When the World Sleeps

chapter 14: Behind the Mask

Louis watched Niall, his heart heavy with concern. Niall's laughter and smile hid the pain, but Louis saw beyond it now. He needed to understand what was troubling his Boo.

"Hey, Niall, can I borrow your phone for a minute?" Louis asked, trying to sound casual.

Niall handed it over, oblivious. "What's up?"

Louis fabricated a reason. "Just need to check my social media. Left my phone upstairs."

Niall nodded, returning to the conversation.

Louis scrolled through Niall's social media feed, his eyes widening at the hate comments. "You're disgusting." "Worthless." "Freak."

Louis's stomach churned. No wonder Niall felt trapped.

He silently read on, his mind reeling. How could people be so cruel?

Finally, Louis understood, to the best of his ability, what his Boo was going through.

He handed Niall his phone back. "All checked, Boo. Thanks."

Niall smiled, none the wiser.

Liam fidgeted with his bandaged cut, his eyes meeting Louis's. Zayn and Harry noticed the tension.

"Everything okay, guys?" Zayn asked, sensing something was off.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, what's going on?"

Louis forced a smile. "Just worried about my social media, lads. Nothing to concern yourselves with."

But Liam's gaze lingered on Louis, understanding passing between them.

Niall remained oblivious, laughing and joking.

Louis's heart swelled with determination. He'd support Niall through this.

As the evening unfolded, Louis's gaze frequently met Liam's, their unspoken understanding growing stronger.

Zayn and Harry exchanged concerned glances, sensing the undercurrents.

But Niall's smile never wavered, hiding the pain.

Louis vowed to be there for his Boo, to help him face the darkness.

Little did they know, the night was only beginning.

And the shadows were closing in.