Learning to Love [Niam]

Chapter 4

Turns out Liam was in two more of my classes before lunch started. He kept trying to talk to me, but he soon realized he wasn’t going to get a response. So, he started to just talk to talk, he would no longer wait for a response from me. I was relieved by that. I don’t mind listening to people; I just don’t like it when they try to get me to talk. I need to be comfortable with people to be able to even mumble something to them.

The bell rang for lunch, and I was getting ready to head outside to my table when Liam called my name. I turned around and saw the most adorable blush on his face. Did I just call him adorable? I gave him a questioning look, signaling for him to continue. “It just, I don’t know anyone else here. Would you mind if I came and sat with you for lunch?” he asked with a hopeful look on his face.

I nodded my head and he broke out into a huge grin. Wow, he has a pretty smile. Wait, what am I thinking? I shook my head and started to walk outside again. I could feel my lips turning ever so slightly, though.

He followed me until we reached a table that four other guys were already sitting at. I quickly got into a seat, put my arms on the table and rested my chin on them, completely forgetting about Liam. He went ahead and sat in the seat beside me, though, so it’s all good.

My friends all gave me a puzzled look. “Niall aren’t you going to introduce us to your new friend?” one of them asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Morons this is Liam, Liam these are morons.”

Liam looked shocked that I even said anything. The guy who spoke earlier rolled his eyes at me and stuck out his hand for Liam to shake. “Hi, I’m Louis. The curly headed kid next to me is Harry, the lad next to him is Josh, and Mr. dark and mysterious over there is my boyfriend Zayn.”

Liam chocked on his water at the last statement and I gave him puzzled yet concerned look.

“What? Got a problem with gays Liam?!” Louis exclaimed. I smiled secretly to myself, Louis’ messing with the poor lad.

“No, no, of course not. You just caught me off guard. I’m actually gay myself.” Liam quickly exclaimed, his face blushing hard. I perked up a bit at that. I, too, am gay, just nobody knows it. Plus Liam is not a bad looking boy. Far from it actually.

Louis blanched for a second. “Liam, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to confess that. I was just messing with you. Zayn’s not really my boyfriend.” Louis apologized.

Liam’s face turned even redder, if that was even possible. Harry was starting to laugh really hard at this point and Zayn and Josh were giggling. I was also trying to keep from giggling.

Zayn suddenly looked at me. “Niall are you actually giggling?” he exclaimed. I buried my head into my arms to hide my blush, but at that point I was giggling.

“We’ve been trying to get you to giggle for three years and nothing, but Liam’s been here for less than a day and he can do it.” I heard Harry pout. I looked up in time to see Liam blush even harder and I had to bury my head again because I had another wave of the giggles.

It was quiet for a few minutes allowing everyone to quiet down and actually start eating their lunches. Then Liam spoke up “Niall, aren’t you going to eat something?” I froze at the question. I can’t answer him and how are you supposed to tell someone that your parents don’t want to give you food or give you money for food anyway?

Thankfully, Harry spoke for me. “He usually wakes up late and doesn’t have time to make a lunch and lines have to many people in it and he’s not great with a bunch of people.” I shot Harry a grateful look and he winked back at me.

“Oh.” Was all Liam had to say. It was quiet for a few moments until I saw half a sandwich being shoved in front of me. I gave Liam a questioning look. “I just think you should have at least a little bit of something in your stomach. Besides, you’ll need the energy to keep up with me in practice.” He explained then gave me a wink. It was my turn to blush hard and I quickly hid my face so he wouldn’t see it, not before taking the sandwich. I could hear him chuckling at me, though.

***

I had two more class with Liam after lunch, one being our last class of the day, but he didn’t get to sit by me this time because the teacher had his stupid seating chart. I sat in the back corner and Liam sat in front, opposite corner. Whenever the teacher wasn’t looking, Liam would turn around and make a funny face at me and I would sit there trying not to laugh. One time I did let out a laugh and the teacher glared at me and I returned the glare to Liam, which made him laugh, but he didn’t get caught.

When the bell rang, Liam and I walked to where are detention was. Mrs. Willis made us sent on different sides of the room and be quiet. I’m in here for an hour, I’m going to sleep. And that I did.

“Alright boys you’re free to go.” Mrs. Willis said very loudly, effectively waking me up.

I tried to wipe the sleep out of my eyes while walking with Liam to the locker rooms. “Had a nice nap?” He smirked. I just nodded my head yes and continued walking.

We quickly got dressed; I got dressed in a stall because I didn’t want Liam seeing some of my scars, and head out to where practice was held. Coach did not look happy when he saw us. “Horan, late again? This is your second time this week!” I just looked down at my feet. “And Payne, second day of practice and you’re late. What is going on?” Coach yelled.

“It’s my fault Coach. I was talking to Niall in class and the teacher gave us both a detention.” Liam quickly exclaimed.

Coach sighed. “Fine then, but as punishment you guys have to do extra 800s.” With that he walked away.

An hour later, after twelve 800s, Liam and I finally began our long way home. He was too exhausted to talk and I was just too exhausted. He said goodbye to me when we got to his street and I waved and continued on my way home.

Five minutes later I walked through the door and I felt a fist collide with my face.