Pinky Promise (En)

Flashback 3

The heat in Madrid is pleasant, though slightly stifling. The boys are all busy, caught up in rehearsals and preparations for the next day's concert. All except Niall, who, as always, stays on the fringes of the chaos. Harry and Niall have different schedules, which leaves Niall with a free afternoon.

As for me, I'm sitting alone in the hotel lobby. I'm buried in my exam work, surrounded by books and papers. I feel a little disconnected from everything happening around me, but it's to be expected. I'm here to be with Harry, and he's busy. So, as usual, I focus on my studies.

That's when I see Niall approaching. He walks over with his usual easy smile, his relaxed demeanor brightening the room.

"Hey, Delilah! You look bored," he says, stopping in front of me.

I give him a small, tired smile. "A little, yeah. Between exams and the tour, I haven't had any time to explore Madrid. It's kind of frustrating."

He pauses, scratching the back of his head as he considers something. Then, in typical Niall fashion, his face lights up. "Tell you what—why don't I take you around? It'd be a shame to waste a whole afternoon cooped up in here when we're in one of the most beautiful cities in the world."

I blink at him, caught off guard. Niall, carefree and spontaneous as always, doesn't seem to care about the logistics of a busy tour. He just wants to share an experience. And honestly, the idea of escaping the hotel for a while sounds amazing.

"You're sure?" I ask hesitantly. "You don't have anything else to do?"

"Nah," he says with a shrug. "This'll be fun. Let's go."

I hesitate for only a moment before nodding, excitement bubbling in my chest. "Okay, let's do it!"

The lively streets of Madrid are full of energy, but all of it becomes secondary when I'm with Niall. Every corner, every laugh, every little moment we share feels magical. We roam aimlessly through the streets, captivated by the city's charm, lost in the moment, and in each other's company. I feel completely present, forgetting everything else.

We stop at small, colorful shops where Niall teases me about my choices in souvenirs. His laughter is infectious, and I feel lighter than I have in a long time, like i'm just a girl on vacation, free from pressure or obligations. It's just a walk—simple and perfect—in good company.

Always attentive, Niall leads me to a small café tucked away in a quiet alley. It's the perfect spot to sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the city. We settle at a table outside, and he begins sharing stories about the tour—his mishaps with the other boys, his unique perspective on things. His eyes light up as he talks, and I love how he makes even the simplest stories so captivating. I laugh with him, letting the conversation carry me away.

"You know, last time we played in Barcelona, Zayn... well, we all had this massive wardrobe disaster before the show!" he says, his enthusiasm pulling me in. I laugh at his vivid retelling, charmed by how he lives every moment so fully.

We sit there for a long while, chatting about everything and nothing, watching the soft hum of life around us. The warmth of the afternoon, the distant sounds of the city, and Niall's presence—it all feels just right.

Eventually, Niall suggests we continue our walk. We leave the café and wander to a quiet park. The city's noise fades away, replaced by birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves. The park feels like a hidden retreat, a sanctuary where the outside world ceases to exist.

We walk slowly, saying little, but the silence speaks volumes. Our hands brush, and then, almost instinctively, they intertwine. My heart skips a beat, but I don't pull away. Instead, I glance over at Niall, and I catch him watching me. His gaze is soft, almost hesitant, as if searching for the right words. But words aren't necessary.