When you weren't Looking

Niall Horan is the life of the party, always full of energy and laughter, but Zayn Malik? He prefers the quiet, the moments where he can observe without speaking. And that's exactly how he sees Niall-through sketches, captured when Niall isn't paying attention. Whether it's the way he scrunches his nose when he's deep in thought or the sound of his laugh echoing through the halls, Zayn finds himself drawn to every little detail.

Niall doesn't notice, of course. Not at first. But as the days pass, and Zayn's quiet gestures of care become more noticeable-like when Zayn leaves him tea when he's feeling sick or simply stays nearby when Niall needs space-Niall begins to wonder if there's something more behind Zayn's actions.

With flirtatious banter between bandmates and unspoken feelings lingering in the air, Zayn and Niall must navigate their growing bond, learning that love doesn't always shout to be heard-sometimes, it's in the moments you least expect.