TORN

Chapter 11: Cold Hard Truth

Harry sat at the bar, nervously drumming his fingers against the polished wood, thoughts swirling in his mind. This was supposed to be their night—a meeting he and Louis had planned days ago. Harry had hoped it would feel like a date, a chance to explore whatever was happening between them without distractions. His heart raced with anticipation as he waited.

The door swung open, and in walked Louis, wearing that effortless grin that never failed to disarm Harry. His carefree energy radiated through the room, and as soon as their eyes met, Harry's stomach did a familiar flip.

"Hey, Hazza. Been here long?" Louis asked, sliding onto the stool next to Harry and ordering a drink with casual ease.

Harry smiled softly, trying to shake off the nervous energy. "Not too long," he replied, a warmth settling in his chest just at the sight of Louis. He hesitated for a moment before adding, his voice softer, more vulnerable, "You know... I guess sometimes waiting for the right person feels worth it."

Louis raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a playful smirk as he met Harry's gaze. "Right person, huh? Not sure if that's me you're talking about."

Harry chuckled lightly, but there was truth in his words. "Maybe it is. Or maybe I just don't mind waiting for someone like you."

Louis' smirk faltered slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. But before Harry could say anything more, Louis' playful demeanor returned, brushing off the weight of the moment with a laugh. For a while, everything seemed fine—they laughed, had a few drinks, and the tension between them seemed manageable, even comfortable.

But then Louis pulled out his phone, breaking the fragile bubble of intimacy they had been building.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked, sensing that something was off.

"I'm inviting a couple of friends to join us," Louis said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Zayn and his boyfriend Liam are nearby, figured they could swing by."

Harry felt his stomach drop. He had hoped this night would be just for the two of them—a chance to get closer, to talk, maybe even define what was happening between them. But clearly, Louis had different ideas. Still, Harry forced a smile and nodded, trying to push down the growing disappointment.

Soon enough, Zayn and Liam arrived, their laughter filling the bar as they greeted Louis with hugs. Zayn, ever the charmer, grinned at Harry. "Harry! Louis talks about you all the time."

"He does, does he?" Harry shot Louis a glance, but Louis just shrugged, smirking.

Liam stepped forward, offering his hand.

"Hey, I'm Liam. It's great to meet you." Liam's smile was warm and genuine, his grip firm as they shook hands. There was something solid and reassuring about him, a contrast to Zayn's more flamboyant personality.

Zayn sidled up to Liam, draping an arm over his shoulders. "This is my better half, Lima-bean," he teased, his voice dripping with affection.

Liam rolled his eyes but smiled fondly. "I told you to stop calling me that," he muttered, though it was clear the nickname didn't bother him.

Harry couldn't help but notice the way Zayn and Liam interacted. They were so at ease with each other, so naturally affectionate. It was in the small gestures—the way Zayn absentmindedly brushed his thumb across Liam's shoulder, the way Liam leaned into Zayn's touch without even realizing it. They fit together in a way that made Harry's chest tighten with longing. That's what he wanted. That ease. That connection.

Louis, ever the joker, smirked as he watched the two. "Lima-bean, really? That's what we're calling him now?" He let out a playful laugh, leaning back in his chair as he sipped his drink.