the glass boy || l.s.

CHAPTER FOUR

HARRY

"Ugh, how much longer?"

It was Friday evening, Niall and I were sat on the benches at the football field, watching our school's players sweat it our as their coach, Mr. Johnson yelled out instructions and blew on his red whistle every now and then. It was deafening, and it had me wondering how they can put up with such a sound.

"Come on, we were just here for," I glanced at my watch. "6 minutes."

"That's too long! I'm just here with you for the ice-cream, you know," Niall stomped his feet on the ground like a child throwing a tantrum.

As if on cue, Mr. Johnson blew his whistle long and loud, signalling practice was over. He called the players to gather around him as he gave, what I assume, pep talk. I stared at the way Mr. Johnson commented on each of the players and from the look on his face, I could tell he was still unsatisfied. His hand gestures were firm as he used them to explain more clearly.

This is Wyvern High for you. Although the students are competitive like hell, the whole school comes together when it comes to competing against other schools. Wyvern High didn't like being stereotyped as "all study" kids. The goal is to be all-rounded. So, I can understand why Mr. Johnson is drilling the players this hard although the game is months away.

Mr. Johnson talked about Nick the last. I observed the way he made punching motions on his left palm, pointing at Nick and then twirling his fingers in a circular motion. I would guess he's trying to tell Nick to "push the game harder". Of course, Nick carries most of the weight as captain of the team.

Getting decent grades, being head prefect and captain of the football team, it's no wonder that many look up to him. Niall despises him though, and because Niall and I are close, it kind of rubbed off on me. It's not that I dislike Nick, I would say I just respect him.

"Ugh, look at that.. thing," Niall snarled at Nick from afar.

"Hey, he's not a terrible person, Niall," I nudged him. "I think."

After the players did their group yell and shook hands, Nick's eyes roamed the benches before landing on us. He whispered to Taylor, and Taylor's eyes focused on me. From my seat, I could see him throw his head back in laughter and patting Nick on the back before leaving in the other direction towards the showers.

I hope it wasn't something bad about me.

Nick then walked toward us, his black jersey clinging to his body, soaked wet. As he got closer, I could hear Niall grumble at how sweaty he smelled under his breath and I resisted elbowing him right then.

"Harry! You came," Nick smiled, extending his hand for me to shake. "Mr. Horan, pleasure."

Niall stared at Nick's open hand, scoffing and turning his head. He then put his hands up to show he was definitely not going to shake it.

"Sorry, mate," Niall cleared his throat. "But you stink."

Nick was taken aback, and I could see his jaw clench. He wiped his palm on his shirt and gave a sheepish smile. "Right, apologies. So shall we? My car's parked at the front."

"Excuse me, Grimshaw but don't you think you should you know, shower first like the others who can think?"

"Well, I thought this was going to be quick, so I thought of showering at home afterwards," Nick explained. "Unless this will be longer than planned..?"

At that, Nick glanced at me with an unknown look in his eyes. I felt slightly awkward. Niall then stood up and grabbed my wrist.

"Okay! Actually, yep, let's go right now. Ice-cream, then we're done."