Code Black (N.S)

35.

Harry's POV

I left the classroom as soon as I had heard the high pitched bell ring. I could hear Louis and Zayn having their own conversation behind me, which resulted in me being left out but I didn't really care about that. Considering all that they had been doing was teasing me about Niall, a few minutes of peace was appreciated. 

However, I was soon interrupted by the very person that was high on my list of people I didn't want to interact with.

"Where's your little bitch at, Styles?" I turned around to see Tyler leaning against his locker, looking at me with a smug expression, as though he knew just how much I actually hated him.

Although I was incredibly pissed off about what he had done to Niall the night before, I tried to ignore him. I didn't want to cause anything in school but unfortunately, Tyler didn't think the same. He was basically begging to start trouble in the middle of the school hall.

"I can't believe I was ever friends with you. I thought you were a good person. Not some disgusting freak that's dating another guy," he continued to taunt, his tone very clearly conveying his disgust.

"He's not my boyfriend," I muttered, feeling terrible as soon as I had spoken.

As much as I wanted to tell him and everyone else that Niall was my boyfriend and hopefully make him leave us alone, I knew that wasn't going to happen. In fact, if Tyler knew just how much Niall actually meant to me, things would get so much worse.

Tyler scoffed, quite obviously not believing what I had said. I knew that I had been somewhat obvious about my feelings towards Niall, so I didn't necessarily blame Tyler for not believing me. However, there was a lot of things I did blame him for.

"I'm sure he isn't. He's still nothing but a pathetic little bitch that needs someone to fight for him because he's too useless to do it himself," he responded.

I clenched my fists, my nails were digging into my palms as I attempted to control my anger. He was obviously trying to piss me off and I didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

"Say that again. I fucking dare you," I hissed, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Do you really want me to? Cause I could easily just stand here and list reasons why everyone hates him."

I couldn't hold back any longer. I stepped forward, my fist coming up to hit him in the jaw. Of course, I hadn't exactly intended to cause any physical damage but there was something about what he had said that made it impossible for me to control myself. 

Deep down, I knew why. Not only were his words about Niall incredibly hurtful, they were also things I would have said if I was still the horrible person I used to be. Tyler's offensive comments basically spelled out all of the offensive comments I myself had made earlier in the year. Which explained my rapid change of mood. 

I never wanted Niall to be associated with those terrible words ever again. I refused to listen to anyone, much less my old friend, spread such repulsive words about the one person in the world that deserved nothing but kindness and positivity. 

Tyler didn't seem particularly phased by the blow I had landed on him, almost rather easily able to hit me in the stomach but I was so angry that I didn't even acknowledge it.

I felt rough arms try to pull me off and I heard Zayn's voice directly in my ear telling me to stop but I didn't want to. I wasn't done letting him know that I wasn't going to tolerate anyone saying anything about Niall. 

"H-Harry, please. Stop it," I heard Niall's voice behind me.

Hearing Niall's voice almost immediately pulled me out of whatever trance I had been put under. I couldn't necessarily detect fear in his voice but I couldn't imagine seeing me acting so violent would be a pleasurable experience for him.