Bullied By Zayn Malik.

Chapter 12: Friendship Troubles.

Zayn didn't come to school for the rest of the week, and I'll admit, I was worried. But today, monday, he was back in school. I was walking down the hall, heading to Science when I spotted him leaning against the lockers, talking to his friends. I bit my lip, I really wanted to ask him how things went, but I knew if I approached him in front of all his friends, he would either get mocked for talking to me, or I would just get beaten to a pulp. Err, pass. But a sudden stroke of luck hit me, and his friends said goodbye and walked away; leaving Zayn to rummage through his locker. I smirked, I knew being Irish would pay off someday. I licked my lips, taking a deep breath. It's either now or never.

I walked towards him, my heart racing faster and faster every step I took. Finally, I was right behind him. I took another deep breath. "Hey Zayn.." He seemed startled, and turned around quick. He looked relieved when he saw it was only me. "Oh hey, um..." He bit his lip. "Niall" I smirked. "Yeah! That!" he chuckled at himself, "Sorry, it's just that I'm so used to calling you Horan or Leprechaun. I actually don't know your real name." "Well you do now." I smiled, he mirrored it back, "Yeah, it's nice." I was shocked. He said sorry, and said that I had a nice name. Was I talking to the same Zayn who broke my arm a few months back? "So uh, what's up?" Zayn asked, turning back to his locker and getting a few books out. Another shocker. "Um, I was wondering how everything went." He looked at me puzzled. "Your nose, I mean." I saw him bit his lip again, "Oh.." he seemed saddened by me bringing it up. "Er, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset. I just wanted to see if you're okay." He looked at me, a slight smile spread over his face. "Yeah, I'm fine. It was just a few cracks. I should be back to normal in 2 weeks or something like that." I nodded, "Why did you pass out?" "Really bad concussion." he replied, not looking at me. I slapped my forehead, "Oh yeah, duh."

He chuckled slightly, shutting and locking his locker. "You know Niall, I was wrong about you. You're a really cool kid." he admitted, nudging my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile. "Really?" "Yeah," he answered, then looked at the clock in the hall. "Shit, I need to get going. Look, if I don't say hi to you in lunch or something, I.." he looked away, trying to find the right words. "I get it." he looked at me shocked. "Your friends would make fun of you if you talked to me. It's okay, my friends would hate me if they caught me talking to you." I grinned, causing him to erupt in laughter. "You're funny Niall, and yeah, that was what I was trying to say. Thanks." I shrugged. "I'll see you around, yeah?" He nudged my shoulder again, before walking off. I smiled, watching him leave. I think I took care of my bullying problem for good. But shit, what will happen when the boys find out?

***

"YOU'RE WHAT?!" the boys shouted together, like a chorus. I sunk in my seat, fiddling with my hands. "I think I'm friends with Zayn.." I muttered again, only quieter this time. "What do you mean you're friends with him?! You can't be friends with him! He's!... He's ZAYN!" Louis shouted, looking like he was about to start crying. He looked so confused, I knew I shouldn't of told them. "Guys, he's really nice if you get to know him.." Harry laughed, looking at me like I was crazy. "NICE?! He's NICE?! Niall, have you gone fucking nuts?!" I narrowed my eyes, "Hey, watch it Harry! You don't know what happened!" "I don't need to know what happened! I know all I need to know! I know he's a cocky douche bag who thinks he's hot shit by beating up the smaller kids!" I gritted my teeth, "Harry shut up! You don't know the other side of him!" Liam rolled his eyes, "Good Lord, you sound like you're dating the fag." That's it. I had enough. "I'm outta here." I mumbled, glaring at them as I walked towards Louie's front door. "Niall wait," Lou said, grabbing my hand and making me turn back. "What?!" I shouted, still angry, obviously. "I just you to make one decision." I yanked my arm away, crossing it over my chest. "And that would be?"

Louis looked me straight in the eyes, and sounded more serious than ever. "You can only be on one side Niall, so whose side are you on? Zayn's.. or Our's." I felt my stomach drop to the floor. Did he really just say that? Liam and Harry stood by Louis, staring at me. All three had their arms crossed over their chest, waiting for me to answer. I swallowed, thinking about it. Zayn was really nice deep down, and he didn't deserve what the boys were going to do to him. But then again, Harry, Louis and Liam were my friends from the start, Was I really going to dump them for someone who made my life a living hell and only became my friend a few hours ago?

"Well?" started Lou, "What's it gonna be, Niall?"

I bit my lip, staring at the floor. "..I choose your side." I mumbled, not looking up. I could feel them smiling. "Good, I knew you'd make the right choice, Nialler." Liam commented, putting a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him, staring directly into his eyes. He shivered. I slid his hand off my shoulder. "You know, I'm really starting to think Zayn's not the only bully anymore.." I backed up to the door, and left. They were too shocked to say goodbye.