TORN

Chapter 10: A New Beginning

Harry woke up to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. He blinked, taking a moment to orient himself, and then he realized where he was. Beside him, Louis lay fast asleep, his breathing steady, his lips slightly parted. Harry watched him for a few seconds, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest.

There was something about the way Louis looked so peaceful in sleep that made Harry's heart clench. As he observed him, Harry couldn't shake the realization that had been creeping up on him for a while now. He wasn't just attracted to Louis. He cared about him—deeply. It wasn't just physical anymore, not for him.

Louis stirred slightly, his thick eyelashes fluttering as he slowly woke up. When his blue eyes finally opened, they met Harry's, and a smirk spread across his face. "Good morning, handsome. You're staring. Find something you like?"

Harry chuckled, though his heart was racing. Louis' teasing, lighthearted nature was always so disarming. "Maybe," he said, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Louis' lips.

But as Harry pulled back, Louis stretched out lazily, his smirk never fading. "Last night was fun, wasn't it?" Louis said, a casual edge to his voice. "Always knew you'd be a good time."

The words stung a little more than Harry expected. For Louis, it seemed like this was just another hook-up, something physical, nothing more. Harry had hoped it was more than that, but now, he wasn't so sure.

"Yeah," Harry replied, his voice a little quieter. "It was."

Louis didn't seem to notice the change in Harry's tone as he sat up, running a hand through his hair. "I'll grab a shower, then I'm out of here. Got plans today."

Harry watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside him. He didn't know why it bothered him so much that Louis was treating this like it was just another fling. Maybe it was because, for Harry, it was becoming something more. But he couldn't dwell on it. He had to talk to Y/N.

Later that day, Harry found himself sitting across from Y/N in a quiet restaurant. The air between them was heavy, but they both knew this conversation was necessary. Harry could see the sadness in Y/N's eyes, and it broke his heart to know he was the cause of it.

"I've been thinking a lot," Harry began, his voice soft but steady. "About everything. About us."

Y/N looked up at him, her expression a mix of anticipation and dread. "And?"

Harry took a deep breath. "I care about you so much, but... I've realized something about myself. Something I can't ignore."

Y/N's eyes filled with understanding, though there was still hurt behind them. "It's about Louis, isn't it?"

Harry nodded, his throat tightening. "Yeah. I... I didn't expect it, but I think... I have feelings for him. And I don't want to lie to you. You deserve the truth."

Y/N swallowed hard, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "I appreciate you being honest with me, Harry," she said quietly. "I always knew something was... off. But I didn't want to admit it."

"I'm so sorry," Harry whispered, his voice full of regret. "I never wanted to hurt you."

Y/N shook her head, blinking back tears. "I'm sad, but... I'm also relieved. I think, deep down, I knew this wasn't going to last. You've been distant, and now I know why. I'm glad you're figuring out who you are, Harry."

They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Finally, Y/N offered a small, sad smile. "We can still be friends, right?"

Harry nodded, his chest aching. "Of course. You're too important to me to lose."

Just then, someone approached the table, breaking the heavy moment. "Harry? I haven't seen you in forever!" a familiar voice chimed in.

Harry looked up and found himself staring at Niall, who was grinning down at them. Dressed sharply, as always, Niall's warm eyes flicked between them, noticing Y/N's tear-streaked face. "Why's she crying? What'd you do, mate?"

Harry chuckled awkwardly, but stood up to greet him. "Niall, this is Y/N." He gestured between the two. "Y/N, this is Niall, an old friend of mine."

Niall's eyes lit up with understanding as he extended a hand to Y/N, his signature warm smile in place. "Y/N? Nice to meet you, love." He turned back to Harry. "But seriously, Harry, what the hell? Why's she upset? Do I need to beat some sense into you?"

Y/N let out a small laugh, wiping her eyes as Niall's teasing lightened the mood. "It's not like that, Niall. We're just... figuring some things out. But thanks for the backup."

Niall shot her a friendly smile. "Well, if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm your guy. Harry's a bit hopeless sometimes, but he means well."

Harry rolled his eyes, but the playful banter helped ease the tension. As the three of them continued talking, Niall's charm and humor had Y/N smiling and laughing in no time, the heaviness lifting as they shared stories and jokes.

Eventually, Niall stood up to leave, giving Y/N a wink as he said goodbye. "Hope to see you around more often, Y/N. And remember, if Harry gives you any more trouble, I'm just a call away."

As Niall walked off, Y/N turned back to Harry, an amused smile tugging at her lips. "He's nice. But... he's really just a friend, right?"

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "Yes, Y/N. He's really just a friend."

Y/N's laughter joined his, and for the first time in a while, things felt lighter, more hopeful. It wasn't the ending either of them had expected, but maybe, just maybe, it was the start of something better.