Echoes of Love ( one direction)

Habit

Louis' POV:

The hallway seemed quieter than usual as Harry and I walked side by side, heading toward the library. I kept my head down, staring at the floor as we passed by groups of students, their conversations just a blur of movement around me. I hadn't put in my hearing aids today. I couldn't face the noise, not after what happened yesterday. The silence was comforting, even though it made me feel disconnected, like I was walking through the world in a fog.

Harry stayed close, his hand brushing mine every now and then, a silent reminder that he was there. I was grateful for that. He always knew when I needed him close, without me having to say anything.

When we reached the library, he stopped and turned to me, his hands moving quickly to sign, "You okay here?"

I nodded, though the anxiety in my chest still hadn't gone away. "Yeah," I signed back, my movements slow. "I'll be okay."

His face softened, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile. "I'll come get you after class, okay?"

I nodded again, my fingers twitching nervously. I hated the idea of being alone, even in the quiet safety of the library, but I didn't want to hold Harry back from his music class. I knew how much it meant to him.

He glanced at the door behind me, then back at me, hesitating for a moment before he reached out and brushed his thumb across my cheek, a gentle touch that made my chest ache in the best way. "You'll be fine," he signed, his smile widening a little. "I'll see you soon."

With that, he gave my shoulder a soft squeeze and walked away, disappearing down the hallway toward his class. I stood there for a few seconds, watching him go, before finally turning to push open the library door.

The quiet of the library felt different from the quiet of the hallways. It was calmer, more peaceful. The air smelled like old

and dust, and the soft rustle of pages filled the space, a kind of rhythm that soothed my nerves a little. I made my way to a table near the back, away from the few students scattered around the room, and sat down, pulling out my sketchbook.

For a while, I just sat there, staring at the blank page in front of me. My mind kept drifting back to yesterday, to the words Mrs. Hathaway had said, to the laughter of my classmates. My fingers trembled a little as I gripped the pencil, trying to push the memory away. I didn't want to think about it anymore. I didn't want to feel that hurt, that shame. I just wanted to lose myself in something else.

I pressed the pencil to the page and started drawing.

At first, it was just lines—simple, light strokes that didn't mean anything. But as I continued, the lines began to take shape, turning into something familiar. I didn't plan it, didn't even think about what I was drawing, but before I knew it, I was sketching Harry.

It was just his face at first, the soft curve of his jaw, the messy strands of hair falling over his forehead. But then I found myself adding more—the slope of his shoulders, the warmth in his eyes, the way his lips curved into that gentle, reassuring smile he always gave me when he thought I needed it most.

I lost track of time as I worked, the pencil moving faster now, shading in the details, bringing the drawing to life. I could almost feel Harry beside me as I sketched him, his presence a quiet comfort even when he wasn't there. It felt good, focusing on something that made me happy, that reminded me of how much he meant to me.

When I was finished, I sat back and stared at the drawing, my heart swelling a little. It wasn't perfect, but it felt right. It was him, the way I saw him—strong, kind, and always there for me.

I didn't notice how much time had passed. The library was still quiet, the soft rustle of pages blending into the background, but something felt off. I glanced up at the clock on the wall, squinting slightly as I realized the time. The bell must have rung for the next period, but I hadn't felt the vibrations. I hadn't noticed anything at all.

Panic rose in my chest. I was supposed to meet Harry. We were supposed to head to math together. What if he was waiting for me? What if I had missed something important?

Just as I started to pack up my things, the library door swung open, and there he was—Harry, standing in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. Relief washed over me as soon as I saw him, but it was quickly followed by embarrassment. I hadn't heard the bell, hadn't even realized it was time to go. I felt like I'd messed up again.

Harry walked over, his lips curving into a smile as he reached me. "Hey," he signed, his movements easy, casual. "It's time for math. You ready?"

I nodded quickly, though my hands shook as I packed up my sketchbook. I could feel my face heating up, the embarrassment making my chest tight. I hated feeling like I was always falling behind, like I was always the one who didn't notice things, who missed what everyone else saw.

Harry must have noticed because he reached out and gently touched my arm, catching my attention. "It's okay," he signed, his expression soft, understanding. "You didn't miss anything. I came to get you."

I looked up at him, my heart calming slightly at the reassurance in his eyes. He wasn't upset. He wasn't mad that I hadn't heard the bell. He just... understood. Like he always did.

"I'm sorry," I signed back, my fingers trembling a little. "I didn't feel the bell. I didn't realize—"

"Hey," he cut me off, his hands moving quickly. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

I hesitated, then nodded, swallowing hard as I finished packing my things. Harry waited patiently beside me, his presence steady, unbothered. He didn't rush me, didn't make me feel bad for not hearing the bell or for being late. He was just... there, like he always was.

When I was ready, we left the library together, Harry staying close beside me as we walked down the hallway toward math class. He didn't say much, didn't need to. His hand brushed against mine every so often, a small, reassuring touch that made me feel less anxious, less like I had to constantly be on edge.

As we reached the door to the classroom, he gave me a small, comforting smile. "You good?" he signed.

I nodded, though my stomach still twisted with nerves. But with Harry by my side, it didn't feel so overwhelming. I could get through this. One step at a time.

Together, we walked into math class, and for the first time all day, I didn't feel completely alone.