She's The One (Niall Horan Fan-Fic)

She's The One ( Chapter 5 )

My ankle boots tapped loudly against the pavement as I attempted to make my footsteps as silent as possible. When I spotted a blond head sitting in a bench, I took in a deep breath. 

"You actually came." His smile radiated with an inner light as he watched me slide on to the bench beside him. 

Keeping my eyes locked with the sparkling lake before us, I shrugged. "I couldn't bail on my only friend." 

I could feel his eyes burn into the side of my face as he smiled at me. "I'm glad you didn't." Rising to his feet, he offered me his hand, which I took hesitantly. "Come walk with me. I've got to talk to you about something." 

Strolling down the dimly lit stone path, the silence teetered on the awkward side as I slowly rubbed my arm against the cold. Glancing over at me slightly shivering half to death, Niall removed his coat and placed it gently on my shoulders with a little smile. 

Keeping my gaze on my boots as we walked, we continued on in the perpetual silence. 

"One: I'm claustrophobic." My eyes flashed up to meet his as he ticked off one of his fingers. "Two: I talk in my sleep all the time. It's called somniloquy, I think?" I smirked up at him as he pursed his lips together, brows knitting, deep in thought. 

"Third... I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve." 

I gawked up at him as we came to a halt. A shudder coursed down my spine, having nothing to do with the bitter night breeze. Glistening blue orbs peered down into my own hazel ones and I found myself looking away, letting out a soft snicker. 

"I could've found all that out online if I'd really wanted to." 

"But you didn't," I blinked, glancing back up at him as he smirked down at me. "You wanted to figure it out for yourself." 

Smirking, I shrugged, planting my hands on my hips with a giggle. "I knew that sooner or later you'd confess to your best friend, is all!" 

Laughing softly, he shoved his hands into his jean pockets, eyes now on the ground. "Do you really consider me a friend, Ari?" He asked, his voice gentle. 

Glimpsing up at him with an arched brow, I pursed my lips. "Of course I do, Niall. You've done so much for me, it's the least I could do." 

"Do you... like spending time with me too?" 

My brows creased as I saw him swallow. Since when was he ever this timid? "I wouldn't be here right now if I didn't." 

"Almost two weeks." 

Blinking, I stared up at him as we stopped once again. He flashed me his signature heart-stopping smile. "We've been friends for almost two weeks already." 

"And what's that have to do with anything?" I questioned, nestling myself into his coat. His scent was all over the soft fabric and I fought the smile that dared to spread across my lips. 

"We've only been friends for two weeks; and yet, it feels like I've known you my whole life." I gasped as he suddenly mustered me into his arms, burying his face in my neck. "I can be myself around you, Ari, and know for a fact you're not judging me. That's what I really like about you." 

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(Niall's P.O.V.) 

Taking a step out of my embrace, Ariella nodded, a wee smile playing across her lips. "I'm glad to call you my friend too, Niall Horan." When I smiled down at her, she shrugged, slowly moving forward. 

"Look." I peered over to find her twirling a strand of scarlet hair around her finger, her back facing me. "Sometimes, it might seem like I don't care... But I do. Alright?" 

Nodding, I couldn't fight my smile. 

It really was different. Having a normal girl I could talk to without having her screaming in my face or throwing herself at me. 

With Ariella O'brien, I actually felt--- 

"Oh, Niall! Look!" Grabbing my hand, Ari pointed above us. A crackling boom echoed through the park before the pitch sky was illuminated by numerous flashing lights. "Who would've thought there would be fireworks out tonight?" 

I pressed my lips together as she giggled, leaning against my arm, her hazel eyes sparkling with different hues of bright fireworks. 

Why couldn't I have met Ariella before my world had been turned upside down? Before--- 

"Niall, over here!" I blinked, shaking my head as I spotted her in a clearing, waving her hand in the air. "You can see them perfectly here! Come on!" 

Laughing, I joined her out on the grass, sitting down beside her as she hugged her legs to her chest. "You really like fireworks, huh?" I asked as she peeked up at me. 

Shrugging, her smile was easy as she spoke, her eyes slightly glazing over. "There was a time I never got to see them. I just really love how they brighten up the sky. No matter how you look at it, fireworks make people happy." Her smile dropped slightly as she rested her chin on her knee. "And, I like finally being happy." 

It was all spur of the moment. Leaning forward, I'd pressed my lips to her forehead, placing my hand on the back of her wavy red hair. Her eyes were wide when I pulled away, shooting her a grin. "Never stop smiling, beautiful. Always keep that in mind." 

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(Ariella's P.O.V.) 

I couldn't take my eyes off of him. 

His smile was genuinely sweet as usual, but I could see the sadness it masked. His blue eyes were guarded as he draped his arm around my shoulders, keeping me firmly to his side. 

The fireworks no longer seemed interesting as I focused on Niall's deep breathing, watching his breath form a smoky cloud in front of us. His eyes were glittering and though he flinched with each boom of the fireworks, he would chuckle and play off cool. As the breeze picked up, I found myself snuggling close to him, resting my head against his shoulder. 

Thanks to Niall... 

Peeking up at Niall, I blinked to find him already gazing down at me. I smiled up at him with a little giggle. 

I was finally happy again. 

"Niall?" 

Both our heads popped up at his name; and he jumped to his feet, blue eyes wide. I slowly rose to my feet as a gorgeous brunette came running over, a smile brightening up her face. I took a step away as she raced into his arms, laughing melodically. 

It couldn't be... 

As she rose on her tiptoes, crushing her lips against Niall's, I looked away, taking another step backwards. 

Clenching my fists tightly to my side, I bowed my head, a grimace etching itself on my face.

How could I possibly smile when my heart was being shattered to a million pieces? 

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