FALLING, FALLEN [h.s]

quarante-huit

𝖲𝖾𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗆𝖻𝖾𝗋 2021
𝖡𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗒 𝖧𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗌, 𝖢𝖺
𝖭𝗂𝖺𝗅𝗅'𝗌 𝖧𝗈𝗆𝖾

Iris and Benjamin were standing outside Niall's house. Benjamin looked upset-or maybe annoyed. Iris couldn't quite tell which, but she knew he wasn't in a good mood.

Benjamin took off his cap and ran his fingers through his brown hair in frustration. Iris stood in front of him, trying to read his expression, searching for whatever had set him off.

"What's wrong, Benny?"

Benjamin looked at her before sighing. He put his cap back on and finally spoke, his tone calm but edged with irritation. "I don't know, Iris. I know he's your best friend, but he's still a man. Maybe he sees you in a different light."

Iris's eyebrows drew together, her eyes narrowing slightly in confusion at where this was coming from. Everyone knew Niall didn't see her that way-but Benjamin clearly didn't believe that.

"Niall sees me as a sister. Nothing more," she said reassuringly, wrapping her arms around his neck despite the height difference.

But Benjamin didn't seem convinced. He didn't respond-his hands stayed in his pockets instead of resting on her waist.

Iris searched his brown eyes, but he only stared back blankly, his jaw tightening with irritation. She sighed softly and pulled away slightly.

"I don't understand why you have an issue with him."

Benjamin let out a quiet scoff. "Because he's a fucking guy, Iris."

"Why does that matter? We've been friends since we were kids, and we've never seen each other as anything more than that."

"Are you serious?" he scoffed again. "You don't actually think a man and a woman can just stay friends."

"What is your fucking problem, Benjamin?" Iris snapped, fully pulling away from him now.

"My problem is that you keep fucking hanging out with other guys."

"Seriously? Niall is the only guy I hang out with-and he's my best friend, not just some guy," Iris shot back, her frustration building as she ran her fingers through her hair.

"You know what? I'll just leave. Your best friend Niall can take you home, since he's so important," Benjamin said sarcastically as he turned away from her.

-

Niall was talking with some of his mates when he noticed Iris walking back-alone.

That was odd. She had come with Benjamin.

Even though Niall would never say it to her face, he had always thought her boyfriend was a bit... overprotective.

So when Iris approached with a forced smile, Niall immediately knew something had happened. He gave her a small, reassuring smile and quickly pulled her into the conversation, trying to lift her mood.

"Iris, when do you plan on releasing some new music, hmm?" Niall asked, nudging her shoulder lightly.

"Honestly... I haven't had any inspiration," Iris said with a soft laugh. Then she added, "Plus, music doesn't have to be rushed. It needs to mean something to the artist, right, Niall?"

"You're right-no rush," Niall said with a smile, taking a sip of his drink. "But I can't wait for whenever you do release that album."

Niall had always been her biggest supporter, and Iris knew that. It was something she truly adored about him.

Iris smiled softly into her cup as she took a sip of her drink. Then one of Niall's mates brought up a topic she hadn't heard in a while-or rather, one she had been avoiding.