They Didn't Know (A Minizerk Fanfiction) {HIATUS}

Chapter 31: Uncomfortable

Josh's POV:

Upon arriving at Nandos, I could instantly tell Simon was a different person. The tears were gone from his eyes, replaced by a wide, genuine smile, something I hadn't seen in at least a month. He was interacting with the guys, laughing at their jokes, adding little comments to the conversations every so often, hell he even took over the conversation at one point, which really made me smile because he hadn't closed in on himself again.

From next to me, Vikk spoke. "Josh, why are you smiling like a maniac?" Huh? I didn't realise I was smiling that wide or that it was very noticeable.

"I...er..."

"Is it because of Simon?" Yes, the very thought of Simon makes me smile. Everything he does, if it's stupid, I laugh at his stupidity, if it's clever, I smile because I'm proud of him. He never fails to make me smile, and to make me happy.

"Yeah... I'm just so happy that Simon's improving. He's gone from not leaving his room to not making any interaction with anyone to laughing and smiling, making eye contact and making conversation in a matter of hours. I mean, I still feel guilty because I forced him into talking about it, I made him hide in his room because I asked if he liked me, it's my fault this happened. But at least now we're almost back to how we were before, and there's no awkward tension, no obvious tension, anyway."

Vikk's POV:

Is that all Josh? Is it really? You sure you don't just smile because it's Simon and you have a small crush on him?

Josh's POV:

"Yeah, it's great, he's getting better. Didn't I tell you the plan would work?" Vikk replied with a slight smirk, probably because he'd been proved right.

I sighed, "Yeah, I guess you were right  this time. What would I do without you Vikk?"

"Hmm I'm not sure, spend way too long not talking to Simon and driving both of you crazy?" Vikk laughed, before turning to talk to JJ, signalling the conversation was over. The thing is though, I realise, he's right. If he hadn't forced me into Simon's room, we wouldn't have talked for who know how long and it really would have driven me crazy not knowing if he was okay or not. Damn you Vikk for being right once again.

Simon's POV:

All this uncomfortable conversation and forced laughter is really killing me, I don't have the energy for it. I mean, I'm gonna continue with it until I'm back in my room, because it's making Josh happy, and that's all I want in life, but at the same time I feel so bad for lying to him. He's going to be even more disappointed in me when he finds out I'm lying, but right now it's worth the risk.

I looked across the table to see Josh already looking at me. As soon as I made eye contact, I smiled slightly at him, to which I received a small smile back.

You okay? He mouthed.

I nodded, replying with a short Yeah, I'm fine. Why?

You zoned out for a bit and ... I couldn't quite understand the last bit.

What? I mouthed back. Just then, my phone lit up on the table next to me.

Zerker: You zoned out for a bit and I was worried. What were you thinking about?

Me: Just daydreaming, you don't need to worry about me

Zerker: I always worry about you

That one small comment made me smile a genuine smile, even if it was a small one to myself.

Me: I really appreciate that, thanks Josh

Zerker: No problem, and if you want to talk, you know where I am

Me: I do, thanks again

Now comes the question, do I tell him later that I was faking most of my happiness? Do I break his heart by being truthful?

*****

Josh's POV:

As the night went on, I started to notice how Simon's smiles and laughs were getting more fake. The light in his eyes had gone out, been replaced by a dull nothingness. It made me feel terrible for forcing him out from his room just because I thought it would be better for him. Seeing how uncomfortable he looks now, I know it isn't. What did you expect? Everything to go back to normal just like that? Because you knew that wasn't going to happen. I know, I guess I was just hoping I was helping him. But you aren't. Yeah yeah, I know, I don't need reminding. Everything I do that I think is for the best just ends badly and I hate it, I hate myself for it. I try to look after everyone, I try to live up to my 'dad' nickname, but how can I do that when I'm causing problems?

A/N: First of all, hey guys, how are you all? Hope you're all doing well. Second, OMG THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR 30K READS THAT'S INSANE!! When I started this book, this many reads didn't even seem possible, so I'm so shocked by seeing that number. And it's thanks to all you guys, the new and the old, I love you all ❤❤

Until next time x