Code Black (N.S)

42.

Harry's POV

Sadly, Niall had been avoiding me for the whole day. He had walked straight past our usual seats, instead sitting with Eleanor. I also noticed his refusal to make eye contact for even a second, as if the mere sight of me was enough to offend him. 

I spent the whole lesson staring in his direction, wishing he would look at me at least once. I could tell that he knew I was staring at him, but he didn't bother to even glance my way.

It was painfully obvious that he was deliberately ignoring me, as if he was trying his hardest to grab my attention for the sake of just pretending that I didn't exist in his life. Not that he didn't have a reason to do so.

It stung because even though what I had said wasn't something that should be taken lightly, and the last thing I was expecting was for Niall to give me a second of his time, I still wished that he would at least give me a chance to explain myself.

Although I realised that I definitely didn't deserve it.

The high pitched ringing of the bell had cut me away from my thoughts. Niall immediately stood up and rushed off. I knew that he was making sure I didn't have the opportunity to speak to him, and I hated that. I hated that he had a perfectly valid reason to do it. 

When I finally got outside of the classroom, Niall was gone. I could have gone to his locker and confronted him there but I had gotten the message that he needed space. So instead of unintentionally pissing him off any more than I already have, I walked to my locker and started to stuff my books into it.

I walked in the cafeteria, not missing the small side glance that Niall sent as soon as he saw me as I walked over to my friends table.

Eleanor had her head on Louis' shoulder as they talked about some unknown topic that no one would understand aside from them. Zayn and Perrie were occasionally joining in on the conversation but generally remained quiet.

I looked down at the table, not speaking to the others. They thankfully left me alone and just spoke between themselves. They all knew I was upset about Niall and knew better than to try and talk to me.

"Hey, Harry," I looked up to see a tall and slim girl with wavy brown hair standing in front of me.

"Uh, hey..." I trailed off, not knowing the girl's name.

"Emily," she caught on, giggling a little.

She smiled and sat down next to me, close to being directly in my lap.

I shifted uncomfortably, trying to give her the hint that I didn't want her that close. Either she didn't notice, or she didn't care about it because she didn't bother to move.

"So, how are you?" she asked me, as if we were close friends.

I wasn't sure if it was my imagination but I saw her hazel eyes flicker towards where Niall was sat with his friends as she played with a strand of her hair.

I cleared my throat, wishing that one of the others could help me but they didn't.

"Um, I'm alright, I guess," I said slowly, not wanting to be rude, even though the last thing I wanted was to be talking to her.

She giggled again, not at all sensing the awkwardness in the air.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could make out Niall staring at me with an angry expression on his face. I was confused at his reaction for a second, until realisation hit me. I had just noticed what this must have looked like to him.