The Fatal Flaw | LT

III

"What do you mean?" I asked Niall, taking a moment to steady myself after the impact of his words.

"I should probably tell you to find out on your own, but I don't want you getting into trouble," he sighed. "Let's just say he's got a reputation, and not a good one—especially when it comes to girls. Hell, when it comes to anything, really. Some say he's an asshole who always gets what he wants. But to me? He's never been anything but decent. Maybe he just doesn't take kindly to people who cross him. Look, I don't want to badmouth anyone, but let me give you some advice: stay away from him, Venus. I can't tell you how many girls I've seen crying in the library over him—he uses them and discards them like they were nothing."

I nodded, though my gaze involuntarily drifted to Louis. He was still watching me, his stare unwavering, piercing. It was beginning to feel suffocating, but I chose not to mention it to Niall. Instead, I made him pay for our food as retribution for dragging me to his practice. He agreed instantly, flashing me a cheeky grin as he called it his pleasure.

"Leaving already?" Ashton asked as we passed their table.

"Uh, yeah," I muttered, suddenly feeling small under their attention, especially Louis's.

"Nice meeting you, Venus." Calum offered me a warm smile, and I waved politely in response.

"Venus. What a lovely name," a deep, raspy voice remarked. My head turned instinctively to its owner, my pulse stuttering as I realized who had spoken.

Louis.

I should have recognized his voice earlier. He had only spoken one sentence to me, but it had stayed with me nonetheless.

"Thank you," I managed, keeping my tone even. He smirked, and the sight nearly made me lose my footing.

"I'll be seeing more of you, Venus," he mused, arrogance dripping from his words. "Pretty girl."

My breath hitched as I hurried toward the exit, trying to shake off the weight of his words.

Pretending I hadn't spent hours overanalyzing Louis's comment would be a lie. I lay tangled in my red-and-black duvet, his words looping in my mind, twisting into something dangerous. Eventually, I forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom, letting the cold water shock me back to reality. But even as I tried to push him from my thoughts, his blue-green eyes burned in my mind, stubborn and unrelenting. I attempted to picture myself with him, but Niall's warning echoed loudly, forcing me to dismiss the thought before it could fully form.

Dressed in a loose navy blue sweater—more poncho than sweater, really—straight-leg jeans, and my worn brown flats, I reached for the gold star pendant Harry had given me on my sixteenth birthday, fastening it around my neck like armor.

The Irish Hottie: Classes start in five. Meet up at lunch? Sorry I couldn't walk you to your first class.

Me: That's fine, yes to lunch!

The Irish Hottie: I couldn't walk you to class because, let's be honest, I'm very popular among the sophomores. I might not make it out alive on your floor!

Me: Hate to bruise your ego, but aren't you just 'the football sub'?

The Irish Hottie: Don't remind me.

Me: Heading to class. Wish me luck.

The Irish Hottie: You're going to need it. I bet half your class will be swooning over you. I wish I were you.

Me: So, you wish you were a girl?

The Irish Hottie: If it meant being you, then yes.

Me: Idiot. Bye, N. See you later. xx

Smiling, I shoved my phone into my pocket and entered my first class—Physics. I had always been ahead academically, having skipped a year in high school. My brother, Harry, had started school early, while I had been forced to delay due to myocarditis, spending a year in treatment. But despite the setback, I had excelled, earning an acceleration that placed me in his year.

The professor had barely begun when the door swung open, accompanied by raucous laughter. I turned instinctively.

Three figures strode in—Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and last, Louis.

Their laughter died to a series of smirks, as if they relished the disruption.

"Well, I certainly didn't expect this," the professor said dryly. "Take your seats, Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Malik, and Mr. Payne."

Louis's gaze latched onto mine before he even sat down, a silent challenge burning in his eyes. I was the first to look away.

After class, I hurried toward the door, only to collide with someone. My books tumbled to the floor.

"Slow down, girlie."

I spun around, startled, my breath catching as I registered the figure standing before me.

Louis.

He crouched down effortlessly, gathering my things. I hesitated before speaking. "What do you want?"

His lips curled into a smirk. "I want you naked, in my bed, screaming."

My body locked up. "E-excuse me?"

"You heard me." He took a step closer, his voice a smooth purr, the scent of mint flooding my senses. "You're mine, angel face."

I forced myself to walk away before he could see the effect he had on me.

That night, Niall and I arrived at a frat party.

"Welcome to your first party, Venus," he declared dramatically.

I looked up at the towering mansion, taking in the pulsating lights, the sound of bass-heavy music, and the waves of intoxicated students stumbling about. My heart pounded—not from nerves, but from anticipation.

Maybe this was the start of something new. Maybe, just maybe, this was the year I started living.

Edited 10/16/24