My Best Friend's Best Friend

Date Number One

We sat down in a beautiful gazebo covered with twinkling Christmas lights.

"Niall. This is gorgeous." I smiled at him, forgetting about my problems with Harry.

Niall pulled a picnic basket out from behind a bush and smiled at me as he opened it. "You hungry?" He pulled out a turkey sandwich.

"Um, not yet." I smiled weakly. I was trying to be strong. But each time I saw something, it made me think of Harry, breaking me down.

"Are you still worried about Harry?" Niall glanced into my eyes. His blue eyes were sparkly, but had a hint of concern in them.

"I just know I hurt him. I had no idea about our movie night." I sighed. "We haven't seen each other in three years, and the one time he tries to spend time with me, I ditch him."

"But weren't those plans last minute?"

"Yeah, so?"

"So, you already had plans. My mum always taught me that it's rude to break prior plans."

"Yeah, but Harry is my best friend."

"You're right. And I guess you have a right to feel bad. I'm sorry I tore you away from your friend."

"Niall, you didn't tear me away from him."

"That's what it seems like. But honestly, when you showed up here, I instantly fell for you. I knew Harry had a thing for you, and I knew you most likely would too. So I figured I had no chance. But then I kissed you and...I don't know. It's like the feelings intensified, y'know?"

"Yeah." I nodded, staring at my lap.

"So...I don't know. When you asked me on this date, I thought it would be because you chose me. But then I heard you talking to him, and it hurt because nobody has cute nicknames for me like you call Harry Hazz. I know we do it, but it's not in a flirty way. I realized then that you love him. I'm kinda just a distraction, I guess. It kinda dawned on me when you were talking to Harry before we left, the two options you had to choose from. The ones you told me about a couple days ago. And I think you should go after Option 1. Or 2. Whichever one Harry is. I like you, I always will, but you and Harry are kind of meant to be. I don't want to be a barrier."

"You're not a barrier." I put my hand on his soft cheek and gazed into his blue eyes. "And yes, I suppose I do love Harry. But I don't like this. I don't want to hurt both of you. I don't want to hurt either of you. And it upsets me that choosing one of you will upset the other."

"I promise I can move on. Just...can we maybe..."

"Maybe what?" I looked at him quizzically. "No sex or anything inappropriate."

He laughed. "Of course not. Just...can we maybe kiss one last time? For old times sake? Then I promise we can be just friends."

"I...I guess." I gulped. He smiled. Before I knew it, his smile was on top of mine. Without any common sense, I kissed him back. He seemed confused at first, but only kissed me again. Before I knew it, we were making out. Wait...what happened to going for Harry?!

"What the hell?" I heard a quiet voice shivering. I pulled away and saw Harry, looking like a little kid who just got his candy stolen.

"Harry..." I jumped up. "Harry, please. Let me explain this."

"No." Harry stormed up and punched Niall in the face.