Niall's tears fell silently, mingling with the darkness as the world outside slept. His thoughts ravaged him, a relentless storm of self-doubt and fear. The hateful comment still lingered, festering like an open wound. He cried until exhaustion claimed him, the sun rising above his window like a cruel reminder of another day's expectations.
Morning light crept into his room, illuminating the careful concealment of his secrets. Niall methodically erased any evidence of the previous night's turmoil, hiding the razor blade and cleaning the bathroom until it shone. His heart racing, he ensured his journal was safely tucked away, its pages holding the weight of his inner turmoil.
As he stepped out of his room, Zayn waited, sketchbook tucked under his arm. "Morning, guys! Ready for breakfast?" His eyes sparkled with creativity, oblivious to Niall's internal struggle.
Liam fell into step beside Niall, their shoulders brushing. "Morning, Snowflake. Sleep okay?"
Niall forced a smile. "Yeah, Li. Just a bit tired."
In the hotel lobby, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped them. Louis, already seated, grinned. "Boo! Morning, lovely!"
Niall's cheeks flushed at the nickname, but Louis's gaze held a hint of concern. "You okay, Boo? You look a bit...off."
Niall shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Just need some coffee, Lou."
Harry, seated beside Louis, nudged him. "Let it go, Lou. Boo's just hungover from last night's performance."
Louis shot Harry a skeptical glance but dropped the subject.
As they ordered breakfast, Zayn flipped through his sketchbook, showcasing his latest drawings. Niall's gaze lingered on a sketch of the five of them, arms entwined, smiling. Zayn's art captured the essence of their bond, but Niall's secrets threatened to fracture it.
While the others chatted, Niall excused himself to jot down a journal entry:
"March 15th
I'm losing myself in the chaos. The world sees a smile, a laugh, a performance. But at night, when the silence screams, I'm consumed by doubts. The hate seeps in, poisoning my mind. I'm trapped in this never-ending cycle.
Liam's eyes hold concern, but I dare not reveal the truth. Zayn's art is his solace; mine is this journal. Louis's 'Boo nickname feels like a cruel joke, a reminder of my facade.
I'm suffocating under the weight of expectations. Who am I, really? The Niall Horan the world sees or the broken soul hiding behind the mask?
The sun rises, and I'm forced to don the disguise once more. But for how long can I keep up this charade?"
As Niall returned to the table, Louis's voice carried across the lobby. "Boo your coffee's getting cold!"
Niall's heart swelled with gratitude for his friends, even as the shadows within him whispered, "You're not worthy."
YOU ARE READING
When the World Sleeps
FanfictionBehind the glamour of fame, Niall's world is crumbling. Depression and self-harm threaten to consume him, but he hides his pain from the prying eyes of the public. Only in the silence of the night, when the world sleeps, does he face his demons. Lia...
