Tranquility

First meeting

Six months later, I'm no longer working at the Suicide Hotline. It became too much to handle. I just started a job as a secretary at a private psychology and I enjoy it.

My best friend Niall takes me out to a gay club to celebrate my new job. We go to a popular club in the heart of London and the place is packed. Niall tries to find a table while I head to the bar.

I see a cute guy next to me and give him a brief smile before I face the bartender. The guy beside me shouts.
"Oy! Oli! You wanted a lager, right?"

I would recognize that voice anywhere. I turn around and stare at him. It's Louis. It has to be. I panic. He can't see me. God, he's gorgeous! Pull yourself together, Harry. Wait, he doesn't know what I look like. I relax a little. It's my turn to order.
"Can I have two beers, please."

"Harry?"

I freeze. I didn't think about the fact that he would recognize my voice. I turn around and he looks at me. He's surprised. Uncomfortable.
"Yes."

"Oh, fuck. Eh, I'm Louis."

Someone bump into me, making me bump into Louis.
"Oops!"

"Hi!" He smiles. Fuck, he's gorgeous. I blush.

"Sorry." I apologize. Pay for my beer. Louis orders.

"I know this is awkward and even if I'm embarrassed as hell I'm glad to finally meet you face to face." Louis says beside me.

"No need to feel embarrassed. How are you?" I ask.

"Good! Yeah, I'm much better! I spent a month eh, in there and I'm in therapy." Louis says.

"Wonderful to hear." I smile.

"Thanks again. You know... I wouldn't be here without you." He says sincerely.

I just nod my head. Smile a little. Take my beer. Hesitate. Balance between my feet.
"Uhm, it's nice to actually meet you."

"You too. Are you here with someone?" He asks.

"Yeah, Niall is looking for a table." I inform him.

"Partner?" He asks. We're at a gay club after all.

"No! I'm single." I say.

"Me too. Wanna join me and me friends Oli?" He offers.

"Uhm, yeah, I mean. You don't have to be polite, Louis. I understand that this must feel really weird. I was just an anynomus voice on the phone." I ramble nervously.

"I'm not gonna lie, a little weird, but I'm not being polite, Harry. I'm very happy that I ran into you. I always wondered what you looked like and come on, are you fucking kidding me? You're beautiful. Sorry, we had a couple of beers before we went out." Louis said and smiled.

"Thank you. So are you." I reply. Is this flirting? It feels a bit inappropriate considering everything.

His smile widens. He looks happy. It's such a big contrast from the Louis I talked to over the phone. It's strange. It feels like I know him. He shared such private thoughts with me at his absolute lowest. I really hope he's doing better. I would hate for this to be a fasade.

"So? Wanna sit at our table?" Louis asks again.

"Absolutely. Let me just find my friend." I say and look around for Niall as we make our way through the club.

I see him at a table chatting with a guy.
"That's our table." Louis says and points.

"And that's my friend Niall." I say.

We walk over and take a seat. I hand Niall his beer.
"Thanks. All the tables were occupied, but Oli here offered us to join him and his friend. Hi, I'm Niall."

"Louis." Louis says. He looks at Niall as if he's gonna recognize his name, but I haven't told Niall about our calls. I would never break my confidential agreement. Louis relaxes.

We have a great night. Louis jokes a lot. I already knew that he has a sense of humour, but it's less dark now. I love his laugh. It's special.

We dance and we drink and when the night ends he asks for my private number. I give it to him.