I love him (L.S.)

Chapter 19

Louis

Liam insisted on bringing me back to my place and staying over to make sure I was okay. I appreciated his concern and company, and we spent the evening watching movies and trying to take my mind off things.

As the night wore on, Liam settled in for the night, sleeping in Zayn's room while I retired to my own bed. Despite the exhaustion, my mind raced with thoughts of Li's father's disgusting words and Zayn's anger.

The next day, I woke up to find my phone flooded with messages from Harry. He'd been trying to reach me, and his messages ranged from playful teasing to genuine concern. I decided to call him back, hoping to brighten my day.

As we chatted, Harry shared stories about his adventures at the toy store where he worked. But as he spoke, my emotions got the better of me, and I burst into tears again.

Harry's concern and anger grew as I shared the story of Li's father's hurtful words and Zayn's subsequent anger.

But then, a new concern emerged. "Baby, why did you call Zayn and not me?" Harry asked, his voice tinged with hurt.

I didn't mean to cause any more pain, but my words only seemed to make things worse. "Zayn's always been my number one, H. He's my rock, my protector..."

Harry's voice rose in protest. "And what about me, Lou? Don't I count? You always go to Zayn first, and it hurts, Lou. It really hurts. Zayn is not even close by right now. How was he suppose to help? Even the other day at your football match. I came there to support my boyfriend. You won and I was so happy. Even before letting me hug you, you decided it was more important to call Zayn and tell the news. I was really hurt Louis "

I felt a pang of guilt and sadness, knowing I'd caused Harry pain. "Hazza, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. You're my boyfriend... but Zayn's my brother, my family..."

Harry's voice cracked with emotion, and I could sense his deep hurt. "Louis, I know Zayn's your brother, but I'm your boyfriend. I'm supposed to be your partner, your support. But every time something happens, you always turn to Zayn first. It feels like I'm not even important to you."

I felt a wave of regret wash over me. I hadn't realized my actions had caused Harry so much pain. "Babe, that's not true. You are important to me. I care about you deeply, and I value our relationship. It's just... Zayn's always been there for me, since we were kids. He's my family, my constant..."

Harry's sigh was heavy, and I knew I needed to find a way to make things right. "Louis, I understand that. But can't you see? You're always prioritizing Zayn over me. Even when I'm right here, supporting you, caring for you. It hurts, Louis. It really hurts."

I took a deep breath, knowing I needed to make amends. "Hazza, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Can we please talk about this in person? I want to make things right between us."

There was a pause, and for a moment, I worried that I'd lost Harry. But then, his voice came through, soft and gentle. "Okay, Louis. Let's talk. But please, for once, prioritize me. Choose me first."

My heart ached, knowing I'd caused Harry so much pain. But I was determined to make things right, to show him that he was important to me, that he mattered.

____________________________________________________________________

I rushed to the door as the doorbell rang signaling that Harry was here.

I opened the door to find Harry standing on my Porch. His eyes still red from crying. I felt a pang of guilt and regret, knowing I had caused him so much pain.

"Hey" He said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hey" I replied, stepping aside to let him in.

We walked into the living room, the tension between us obvious as we take a seat on the couch. I knew I needed to make things right but I didn't know where to start.

This was our first fight in the 2 weeks we've been together. And personally, I don't think this is something that should have become such a huge issue.

"Hazza, I'm so sorry" I said , my voice sincere. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I know I prioritise Zayn, but it's not because you're not important to me."

Harry looked at me, his eyes searching for truth. "Then why do you always go to him first, Louis? Why do you always choose him over me?"

I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "Zayn's not just my brother, Harry. He's the one who sacrificed everything for me after our parents died. He stopped university and worked three jobs just so I could continue my education, so I could be happy. He's the one who's been there for me through everything."

My voice cracked as emotions overwhelmed me. "You need to understand, Harry. Zayn means the world to me. He's not just my brother, he's the one who's always put me first, who's always been there for me."

Harry's expression softened, and he moved closer, holding my hands in his. "Louis, I understand that. But can't you see? I want to be there for you too. I want to be your rock, your protector."

He doesn't get it does he. Why does he need to compete with my brother. It's not like he's some random dude.

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face. "You don't get it, Harry. Zayn sacrificed everything for me. He gave up his own dreams, his own life, just so I could have a chance at happiness. I can't just forget that, I can't just ignore it."

Harry's voice was gentle. "I'm not asking you to forget it, Louis. I'm just asking you to see that I'm here for you too. I want to support you, to be there for you, just like Zayn is."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Harry, I know you care about me. But you need to accept that Zayn means the world to me. He's my family, my everything. And I can't choose between you two. I need you both in my life, in different ways."

Harry nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I get it, Louis. I really do. And I'm not asking you to choose between us. I just want to be a part of your life, to support you in my own way. I just got really upset after the football match. I'm sorry for coming off this way. I'm just insecure sometimes"

I smiled, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "You are a part of my life, Harry. And I appreciate that. I'm truly sorry for making you feel neglected that day. It was solely my fault. I'll think about your feeling too. Let's just... let's try to make this work, okay? Let's find a way to balance our relationship with my relationship with Zayn."

Harry smiled back, his eyes shining with warmth. "Okay, Louis. Let's do that."

We hugged, holding each other tightly as we both knew that our relationship was worth fighting for. And as we pulled back, I knew that I had two people in my life who cared about me deeply, in different ways. And that was all that mattered.

"Now stop calling me Louis. It's irritating." I playfully glared at him.

He chuckled, "Alright baby" He said, kissing my forehead.

"Erm... Guys?"