Paper Doll [Larry AU]

Chapter Five: Rapunzel

Instagram: hazandtae

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"I've been looking out the window for eighteen years, dreaming about what I might feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be? Or I've spent my entire life hiding from people who would use me for my power... " 

- Rapunzel (Tangled) 

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There was a lot of stress and rumors being spread after the interview with Halley. Fans noticed something was wrong with her after the interview, seeing how distant she was and how forced her smile was when she talked about Ethan. The internet is observant; maybe a little too observant at times. They noticed how there were no pictures of Ethan entering the studio with Halley and how the paparazzi didn't catch any photos of him. People were suspicious, to say the least. 

Halley has avoided all the rumors and refused to confirm or deny anything. Like all famous couples, there are constant rumors on whether or not they're real or for publicity. Most know it's fake, but sometimes couples are real and people just have to believe what they want, because no one is going to say 'hey, we're not really together'. Louis is even confused on the relationship, because Halley still talks about Ethan to people like they're really together, but then they're putting on a show for cameras and acting extra couple-y. He was confused, to say the least, but felt like it's not his place to ask anything like that.

While she had her own relationship issues, Louis was also dealing with some weird shit himself. Eleanor has texted him a few times, albeit saying she was done with him. Louis was thankful for Halley helping, but he also didn't feel like it was a good idea when she pretended to be his girlfriend. It was way too risky and now he's dug in a hole. He hated lying and now he has to keep doing it, thanks to her. 

Thankfully, he hasn't seen Eleanor around campus, at all. He doesn't go to campus often, but he has two classes that aren't online so he has to attend and had talked to Mitch about scheduling, since he did put it in the application that he has school to go to. They figured it out, thank god. 

"I just don't get it," Zayn said on the phone, Louis walking down the hall. "So she just offered to be your fake girlfriend?" 

Louis retorted, "Not really, she just said she was to get Eleanor to back off." 

"Wow, that's kind of sweet?" Zayn offered. 

Louis chuckled, shaking his head. "I mean, yeah, but isn't it odd? She's not really...like that. She usually cares for herself and can be a little, um, cold sometimes." 

"I told you," Zayn said smugly. "Stars can be fake and selfish. That's why I'm telling you not to get your hopes up, cause anyone can be nice. She may want something in return later on, just be careful." 

"I'm already her assistant, I do everything for her anyways. I don't get what she could ask in return when I already do everything for her," Louis pointed out with a heavy sigh, then looked over at the Starbucks. "Listen, I need to go. I have to catch an Uber soon and need some coffee. I'm exhausted." 

"Alright, I have to go to the studio tonight so I may not be home," Zayn told him. "Try not to jack off on the couch." 

"No promises." 

Louis snickered to himself and tucked his phone away after hanging up. He doesn't actually jack off on the couch, he does that in the privacy of his own room like everyone else. But he loved messing with Zayn and seeing his reaction, because he always gets so defensive and annoyed. It's amusing.