The Fatal Flaw | LT

VIII

"Is it true Louis Tomlinson walked you home?" Niall asked the next day as we slid into our usual cafeteria seats.

I arched a brow at him, biting into my apple. "Where did you hear that?"

"That's not really an answer," he pouted, watching me expectantly.

I sighed. "Yes."

His eyes widened. "Yes, he walked you home? Or yes, that's not an answer?"

"Yes to both." I rolled my eyes.

"What?! Really?!"

I gave him a flat look. "Why do you sound so surprised?"

Niall leaned forward, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal some top-secret information. "Because he never walks anyone home."

I snorted. "And how exactly do you know that? Are you his personal stalker, or just a dedicated gossip?"

"Neither," he scoffed, making a face. "But the cheerleaders never shut up about it during practice. And believe me, it's impossible to ignore them when they're practically screeching at the top of their lungs. The point is, Louis is not a gentleman. He doesn't walk girls home. He doesn't even give them a lift. But you—" he gestured at me dramatically, "seem to be the exception."

I sighed, nudging at the edge of my tray. "Well, his admirers don't seem too happy about that."

"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning.

I took a deep breath. "Ever since that night he drove me home, I've been dealing with them. They've been making my life miserable."

Niall's jaw clenched as he chewed his tuna sandwich. "They're messing with you?"

"Oh, yeah. Telling me to stay away from 'their man' like we're in some bad teen drama. But the funny thing is—" I shook my head, a dry laugh escaping me, "I am staying away. It's him who keeps showing up."

Niall groaned, rubbing his temples. "If this turns into one of those 'bad boy reforms for the good girl' clichés, I swear I'm gonna throw up."

I smirked. "Don't worry. I highly doubt it."

He grinned. "Good. Because I don't have the patience for that kind of nonsense. Oh, by the way, I can't walk you home today. Soccer practice. But you can come watch if you want."

I made a face. "No thanks. Your audience will be full of Louis' fangirls. They'll just assume I'm there for him."

He sighed dramatically. "Fair point. Your loss, though."

We finished up and went our separate ways, but I had no idea how much worse the day was about to get.

-

The walk home was supposed to be peaceful. The sky was clear, and I had a cold orange juice in my hand, enjoying the rare moment of calm. But then—

The sharp screech of tires cutting through the street made my head snap up.

A sleek car pulled to a stop right in front of me, and my stomach twisted.

Not him.

Them.

The moment Barbie #1 stepped out, her smirk already in place, I knew I was in trouble.

"Well, well, well. Looks like we've got a stubborn one, girls," she said, slamming her car door shut.

Barbie #2 crossed her arms. "We told you to stay away."

Barbie #3, who seemed to lack a filter, blurted out, "But suddenly Louis is walking you home. That doesn't make sense. He never does that."