that's not why × ziam au (short story)

part iv × trust

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"Respect to be respected."

— Dr. Ana Maria Polo

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Liam never liked fitting in, he honestly didn't. But sadly, he had fit in. Maybe it was of his good looks and his charisma, or the fact that he was nice to almost everyone that comes into his path. But if 'fitting in' meant making others feel bad just to seem bigger, he didn't want to fit in at all.

Many wanted it, everyone wants to fit in. No one likes being left out, treated like scum. But Liam preferred to be that than be the cause of that. Even though his exterior is tough and maybe intimidating, he is nowhere near that (only if you get on his bad side), he's gentle and caring, something someone wouldn't expect from a popular football player.

Stereotypes, stereotypes.

Jordan on the other hand was probably the typical highschool jock who wore sunglasses all the time, even in class. He threw spitballs, he pushed kids against lockers, he tripped nerds on their way to their table and all his stupid minions followed him around and tried to copy his acts, trying to gain his respect. Not once has Liam tried to get on his good side, but he's been on it ever since they met. But he doesn't like Jordan, not one bit.

There's was arrogance and stupidity in every move he made. His attitude was now something everyone was used to, his actions playing like a broken record.

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

His heart seemed to be cold, even if it did sound harsh, it was true. Jordan Happer was the definition of a complete and utter douche. Every little thing he made was so tedious, yet, everyone seemed to be fascinated. He was only worshipped because he wasn't afraid of anyone and everyone was afraid of him, except Liam, of course. He can kick his ass any day.

The person people used to worship before Jordan was Louis Tomlinson. Liam believed that Louis did deserve the popularity, he was an amazing guy and everyone loved him. He didn't need to push a single kid into a locker to gain everyone's attention, all he did was be himself and treat other the way he wanted to be treated.

Respect. He respected others and they respected him in return, it was that easy. He didn't need to throw the biggest parties or wear the best clothing to be loved, all he needed was a smile and a simple 'How are you?' to lighten someone's day.

His death was a big impact, more than one had cried when the principal had announced the passing of the fellow classmate. They did the same exact memorial for him just like Zayn's, except, everyone was quiet. They didn't laugh or point or snicker. It was a respectful silence Liam wishes that they could've also given to Zayn.

Liam sits alone in his room, on his phone as he goes through his Facebook. It was always the same; selfies in the mirror, inspirational quotes with no actual meaning behind them, misleading video links. Nothing out of the ordinary.

That is until he stumbles upon a picture. It was a meme, similar to 'Bad Luck Brian' but with Zayn's yearbook picture, a wide smile, his cute glasses perched up on his nose.

'Wants 15 minutes of fame—Kills himself'

The picture had over seventy likes and it was only posted twenty minutes ago. It was of course posted by Jordan.

Liam scrunched his eyebrows, feeling the sensation of anger build up inside him. The picture wasn't even funny, especially when the person is dead. It was nothing to make a joke about.

He was about to report the photo, he was only seconds away from clicking the 'report' button. But he stopped and began to think: Jordan wouldn't care, he would just post it again. And it was likely to happen because he gave no shits about what others told him to do, if he would ever get in trouble for the bullying he gave the teens at school, he wouldn't stop because he loves doing it.