Just Silly Kids (Larry Stylinson)

12. Coping

Things were awkward.

Harry did not dare to look at Louis. Some would think that he was ignoring his (ex-?)best friend, but since Harry had clung to Niall's side like a lifeline ever since the fight, he knew better. Niall knew that Harry was just as much focused on Louis as before, but that the sight of him was heartbreaking for Harry.

Louis, on the other hand, seemed greatly bothered that Harry was not giving him any attention and started teasing and tantalizing the poor boy every chance he got, leaving angrily every time he got no reaction out of him.

Niall was sick and tired of their behaviours. He saw how much it hurt Harry whenever his best friend was rude to him. And Harry, well, Niall loved Harry, honestly. But it started to bother him that Harry could not seem to go anywhere without him. He was constantly following Niall and seeking him out like a lost puppy whenever they had different classes. It was suffocating.

It was another confirmation that Louis and Harry where perfect for each other. They used to be together 24/7 and never grew tired of each other. Niall wanted to find someone like that. A girl, preferably.

He glanced at Harry who was strolling over the grass beside him, noticing him frowning. Following his like of vision, he rolled his eyes.

There was Louis, but not alone. For the past few weeks, he was always seen in with the 'coolest kids of the school'-group, which consisted of the most important people from the sports teams. And it seemed like Louis had forgotten that Zayn had been their enemy, because now they acted like best mates.

Not only that, but it seemed like Eleanor was always by his side, enjoying the attention of being the new 'star couple', though Louis did not seem opposed either.

"Come on." Niall wrapped an arm around Harry and led him away from the sight. They decided to go to the study room to get some work done.

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

"Almost finished. What about you?" Harry asked quietly to not disturb the other students.

"Umm... might take a while." Niall said, hoping Harry got the hint.

"Okay, I'll wait."

Did not get the hint then, Niall thought. "You can go up to our room alone, if you want." He said casually.

"No, no. It's fine. I'll wait." Harry insisted. Niall sent him a forced smile, sighing internally. He felt bad trying to shake the heartbroken boy off but... he just felt like he needed some time to himself.

So he tried again when they were back in their room. "Harry?" He said carefully. "I wanted to go to the sushi restaurant in the evening."

Harry nodded. "Sounds good. I haven't had Sushi in ages."

"Umm... Haz." Niall said, carefully watching his friend. "I wanted to go... with a girl." Harry looked at him, puzzled, so Niall added. "Alone."

Harry's eyes widened, a flash of panic passing through his eyes. "Oh."

"Yeah." Niall said awkwardly.

"Why can't I come?" Harry asked.

"Umm..." Niall tried to find an excuse that would not hurt Harry. "Umm... It's a date." He lied.

"I can still come." Harry insisted. "I'll be quiet."

Niall facepalmed. "That's not how dates work."

"Then I just sit on another table. Who is the girl?"

"Umm..." Niall hesitated. There was no girl. "Jesy."