Light On {Niam Love Story}

One-

"And, sometimes, the ones who laugh the loudest are the ones that have the most to hide."

Niall couldn’t see clearly.

He wasn’t drunk, surprisingly, but it was the crowd of people surrounding him that made him slightly uneasy. He was slowly making his way to the empty barstool beside Zayn, but he was being stopped by either a lingering fan or drunk girl every five seconds. The club played a catchy hip-hop song that Niall had never heard, and the scent of smoke and varying flavors of alcohol were making his nostrils burn, and his eyes water. Sweaty bodies and frisky hands were too close for comfort, and the poor Irish lad’s claustrophobia was beginning to creep up on him.

Air; that was all he needed.

But first, he had to tell Zayn – if he made it to the lad before he passed out, that is. He shrugged past a crowd of girls trying to get his attention, and slammed right into Louis. Niall excused himself as politely as he could, and shouldered past him drunken best mate – who was currently getting very touchy with his girlfriend, Eleanor.

Niall tripped over his own untied shoelaces, but luckily managed to catch himself before creating a big scene in front of everyone. He practically sprinted over to Zayn, and slid easily into the seat beside him. Zayn was currently staring down at a text message, while sipping on a drink that smelled absolutely repulsing, and tasted even worse – but Zayn didn’t care what it was; as long as it relieved stress.

Niall didn’t bother asking who messaged him; he figured it was none of his business. Plus, it seemed like Zayn didn’t even notice him sitting there – not like that comes as a surprise. Niall thought as himself as a blend into the background kind of boy – if he wasn’t in One Direction, he’d be practically invisible. He signaled the waitress, and ordered himself a glass of water – he had already told Liam he wasn’t drinking tonight, and he meant it. When the waitress stalked away, Zayn looked over at Niall.

“You like her?” he questioned. Niall grimaced, and silently shook his head. “Sure seemed like you did.”

Sure, the girl had been wildly attractive – with her tumbled golden curls and striking brown eyes. And, by her accent, Niall could tell she was Irish. Unlike most of the girls and the club, she wasn’t wearing the sluttiest clothes in her wardrobe – instead, she wore a purple and black tank top with her nametag, reading Belle, pinned to it, worn out sneakers, and dark wash jeans.

She was actually quite the looker, but Niall found no sexual attraction to her. Whether that was because he wasn’t on the prowl, or because he had eyes for someone else, he wasn’t sure. He hadn’t come to the club to find a girlfriend, or boyfriend. He didn’t come to drink, either. He only went because these were his best mates, and they had practically begged him to come with.

Yeah, they really wanted me to come, Niall thought to himself, quite bitterly. Just so they could ignore me the entire night. Some friends I have.

Guilt-stricken, he stopped himself, and stuck his tongue out, “I’ll admit, she’s cute – but I’m not into her.”

Zayn rolled his eyes, not buying it, but said nothing more when she came back and handed Niall his drink. Niall took a sip, but nearly spit it out when he looked over to see Liam grinding on some girl he didn’t even know. Niall didn’t even know why that came as a shock – possibly because Liam had a girlfriend?