tape → narry au

32 → kalon

Kalon:
beauty that is more than skin-deep.

It felt different going to the water without Louis and Liam. They still hadn't returned from the infirmary yet and the concern for Louis and his condition increased for myself and Niall. We tried to distract ourselves from the frequent thoughts of him as best as we could, so we tried swimming.

It went well at first.

Niall and I took turns splashing each other until I watched him wince, his whole face forming into a patent grimace. The expression caused me to frown in confusion and concernment.

He then created a facade: attempting to not wince nor grimace every time the water hit heavily against his abdomen. But, it was already noticeable.

"Niall, what's wrong?" I finally build up the courage to question him.

Niall turned to face me, shaking his head, "Nothing. Can we go back to our cabin, please?"

I complied, already following Niall out of the water to collect our belongings. He hurriedly turned away from me to slip on his hood causing my suspicion to expand, but I chose to ignore the many questions I wanted to ask Niall now, for later.

The walk from the water to cabin nine was habitually fast and silent. Only the sound of shouting adolescents and water splashing against the surface for the duration of the distance yet, it was still comforting.

It overtook the questions running through my mind consisting of Niall's peculiar behaviour from earlier.

Once we're both within the confinement of our cabin, I still try my best to remain quiet. Waiting for Niall to join me for an evening coddle on his mattress once he's finished in the bathroom in which didn't take very long.

Niall exited out in a different coloured hood and briefs, easily lying down on the empty space left for him on the bed.

He leans over to plant a kiss on my forehead, pulling me closer to him whilst wrapping his arms around my waist. Nuzzling his head into my neck as he exhales a contented sharp breath that tickles my skin.

It all felt perfect until realisation hit me. I pull away from Niall to face him.

"You were wincing earlier," I state.

"Water was freezing," Niall says as he sits to face me.

"Or?"

"There isn't an or," Niall argues. "The water was freezing, Harry."

I sigh defeatedly, murmuring an okay to avoid a spar with Niall which would be the best option really. From the vexed frown he's wearing and slightly red prominent skin.

Niall sighs heavily in annoyance simultaneously causing me to move away from him almost silently.

It was an instant thought to give him some space, but he didn't seem to appreciate that. Sighing again, Niall pulls me close to him again, burying his face into my neck to murmur incoherent words.

"What?" I question, running my fingers through the tangles of his dishevelled fringe.

Niall only continued to murmur incoherently.