he's kept me for so long. Not to be cocky, but I'm one of his best, maybe even better than himself, and he hates me for it. He's always trying to find a reason to cut me off, so why cancel it when you're so close?

"Harry, hello! Are you even listening to me?" Niall asks, breaking me out of my spiraling thoughts.

I perk my attention up, "Hm?"

"Just get out of your room, fuck." He says, turning on his heels and waking away from my door. I take a moment to myself, trying to regain my thoughts as the realization settles in. I'm not going to die today.

"Harry!" he shouts from down the hall. I snap my attention up and walk forward, following him.

I roll my eyes, "Fuck, I'm coming, christ."

Niall and I walk through the door into the private gym where we spend most of our training time. Everyone is already here, even Avah. She sits on one of the benches, her eyes immediately meet mine from across the room. I don't understand what she's thinking, but by the way she stares at me, it almost feels like she's looking at me with relief and concern at the same time.