Boxer (Larry)

11

We get to the arena shortly after seven. Harry is going to be the second fight up, but we still have a while to wait.

I text Harry that we're here and go inside with Zayn and Liam. Unfortunately, they start talking to boxers that they admire almost right away, abandoning ms in the world of not knowing any of the terms or names they're using.

Luckily, as I'm zoning out, I feel someone gently touch my shoulder.

I turn around and grin when I see that it's Harry.

"Hey." I say.

"Hey. I'm glad you made it." He says. I smile.

"I wouldn't miss it."

"You guys are so early." He chuckles.

I nod. "I guess that's why." I gesture towards where Zayn and Liam are laughing with some boxers that actually intimidate me quite a bit.

"Yeah." He says.

We talk for a few more minutes before he has to go get something from the dressing rooms real quick, so I'm left behind again.

Not for long, though. A very large boy comes up to me and smiles at me.

"Hey. You look lost." He says.

"No, I'm waiting for someone." I respond. He nods, running a hand through his blonde hair.

"Well, maybe I could take you home after my fight?" He suggests, moving closer.

"Um, actually-"

"Don't say no. I can convince you." He smirks. I say nothing, but try backing away. He only steps closer.

"Just give me a chance to prove how much fun I can make you have." He suggests.

"I'm um, I'm-"

"Look, you're hot as hell. And I'm into you. So I really think that you should just come to my place and we can.. Get to know each other..." He winks.

"I'm sure you're a great guy, but um-"

He grabs my hand and pulls me even closer, a hand resting on my lower back. Low on my lower back.

"Louis? Who's this?" Harry asks, suddenly appearing again.

"I- I don't know." I tell him.

He narrows his eyes at the other boxer.

"Niall, maybe you should back off." Harry says, his voice low. Niall, as I've learned his name is, raises his eyebrows. He backs up a bit, but still stands only a few inches from me.

"Why?" He challenges.

"He's clearly uninterested. Move along." Harry states. Niall scoffs.

"He's mine, now move along before I kick your ass twice tonight." Harry growls. After rolling his eyes, the other boxer walks away.

"How do you know him?" I wonder.

"He's the one I'm fighting tonight. And I have several other times." Harry explains. I nod.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you or anything?" Harry worries.

"I'm okay. No, he didn't hurt me. Thank you, by the way." I respond.

"No problem." He says.

"Are you okay?" I check. There's something off about the way he's acting and the tone of his voice.

"Yeah. I'm just really pissed off." He sighs. I frown.

"Is there anything I can do?" I ask.

"No. I'll just have to save it for the ring."