The Runner ➳ Narry (Book One)

Chapter Thirteen

(Harry's POV)

We walked down the deserted street in silence, listening to the distant sounds of the city that never sleeps. Louis whistled a quiet tune to himself, staring straight ahead at the litter-filled sidewalk.

I shoved my cold hands into my coat pockets and looked over at Louis, watching as his he stopped whistling and pursed his lips. He glanced over at me, his ocean blue eyes meeting my green ones for a split second before he pulled them away again. 

I returned my gaze back to the concrete in front of me and let my thoughts drift to Niall. I had completely forgotten to call him earlier. Whatever, I'll just text him after the run. 

Speaking of that, I was honestly a little nervous. I was out in the open where the guy from yesterday could easily find me. I admit, I am terrified. I tried to put it off as no big deal, but you try and have someone threaten to kill you. And actually mean it. This guy made me feel like throwing up, but in an I'm fucking petrified way. I couldn't bare the silence anymore. 

"Louis," I said. "Are you nervous?"

Louis let out a short sigh, running a hand through his hair. "No," he replied without looking at me. He stayed silent for another moment before speaking up again. "Just a little, actually. Not about the run though, about that guy. I'm worried about you."

"Don't be. I'll be fine," I answered quietly. Louis stopped walking for a moment, making me pause and turn back at him. 

He cocked one eyebrow at me, moving forward so he was directly in front of me on the sidewalk. He clenched his jaw once, locking his eyes with mine. I gave him a questioning look. "What?" 

"You've got a lot of gut, Styles," Louis' thin lips turned upward into a slight smile before dropping back into his normal expression. "But you're not invincible." 

I turned away in thought and continued walking, Louis close behind. "I don't know what I should do about all of this," I said, more to myself than to Louis. "This guy will eventually find me, and I just don't think-"

"When the time comes, you'll know what to do," Louis cut me off, as if he changed his mind about being worried about me. He sounded more like he was trying to convince himself rather than me. 

I looked over at him, the words sinking in. Then, I burst out laughing. 

"What?" Louis scowled at me. 

"Did you just quote The Incredibles?" My laughing died down, but my smile didn't. Louis joined in soon after. 

"Hey, that movie was inspirational to me when I was younger!" He argued. I watched as his skin crinkled by his eyes as he smiled.

"You're so lame," I chuckled. He fake gasped and shoved my shoulder a little, causing us both to break out into laughter again. Eventually, we reached the warehouse. I pulled out my keys and shoved it into the rusty lock, muttering to Louis to make sure no one was watching. 

Giving me the 'all clear' signal, I pushed the heavy door open and walked in, my blue-eyed best friend directly behind me. As he closed the door, darkness filled the small hallway and the familiar weed smell suffocated us. 

With Louis beside me, we pushed through the little plastic drapes covering the doorway, the bright lights blinding us momentarily as we weaved around the crates of drugs to John's desk. 

"Ah, boys. Right on time," John said, standing from his chair and giving me a 'good job' nod. I scoffed in reply. Louis sent him a small smile, John returning the favour as if they were friends. Yeah right. He was the biggest asshole in the history of assholes. I remember how Louis always said, 'He's like the father you never had, Harry. Don't treat him like shit.'

Pft, some father.

"Your destination is on the corner of Kingston and Addison. Client owes the usual," John explained as he handed Louis a small packet of white powder, just like the one I had ran last night. I clenched my jaw at John's favouritism towards Louis. 

"Don't you think you should lower the price on coke?" I asked, making John's attention snap towards me. Louis nudged me hard with his elbow, signalling me to shut up. 

"What was that, Styles?" John sneered. He pressed himself close to me with enough force to make me stumble back a few steps. I could smell his putrid, druggy breath radiating out of his gum disease filled mouth. 

"All the clients think it's too expensive," I continued. "I'm just suggesting."

"I suggest you shut the fuck up before I make you a volunteer worker." John challenged. 

"But I kind of am a volunteer wor-"

"Harry!" Louis cut off harshly before I could get myself into trouble. He tugged at my arm, muttering an apology to John before pushing me back out of the warehouse. "Are you trying to get yourself fired?" Louis said once we were back out into the cool night air. I just shrugged and pulled out of his grip on my arm. 

"Lock the door behind you," I said simply, walking back towards the sidewalk. I heard Louis fumble with his own keys to lock the rusty metal door before jogging to his place next to me on the street. He sighed heavily for what seemed like the seventh time this evening. 

"I'm not going to be paying your rent every month, Haz. You need this job," Louis said after a few minutes. I tried to hold back my smile when he used my old nickname. 

"Do you live with me now?" I asked, giving him a somewhat cold glare. Louis opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, looking at me. His eyes darted back and forth between my own as if they were asking for an answer. 

"If you live with me now, then we'll split rent," I finally said, watching as he breathed out in relief. I guess I have a flatmate.