As the night wore on, Louis pulled Liam aside, his voice barely above a whisper. "Payno, what really happened to your arm?" He searched Liam's eyes for the truth.
Liam's gaze flickered, and he smiled reassuringly. "Just a minor cut, Boobear. Don't worry." But Louis knew better. He'd seen the tension between Liam and Niall earlier.
"I know when I'm being lied to, Payno," Louis pressed on. "There's more to it, isn't there?" Liam's expression softened, and he leaned in closer.
"Come on, Payno, tell me," Louis urged. "What's going on with Niall?" Liam's voice dropped to a whisper. "He's struggling, Boobear. We need to be there for him."
Just then, Niall's laughter echoed from the kitchen, followed by the sound of the refrigerator opening and closing. He grabbed a water and headed back to the living room.
Zayn smiled warmly as Niall crawled onto his lap. "Hey, Handsome. Ready for a movie?" Niall snuggled into Zayn's chest, his eyes shining with contentment.
"Yeah, I'm so down," Niall replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. Harry chuckled, settling in beside them. "You two are adorable."
As the movie started, Louis's mind wandered. What was Niall hiding? And how could he help? Liam's gaze met Louis's across the room, filled with unspoken understanding.
Niall's smile and laughter still filled the air, but Louis saw beyond it now. He saw the pain, the struggle, and the desperation.
Louis vowed to be there for his Boo, no matter what. He'd support Niall through this darkness.
As the night wore on, the group laughed and joked, but Louis's concern lingered. He knew that eventually, the mask would slip.
And when it did, Louis would be ready. To catch Niall, to hold him, and to help him face the darkness.
The movie ended, and the group settled in for the night. Niall yawned, his eyes drooping.
Zayn whispered, "Time for bed, Handsome?" Niall nodded, snuggling deeper into Zayn's chest.
As they drifted off to sleep, Louis's gaze lingered on Niall. His heart swelled with love and concern.
For his Boo, for his friend, and for the struggles they'd face together. Louis knew that tomorrow would bring its own challenges.
But he was ready. Ready to stand by Niall, to support him, and to help him heal.
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...
