Our Little Secret {One Direction}

Chapter 36

Zoe wasn't one to keep secrets to herself, at least, that's what Niall had thought. It'd been half a day since he'd caught Harry and Zoe being all touchy feely in the hotel lobby, and about two days since he'd properly spoken to her. Call it ignorant, but Niall was secretly hoping that Zoe would be the one to confess about the whole 'Harry thing' and apologise before he even had the opportunity to bring it up. He had to give her some sort of credit though, it was only 12pm and tour rehearsals weren't exactly the best time to discuss personal issues. Was he being over protective though? It'd never crossed his mind that he'd be one of those ultra-clingy boyfriends who didn't allow their girlfriends to have any friends of the opposite sex. But it wasn't REALLY like that. In all fairness Niall had the right to be suspicious - Harry and Zoe hated each other! Well, Harry definitely didn't hate Zoe but she hated him and that was a given. Up till last night, that is. Niall could feel his hands shaking as the techy collected their mics in a basket and excused the boys to a quick ten-minute break. It wasn't exactly luxurious but it was enough time to talk to Zoe. Enough time to clear the air.

Niall's mind started racing as he passed over to the side of the stage where Zoe was sprawled out across a couch. How could he address the topic without sounding too 'clingy' and desperate? Not to forget stalkerish, that was something else he'd have to explain. As his conscience did the talking Niall prepped himself beside the stage curtains. Be calm. Don't sound too accusing. Listen to her before making any abrupt assumptions. That sounded pretty convincing. He let out a long breath as he slowly walked out from behind the curtains and made his way over to the couches - his gaze following his steps until he met with the thick leather lining of the sofa. "NIALL!" Harry cheered, looking up from Zoe's grinning face as he threw his legs over Zoe's lap - making space on the opposite side of the couch for him to sit down. The smile quickly faded off Niall's face as he watched Harry and Zoe intently, was this a joke? Was she actually going out of her way to piss him off?

"Aww look at you two?" Louis cooed, walking over from the coffee table and sitting on the armrest beside Niall. He threw his arm around Niall's shoulder as he leant down and not-so-quietly whispered into his ear. "Don't they make a cute couple?" Louis grinned as he observed his two flirtatious friends.

"Umm... I-I guess..." Niall stuttered, unsure of what to say in the awkward conversation he was being thrown into. Zoe looked up from her lap, her grin quickly disappearing as she noticed Niall's concern.

"I might go to the bathroom," she murmured, hastily removing Harry's legs from her lap as she stood up and raced out the room.

"Well she's clearly in a shit mood," Liam mumbled, taking a quick slurp from his mug.

"I ugh- I should probably take a leak actually," Niall laughed, sitting up from the couch. "Who knows when our next break will be!" He reasoned, excusing himself from the room and following Zoe down the back corridor.

-ZOE'S P.O.V-

"I'm not mad at you," Niall started, tugging gently on my wrist as he pulled me closer to him. "I just need to know what's going on..."

"Niall I honestly don't know what to tell you, you seem to be looking for this giant 'issue' but frankly I don't know what the hell it is and I'm not sure what you want me to say?" I moaned, turning around so I'm properly facing him.

"I just want you to say the truth!" Niall complained, lowering his pitch as it reached an unmanly tone. He shuffled nervously on the spot, picking up my other hand and letting our arms hang entwined between us.

"But what?" I grumbled, looking between the bathroom door and Niall's aggravated features. "What truth? Niall please just tell me what you're talking about?" I begged.