euphoric (n.s. AU)

e l e v e n

y'all are too cute smh I love u guys like a lot like u guys don't even know but thanks y'all enjoy pls

*Harry's POV*

After that day, I felt weird. I couldn't get Niall off of my mind. It was very strange, having the young boy occupying my thoughts. I found myself actually somewhat excited to arrive to work these last couple of weeks. I tried to get him out of my head multiple times, but to no avail. I've tried touching Marissa but it only made me feel guilty, as if Niall found out then he would be sad. My emotions were very confusing and frustrating. I couldn't pinpoint exactly what the peculiar emotion was. Infatuation? Love? No, certainly not. Lust maybe? That must be it. I'm probably sexually frustrated. But, why Niall? I am most definitely straight, I'm almost sure of it. Not to mention, the longer I spend time around Niall, the less headaches I get. The whole phenomenon had me completely baffled; but I'm not complaining.

It's Monday, and I am currently watching Niall swiftly prance around the room to put the new mail in its designated cubbies. We haven't really talked today, other than exchanging 'hellos', but the silence was comfortable. Once he was finished, he plopped down in his usual seat.

"How are you today, Mr. H- I mean, Niall." I correct myself; I've made sure to call him what he prefers, but I forget sometimes. He giggles sand then lets out a long drawn out sigh.

"I'm okay." He whispers. He was wearing black skinny jeans and a gray, oversized jumper. I loved when he dressed more casual - it felt as if we were together by choice, not because of happenstance. Plus, it was quite adorable on him.

"Why 'okay'?" I pester. He looks around the room, as if to make sure that no one is listening into our conversation before replying. 

"Well... You're my friend, right?" He asks. I raise an eyebrow at him before clearing my throat.

"I suppose so. Why?" I say, scratching the back of my neck. His eyes twinkle slightly at my admission.

"Well, I kinda... I want to break up with Sean... But I'm really scared." He whispers. My eyebrows furrow in confusion. Why would he be afraid? Sean sounds more bark than bite, to me. Just a big crybaby who throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way.

"I'm not very good on break up advice, Niall. Or relationship advice, for that matter." I admit, looking down. He purses his lips in disappointment, leaning back in his chair.

"But," I start. "I can help you out."

"So you'll do it for me?" He asks, with a huge smile on his face. I look down and smile to myself. The way he says that reminds me of our age gap, and how more immature he is than me. His childlike whimsy won't last for long, not in this world unfortunately.

"No, Niall, I won't do it for you. But I can teach you how." I suggest, hoping that will suffice. I try my best not to sound too excited about the proposed breakup - not that it would change anything between us if he did. He bites the inside of his lips and looks around, is if he's deep in thought.

"I mean, on our own terms, of course. Not here." I add. His head snaps up, slightly tilting to the side.

"Meaning, we'd have to like, hang out?" Niall asks. I nod, blushing at the idea of being alone with Niall in another setting other than our current work environment. I know it's completely unprofessional of me; but the thought it nice regardless.

"That's what friends do." I tell him and his smile gets impossibly bigger, a tint of pink littering his pale cheeks; his long eyelashes fluttering gently. Niall is really something.

"So, I guess that means I'll have to give you my number." He tells me, reaching his hand behind him to retrieve the device out of his back pocket. I take this opportunity to evaluate the pros and cons of having Niall's number. I could get myself into trouble, but the thought of being able to message him whenever he was on my mind was pretty relaxing. He hands his phone to me, and I gently take it from him. It was an iPhone with a sparkly blue case; completely fitting for him. I enter my number into his phone before saving it and calling myself so I was able to save his to mine. I notice that he doesn't have many contacts saved, just a few. Mum, Sean, Zayn, Greg and now Harry. Noticing his late brothers number still in his phone breaks my heart a little, but I brush the feeling away, returning my thoughts to the boy in front of me.

"Thanks." He says, blushing. I can't help but coo, and he looks up at me before blushing more.

"Of course. Now, tell me more about this "Sean" character."

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I love you guys so much like y'all don't even understand, thank you so much for getting me this far, it's incredible. I mean woW but anyways, I love your feedback so if y'all could continue doin that that would be great, I love you! :)