chapter 22: Haunted by the spotlight

6 0 0
                                        

The concert ended, and the boys packed up, exhausted. As Louis drove them home, Niall's thoughts consumed him. He gazed out the window, then down at his phone. The screen lit up his face, revealing a mix of concert photos and videos, alongside hurtful comments.

"Whore." "Slut." "Fake."

Niall's eyes stung, his breath catching. Liam and Zayn exchanged worried glances.

"Nibear, you okay?" Liam asked softly.

Niall's silence alarmed them. Louis noticed Niall's distress and pulled over.

"What's wrong, mate?" Louis asked, concern etched on his face.

Zayn and Harry turned, their eyes locked on Niall.

"He can't breathe," Zayn whispered, recognizing the signs.

Niall's phone slipped from his grasp, revealing the cruel messages. Harry gently took the phone, scrolling through the comments.

"How can they be so heartless?" Harry muttered.

Liam wrapped Niall in a comforting hug. "We're here, Niall. You're not alone."

Zayn's voice trembled. "We love you, no matter what."

Niall's tears flowed, his body shaking. "I thought...I thought tonight would change things. But it's still the same."

Louis's firm voice cut through the darkness. "We'll get through this, together. You're stronger than their hate."

As they sat in silence, the night air wrapped around them, a reminder that even in darkness, their bond would hold.

When the World Sleeps Where stories live. Discover now