When the World Sleeps

chapter 5:Midnight Solace

The show's final notes faded, and the lads burst into cheers, relieved and exhilarated. "Nandos, anyone?" Louis shouted, already grabbing his phone to order.

At Nandos, they devoured their meals, laughing and joking like the weight of the world wasn't on their shoulders. Back at their shared mansion, they settled in for a night of relaxation.

Zayn, Louis, and Harry collapsed onto the couch, ready to binge-watch a scary movie. Niall snuggled into Zayn's lap, feeling an unusual sense of calm wash over him. Liam excused himself for a shower, leaving the others to their movie night.

As the horror film unfolded, Niall's anxiety began to creep back in. Zayn's gentle strokes on his arm soothed him, but his mind wandered to the secrets he kept hidden.

The movie's jump scares made them all laugh, but as the night wore on, Zayn, Louis, and Harry succumbed to exhaustion. Niall waited until they were deeply asleep before carefully slipping off Zayn's lap.

He padded into the kitchen, seeking leftover Nandos to satiate his midnight cravings. The silence enveloped him, a welcome respite from the chaos of his thoughts.

Just as Niall was about to grab a wing, Liam appeared beside him, his hair damp from the shower. "Hungry, Snowflake?" he whispered, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Niall smiled, feeling a flutter in his chest. "Just a little."

Liam's hands settled on Niall's hips, his touch sending shivers down Niall's spine. "You okay? You seemed a bit off tonight."

Niall shrugged, unsure how to articulate the turmoil brewing inside. "Just tired, Li."

Liam's gaze lingered, searching for more, but Niall's mask remained intact. Instead, Liam pulled him closer, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the refrigerator's hum.

In this quiet moment, Niall found solace. Liam's presence was his anchor, his safe haven. But as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Niall knew he couldn't keep his secrets hidden forever.