Home - Nouis

Chapter 4

Louis's walls were high, but even he couldn't deny the subtle shifts that had crept into his day-to-day interactions with Niall. Weeks passed, filled with concert rehearsals, interviews, and endless media obligations. And in that relentless schedule, Louis noticed one constant: Niall was always there. Always looking out for him, quietly making things easier, and never asking for anything in return.

After an early morning rehearsal, they found themselves sitting side by side on the edge of the stage, catching their breath. Louis rubbed at his eyes, exhausted but more at ease than he'd felt in a long time.

"Never thought I'd be doing this at eight in the morning," he muttered, glancing over at Niall. "How d'you even manage to be this awake?"

Niall chuckled, shrugging. "Years of training, mate. Plus, coffee helps." He held up his travel mug, grinning as he took a swig. "You'd think you'd be used to it by now."

Louis rolled his eyes, but there was a warmth to his smile. "I'm more of a night owl, you know? Always have been. Mornings aren't exactly my best time."

"Could've guessed that one," Niall teased, earning a half-hearted glare from Louis. "Though I bet you can be pretty insufferable even in the evenings, yeah?"

Louis let out a short laugh, caught off guard by the lightness that came so naturally around Niall. For the first time in ages, he felt himself relaxing. It was strange, having someone who didn't just see him as a product or an image, but as a person. "You're not far off there. Pretty good at reading people, aren't you?"

"I try," Niall said simply, his tone softening. "Comes with the job, but... I like getting to know people. Really know them."

Louis fell silent, digesting that. He had to admit, there was something refreshing about Niall's openness. It was a stark contrast to the guarded, strategic facades he'd grown used to in the industry. Here was someone who just seemed... real. It was strange, but he found himself wanting to know more about Niall, too.

"So, why'd you even want this job?" Louis asked, feigning nonchalance. "Can't imagine dealing with all this circus is anyone's dream."

"Maybe not the circus part," Niall admitted, laughing. "But I've always loved music. Grew up with it, you know? And this job, it lets me be around music every day, helping artists do their thing. Doesn't get much better than that."

Louis tilted his head, a hint of curiosity softening his guarded expression. "Didn't you ever want to be the one performing?"

Niall's gaze drifted, a thoughtful smile on his face. "Maybe once. But I'm better off behind the scenes. I like helping people shine, letting them do what they do best. That's enough for me."

Louis nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them. They were different in so many ways, yet somehow, Niall's presence felt... grounding.

As the days wore on, their banter became a welcome routine. Between the endless rehearsals and interviews, Niall's jokes and quick wit kept Louis anchored. They shared meals after shows, sometimes just sitting in silence, appreciating a rare moment of calm. Louis had forgotten what it felt like to laugh like this, to feel something close to joy even in the middle of the chaos.

One afternoon, as they waited for yet another interview to begin, Niall nudged Louis's arm. "Alright, Lou. If you weren't doing music, what would you be doing?"

Louis smirked, thinking for a moment. "Easy. I'd be a professional footballer."

"Ha! You think you've got the skills for that?" Niall shot back, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"Oi, I'm serious! I was good, you know. Could've gone pro if I hadn't gotten into all this."

Niall laughed, a full, genuine sound that had Louis grinning. "Alright, alright, I believe you. Guess it's good for the football world that you chose music, then. Otherwise, they'd have no idea what they were missing."

For a second, Louis forgot his usual hesitation. "And you? What would you be?"

"Probably running some little pub back in Mullingar," Niall answered with a smile. "Somewhere cozy, where people can come in, grab a pint, maybe hear a bit of live music on the weekends."

The simplicity of Niall's dream struck a chord with Louis. Here was someone who had no illusions about the industry's glittering promises, someone who valued the quiet moments just as much, if not more. Louis felt a pang of envy, wishing he could see the world with the same steady optimism.

He found himself smiling, though he kept his tone light. "Guess I'll have to come visit your pub someday."

"You're always welcome," Niall said easily, no hesitation in his voice. "I'll save you the best seat in the house."

Louis felt a warmth spreading through him, a feeling he hadn't felt in what seemed like ages. It was strange, this fragile sense of comfort and companionship, but it was welcome. He was careful not to show it, keeping his guard up, yet the feeling lingered, gnawing at his carefully built walls.

One evening, after a particularly long day of rehearsals, they found themselves alone in the green room. Niall was scrolling through his phone, and Louis was sprawled across the couch, eyes half-closed.

"You doing alright?" Niall's question was casual, but there was a gentleness in his tone that made Louis's heart twinge.

"Yeah," Louis replied, voice soft. "Just... tired, you know?"

Niall nodded, setting his phone aside. "This industry doesn't make it easy, does it?"

Louis laughed, though there was little humor in it. "You have no idea. It's like... you're constantly on display, always being judged. It's exhausting. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it."

Niall looked at him, his gaze steady. "Well, I think it's worth it. You're talented, Louis. Really talented. And if it's any consolation, I think you're doing amazing."

A flicker of something warm and fragile crossed Louis's expression. "Thanks, Niall. Really. Not a lot of people bother to say that."

Niall smiled, his voice soft. "Anytime, Lou. I'm here for you, alright? Whatever you need."

Louis felt something shift within him, something he wasn't sure how to describe. He wanted to believe in Niall's sincerity, to let himself trust in this tentative friendship they were building. But there was still that lingering fear, the worry that this, too, would end in disappointment.

"Guess we'll see," Louis murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. But as he looked at Niall, he felt a glimmer of hope, fragile yet undeniable.

Maybe, just maybe, he could let his walls come down—one small piece at a time.