The Fatal Flaw | LT

VI

Niall's question hung in the air between us, heavier than I'd like to admit. "What happened to you yesterday?" His voice was gentle, careful, but there was an unmistakable edge of concern. I glanced down at my Vans-clad feet, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.

I didn't want to tell him. I wasn't ready. But something in his expression told me he already knew—he just wanted to hear my side of it.

"If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine. I understand," he offered, his voice sincere.

A grateful smile tugged at my lips. "Thanks, Niall."

He grinned in response, then, with a sudden burst of energy, he threw his arms wide and yelled into the open field. "On the bright side, we're going to Ireland tomorrow!"

His enthusiasm was infectious. I giggled at the sight of him bouncing up and down in his seat. "I'm excited, Ni."

"You better be! We're in for a proper craic, lass," he chuckled, his accent thickening with excitement.

I laughed. "Now that's an Irish term right there."

"You better believe it. You're getting the full Irish tour, no half-measures. Just no olagonin', yeah?"

I raised a brow. "Olagonin'?"

He smirked. "Complaining."

I rolled my eyes. "Niall, I'm from Holmes Chapel. That's countryside. I think I'll manage."

He chuckled but then sobered slightly. "Listen, I won't be able to walk you home later. Got a four o'clock class and football practice at five. Sucks to be me."

"You love it," I teased. "All the swooning girls and the adrenaline rush."

He grinned. "Alright, you got me. Just, ring me when you get home, yeah?"

I nodded, and we parted ways. But my mind was already tangled with thoughts of last night—the unanswered text messages, the mocking laughter, and the gnawing uncertainty over Harry's behavior.

—

I was making my way to the car park when I bumped—quite literally—into the last person I wanted to see.

"Stop avoiding me, Venus."

"Stop stalking me, Louis." I folded my arms, meeting his gaze with an unimpressed expression.

He scoffed. "I am not stalking you."

"Really? Your car is on the other side of the building. I saw you earlier."

"Who's the stalker now?"

"Oh, please. It doesn't take a stalker to know where your car is. Just go to the parking lot and see whose car is surrounded by a handful of Barbie dolls."

His jaw tightened. "I was going to apologize for what happened yesterday, but you're being a bitch."

I laughed without humor. "Oh, I'm the bitch? Who's the asshole who stood by and laughed while I was humiliated? Certainly not me. Don't throw a paddy because you feel guilty now."

His frustration deepened. "What do you mean, 'because of me'?"

I crossed my arms. "Don't pretend you have no idea. If you hadn't driven me home that night, I wouldn't have a target on my back. If you hadn't—"

"Are you serious?" he cut me off, his voice rising. "So what, I should've left you there? Drunk off your ass with every guy at that party wanting to take advantage of you?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. He scoffed, shaking his head before storming off. I clenched my fists, my anger bubbling beneath my skin. Louis Tomlinson was making me crazy.

—

"Have you talked to Harry?" my mother's voice came through the phone, full of concern. "He's been calling me nonstop because you won't answer."

I groaned. "No, I haven't. I already have two parents. I don't need another one."

She sighed. "He's just worried, love. You know how he is."

"Yeah, well, maybe he should've worried two weeks ago instead of now."

"Don't hold it against him. He loves you."

"I know, Mum." I softened. "But I need space."

She hesitated but let it go. "Alright, call me when you land, yeah?"

—

The moment we landed in Ireland, Niall kissed the ground. "I'm home!" he announced dramatically.

I laughed. "Slow down, you tosser. You'll be knackered before the day's even started."

"Oh, shut it. Come on, my dad and brother are waiting outside."

A few minutes later, I spotted two men who looked unmistakably like Niall.

"Greg! Dad!" Niall beamed, sprinting toward them.

Greg ruffled his brother's hair. "Never thought I'd admit it, but I missed you."

Then he turned to me with a grin. "And this must be the lovely Venus."

I smiled and went in for a hug. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Horan."

"Bobby," Niall's father corrected. "No need for formalities."

"Nice to finally meet Niall's bird," Greg teased.

"You bloody stook," Niall groaned. "She's my best friend."

Bobby chuckled. "Well, come on then. Let's get you two home."

—

Lunch at the Horans' felt unexpectedly like home. Maura, Niall's mum, was warm and chatty, Greg was delightfully teasing, and Bobby was a quiet but strong presence at the table.

"Did Niall ever tell you about his first kiss?" Greg grinned mischievously.

Niall groaned. "Greg, don't—"

"I want to hear this one!" I exclaimed.

Greg leaned in. "He was thirteen, about to kiss this girl on the tree out back, and just as he leans in—ACHOO! Sneezes right in her face."

Laughter erupted around the table. Even Bobby chuckled.

"Poor girl," Maura sighed between giggles.

Niall buried his face in his hands. "I hate all of you."

I patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, Ni. When you meet my family, I'm sure they'll have plenty of embarrassing stories about me too."

Maura smiled warmly. "Tell us about them, love."

I smiled. "My mum's a doctor, my dad's a lawyer, my sister Gemma's a journalist, and my twin brother Harry is studying physiotherapy."

"Sounds like a brilliant family," Bobby said.

"They're great," I admitted. "A bit overprotective, though."

Niall smirked. "Sounds about right."

Maura patted my hand. "Well, we're happy to have you here, love."

And just like that, I felt at home. This was going to be a good four days.

Edited 10/16/24