for your eyes only

T W E N T Y

[ A/N : For those who haven't read my message board (probably all of you), I just wanted to say that I won't be able to update as frequently anymore. It's because my school had reopened on Monday and it's already stressful... Anyways, enjoy! ]

"Who was that?" It's Harry who speaks first, voicing the question on both their minds. Niall doesn't respond, still standing unmoving with his head hanging low. Zayn is about to repeat the question when Niall finally speaks.

"He was ... Louis Tomlinson... " he trails off, seemingly unwilling to give any more information. But, — Zayn notes — that Harry is seemingly willing to pry information. And he is proven right.

"Yeah, we gathered." Harry says, his face clearly suggesting he wants to hear more. And Zayn knows he should stop him, but he wants to know more as well.

Niall sighs and shrugs. "I have already told you. He is in my school. He is one grade ahead. I despised him... because he always seemed so chill and don't-careish. I didn't like his attitude."

"Past tense?" Zayn smirks, sensing something "Aaanddd, is that all?"

"Fine!" Niall huffs "I like him! But I despised his attitude too. Then, I looked closer and he seemed... almost sad. Today I was kinda mad because...well..."

"Well?" Harry prompts, giving him a comforting and encouraging smile.

"He was making out with a girl." Niall finally spits out, looking like the words are burning his tongue. He pauses, and then says "I guess I got jealous and so I said those things. But... I really didn't know about his late mother and sister.... Now I feel horrible."

Zayn does too, for Niall. So he hooks one of his arm around his shoulders, and gives him a comforting smile. "It's alright. I am sure he would forgive you."

And from the corner of his eyes, he sees Harry look away with a frown.

Zayn frowns too, wanting to ask him if he is okay, but Harry beats him to it.

"Why are people leaving?"

Zayn's eyes widen, and we quickly checks his watch. "It's 6 in the evening. The gallery is closing." he informs, and then looks at them, apologetically "I guess you both have to leave."

Niall shrugs. "Sure. I still have to do homework anyways." He waves at them and leaves, but Harry is rooted on the spot with eyes so wide they almost pop out, and Zayn recognizes the tremor in them.

"It's dark outside." Harry says, his breathing picking up pace.

"Harry? What's wrong?" Zayn places a hand on his shoulder, but Harry quickly jerks back like he has been burnt.

"Don't." Harry closes his eyes, taking deep breaths.

Zayn stands worried until Harry gets himself together, and looks at him apologetically. "I am sorry... It's just that... I am afraid of walking in the dark alone. In my room, I am okay. I know I am safe, then. But...walking past dark alleys..." his voice cracks "I am afraid something like that would happen again."

"Harry..."

"Zayn!" Ms Grace's voice comes from behind them "Come here! Our daily meeting and then we will proceed to our hotel!"

"Just a sec!" Zayn yells back, then turns to Harry "Can you wait outside? The meeting will take, like, fifteen minutes. Then, I will walk you home."

Harry blushes slightly, but still, an anxious look overcomes his face "Are you sure? Will your teacher be okay with that?"

"I hope so." Zayn says "If not then I will sneak out. Just wait for me."

Harry is reluctant, but one encouraging smile from Zayn and he nods hesitatingly. Zayn watches Harry leave, an immense sense of protectiveness waving over him. And he doesn't turn around, until Ms Grace calls him again.