euphoric (n.s. AU)

t w e n t y s i x

slight time skip + smut warning

Harry's POV

The past 4 weeks have been incredible. Niall has been doing amazing in school, he's been on time to every class and every shift, and his overall mood has improved. All of his bruises and marks have healed completely, and he's warmed up to me so much more. I've spent quite a bit of time getting to know Niall, learning all of his quirks and favorite things. I've spoiled him in every way I know how, and he seems genuinely happy now. His graduation is just around the corner, and I've decided to surprise him with a new car. He seems fine with me driving him around, or taking an Uber everywhere, but he's worked so hard, he deserves something nice. I feel a buzz in my pocket, jolting me from my thoughts.

Marissa // Hey, are you free today? I need some help loading my stuff into my dad's truck.

Harry // I'll be home around 5:30, does that work for you?

Marissa // Sure, see you then!

It took about a week, but Marissa was finally able to have a conversation with me about my sexuality, and to my surprise, we were able to separate amicably. She was hurt that I lied to her and wasn't faithful; understandably so, but as far as I know, she has no qualms about Niall and I. It makes me feel so much better to have that out of the way, and to be who I truly am without hiding it.

"Mr. Styles, you have a phone call on line 2." My assistant says through my cracked office door, and I nod in response. It's 1:35pm, I guess it could be Niall's school calling. I pick up the receiver and place it to my ear.

"Harry Styles' office." I greet, only to be met with an angry voice on the other line.

"Is he doing okay, at least? Can you tell me that?" The voice says, and I instantly recognize it as Sean. Since the day that I blocked Sean on Niall's phone, he has made a point to call my office at least three times a week, despite how many times I've told him to stop. I let out an annoyed sigh before replying.

"Sean, please stop calling my place of work. I don't want to have to get the police involved."

"Why can't you just tell me if he's okay? Is he eating alright? Is he sleeping? I just need to know if he's doing okay."

"He's doing fantastic, Sean. I've told you this already. He's great, and he doesn't want to talk to you."

"Please. I know that we got off on the wrong foot before, but please let me talk to him. I love him so much-"

"If you truly loved him, you'd respect that he doesn't want to talk to you. Goodbye, Sean. Have a good day." I say, hanging up before he has a chance to say anything else. I haven't told Niall about Sean's incessant phone calls; in fact, we haven't spoken about him at all. I figure that bringing him up will trigger Niall, and that's the last thing I want. I want him to heal and move on from him, without being constantly reminded of Sean's existence. One day he will understand. I call Allison back into the room and let her know that I need Sean's phone number blocked from calling the business again, and she scurries off to complete the task. I pinch the bridge of my nose and get back to what I was working on, with a little less stress on my shoulders.

I must've been immersed in my work for quite some time, because before I know it, Niall is walking into my office.

"Hi Harry." He singsongs, placing his backpack in its usual spot and sitting down on the seat in front of my desk. I look up from my computer and smile.

"Hi pretty boy. How was school, are you hungry at all?"

"School was good! I got a good grade on my end-of-the-year test. All of my work is caught up, and I'll be able to walk with my class next week." He exclaims, and I get up from my chair to approach him. I look down at him in his chair, and he looks up at me with the cheesiest grin on his face, and I can't help but lean down and plant kisses all over him.