II

Part 49

"Somewhere around Covent Garden, there's nice pubs and places to eat around there." Niall said. "I would take them to a place by the Thames." Calum suggested. "Oh, that's nice. Great views!" I answered, leaning in as I spoke. "Well, now that I think about it, the river is pretty dirty. I'd go somewhere else." He announced, staring at my hand on Luke's knee. He looked at me and turned away. "Where would you take somebody, Y/N?" "Well, Harry took me to the London Eye, just the two of us. It was breathtaking, even though I'm afraid of heights." We all laughed. I zoned out, looking over at Harry, who happened to be looking over at us too. I smiled at him and he returned it.

"Why would you take a girl there, Luke!" Liam scolded jokingly. "Well, I think that any place can be romantic. It all depends on that person you're with." He explained. "Wow, that is so true." I agreed. "We'll see where that takes ya." Niall laughed. "Hey! Poor him!" I said, putting my arms around him. Calum got up and went to what I guessed was the kitchen, since all the suites were similar. The moment had come. I had to talk to him to finally figure something out. "Sorry, I'll be back in a minute." I said, going to the kitchen.

"Hey, um can we talk for a sec?" I asked as I walked into the kitchen. "Okay." He replied, closing the fridge. "Is there something going on?" "What do you mean?" "Is there something you want to tell me? You've been acting weird since I got here." "You know what? Yes, I do. I can't believe you. I thought you were different." "What are you talking about?!" I scoffed. "Oh, you don't? What about getting Luke's hopes up about you two?" He replied, raising his voice. "I never lead him on to anything else! I just want him as a friend!" I yelled back. "Really? Then what did the holding hands mean? Or hugging him? Or touching his thigh?" He bellowed. "What are you saying? Luke is just my friend! I love Harry way too much to do something like that to him! You were right, you don't know me at all. Maybe you shouldn't judge people so quickly next time." I responded angrily.

I slammed the door behind me. I left Niall's suite, I needed some fresh air. I heard a faint voice call my name as the elevator doors closed. I didn't even know if I could walk back in there like nothing had happened when obviously everyone heard our conversation. What would Harry think of me? Ding! I passed the lobby and went outside. It was pretty chilly, but I wasn't cold at all with the heat of the moment. I crossed the street and stopped to look at the river. All the lights from the buildings were reflected onto its mysterious darkness. I sighed. Whose fault had it actually been? I was starting to realize I was more mad at myself. Poor Luke. Had I actually led him on? An arm gripped my waist.

"You must be cold." Luke said, holding onto me as we both looked into the Thames. "Yeah, now that I think about it." I laughed. "Look, Y/N. I want you to know that what Calum said wasn't true. I mean, of course I like you, but not the way he meant. Although you didn't really care what happened to me." He explained. "What? No! I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I was just really scared that Harry would think something that's not. And I don't want to lose him now that I can finally be with him. I would never hurt you, Luke. I love the friendship that we're starting." "Yeah, me too." There was a silence as we both admired the city. "Did you ever think I was aiming for something else?" I asked suddenly. I needed to get this off my mind. "Um, no." He laughed. "Oh okay then. Thanks." I smiled at him. "I've yelled to Calum. I'll finish talking to him about it, but I rushed out the door to find you." "Who's the faster runner now?" I smirked. "You got me." He replied, giggling. "I sort of don't wanna go back. I bet they're gonna stare at me. And you too." "You'll have to face them at some point. And trust me, it's better here than in a crammed tour bus. Besides, they're all your friends. I don't think they'll say anything rude." "You're right. Let's go. But let's go back in together. Please." We let go and stood face to face. I hugged him, thanking him once more.