Taking A New Turn

Chapter 4

While Niall was doing a weird looking victory dance, Louis came up from behind him and hit him playfully on the back. "Someday, mate. We'll be there someday." He checked his phone and cursed rather loudly. "Shit! It's 8:05! Eleanor's class will have already begun!"

Niall rolled his eyes as he rummaged through his bag for a towel and some water. "Yeah and you got us up at this ungodly hour. What a waste--"

Someone cleared their throat from behind him. It was a quiet sound, something a kitten might make. He turned around and was surprised by what he saw. The boy was roughly 12 centimeters taller than him but his face looked a lot younger. Brown fringe stuck out of his beanie and glasses that were the perfect size for his face were on his nose. "Hello." He was positive he'd never seen this kid before. He would've remembered. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes, um, my name's Ashton," the boy got out all in one breath. "I'm over at Manchester, I assume you are too, I'm a film major. One of our assignments is to create a documentary about one of the students here. I don't really have any friends--" his cheeks reddened "--and I saw you playing football and I was wondering if you'd be willing to be the subject of my film? You don't have to, I realize this is a really weird request."

Niall was very surprised by the boy's (Ashton's) request. To anyone else he most likely would've laughed but he was so, so, so adorable. Especially the little dimple in his cheek as he smiled awkwardly at him. "You want to film something about my life?"

"Yes."

He smiled at him. "Sure. Sounds fun." Louis was making annoyed tapping motions on his wrist behind Ashton at him. "Um. I have to go right now." As quickly as he could he handed Ashton his phone. "Just put in your number and we'll get together sometime tonight or tomorrow?"

There was no hesitation in Ashton's motions. In three seconds flat Niall was holding his phone again, against his chest. They said quick goodbyes, Ashton looking very proud of himself, and then parted ways.

"What was that about?" Louis asked once they were walking back in the direction of the school.

"Film student asking to make a film about me," Niall replied smugly. The image of the embarrassed, endearing, but extremely tall Uni student was still fresh in his mind. If he had things his way he'd stare at him all day. In a totally platonic way of course. He wondered what had sparked the kid's attention to choose him for the film, and what he had meant when he said he didn't have any friends. Surely anyone would love to spend all day everyday talking to him. He knew he would even after only have a 30 second long of just Ashton talking to him.

He'd noticed Ashton had an accent and nothing that sounded remotely European.

"I am far more interesting than you," Louis retorted.

Niall laughed obnoxiously. "Keep dreaming, Tommo."