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Louis Tomlinson Splits with Boyfriend Amidst Toxic Allegations: Breakup Album Rumors Already Brewing

In the latest installment of what feels like an ongoing saga of high-profile breakups, Louis Tomlinson has parted ways with his boyfriend, Marvel actor Daniel Walker. The split, confirmed by sources close to the pair, comes after a whirlwind romance that began over two years ago.

While their relationship initially seemed picture-perfect—complete with matching Instagram posts, coordinated red carpet looks, and paparazzi-worthy public outings—things reportedly took a turn behind closed doors. Insiders reveal that Daniel began feeling "emotionally drained" by Louis’ controlling behavior and the intense media scrutiny their relationship invited.

"He’s an incredible artist, but being in a relationship with him is... suffocating," a source close to Daniel disclosed. "He demands constant attention, needs everything to revolve around him, and when it doesn’t, he lashes out. He tried to make it work, but it became too much for Daniel."

Adding fuel to the fire, rumors are swirling that Louis is already working on a breakup album inspired by his recent ex boyfriend despite not being spotted anywhere yet.

This wouldn't be the first time Louis’ heartbreak has turned into chart-topping gold. Known for his uncanny ability to weave personal experiences into powerful lyrics, his rumored new album has already sparked speculation about scathing tracks dissecting Daniel’s flaws—and possibly painting him as the villain.

However, this time, Daniel’s camp isn’t staying silent. Friends of the producer claim that Louis’ pattern of villainizing his exes is not only damaging but also toxic. "He’s quick to blame others when things go wrong, but maybe it’s time he looks in the mirror," one friend remarked.

But the Louies, Louis’ loyal fanbase, remains fiercely protective, already launching into “Team Louis” mode online. #DanielWho has been trending on Twitter, with some fans calling him "just another man who couldn't handle his brilliance."

While the world waits for the inevitable breakup anthems, one can’t help but wonder: is Louis Tomlinson really unlucky in love, or is there a deeper pattern at play here? Regardless, his knack for transforming heartbreak into musical masterpieces remains unmatched.

Stay tuned for what’s sure to be another Grammy-worthy era—but let’s hope, for Louis’ sake, the next one comes with a little less drama.

Louis sat on the edge of his couch, his guitar resting beside him, untouched. The sunlight streamed through the tall windows of his living room, illuminating the sleek, modern furniture that filled the space.Everything in his life seemed perfect from the outside, a sprawling apartment in the heart of the city, awards lining the shelves, and his name in flashing lights. But none of it mattered now. Not after Daniel.It had been two weeks since the breakup, but the wound felt as fresh as if it had happened just yesterday. Every time Louis closed his eyes, he could see Daniel's face, hear his voice, and feel the warmth of his embrace.For a moment, he had believed that this time it was real, that he had finally found someone who loved him for who he was, not for what he could offer. But the illusion had shattered, just like it always did.Louis had fallen for it again, despite all his promises to himself. He had let his guard down, allowing Daniel into his life and into his heart, only to discover that behind the sweet words and tender gestures his ex had been building his own fame, using Louis as a stepping stone. It was the same old story, but this time it hurt more because he had truly believed that Daniel was different.Louis’ phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was a message from his manager, reminding him of the meeting scheduled for later that day. The label was demanding a new album, something raw and emotional, something that would once again capitalize on his heartbreak.It was his brand, after all, pouring his pain into his music and turning his heartache into chart-topping hits. But this time, Louis didn't want to do it. He was tired, exhausted by the constant cycle of falling in love, getting his heart broken, and then baring his soul for the world to consume.He picked up the guitar, his fingers brushing over the strings, but no music came to him. His mind was too crowded with memories of Daniel, how they had met at a charity event, how the guy had seemed so uninterested by the glitz and glamour, how he had laughed off Louis' fame as if it didn't matter. But it did matter. It always mattered.Daniel had played the part perfectly, convincing Louis that he was the one and that he didn’t care about the media frenzy that followed Louis wherever he went. But behind Louis’ back, Daniel had been making connections, securing roles and building a portfolio that would catapult him into the spotlight. And now Daniel was on the verge of becoming a household name, cast in a new Marvel movie while Louis was left to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart.His exes had all moved on to bigger and better things, Dylan, now the face of Prada; Alex, gracing billboards for Valentino; Sam, booked for festivals across the country. Louis was genuinely happy for them, but he couldn’t help but feel used.They had all promised to love him, to stand by him, but in the end they had only wanted what he could give them, fame, recognition, a shortcut to their dreams.Louis sighed, placing the guitar back on the bed. He wished he could disappear, just for a while, to escape the relentless scrutiny of the media, the demands of his career, and the memories of Daniel that haunted him day and night. But he knew that wasn’t possible. He was the biggest rockstar in the world and with that came a level of visibility that was impossible to escape.Even when he tried to go incognito, donning a baseball cap and sunglasses, there was always someone who recognized him, someone who wanted a piece of him. His personal life was a constant source of speculation with tabloids eager to uncover the next chapter in his love life, the next song inspired by his heartbreak.The only thing he had done right was keeping his family and close friends out of the chaos. They were his sanctuary, the one part of his life that remained untouched by the madness.He had tried to do the same with his boyfriends, shielding them from the media frenzy, but they had all rejected his protection. It had taken him a long time to realize that they didn’t want to be protected, they wanted to be in the spotlight, to share in his fame.And so here he was again, alone in his penthouse, with only his thoughts and his music for company. But even music had abandoned him, the melodies that once flowed so easily now eluding him. All he could think about was Daniel, how he had been so close to finding love only to have it ripped away from his hands once more.Louis stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the city below. The streets were bustling with life, people going about their day, oblivious to the pain that weighed heavy on his heart.He knew he had to face his team, to deliver the album they were so desperate for, but he didn’t know if he had it in him this time. He was tired of turning his pain into profit, of exposing his soul for the world to judge.He wished, more than anything, that he could find someone who loved him for who he was, not for what he could offer. But after Daniel, he wasn’t sure if he had any hope left. He had been fooled too many times, and now, all that remained was a deep sense of loneliness.The phone buzzed again, and Louis knew he couldn’t avoid it any longer. He picked it up, glancing at the message one more time before tossing it back onto the couch. The meeting could wait. For now, he needed to be alone, to process the pain, and to try, somehow, to find the music in him again.Because as much as he wished people would leave him alone, he knew that the world was waiting for his next move, and he couldn’t disappoint them. Even if it meant tearing his heart open one more time.
*********
Louis woke to the sound of the doorbell ringing. Disoriented, he blinked his eyes open, realizing he had fallen asleep on the lounge chair in his living room. The sun had already begun to set, casting a warm golden hue across the penthouse.The soft light filtered through the tall windows, painting the sleek furniture and polished floors in shades of amber. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, the doorbell ringing again, more insistent this time.He sighed, dragging himself up from the chair and padding across the room. His bare feet made soft sounds against the cool marble floor as he made his way to the door. The elevator that served his penthouse opened to a small hallway he shared with one other person, someone with a smaller penthouse on the opposite side of the building. As he reached the door, he wondered who could be visiting him at this hour.When he opened the door, he found Zayn, his best friend, standing there with a box of pizza in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Louis blinked, suddenly remembering that he hadn’t spoken to his best friend in two weeks, not since the breakup with Daniel.Zayn didn’t say anything, but the look on his face said it all. Without waiting for an invitation, he stepped inside and Louis just left the door open for him, knowing that he would take it as a cue that he was welcome.His best friend headed straight for the kitchen, placing the pizza box on the island as he searched for a wine bottle opener. Louis followed him, leaning against one of the stools and watching his best friend move around the kitchen with the ease of someone who had been there countless times before.He finally found the opener, popping the cork with a practiced twist, and poured them each a glass of wine. He slid one across the counter to Louis, who accepted it gratefully, and then put the pizza box between them. Louis' stomach growled at the sight of food and Zayn raised an eyebrow, silently scolding him for not taking care of himself.They ate in silence, a comfortable quiet that only long-time friends could share. Zayn had always been there for him, his lifeline in the chaotic world of fame. He worked as Louis’ PA, but their relationship was much more than that. Zayn was his best friend, his confidant, the one person who had never asked anything of him in return.When they finished, Zayn stood and took the plates to the kitchen, washing them quickly before returning to the living room. Louis followed him, feeling a bit more human now that he had eaten something.They settled on the couch, sharing a blanket as they often did on nights like this. Louis lay with his head on Zayn's chest, feeling the rise and fall of his best friend's steady breathing. The silence between them was heavy but comforting, like a thick blanket shielding him from the chaos of the world outside. Zayn's hand continued to trace slow, soothing circles on Louis’ back, grounding him in the moment.For a while, neither of them spoke. The sun had fully set now, leaving the penthouse bathed in the soft glow of city lights. It wasn’t until Zayn said, “Do you want to talk now?” that the silence was broken.Louis took a deep breath, knowing there was no point in holding back. Zayn had been there through every heartbreak, every triumph, every moment of doubt. He knew Louis better than anyone, and there was no hiding from him.He swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check. “It’s the same as always,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper. “I thought he was different. I really did. But it turns out he was just like the others.”His best friend clenched his jaw but didn’t interrupt, just kept his hand moving in soothing circles on his back.“I just… I thought he loved me,” he choked out, his voice trembling. “But all he wanted was fame and connections. And I let him in, Z. I let him in, and now I’m the one who’s broken and he……he's off making a name for himself and I’m left here, picking up the pieces..” He felt so small letting it all outLouis felt the tears welling up, but he blinked them back. He was tired of crying, tired of feeling like this, tired of being everyone’s stepping stone.The whole time his best friend stayed quiet and Louis was grateful for that. “I just… I feel so stupid. I fell for it again. I really thought Daniel was the one for me.”Zayn's other hand came up to gently cup the back of Louis’ head, fingers threading through his hair. “You’re not stupid, Lou. You have a big heart, and you believe in people. That’s not something to be ashamed of.”Louis squeezed his eyes shut, the tears he had been holding back starting to slip free. He hated crying, but there was something about being with his best friend that made it feel okay, like it was safe to let go.“Babes,” Zayn whispered, his voice soft and full of concern, “You don’t have to carry all this by yourself, you know?”His arms tightened around Louis, pulling him closer. “Please listen to me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You loved, and you trusted, and that’s not something to regret. It’s their loss, Lou. They’ll never know what they threw away.”Louis let out a shaky breath, burying his face in Zayn’s chest. He felt Zayn’s lips press softly against the top of his head, a gesture that was both tender and protective.“You deserve so much better,” Zayn continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “You deserve someone who loves you for you, not for what you can give them. And until that person comes along, I’m here, babes. I’m not going anywhere.”Louis clung to him, the dam of emotions finally breaking. He cried, the tears flowing freely now and Zayn held him through it all, whispering soothing words and stroking his hair.“I’m so tired, Z,” Louis admitted between sobs. “I’m tired of being hurt, of feeling like I’m never enough.”Zayn’s heart ached hearing the pain in Louis’ voice. He wished he could take it all away, that he could somehow protect him from ever being hurt again. But all he could do was be there, and he would be there, no matter what.“You are enough,” Zayn whispered, his voice fierce with conviction. “You are more than enough. And if those idiots can’t see that, then that’s on them, not you.”Louis nodded against his chest, feeling a small comfort in Zayn’s words. He knew Zayn meant every word he said, and that meant everything in this moment.Zayn pulled back slightly, just enough to lift Louis’ chin so their eyes could meet. “I love you, Lou,” he said, his gaze filled with warmth and sincerity. “And I’ll always be here for you. Always.”Louis looked into his soft brown eyes, seeing the depth of their friendship, the love that had never wavered, even through the darkest times. He managed a small, shaky smile, his tears finally slowing.“I love you too, Zaynie,” Louis whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “Thank you… for everything.”Zayn smiled back, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. “You don’t have to thank me, babes. That’s what best friends are for.”They stayed like that for a while longer, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside fading away. Eventually, the tears stopped, and Louis felt a bit lighter, a bit more like himself again.“Now,” Zayn said softly, brushing a stray tear from Louis’ cheek, “How about we watch something stupid and funny? We could both use a laugh.”Louis nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That sounds perfect.”Zayn reached for the remote, pulling Louis closer as they settled back into the couch. The TV flickered to life, filling the room with light and sound, but all Louis could focus on was the warmth of Zayn’s embrace and the comfort of knowing he wasn’t alone.
**************
The Los Angeles skyline stretched out in the distance as the Chargers’ practice field buzzed with energy. It was late afternoon, and the sun cast a warm, golden glow on the players who were deep in another intense training session. Cleats bit into the grass, and the air was filled with the sharp sounds of pads clashing and the coach barking instructions.Harry Styles, the Chargers' quarterback, stood tall behind the offensive line, his white and powder blue jersey clinging to him in the heat. His helmet gleamed under the sun as he surveyed the defense.Across from him, Liam Payne, his best friend and the team’s safety, paced in the secondary, watching Harry with sharp focus, anticipating his next move."Alright, one more rep!" the coach bellowed. "Defense, stay sharp! Styles, make this one count!"A smirk tugged at the corner of Harry’s lips. Facing Liam was always a challenge because his friend knew his moves too well, but Harry lived for these moments. He glanced at Liam again, who was already eyeing him with a knowing look."You ready for this, Li?" Harry called out, grinning."Always, bro," Liam shot back with a raised eyebrow. "Try not to choke."Harry chuckled, then dropped into position, fingers flexing around the ball. The rest of the team settled into their stances as the shrill whistle of the coach cut through the air.
"Blue 42! Blue 42! Hut, hut... HUT!"
The ball snapped, and chaos erupted in a perfect storm of movement. Harry dropped back, his eyes darting between his receivers as the offensive line formed a protective wall around him. He scanned the field, searching for an opening, but the defense led by Liam was relentless, tracking every step and every glance.Harry faked a throw to the left, hoping to draw the cornerback off for just a second but Liam wasn’t fooled. He was already sprinting towards Danny, the wide receiver, who was cutting sharply towards the sideline.With no other options, Harry tucked the ball and ran, bursting through a gap in the defense. His heart pounded in his chest as he raced toward the end zone, legs burning as the distance closed."Styles is on the move! Defense, stop him!" the coach hollered.Liam spotted the play developing and took off after Harry. The field narrowed as Harry sprinted past the 20-yard line, his lungs burning but his determination stronger. Liam was gaining on him— fast.Just as Harry crossed the 10-yard line, he felt a rush of air as Liam dove, his arms wrapping around Harry’s legs. They hit the ground hard, sliding across the turf in a cloud of dirt and sweat.Harry lay there, breathless, a grin spreading across his face. "Man... you’re always... right there," he panted.Liam laughed beside him, catching his breath. "Can’t let you have it too easy, QB."Jace, one of their teammates, reached down, offering Harry a hand. With a grunt, Harry pulled himself up, shooting a playful glare at Liam."You know, I’d score more if you weren’t always on my ass," Harry joked, his smile betraying the mock offense in his tone as they headed off the field.Liam slung an arm around Harry’s shoulders, pulling him close as they stumbled forward, still laughing. "Nah, man. That’s my job, keepin’ you humble."Harry returned the gesture, wrapping an arm around his best friend. "Yeah, well... you owe me dinner for that tackle."They both laughed as they entered the locker room, joining the rest of the team, who were already seated, waiting for the coach’s post-practice speech.With just one more friendly game left, the season was essentially over for them. They had been knocked out in the playoffs, and in two weeks, the Super Bowl would be played by the finalists.Despite the disappointment, this had been one of the Chargers’ best seasons in years. They had made it to the playoffs for the first time in a long while and their fans had enjoyed watching them win more games than usual. It had been a fun ride for both the players and their supporters.The coach entered the room, his voice cutting through the chatter. "Alright, boys. We’ve got one more friendly game and then we’re off for a long break. This season’s been fantastic, and I’m so proud of each and every one of you for the hard work you’ve put in. We came close, but let’s use this experience to push ourselves even further next season."The team nodded in agreement, the room filled with a sense of camaraderie."And listen," the coach continued, "we’ll have a closing ceremony after the Super Bowl in two weeks. I expect all of you to be there, and I want you at the Super Bowl too. Whether you go as a team or on your own, I need you there, because that’s where I want us to be next season."The locker room erupted in determined cheers and whistles, the air thick with the shared belief that they could make it happen next season.
**********
Harry and Liam had agreed to meet later that evening for drinks, and for Liam to fulfill his promise of buying Harry dinner. They decided to head back to their respective places to freshen up and rest for a bit before meeting up again.Harry and Liam’s friendship went back to high school, where they attended the same school and played on the same football team. After graduation, they were both drafted into the NFL, though to different teams.While Liam was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers, Harry spent four years with the Detroit Lions before transferring to the Chargers two seasons ago, including the current season that was now winding down.Despite playing for different teams early in their careers, Harry and Liam remained close, making time to meet up whenever possible, even with the distance between states.So when the Chargers expressed interest in signing Harry two years ago, it was a joyous moment for both of them. Not only did it mean reuniting with his best friend on the same team, but for Harry, it also meant returning home, his parents and sister lived in San Diego.When the time came, Harry made the decision easily, signing the contract without hesitation. Two years later, he found himself thriving: playing for a team he loved, helping them rise in the ranks and sharing the field with his best friend.The best part? He was home, with the freedom to drive to San Diego anytime to visit his family. Life was good, and Harry had no complaints.As the clock approached 6:30 PM, Harry decided to start getting ready for his evening with Liam. He opted for a casual yet stylish look, a well-fitted white t-shirt under a sleek black bomber jacket, paired with dark, loose-fit jeans that highlighted his athletic build.He completed the outfit with clean white sneakers, a few rings on his fingers, and a simple leather bracelet. His hair was effortlessly tousled, the curls falling just below his ears, giving him a laid-back yet confident vibe that perfectly blended his sporty background with a hint of personal flair.Satisfied with his look, Harry sprayed on his favorite cologne, grabbed his wallet and phone, and left his bedroom. He double-checked everything in his cozy apartment before pocketing his keys and heading out.Opting for a taxi so he could fully enjoy the night without worry, Harry locked up and stepped into the evening air, feeling relaxed and ready for a fun night with his best friend.
**************
When Harry entered Meltdown Bar, he immediately spotted Liam near the far end where they always sat whenever they came here. They both preferred the stools tucked away in the corner, hidden from the main crowd. It gave them some privacy and allowed them to sit with their backs to the room, reducing the chances of being recognized.One thing Harry loved about LA was that with so many celebrities in the entertainment industry, sportsmen didn’t draw as much attention unless the crowd was made up of dedicated football fans. Their team wasn’t as high-profile as some others which offered some relief. Harry had seen firsthand how celebrities could be hounded by paparazzi.“Hey, mate. Hope you didn’t wait long. My taxi was delayed, and the traffic was insane,” Harry said in lieu of a greeting as he took the stool next to Liam.“Nah, don’t worry, bro. I’ve only been here for about five minutes,” Liam replied with a soft smile, signaling the waiter with a quick gesture.They settled in and Harry absentmindedly flipped through the menu, even though he knew he’d end up ordering his usual. When the waiter came by to take their orders, Harry went with his go-to, a cheeseburger and cheese fries, while Liam ordered his standard chicken wings. They both started off with a pint.“It’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve been here. Do you notice anything different?” Liam asked, glancing around the bar. Harry looked around too, his brow furrowing slightly.“Hmm... Now that you mentioned it, I can see some changes. The decor’s a bit different, and I think the staff are wearing new shirts. Oh wait, are they doing karaoke?” Harry asked, his voice lighting up with excitement.“Looks like it,” Liam agreed, scanning the room. “Think they changed management? It’s definitely busier, and this new setup reminds me of that Irish pub we visited while in Boston with the team.”Just then, their food arrived.“Thanks, uh... Garry,” Harry said, glancing at the name tag on the waiter’s shirt. “Did you guys change management here?” he asked curiously. Both he and Liam watched as Garry’s eyes lit up.“Yeah, we got a new owner. He decided to change a lot of things, except the name and the staff. He said he loved the team here, so he kept us on and even gave us a raise,” Garry replied, grinning widely.“Sounds like a solid bloke,” Liam said, popping a fry into his mouth. “Nice fries, by the way,” he added as Garry walked off with a promise to check on them later for refills.“So, what do you want to do for your birthday this weekend?” Liam asked, his voice casual as he took a long sip of his cold beer, the glass bottle slick with condensation.The late afternoon sun streamed through the pub’s windows, casting a warm, golden glow over their small corner table. The low hum of chatter and clinking glasses filled the air around them.Harry leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms before folding them across his chest, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips. “Well, we’ve got that friendly game on Saturday so I don’t think I’ll be doing much, to be honest. But I’ll be driving back to San Diego on Sunday,” he added, his tone softening as he thought about home.His birthday was something he always spent with his family, and no matter how hectic his life as a quarterback got, he never missed that tradition. There was something grounding about it, a reminder of who he was before fame.Liam raised an eyebrow, setting his beer down with a soft clink. “Ah, home for the big day, huh? Speaking of family… My sister's been bugging me about going to the Super Bowl. She wants to tag along, but I’m still not sure if we’re going as a team or separately.”Harry chuckled, running a hand through his slightly messy hair. “I think it’s better if we don’t go as a team,” he said, his voice thoughtful as he pulled off his jacket, draping it over the back of his chair. “We’re not playing, and it wouldn’t be fair to the teams that are. I mean, imagine the attention shifting to us. It’s their moment, not ours.”Liam nodded slowly, considering it. The pub lights dimmed slightly as the evening crowd trickled in, creating a cozy atmosphere. They settled back into the comfortable rhythm of their conversation, the kind where words flowed easily, often interrupted by laughter.Garry, their regular waiter, appeared with a friendly smile, clearing their plates and refilling their pints without needing to ask.The jukebox kicked in, and soon a familiar tune filled the room. Liam’s eyes lit up instantly as he began bobbing his head to the beat, mouthing the words to the song playing. “Gotta get it out of my system, system,” he sang quietly, a grin spreading across his face.Harry couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. Liam was a diehard indie and rock fan and he was always trying to drag Harry into his musical world. No matter how many times Liam insisted on sharing his playlists or taking him to shows, Harry just couldn’t get into it.He still remembered that one time when his teammates had roped him into going to a rock concert. The lead singer was apparently a huge deal in the music world but the name had completely escaped Harry’s mind. He’d rather stay in his apartment, watching old Stevie Nicks performances than dive into that chaotic scene.“This guy’s insane,” Liam said, still nodding to the music. “He’s literally the biggest rockstar of our generation, but when it comes to love? The guy’s got the worst luck.”Harry raised an eyebrow, curious despite himself. “Who are you talking about?”“The guy singing,” Liam explained. “He just broke up with his boyfriend of two years. Everyone's anticipating another breakup album. we all know he’s gonna drop one.”Harry furrowed his brow, feeling a pang of cynicism. “Wait, so he dates guys, breaks up with them and then turns it into an album?” He leaned forward, his voice dripping with disbelief. “Sounds like a bit of a jerk to me.”Liam looked mildly offended, but Harry just shook his head, rolling his eyes as he leaned back again. “I mean, seriously, is that what he does? Dates people just to make music out of their breakup?”“Hey, let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know him,” Liam shot back, a little defensive. “Besides, most of the guys he’s dated came from nothing. After the breakup, they all blew up in fame. I think there’s more going on than just that.”Harry shrugged, unfazed. “Maybe your rockstar’s the problem then. If he’s got that many exes, something’s not right.”Liam made a noise of protest, his brows furrowed. Harry raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, mate. It’s not like I care about the music scene anyway.”Liam sighed, shaking his head, clearly not willing to let it go. “He actually seems like a decent guy. Ruth, my sister, is a huge fan, so I’ve heard a lot about him. Everyone thought his last relationship was going to last but then two weeks ago, his ex posted on Instagram that they’d called it quits. He hasn’t said a word since. He’s been completely silent.”Harry stifled a laugh, amused at how invested Liam was in the rockstar’s personal life. “Jesus, Liam, you’re acting like you know the guy personally. Trust me, he’ll be fine. He’ll probably get another hit album out of it, right? Isn’t that what he always does after a breakup?”Liam muttered something under his breath, clearly frustrated. “You’re so thick-headed sometimes,” he grumbled.Harry chuckled, raising his pint in a toast. “Cheers to that,” he said, flashing a grin that made his dimples deepen, his eyes twinkling with mischief.Liam grumbled in response but there was no real heat behind it. Harry knew it was just a part of their dynamic, banter and a little ribbing here and there, but always good-natured.As the night wore on, the pub grew livelier. They found themselves closer to the small stage where a handful of brave souls were taking turns at karaoke. A group nearby started singing an off-key rendition of some classic hit, and Harry and Liam exchanged amused glances.Every now and then, a few fans approached them, recognizing the star quarterback and his best friend. Some asked for pictures, others for autographs, but a few simply wanted to chat, content to share a moment with the pair in a casual setting.Despite the attention, the evening remained laid-back, just like most nights out with Liam. By the time they both stood to leave, the air outside had cooled, and the faint buzz of the city night surrounded them.

As they said their goodbyes and slipped into separate taxis, there was the easy, unspoken promise that they’d meet up again before the weekend for another round of fun.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Louis sat in the boardroom with Zayn by his side, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. The air in the room felt heavy, almost stifling, despite the large space. It had been two days since the constant calls from his management and record label had started, and the pressure was building.Even with Zayn there, his presence a source of comfort, Louis couldn’t shake the feeling that the walls were closing in on him. He knew exactly what they were going to ask, what they always asked after a breakup, but this time he wasn’t ready. He didn’t want to be pushed back into the spotlight to talk about his heartbreak. He wanted to grieve in peace, away from the prying eyes of the world."Hey, it’s alright Lou," Zayn said softly, his voice breaking through Louis’ anxious thoughts. "They can’t make you do anything you don’t want to. Remember that you’re the boss here. They’ve got more to lose than you do in all of this."Zayn’s words were a lifeline, and Louis was thankful to have him by his side. As he looked at his friend, a wave of gratitude washed over him. He would never forget the day they met all those years ago, it was a story they still laughed about, even now.Back then, Louis had just signed his first major record deal and had gone out to celebrate with his childhood friends. They hit a club and that’s where he stumbled across Zayn, working behind the bar.They were both still in their late teens, and when Louis tried to order a drink, Zayn refused to serve him, sticking to the rules despite the chaos of the club. Louis, always quick on his feet, threatened to report Zayn for being underage and working illegally.To Louis’ surprise, he wasn’t wrong. Zayn really was a minor, and with no other choice, he begrudgingly poured Louis the drink, his eyes full of fear and annoyance.That night, they bonded over the absurdity of the situation, sharing a secret that could get them both in trouble. Louis kept coming back to the club after that, and even though Zayn always tried to refuse him alcohol, the two of them quickly became friends.Zayn had been one of the most striking people Louis had ever seen: tall, lean, with sharp features and an effortless coolness about him that turned heads whenever he went somewhere. Louis wasn’t immune to all of that, and apparently, Zayn wasn’t immune to Louis either.There was a brief moment when they’d tried something more than friendship, stealing a kiss one night when they were both a little too tipsy. But the next day, they both laughed about it, agreeing to never mention it again. From that point on, their bond only deepened, though not in the romantic way people might have expected.Now, years later, Louis wouldn’t trade their relationship for anything. Zayn had become his constant, his protector, and his rock in the unpredictable whirlwind of fame. Louis would’ve been lost in the sprawling city of Los Angeles if Zayn hadn’t been there every step of the way. When Louis asked him to be his personal assistant and move from London to LA, Zayn didn’t hesitate.Louis glanced at him now, sitting beside him with that same steady calm he’d always had. No matter how many people came and went in Louis' life, Zayn was always there, a quiet but unwavering presence in a world that constantly shifted.“Thank you for being here, Z. Sometimes I feel like I don’t say it enough,” Louis said softly, guilt creeping into his voice. He knew he appreciated his best friend but he couldn’t help feeling like he didn’t show it enough.Zayn gave him a reassuring smile, his tone gentle. “That’s because you don’t need to thank me, babes. You already do so much for me, and I couldn’t ask for more. We’re in this together, alright?” His words were calm, but filled with warmth.Just as Zayn finished speaking, the heavy doors of the boardroom swung open, and the label team started filing in. “Here come the wolves,” Zayn muttered under his breath. Louis giggled at his comment, and Zayn’s brown eyes sparkled with pride at hearing his best friend laugh, his heart warming from the small moment of lightness.The label executive, Chris, was the first to speak as he made his way to the table, his expression impassive. “I don’t think you need your personal assistant here, Louis. You can take your own notes, right?” His voice was flat, almost dismissive as he set his laptop down in front of him.Louis clenched his jaw but kept his response steady. “You know Zayn’s more than just my PA, Chris. If I want him here, he’s staying. Can we just get this over with?” Frustration rippled through his voice but before he could get more worked up, Zayn’s hand rested gently on his thigh. The touch was grounding, calming the rising tension inside him.Alex, Louis’ manager, entered next, his face breaking into a warm smile as he nodded at both of them. “Hey, Louis. Zayn.” Louis always appreciated Alex. He was one of the few who genuinely cared about Louis’ well-being, always working with Zayn to negotiate with the label for what Louis needed.“Hey, Alex,” Louis replied with a small smile of his own.“What’s up, mate?” Zayn added, fist-bumping Alex before sitting back in his chair.The other two members of the label followed, murmuring their greetings before taking their seats. Louis gnawed on his thumbnail, knowing exactly why they were here. He was just waiting for the inevitable bomb to drop. Zayn shot him a small, reassuring smile from beside him, silently offering support.“So, about the new album.” Chris wasted no time getting to the point. “When can we expect it, Louis? I think it’s best for everyone if we nail down a release date, don’t you?” His tone was brisk, as if he couldn’t feel the tension thickening in the room.Chris had always been an egotistical jerk, focused only on what would benefit the label. He was one of the reasons new artists rarely stayed long. The pressure was relentless, and the expectations were astronomical.Louis was staying with this label out of loyalty only. Despite Alex telling him he was now the biggest rockstar in the world and could sign with any label or even go independent, Louis had chosen to stay. But lately, the idea of going independent had been crossing his mind more and more.Before Louis could speak, Alex cleared his throat and took charge. “On behalf of Louis and his team, we’ve decided that he’ll take a break to work on his next album without any pressure.”Alex’s calm yet firm voice filled the room, and Louis whipped his head up so fast he almost felt his neck crack. He could see Zayn smirking beside him while Chris looked as if Alex had just said something ludicrous.“Excuse me?” Chris blinked, dumbfounded.“We think it’s best for Louis to take a break,” Alex repeated, unfazed.“I hear you, but what makes you think that’s the best idea?” Chris leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as if addressing children.Alex remained unshaken though, “Don’t you think it’s getting old? The public’s starting to get bored with him releasing albums after every breakup. They’re already calling him names, and that’s not good for his image. If Louis’ ex wants to act like a fool, that’s his problem. Louis won’t be releasing another album unless he’s ready.”Louis felt his chest tighten at Alex’s words, but he knew his manager was right. It still hurt, hearing the mention of Daniel, but he was determined to tune it out.Zayn must have sensed the tension building because his hand squeezed Louis’ thigh again, this time with a comforting pressure. Louis met his eyes and found a small smile waiting for him, grounding him once more.Chris wasn’t backing down. “He can’t just disappear. His fans are already asking questions. What’s the plan, then?”Zayn yawned obnoxiously beside him, earning a snicker from Louis, who quickly covered his face with his hands. Alex shot Zayn a look, silently telling him to behave.“Well,” Alex began smoothly, “Louis is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. That should keep his fans engaged for a while.”“I am?” Louis blinked, completely caught off guard. How had this conversation shifted from album deadlines to him performing at one of the biggest events in the world?Alex smiled knowingly. “Yeah, I got the email yesterday. It was a last-minute offer, but I accepted because I knew it would be good for you. It’ll divert attention away from all the breakup talk and give the public something positive to focus on.”Louis’ surprise morphed into a mixture of excitement and nerves. “Oh my God. This is huge, Alex. The Super Bowl is a massive deal!”Alex smiled at him with genuine warmth. “It’ll be great for you, Louis. You’ll have time to focus on the album later. For now, enjoy performing again.”Chris, however, wasn’t about to let them move on so easily. “Have you all forgotten the label still has a say in these things?” His voice was dripping with irritation. Zayn snorted, trying to hide his amusement, but Louis kicked him lightly under the table.“I’m performing at the Super Bowl,” Louis said firmly, ignoring Chris' protests.Alex clapped his hands together, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Well, there you have it. Our rockstar has spoken. Anything else, Chris?”Chris stood up abruptly, gathering his things with a sour expression. “I expect you to be in the studio in a year and a half, Louis Tomlinson. No more extensions. And keep him out of trouble,” he added, gesturing towards Zayn before storming out of the room, his minions trailing after him.Louis let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and exchanged a look with Zayn, who was grinning widely. Alex shook his head with a smirk. "Well, that went well."Louis couldn't help but chuckle, the weight on his chest lifting just a little.
*************
"That’s amazing, boo. Do you want me to travel and come see you? You know I don’t mind, right? Charlotte can stay with your siblings." Louis’ mum, Jaana, said, her voice warm with concern. Louis could picture her on the other end of the line, always so ready to drop everything for him.After the meeting, Louis and Zayn had parted ways. His best friend had explained that he needed to meet up with the band to start preparing for rehearsals. Louis was secretly relieved.The meeting had drained him, and he didn’t have the emotional energy to face his bandmates. He wasn’t ready for the looks of pity they would inevitably give him, the sympathy in their eyes, and the soft reassurances."It’s alright, Mum," Louis replied, putting his phone on speaker as he moved about his kitchen, a knife in hand as he sliced up fruit for a snack. "You don’t have to travel all the way here. I’m honestly okay, and you guys can watch me on TV."The gentle hum of the kitchen filled the background, and Louis took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Besides," he added, "Dalia and Piper’s dance recital is coming up, right? I think you should stay and help them with that."Louis’ heart ached when he talked about his sisters. He loved them deeply, and it pained him that he couldn’t be there for their milestones, watching them shine in person. But he always made sure to celebrate from afar, never letting distance dull his pride in their accomplishments.Charlotte, his older sister, was currently in college, studying literature. She dreamed of being a writer one day, already talking excitedly about the bestseller she was going to publish. Dalia and Piper, his youngest sisters, were twins who had just started high school.They were passionate dancers, though neither had quite figured out what they wanted to do with their futures beyond dance. Louis always reassured them not to rush. He’d tell them to enjoy what they loved for now, that they had plenty of time to decide.His family still lived a modest, simple life back in Doncaster. His dad, Mathew, ran the largest car wash in town, while his mum owned a small, cozy coffee shop just next to it. Louis cherished the thought of them living like any other family, untouched by the chaos of his fame."I guess you’re right," his mum said with a sigh. "But you’ll let me know when you need me, won’t you? I’ll be there as soon as possible."He could feel the familiar warmth spreading through his chest, emotions bubbling up. He loved his mum so much it sometimes hurt. There were moments when he wished she could be near him all the time, but he knew his little sisters needed her more right now."I’m okay, Mum," he whispered softly, the words barely escaping his lips because it was all he could manage. His throat tightened, but he didn’t want to worry her any more than necessary."Has he contacted you again?" Jaana asked, her tone gentle but cautious. Louis didn’t need clarification to know she was talking about Daniel. His mum had always been wary of Daniel, much like she had been with his past relationships.She’d often lumped Daniel in with the others, never fully trusting him, even though Louis had dated him for two years. As it turned out, she’d been right all along. Daniel had been just like the rest."No, he hasn’t," Louis murmured, pausing his slicing for a moment. "And I don’t think he will, Mum. To be honest, I don’t really want him to." The admission still stung, though it was true. It hurt, of course, but Louis knew moving on was his only option. It would take time, but it was better than clinging to something that had never worked."Oh, baby..." Jaana’s voice was soft and full of sympathy. Louis could hear the sadness behind her words, and it was exactly what he had wanted to avoid."I’m alright, Mum. Please, don’t talk like I’ve lost my whole life. The only difference now is that I don’t have a love life anymore. Everything else is still the same." He tried to inject some lightness into his tone, though it was hard.The weight of loneliness hung heavily in the corners of his mind, but he didn’t want his mum to feel that burden too. He got his fruit and phone and left to the living room where he laid on the couch."You know what, boo?" Jaana’s voice suddenly grew animated, her playful tone returning. "You’re going to meet the best man ever, one who’s going to love the absolute hell out of you. Oops, forget that I cursed." Louis let out a small laugh, his chest warming at the sound of his mum’s cheeky humor. She always had a way of lightening the mood, even in the darkest of times."I’m serious!" she continued. "This man is going to love you so much you’ll feel like you can’t breathe because you will be drowning in love, darling. He’ll be handsome, kind, and he’ll kiss the very ground you walk on. But most importantly, he’ll love you for who you are, and he’ll be your number one protector."Louis couldn’t hold it back anymore. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he curled into himself on the couch, where he was now holding the phone close to his chest. He wished so desperately that his mum’s words would come true, but deep down, doubt gnawed at him. He wasn’t sure if he was that lucky."Thanks, Mum," he whispered, his voice breaking as he tried to keep himself together. He didn’t know if her vision of the future would come to pass, but for now, her words were enough to soothe his aching heart.
*************
The sun shone brightly over SoFi Stadium as the Los Angeles Chargers took the field for a friendly game against the Green Bay Packers. It wasn’t a high-stakes matchup, but the energy was still electric.Harry, as the quarterback, stood at the center of it all, calm and confident as ever, with his trademark grin. His leadership was contagious, and the entire team seemed to feed off his enthusiasm.As the game kicked off, Harry led the team with poise and precision. On the first drive, he took a moment to scan the field, reading the Packers’ defense like an open book. He saw Danny, his reliable wide receiver, break free from his defender on a slant route.Without hesitation, Harry launched a perfect spiral downfield, hitting Danny in stride for a 25-yard gain. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Harry remained focused, guiding his team towards the end zone with an almost casual ease."Nice one, mate!" Liam shouted from the sidelines, his voice full of excitement. He knew that when Harry was in the zone, nothing could stop him.On the next play, the Packers’ defense tried to apply pressure, sending a linebacker blitz straight at Harry. But with the calmness of a seasoned pro, Harry sidestepped the rush, buying himself just enough time to find Jace, his tight end, streaking towards the corner of the end zone.Harry released the ball with a flick of his wrist, and Jace hauled it in for a touchdown. The Chargers were on the board within minutes, and it seemed like it was going to be a long day for Green Bay.As the game progressed, Harry and the Chargers’ offense moved the ball with ease. Every throw from Harry was sharp, on target, and perfectly timed.He connected with his receivers on short passes, slants, and deep throws, keeping the Packers’ defense guessing. His chemistry with his team was undeniable; they were having fun out there, and it showed.By the third quarter, the Chargers had built a comfortable lead. Harry’s pinpoint accuracy and smart decision-making had resulted in three touchdowns, and it felt like the team could do no wrong.Even when the Packers’ defense managed to close the pocket around him, Harry always found a way to escape, scrambling for short yardage or finding an open man just in time.Meanwhile, Liam, patrolling the defense as safety, was having his own fun. Though the Packers’ offense struggled to find any rhythm, whenever they did try to push downfield, Liam was there, reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking up passes with ease.On one particular play, The Packers attempted a deep throw down the middle, but Liam leaped high into the air, snatching the ball away for an interception. As he jogged back to the Chargers' sideline, the stadium roared, and Harry was the first to greet him with a chest bump."That’s what I’m talking about bro!" Harry laughed, giving Liam a playful shove."Just doing my part, quarterback," Liam shot back, flashing a grin.The fourth quarter rolled around and the Chargers had no intention of letting up. With the game firmly in their control, Harry began to play more freely, even improvising a few plays with Danny and Jace, drawing routes in the dirt on the sideline like kids in a backyard football game. It wasn’t just about winning now; it was about enjoying the moment.In the final minutes, Harry took one last snap. He rolled out to his right, his eyes locked on Danny, who was streaking toward the sideline. With a quick flick of the wrist, Harry sent the ball sailing through the air. Danny caught it effortlessly and darted down the sideline for another touchdown, sealing the Chargers’ dominant win.As the clock wound down and the game ended, the Chargers celebrated their easy victory. Harry, drenched in sweat but still grinning, high-fived his teammates, his spirits high.“Great game, everyone,” Harry said, pulling off his helmet and shaking out his hair. “This is why we play, lads. For days like this.”Liam clapped him on the back. “We’re just following your lead, QB.”They moved around the stadium, greeting the Packers' players, exchanging a few words of congratulations for a game well-played. There was a sense of mutual respect in the air as the teams mingled briefly, patting each other on the back, their exhaustion overshadowed by the adrenaline of competition.The coaches shook hands, exchanging a few words before everyone began to scatter, some heading towards the locker rooms, while others lingered to greet the fans who were still cheering from the stands. A few players stopped to take selfies, signing autographs for the crowd.As Harry stood near the edge of the field, a girl approached him, chewing her gum loudly and twirling her hair. She looked like she was in her early twenties, her eyes bright with excitement."Hey, you look exhausted," she said with a playful smile, her gaze lingering on him. "I can help you relax, massage your body and help you….you know, unwind." She punctuated the offer with a wink.Harry chuckled, feeling slightly uncomfortable but trying to keep things polite. "Oh, thanks, darling," he said, taking the pen she handed him. "What would you like me to sign?""Here," the girl replied, leaning forward as she pushed her chest toward him, clearly expecting him to sign her skin.Harry’s face flushed with embarrassment, his heart beating a little faster. He quickly handed the pen back, taking a step backward to put some space between them. "I’m sorry, I can’t do that," he said, keeping his voice firm yet gentle, trying not to offend her.Without waiting for her response, he turned away, hearing her mutter something under her breath. He didn't bother to catch the words, focusing instead on the familiar sights and sounds of the stadium around him. The lingering cheers of the crowd, the flashing scoreboard, the buzz of excitement in the air. It all brought a sense of peace after the chaos of the game.Harry glanced up at the scoreboard one last time, a small smile tugging at his lips. It wasn’t just about the victory today. It was about doing what he loved, surrounded by the teammates he respected, in a moment that reminded him why he played the game in the first place.
*************
"With that, I want to thank each and every one of you for the amazing season we've had. It's been one of the best we've seen in a long time, and it gives me faith that next season, we'll be even better. Who knows? Maybe by this time next year, we'll be the ones preparing for the Super Bowl," Coach Benedict said, his voice carrying a weight of determination as the team roared in agreement, their spirits high.The locker room buzzed with energy. Some players clapped each other on the back, while others simply nodded, their eyes gleaming with the same fire as the coach. Harry glanced over at Liam, sharing a knowing look.They were both part of the group that had been chosen to represent the team at various sponsor events over the break. Though the season was technically over, there were still commitments to honor."Enjoy your breaks, spend time with your families and friends, but don’t forget to keep yourselves sharp. Do a little practice at home to stay fit—I want to see you all come back stronger and better next season," the coach continued.The players nodded in acknowledgement, but Coach Benedict wasn’t done. He added, "For those of you chosen to represent the team as ambassadors for our various sponsors, I expect we’ll be seeing each other sooner than July." A ripple of murmurs ran through the room, as some players knew they had media and promotional duties to fulfill.Harry and Liam exchanged glances. They were among the ones required to attend a few team events and sponsorship deals during the offseason. It was part of being in the spotlight, and both were used to it by now.A chorus of "Yes, Coach," echoed around the room, the sound of loyalty and respect filling the space. It was moments like this that made Harry love this team. The dedication, the camaraderie—it was more than just a job, it was a family. Every player was willing to give their all for the collective success, just like they had this season."And lastly," Coach Benedict said, pausing for effect, "a very happy early birthday to our quarterback!"The locker room erupted into cheers, the sound bouncing off the walls, filling the space with warmth and joy. Before Harry could react, a cold shock hit him—Liam had dumped an entire bucket of ice water over his head. The freezing liquid soaked through his clothes, sending a shiver down his spine as his teammates laughed and patted him on the back, wishing him a happy birthday."Come out with us tonight, Harry! Drinks are on us!" Jace called out, but Harry, still dripping, waved them off with a grin."Thanks, but I’m driving to San Diego tomorrow to see my parents. I’ll catch up with you all next weekend," Harry replied, knowing that the trip was something he needed. It had been too long since he’d spent a quiet moment with his family."Don’t worry, QB, we’ll celebrate before the Super Bowl!" Jace said, and the team nodded in agreement, planning another night out.The team began to disperse, gathering their belongings and heading toward the showers. Just as Harry was about to leave, Coach Benedict called out, "If you all are done, I’d like to give Styles his birthday present."The room paused, and all eyes turned back to the coach. From one of the lockers, Coach Benedict pulled out a carefully wrapped, rectangular package. Harry smiled, feeling a wave of warmth in his chest.This was one of the reasons he loved being part of the Chargers. Coach always made sure every player felt appreciated on their special day.Harry unwrapped the present slowly, and when he pulled back the final layer of paper, he gasped. It was a framed photograph of him scoring his first touchdown for the team.The image was powerful, capturing the sheer determination on his face as he crossed into the endzone, the crowd in the background cheering wildly. The frame was elegant, and the photo—a moment frozen in time—was a reminder of everything he had overcome to get here.His throat tightened, and his eyes stung with emotion. He hadn’t expected something so thoughtful. The moment felt personal, deeply meaningful.The thing was, Harry had struggled when he first joined the Detroit Lions. Moving away from his family had been tough, and the homesickness had impacted his performance on the field. Despite making friends in Detroit, the distance from home weighed heavily on him, and his game had suffered.When the Los Angeles Chargers expressed interest in him, Harry hadn’t hesitated. His former team had been understanding, and his coach had even told him he would thrive being closer to home. And now, two years later, he found his place.Harry choked back the emotion and managed a quiet, "Thank you, Coach."The room erupted again, this time with playful "Awws!" and mock sentiment, the teasing laughter breaking the tension and lightening the mood. Harry chuckled, shaking his head as his teammates gathered around to clap him on the back one last time.As the room emptied, Liam promised to wait for Harry outside, leaving him a moment alone with Coach Benedict."I can’t thank you enough for believing in me," Harry said once everyone had cleared out, his voice low but sincere. He sat down on the bench, and Coach Benedict joined him, sitting across from him."You’re a great lad, Styles. The best quarterback we’ve had in twenty years," Coach Benedict said, his tone filled with pride. "You’ve completely changed this team’s dynamics in just two years. I still regret not signing you and Payne back when we had the chance. You two play brilliantly together."Harry smiled, his heart swelling with pride not just for himself, but for Liam too. The two of them had always dreamed of playing side by side since their college days, and it had been tough when they went to different teams after graduation. But fate had brought them back together, and now, they were living that dream."I know it’s far-fetched," Harry began, his voice filled with determination, "but we’re going to the Super Bowl next year, Coach. I promise. You deserve to see this team shine, and I’m going to make sure it happens."Coach Benedict smiled, his eyes filled with belief. "I know you will, Styles."Their shared smile was one of mutual understanding, both of them quietly holding onto the hope that next season would be the one where all their dreams came true.
*************
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Harry, happy birthday to you!" Harry’s mum, Annie, and his dad, Richard, sang as Annie carefully brought the cake to the dining table for Harry to cut."You look like a monster!" his sister, Gemma, teased, starting to sing again. But the sharp look from their mum made her stop immediately. Harry stuck his tongue out at her playfully, grinning."It’s your brother’s birthday, Gems. Be nice to him for once," their mum scolded, while Harry snickered under his breath, causing Gemma to smack the back of his head."Ow!" Harry yelped, rubbing his head."Gemma Styles, leave your brother alone," Annie said, exasperated."I didn’t even hit him that hard!" Gemma pouted, turning to her dad. "Dad, please defend me!"Richard chuckled, tapping the seat next to him. "Come sit down, sweetheart." Gemma, a daddy’s girl through and through, couldn’t resist the invitation.Meanwhile, Harry, always the mama’s boy, was still smirking, feeling victorious. Despite their teasing, both Annie and Richard adored their children and showed them endless love."Can I cut my cake now?" Harry asked eagerly, picking up the small knife from the table. His eyes shone with excitement. The cake was homemade by his mum, and Harry couldn’t have been more grateful.He absolutely loved her pastries and desserts. It had always been a family tradition for his mum to bake birthday cakes, and Harry and Gemma never missed celebrating at home, no matter how busy their lives got."Yes, honey, but first, make a wish," Annie reminded him with a loving smile.Harry closed his eyes, thinking of a wish, a silly one, some might say, but he truly hoped it would come true this year. After a moment, he opened his eyes and smiled mischievously."What did you wish for, H?" Gemma asked curiously."Nope, not telling you," Harry replied, raising an eyebrow. "Don’t you know that wishes are supposed to stay secret?""Fine, just cut the cake already, I’m starving!" she whined impatiently."You just ate, sweetheart," Richard said, smiling fondly at his daughter."That was dinner, now I’m ready for dessert," she quipped, making her parents laugh while Harry rolled his eyes dramatically."Alright, let’s count down," Annie said, her voice warm with joy. "Three, two, oooonnneee!" They all prolonged the last word as Harry made the first cut into the cake. At that moment, Richard popped the confetti poppers, filling the room with bright colors and laughter."I can’t believe you’re officially 26," Richard said, pulling Harry into a hug. "It feels like just yesterday your mum and I brought you home from the hospital.""Dad, are you crying?" Harry teased, chuckling softly as he pulled away from his father’s embrace."I’m definitely not!" Richard protested, though his watery eyes said otherwise."He definitely is," both Annie and Gemma chimed in, causing the whole room to erupt in laughter once more.After enjoying the cake, which served as dessert after the hearty meal Annie and Gemma had prepared earlier in the day, the family settled into a contented post-dinner routine. Despite the heavy traffic that day, Harry had managed to make it home just in time for his birthday dinner.Last night he’d spent the night at Liam’s place for what was supposed to be a casual quiet dinner. However it turned into a drinking fest when his best friend pulled out a few bottles of liquor he had stashed away for special occasions. Harry had woken up at midday to several missed calls from his mum, reminding him to hurry home to San Diego.So, despite the traffic, he was just relieved to be back home, surrounded by the people he loved.After dinner, Harry offered to help his mum wash up the dishes. Gemma stayed behind in the living room with their dad, watching a musical documentary.As a pianist, Gemma was always fascinated by anything related to music, especially if it involved pianos. She often played local gigs and was part of the Christmas orchestra during the holidays.Their dad, Richard, was a science professor who specialized in research, having authored several respected academic books.Annie, meanwhile, was a stay-at-home mum who volunteered at the local community center, teaching the youth how to bake and knit. Their lives were simple but filled with love."Hey, it’s your birthday. Let me do that," Annie said as she walked into the kitchen and saw Harry washing a few plates."No, Mum, it’s fine," Harry replied with a sleepy smile. "You know I don’t mind doing this.""That’s because you’re stubborn," Annie teased, moving closer to kiss his temple. Together, they finished loading the dishwasher."So, darling," Annie started, glancing at him with a playful glint in her eye, "have you met anyone special yet?""Mum!" Harry groaned, turning to face her fully. "I told you, I’m not interested in dating anyone right now. Maybe in a couple of years, but for now, all I want to focus on is football and leading my team to the Super Bowl.""I think if you find the right person, you can still achieve all that," Annie said softly, her eyes filled with motherly hope."That’s the problem, Mum," Harry sighed. "It’s hard to find the right person these days. I’m one of those people who wants to love deeply and settle down, but most people just date for fun. That’s not me. I’d rather spend my time on the field than waste it with the wrong person.""When did you grow up to be so wise?" Annie whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She stepped forward and pulled Harry into a warm embrace."I’m sure you’ll find that special someone soon, darling," she added, her voice muffled against his chest. "And you’re right. It’s better to wait for the right person than rush into something and end up with a broken heart."Harry hummed in agreement, holding her close. He loved his mum more than words could say, and in any world, he would always choose her to be his mother."I love you, Mum," he whispered into her ear."I love you too, sweetheart. And I’m so, so proud of you," she replied, her voice full of warmth.Suddenly, Gemma’s voice called from the kitchen entrance."Dad, come on, you’re missing out!" A moment later, she rushed into the kitchen, pulling them both into a group hug. A few seconds later, Richard joined in, wrapping his arms around all three of them."I love yous," were exchanged between the family members as they stood together in a tight embrace, a bubble of love and laughter in the heart of their home.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I’m too tired to be tough, just wanna be loved by y—”
Louis stopped singing abruptly, cutting himself off before the lyrics could fully escape his lips.“Stop,” he said, shaking his head. “Let’s scrub Defenceless off the setlist. I won’t be singing it.”His band members exchanged glances as Louis turned away, heading towards the mini fridge in the corner. He pulled out a bottle of water, twisting the cap off and taking a long gulp.A few droplets slipped from the corner of his mouth, trailing down his neck, sending an involuntary shiver through him. February’s chill still lingered, and even in the warmth of the studio, he didn’t appreciate the icy trickle against his skin.“Defenceless is a fan favorite, mate,” Zak said, furrowing his brows.“And one of your most-played tracks, even though it’s not a single. I mean, it literally got played at Wembley during the World cup finals.” Matt added, confused."Just imagine the cool fireworks during the song. I love the drums in that one," Steve chimed in, unable to hold back his enthusiasm.Defenceless wasn’t Steve's absolute favorite—that honor belonged to Out of My System, but he still loved playing it. There was something about the rhythm, the build-up, Louis' voice and the way the crowd always sang along that made it special.Louis exhaled through his nose, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before tossing the empty bottle into the trash. “Sorry, lads. Too many memories with that one.”“Oh,” Steve and Matt murmured in unison, while Zak muttered a quiet shit under his breath.Louis adored these boys. They had been with him since the beginning of his career. They had grown together, shared victories and defeats, laughter and heartbreak.He had discovered each of them separately—except for Michael and Isaac, who had come as a package deal since they were already dating at the time. When they weren’t working with him, they played various other gigs, but when they were together, they were a family.A presence suddenly appeared beside him, and he barely registered Michael’s voice before he spoke.“Hey, you alright?”Louis blinked. Michael had been across the room a second ago, how did he even get here so fast? He thought.“Hey, Mikey. I’m good. You?” He forced a smirk, wiggling his eyebrows. “Still planning that well-deserved break with your other half?”Michael chuckled, shaking his head as he quickly glanced at Isaac's way. “Yeah, yeah, but we’re not talking about me right now.”His tone softened. “You know Isaac and I are always here for you, right? So are the others.” He tilted his head towards the group. “I know you have Zayn, but you have us too. Always.”Louis swallowed. “I know. And I’m really grateful for that. I just…” He trailed off, sighing.“I’m fine.”He hated pity.These boys were among the few friends he had left, aside from those back home. But even with them, he rarely let his guard down. He couldn’t. Not completely.Michael came the closest, though. He had seen Louis in vulnerable states, nights when arguments with Daniel left him raw, or when the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear. There were times when Michael and Isaac had taken him in, letting him crash at their place.But with Zayn? With Zayn, there was no need for walls.Louis had broken down in front of him more times than he could count. He never had to explain himself, Zayn just understood. He was Louis’ lifeline. And Louis was his. They just worked.“Vas happenin’, bitches?”Zayn’s voice rang through the room, and Louis couldn’t help but grin.
Speak of the devil.
“You’re amazing, Lou. Just never forget that, okay?” Michael said softly, his eyes filled with sincerity. He gave Louis’ shoulder a reassuring pat before stepping away, leaving him with the warmth of his words.As Michael rejoined the others, chaos had already erupted. Zayn had barely set the food down before the group started arguing over who took whose order.Voices overlapped, complaints filled the air, and dramatic gestures were made over missing meals. Louis watched the scene unfold, a small smile tugging at his lips.He really loved these idiots.Feeling lighter, he walked towards them, dropping onto the floor next to Zayn.“Fucking hell, someone might think I starve you lot. Matt, just eat mine” Louis groaned as he grabbed his own container and held it out towards his bassist.“No, I want mine, but Isaac took it,” Matt whined, sounding every bit like a petulant child.Louis rolled his eyes. “We literally ordered the same thing.” He nudged the container towards Matt again. “Just take it.”Matt let out an exaggerated sigh, as if this was some great burden. “Well… if you insist.”Louis smirked, watching as he immediately dug in, his earlier reluctance vanishing the moment the food hit his tongue.“Pass me Isaac’s,” Louis told Zayn.Since Isaac had taken Matt’s food, the only plate left belonged to him. Chicken wings and fries. Not a bad trade.“So,” Steve said suddenly, his mouth still full. “Who do you guys think will win the Super Bowl?”“What the fuck, man, you just spat food on me!” Matt yelped, dragging himself away and rubbing his neck.“Stop whining, it was just one grain of rice,” Steve shot back, not caring at all.“So you did spit on him,” Zayn said, raising an eyebrow.“I bet the Chiefs will win it again this time,” Michael chimed in, eager to steer the conversation away from Steve’s questionable dining etiquette, or a launch into an impassioned rant about how much food had to leave someone’s mouth before it officially counted as spitting on another person.Matt muttered something under his breath, clearly still offended, but thankfully, the rest of the group chose to ignore it and move on.“Me too. I think they’ve been really strong this season, and they’ll be champions,” Isaac added.No one was the least bit surprised—of course he agreed with Michael. Those two were always on the same page about almost everything. If Michael said the sky was green, Isaac would probably nod along without question.“I don’t really care,” Zayn said between bites. “I’m a Chargers fan, and we’re not playing, so… may the best team win.”“I’m with Zayn on the not caring part,” Louis muttered against his glass of orange juice. “Also, I have no idea who the Chargers are.”“That’s because you’re boring, Lou,” Steve teased.“I only watch realfootball, mate,” Louis said, emphasizing the word with a pointed look. “We’re talking Premier League, La Liga, Champions League—actual football.”He let out a dramatic sigh, throwing his head back against the couch. “Fuck, now I miss home. I haven’t watched Doncaster Rovers play live in so long.”The mere thought made his chest ache a little. No matter how far he’d come, part of him would always belong in Doncaster, standing in the stands, cheering for his hometown club.Michael gasped, clutching his chest in fake outrage. “Take that back, you dickhead! How dare you talk about our football like that?”“You’re English, Mikey. Don’t be so offended,” Zak snickered—until Michael shot him a glare, instantly shutting him up.“All I’m saying is, I don’t understand a damn thing about American football,” Louis shrugged, stabbing a fry with his fork. “I’m just gonna show up, perform on Sunday, and that’s that.”The others looked at him like he had committed a grave sin.Zayn draped an arm around Louis’ shoulders. “Sorry, lads. I know I failed with this one. But don’t worry, I’ll force him to watch every match, come next season.”Louis wriggled out of his grip. “I’m not watching that shit show.”Matt, however, was grinning. “I’m with Michael, Isaac, and Steve. That sport has some really hot guys.”Steve smacked him on the head. “Only you would watch a sport just because the players are hot.”Matt huffed. “You guys don’t?” He looked around, incredulous, but everyone just stared at him blankly. He sighed dramatically. “Fine. More men for me, then.”Louis laughed, shaking his head.He really loved his band.
His friends.

*************
“Y’ello.”Louis answered the phone, tucking it between his shoulder and ear so he could continue picking up the scattered clothes on his bedroom floor.He had always been a contradiction, obsessed with cleanliness yet hopelessly disorganized. His space had to be spotless, but his belongings? Always in disarray.A familiar voice came through the receiver, and he froze mid-motion. His heart clenched painfully in his chest.
"Louis?"
He gripped a shirt in his hands, his knuckles whitening. Because—what the fuck? Why was Daniel calling him? After everything. After breaking his heart and crushing the pieces beneath his feet."Lou, are you there?" Daniel’s voice pressed again.Louis swallowed hard, his throat burning."Don’t call me that. You don’t get to call me that, Daniel." He forced the words out firmly, relieved that his voice held steady, refusing to waver.Daniel sighed dramatically. "Don’t be so sensitive. Anyway, do you know why I can’t get into the Italian restaurant we used to go to? Apparently, my membership was revoked."Louis clenched his jaw. Of course. He should’ve known Daniel wasn’t calling to apologize. He wasn’t calling to say he missed him, or that he regretted what he did. No, he was calling to complain. To demand answers about why he couldn’t mooch off of Louis’ name anymore."I don’t know," Louis said flatly."Don’t play games with me, Louis." Daniel’s voice grew impatient. "First, I got turned away from the golf course yesterday, and now this? My membership was revoked everywhere!"Louis blinked, then exhaled sharply through his nose. He made a mental note to thank Zayn later, because of course Zayn had to be the one to have revoked all the memberships.Louis had never even cared for those fancy places or restaurants that required reservations months in advance, exclusive horse-riding clubs, private golf courses.He didn’t even play golf. But Daniel had insisted, making him pay for a five-year membership. Now, he had the audacity to be pissed that the perks were gone."Maybe" Louis started slowly, tilting his head, "...you didn’t get access because they weren’t your memberships to begin with. You were just a guest of mine."The words left his mouth before he could think twice, and a part of him winced. He didn’t want to sound petty, but… maybe Daniel deserved it.His ex let out an incredulous laugh. "Jesus, I didn’t take you for the bitter type. Just because I dumped you doesn’t mean you have to be mean and petty."Louis felt his throat tighten as his vision blurred.
He thought he was past this. He thought he was done crying over Daniel. But his lips wobbled, and he bit down on his thumb, willing himself not to sob. He took a shaky breath before responding."Is that all? Because I need to get back to cleaning." His voice was clipped, forced. And before Daniel could say another word, Louis hung up.The second the call ended, the weight of it all crashed down on him. The pain came in full force, raw and suffocating. A strangled sob tore from his throat as he collapsed onto the bed, his body curling in on itself.How could someone you once thought loved you, someone who was supposed to protect you, turn out to be the complete opposite?His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe through the sobs. He hated this. Hated that Daniel still had this power over him. Hated that his heart still felt like it was being squeezed in a vice.With trembling hands, he reached for his phone and dialed the only person he needed right now.It rang three times before Zayn answered."Babes!" Zayn’s cheerful voice filtered through, but when Louis didn’t reply, his tone shifted instantly. "Lou? Lou, are you okay? Answer me."Louis pressed the phone to his ear, harder, trying to steady himself. "Daniel called," he whimpered, his voice breaking.There was a beat of silence. Then, Zayn’s voice came firm and unwavering.
"I’m on my way."
In the background, the muffled sounds of music faded, replaced by the blaring noise of the city. Zayn was already moving, probably pushing through crowds to get outside.But Louis shook his head. He didn’t want to be here. He couldn’t stay in this apartment, drowning in memories of Daniel."No," he pleaded softly. "I don’t want to stay here. Can I come to you? Where are you?”"Of course, babes." Zayn’s answer was immediate. "I’m at a bar downtown. Just grab a taxi—I’ll send you the address."
Louis exhaled, trying to calm the tremors in his hands."Okay. Love you."
"Love you too, babes."
The call ended, and Louis wasted no time. He forced himself off the bed, wiping his face as he hurried to the bathroom. He couldn’t risk being seen looking like this. Not when the world was always watching, waiting for him to break.He turned on the shower, bracing himself for the cold spray. He had to pull himself together.At least for tonight.
*****************
Louis spotted Zayn standing just on the sidewalk as the taxi parked. He quickly handed the driver the money and told him to keep the change before getting out.Thankfully, he had tried to blend in a bit by wearing his usual baseball cap and oversized hoodie. They always made him go incognito."Hey, babes," Zayn said immediately as Louis reached him, pulling him into a hug. Louis wrapped his arms around Zayn’s waist, breathing him in. His best friend's scent quickly calmed him."Hi," Louis whispered in reply, sighing in contentment."Come on, let's get inside, okay?" The raven haired one said, stepping out of the street and leading the other towards the entrance of the bar.Louis had never been to this part of LA, and he was actually excited to be somewhere new, somewhere where he wouldn’t be reminded of Daniel. Hopefully."What is this place?" he asked as he followed Zayn inside. The security didn’t stop them, as his best friend gave them a wave. He couldn’t help but notice the huge sign that read Meltdown Bar at the entrance."I came here last week with Steve. They have karaoke every day at 9 PM and we just wanted to get drunk while listening to some bad voices, and I just fell in love with the place. The bartender is cool, too. He gave me free fries today—sorry you called me late, I already ate them all." Zayn said everything in one breath, and Louis had a hard time processing it all. But his brain got stuck on the fact that Zayn got free fries and ate them alone."You ate the free fries alone?" Louis asked, feeling betrayed, because what the fuck did their friendship turn into?"Is that all you got from this? Sorry, babes," Zayn shrugged, leading Louis to a seat in front of the bar. He helped Louis get comfortable on the high stools before sitting on his own.Louis actually felt relaxed in the place. The music was calming, and since the karaoke hadn’t started yet, people were quietly chatting to each other.It was still late evening, so the place wasn’t lively yet, except for a group of rowdy guys who were chatting loudly. One of them, wearing a ridiculous birthday hat, stood out to Louis.
He could only see the guy's back, but he could also tell that he worked out frequently, judging from the toned back and arms."You are buying my drinks tonight," Louis said, turning his attention back to Zayn, who was already calling the bartender."I thought you left already. Saw you running out the door some time back," the bartender said with a friendly smile. He had bright blue eyes and bleached blond hair, wearing a ridiculous apron.Louis would have laughed if it wasn’t for the shock and recognition that took over the guy’s face when he saw Louis."I didn’t leave. I just went to pick this one up," Zayn replied, pulling Louis' stool closer to his and wrapping his arm around his shoulders."Hey, mate, I’m Louis, and I’m here for the free fries you supposedly serve," Louis said cheekily, trying to make the situation less awkward. He gave the bartender a soft smile, acknowledging that the guy recognized him."Well, nice to meet you, Louis. I’m Niall," the bartender said, extending his hand for a handshake. His grin widened. "You’re a lucky man. I may have some free fries for you too," he winked."Hey, that’s unfair. How come he got them immediately? I came here three times before I was eligible for free fries," Zayn whined in mock offense, glancing between Louis and Niall.Louis knew Niall was a fan, and Niall knew that Louis knew that. So it wasn’t weird when Louis winked at him and then turned to Zayn. "Well, Zaynie, I can’t help that I’m just more appealing than you," He replied with a shrug."I mean, can’t argue with that," Zayn chuckled, looking back at his best friend fondly.He knew they needed to talk about Daniel and what that scumbag did this time, which had made Louis sound so broken earlier, but for now, he didn’t bring it up. Louis looked a little more relaxed, not like he had sounded on the phone 40 minutes ago."Okay, lads, enough of all the cliché stuff. What can I get you to drink? And no, Louis, I didn’t forget the free fries," Niall cut Louis off before he could comment, noticing his hand was raised. Louis immediately put his hand down and stayed quiet.They both ordered two pints.Just as Niall went to prepare their drinks, the group of guys Louis had seen earlier on the other side of the bar started shouting teasingly at each other.He and Zayn looked at each other and shrugged, trying to ignore them, despite the noise. But then Louis grimaced when he saw one guy pour a whole bottle of beer over the other guy wearing the birthday hat."Are they fucking serious right now?" Zayn asked, having the same reaction."Looks fun," Louis replied, nudging Zayn’s shoulder. "The band and I should have done that to you on your birthday last month. You were lucky. But next year, you won’t survive." He smirked devilishly, winking when he saw the look of terror in his best friend’s eyes."You wouldn’t dare," Zayn squeaked, but Louis just shrugged."You realize your birthday comes before mine, right?" He added."Fucking footballers. I’m going to make them mop the floor," Niall grumbled as he appeared with their drinks.Louis felt bad for him because it must be hard to clean up the bar after a night out, but Niall was the bartender, so they surely had a cleaner at least, right?"Oh, they’re footballers? I thought they looked familiar," Zayn said thoughtfully, trying to remember where he had seen them."Yeah, LA Chargers players. Apparently, they’re having a late birthday celebration for their QB," Niall grumbled under his breath, clearly annoyed at the mess."Well, that’s cool. I love the Chargers. I’m not great with remembering the players, but they did look familiar, and now I know why," Zayn continued, amused."I think the cleaners should be more offended than you, mate," Louis said to Niall, who was still sulking. "Thanks for the drinks," he added, taking a gulp of his pint.He sighed in contentment, feeling himself relax even more in front of his best friend and this new acquaintance."Well, if you own the place, you’ll be offended at everything," Niall replied with a wink before disappearing through a door that Louis assumed led to the kitchen."Wait, did he just say he owns the place?" Louis turned to Zayn with wide eyes who looked back at him with the same expression."That’s actually impressive. We’re friends with the bar owner. Also, this place is insane," Zayn nodded his head, clearly impressed as he looked around."Here’s your free fries. They’re still hot, so be careful," Niall returned quickly and placed the plate in front of Louis. Louis was suddenly worried that they were taking advantage of Niall’s generosity, and he felt guilty and uncomfortable about eating the fries."There’s no such thing as free fries here, right?" He voiced his thoughts, and Zayn looked a bit concerned too."Nope. But this guy right here…" Niall started, pointing at Zayn."He was nice to me and actually fun to talk to, so I said, why not? I just moved to LA two months ago, and I’ve been working at the bar since then. Most people aren’t really fans of chatting with bartenders, so yeah." Niall said, cringing at how awkward he sounded."Aww mate, that sucks. But you know, I would have still chatted with you even without the free fries, right?" Zayn smiled softly at the bartender, or rather owner."True. He hates talking, but he has a thing for knowing the good people he can start conversations with," Louis added, complimenting his friend’s ability to pick out good people.Knowing that Niall just wanted to give the free fries also made Louis feel better about eating them. So, he dug in, picking two pieces and dipping them in the sauce."Well, I hope I’m one of the good people your smart brain led you to," Niall couldn't help but add with a chuckle."Oh trust me, you definitely are. So where do you come from? With that accent, I’d say you’re somehow related to the Irish?" Louis asked curiously, and his best friend made a noise of agreement next to him."Actually, you’re right. I’m Irish. I stayed in England for a while before I finally moved here. I found this place when I came to visit LA with my friends, and it was on sale. So I went back home, got all my life savings, and came back to buy it. Two months later, and we’re still up and running," Niall narrated breathlessly with a proud smile."I’m impressed. But here you are, giving us free fries? Do you want to go broke?" Louis smirked.Zayn kicked his shin under the stool. "Can you stop reminding him? Now he won’t give us more fries," he said, annoyed."Ouch, what the fuck, Z? But seriously, mate, that’s some thrilling story. I know we don’t know each other that well, but I’m honestly proud of you. This place is amazing, and despite it being my first time, I already love it." Louis smiled softly at Niall, who returned the smile."Thank you, Louis. You’re a good person," Niall replied, a hidden message in his words, hoping Louis picked up on it.
"He’s not. Don’t let his innocent face fool you," Zayn snorted, and Louis just rolled his eyes at him."Where’s the bathroom? I need to wee," He said, ignoring his best friend’s comment."Just head straight and take a turn on your left. You’ll see the bathroom sign, so just follow it," Niall directed him.Louis thanked him before getting off his stool and following the directions. He couldn’t help but notice the guy from the table across, wearing the birthday hat, standing up as well. He was tall, and Louis noticed the dark curly hair covering his head when the guy removed the hat.They both seemed to be walking towards each other, and Louis guessed the guy was going to the bathroom as well. He couldn’t see his face properly because the guy was walking with his head down.Since Louis started moving first and his steps were quicker, he was the first to make the corner, with the guy falling into step behind him.Well, it seemed like he’d be sharing bathroom time with someone drenched in beer, as the guy's whole shirt was soaked from his friends' antics.Louis would just walk in, do his business, and leave.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"You guys are the worst," Harry grumbled, wiping beer off his face with the dignity of a man who had accepted defeat.They were back at Meltdown Bar, but this time with even more of the team. A week ago, before Harry left for San Diego, the guys had promised to take him out for a belated birthday celebration once he returned to LA. Clearly, their idea of celebrating involved showering him in cheap beer.His actual birthday had been much more peaceful. He'd spent it at home with his parents and sister, where the most exciting thing that had been thrown at him was love and possibly a few overly affectionate seagulls at the beach. Obviously besides his annoying sister’s antics.Throughout his week-long stay in San Diego, his mom had robbed him into helping her come up with various new recipes for her baking class, in exchange for knitting him scarves, way many scarves.Some had the Chargers' logo, some were just unnecessarily long, and one, surprisingly, was for his best friend, Liam. He wasn't sure how Liam had earned that honor, but his mom adored him, so it was best not to question it.But now, back in LA, the Super Bowl was only three days away, and the team had agreed to attend, not just to show support for the sport and teams, but to remind themselves as well, that next year, it would be their turn to lift that trophy."You should’ve seen your face!" Liam howled, nearly doubling over in laughter.Harry loved these guys, he really did. But at this moment, he was plotting their collective demise. His Gucci shirt, one of his favorites, was drenched in beer, and he was never going to forgive them for it."I can’t believe I have to sit here soaked in beer," Harry muttered, shaking his head like a wet dog, sending droplets flying at his teammates. "And to make it worse, I’ll be smelling like a local brewery all night.""Hey, stop shaking like a dog!" Jace protested, scrambling away. "You’re getting me wet!"Harry smirked. "That's what you get for drenching me in cheap beer. At least ruin my clothes with something top-shelf." The table laughed.They fell back into easy conversation, jumping from football to favorite hangouts to—of course, relationships. A topic Harry typically liked to avoid."So, Harry, got anyone you’re eyeing yet?" Calvin asked, smirking around his beer bottle. "Don't think we don’t see all those ladies and gents lining up for your attention every time, huh?"Harry rolled his eyes, pointing at him. "Just so you know, I’m happily single. And definitely not lonely.""I mean, your night’s already ruined," Liam teased, winking. "I don’t think anyone would let a guy drenched in beer take them home.""Oh? And whose fault is that, Leeyum?" Harry deadpanned.Jace chuckled. "Nah, man, I don’t think anyone can say no to you, QB. You’re literally the hottest quarterback in our era. If I swung that way, I’d be in line too.""Jace is right," Calvin agreed, winking. "Beer-soaked or not, people would still be falling over themselves for you."Harry groaned. "Unbelievable. First, you drown me in beer, and now you're trying to convince me I’m irresistible even while dripping like a frat party disaster? You guys are the worst."He pushed back his chair, standing up. "I’m going to the bathroom. My face feels sticky." He removed the ridiculous hat they'd somehow convinced him to wear, shaking his head at their barely contained laughter. He must look ridiculous.But despite their antics, he couldn't shake the warmth in his chest. These idiots weren’t just teammates; they were family away from his family.As he walked towards the bathroom, he noticed someone ahead of him, also making their way there. He groaned internally. Great. Just what he needed—an audience for his beer-soaked misery. He didn’t even want to count the number of times he had mentioned the word beer today.He only hoped this guy wasn’t a fan. The last thing he wanted was someone recognizing him and posting, Harry Styles: Quarterback or Brewery Employee?When he gently pushed open the door to the washrooms, he found the place empty except for one closed stall. He figured that must be where the guy he’d seen walking in earlier had gone.Shrugging, he entered one of the other stalls and quickly relieved himself, hearing the water from the sink outside start to run. That meant the other guy was finishing up. Perfect. Maybe he’d leave before Harry had to step out.Unfortunately, by the time Harry emerged to wash his hands and splash some water on his face, the guy was still there, standing by the hand dryer, head bent as he furiously typed on his phone. He was so engrossed in his conversation, presumably some high-stakes texting battle, that he didn’t even notice Harry.Harry moved quickly, washing his hands and rinsing his face, all the while subtly keeping an eye on the guy. If he just dried off fast, he could make a clean escape.Again, unfortunately, fate had other plans. His hands and face were dripping wet, and the only source of salvation, the dryer and paper towels—was blocked by the very man still deep in phone warfare.Harry hesitated before clearing his throat. "Uh… can I—?"The moment the guy lifted his head, Harry felt something akin to an electric shock zap through his spine as a pair of striking ocean-blue eyes locked onto his, stunning him into silence."Yes?" the man asked, a hint of irritation lacing his tone.Harry quickly recovered, cursing his brief moment of idiocy. "Uh, you’re blocking the dryer," he managed, internally cringing at the stutter that slipped in.The guy blinked, confusion flickering across his features before realization dawned."Ah, fucking hell. Sorry, mate," his raspy voice said, shaking his phone in the air as if to demonstrate just how infuriating the conversation he was having was. "Got caught up texting an asshole."He stepped aside, giving Harry access to the dryer.
Harry chuckled as he pressed his hands beneath the warm air. "No worries, happens to the best of us. An ex?"The words left his mouth before he could stop them. His eyes widened slightly in horror as he realized what he’d just asked."Shit, forget I said that. My mouth tends to move faster than my brain."To his relief, the guy laughed. A rich, warm sound that sent a pleasant shiver down Harry’s spine."Don’t worry, mate. And yeah, you’re right. An ex. They’re usually annoying, aren’t they?" The blue-eyed man shot him a wry smile, and Harry was momentarily distracted by just how stunning the smile was.Though, if he looked closely, he could tell the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. It made Harry wonder what it would take to make that smile genuine?"Yeah, they definitely are," Harry agreed, memories of his own past relationship flashing in his mind. His ex had been a girl he’d dated back in high school, but nothing had ever truly clicked.He preferred to wait for the right person, the one, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t had his fair share of fun in the meantime. Though, now that he thought about it, it had been a while since he’d taken someone home.A flutter of something unfamiliar twisted in his stomach at the idea. Especially if that someone was the man standing in front of him.Subtly, Harry let his gaze wander again. The guy wore a pair of light-wash jeans that fit just right, paired with a soft, oversized hoodie that made him look effortlessly cozy.His brown feathery hair fell into a fringe over his forehead, and every few seconds, he’d sweep it aside with his fingers in a way that was almost unfairly attractive."Happy birthday, by the way," the man said suddenly, snapping Harry out of his thoughts.Harry blinked at him in surprise. "Huh?"The guy smirked, tilting his head towards Harry. "Saw you wearing that ridiculous hat earlier. Plus, your mates seemed to be celebrating you."Harry groaned. "Oh God, the hat. That thing should be illegal."The guy chuckled. "Yeah, it was pretty terrible."Harry finally smiled, properly this time. "Well, thanks, I guess."The man nodded, his gaze lingering just a second too long before he turned back to his phone. And just like that, the moment was over.But Harry didn’t want the conversation to end just yet. There was something about this man that made him want to keep talking, to stretch the moment just a little longer. Before he could stop himself, he asked,“So, was it a bad breakup?”The guy stopped scrolling, his fingers stilling over the screen as he turned to look at Harry. Those fucking blue eyes again. They were sharp yet soft at the same time, like an ocean that could be both calming and dangerously deep.“Not really bad, bad… but let’s just say it was abrupt.” He paused, studying Harry with an almost expectant look. “Though, I guess you already know that.”There was something in the way he said it, like he assumed Harry had been keeping up with his life. Should he have known? Had they met before? The thought sent a flicker of uncertainty through him, but Harry pushed it aside.“Well, sucks for him, then,” he said, leaning against the tiled wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “If I had someone like you, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”The guy let out a quiet hum, tilting his head slightly. “Maybe. Or not. I’ll never know because, as of now, he’s blocked.” He held up his phone and, with a dramatic flair, pressed the block button.Harry smirked. “I bet he’s turning in his grave right now.” He was actually lucky that the guy didn't pick up on his earlier flirtation. He didn't even know why he said that.For some reason, the guy actually laughed at his poor excuse of a joke.“You’re ridiculous,” he said, shaking his head. He then shifted, leaning against the opposite wall, mirroring Harry’s stance. His voice dropped slightly, more to himself than to Harry. “I’ve never had a bathroom chat before. This place is actually cool, beautiful even”Harry glanced around, taking in the dim lighting, the sleek marble counters, and the faint scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air. It was an oddly peaceful setting for a conversation like this.“Honestly, Same,” Harry admitted, his gaze flicking back to the man in front of him and never leaving. “Didn’t know it could be this… I don’t know, soothing? And you're right, it's beautiful.”But the blue-eyed man didn’t seem to be paying much attention to Harry anymore. Instead, he was absorbed in his surroundings, eyes scanning the details of the space as if seeing it for the first time.Harry, on the other hand, was absorbed in him.Up close, he noticed the subtle freckles dotting his nose and cheeks, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. His skin looked impossibly soft, like golden light had settled there just for the sake of making him glow.And if he looked this stunning under dim bar lighting, Harry couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like outside, bathed in sunlight?He would love to know.“Aren’t your friends waiting for you out there?” the guy suddenly asked, finally looking back at Harry. His lips were still curled into a soft, lingering smile, like the laughter hadn’t completely left him yet.Harry blinked, momentarily lost before he registered the question. “Ah—” He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the dazed feeling. “No. They’ll survive. Besides, they soaked me in beer. They don’t deserve me.” He pouted dramatically for effect .That earned another laugh, and this time, the guy threw his head back against the wall. His throat bobbed as he chuckled, and Harry caught himself staring at the curve of his neck, the smooth skin stretching over his collarbones. Even his neck was attractive.That was unfair.“Jeez, mate,” the guy teased, still grinning. “I know it’s your birthday, but I don’t think acting like a child is on the list of birthday privileges.”His voice was laced with amusement, one hand covering his mouth as he continued to laugh while the other swiped at the fringe falling into his eyes.Harry really wanted to do that for him.Something in his chest tightened, and he exhaled slowly, grounding himself. What the hell was happening to him?A week ago, he’d made a stupid birthday wish. Just something silly, half-hearted.But now, standing here in a bar bathroom, staring at a blue-eyed stranger who felt far from a stranger, he couldn’t help but wonder—
Was the wish already coming true?
“Everything is on the list of my birthday privileges, Blue Eyes,” Harry said, a smirk tugging at his lips.It wasn’t until the words left his mouth that he realized he’d actually said it out loud—the nickname he’d been using for the guy in his head for the past twenty minutes.The man raised an amused brow, his striking blue eyes locked onto Harry. “Blue Eyes?”
Harry shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Well, since you didn’t tell me your name, that’s what I’ve been calling you in my head.”

The guy tilted his head slightly, lips curving into a smirk, but there was a flicker of something else—maybe shyness, lingering behind the confident facade. “Is this your way of asking for my real name?”

Harry grinned, leaning in slightly. “Is it working?”

“Not even a little.”

And just like that, before Harry could react, the guy turned on his heel and walked out of the bathroom, leaving him standing there, staring at the closed door in disbelief.

What the fuck just happened?

Just minutes ago, his friends were joking about how no one could resist Harry Styles even while he was soaked in beer. And now? Now, he was standing in a bar bathroom, completely rejected by a guy with pretty blue eyes who refused to tell him his name.

Harry let out a short laugh, running a hand through his damp curls. Well, guess I’m sticking with Blue Eyes then.

He lingered in the bathroom for another five minutes, as if waiting for the universe to give him another chance, before finally heading back to his friends.

The moment he reached their table, Liam practically bounced in excitement. “Mate, you missed Louis Tomlinson! He walked right past us and was nice enough to say hi even though he and his friend were in a hurry.”

The rest of the guys nodded eagerly, riding the high of the brief celebrity sighting.

Harry blinked, confused. “Who?”

Liam groaned, looking at him like he was the biggest disappointment of the night. “Are you serious? Harry, I’ve talked about him a million times. One of my favorite rockstars? The best of our generation?”

“Oh,” Harry muttered, unimpressed. He never really paid attention whenever Liam went on about his music obsessions.

Jace suddenly pointed towards the exit. “He’s right there.”

Harry turned to look but all he saw was him.

Blue Eyes.

The man was walking towards the door, his back straight, his stride effortless and his waist begging for Harry to hold.

He didn’t hesitate. “Be right back.”

Harry didn’t really care about Lewis Tomson or whatever song Liam was obsessed with this week. He had bigger priorities—like finding Blue Eyes, maybe getting a name, and if the universe was kind enough, a phone number too.

Because something about this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the kind where you meet someone, and if you let them slip away, they’re gone. A passing stranger, a lingering what if.

And Harry didn’t do what ifs.

But just as he reached the door, he spotted Blue Eyes stepping into a taxi.

Another man followed him in, and before Harry could take another step forward, the car pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the night.

He stood there on the sidewalk, watching the taillights fade into the distance, hands clenched at his sides.

The universe had to be fucking kidding him.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I don’t think I can do this.”Louis’ voice trembled as he spoke, his breath uneven. His hands clenched at his sides, trying to suppress the anxiety clawing its way up his throat. Zayn stood before him, unwavering, his dark eyes filled with the kind of patience Louis rarely saw in anyone besides him.They were backstage at the Super Bowl, surrounded by organized chaos. Dancers and the band moved through last-minute rehearsals, some perfecting their steps, others adjusting their costumes. Crew members buzzed around, checking lights, sound, and timing.The energy in the room was electric, but all Louis could feel was the weight of impending failure pressing against his chest. His gaze flitted across the room, landing on the faces of people he was convinced he was about to let down.“Lou, you need to stop overthinking,” Zayn said, his tone gentle but firm. “Everything is going to be alright. Just listen.”Louis frowned. “Am I supposed to be hearing something?” he asked, irritation seeping into his voice. Zayn was supposed to be helping him through his panic, not playing cryptic mind games.His best friend simply raised a brow. “Just shut up for a second and listen, babes.”Louis inhaled sharply and did as he was told. At first, all he could register was the hum of last-minute preparations around him, the shuffle of feet, the crackle of the speakers.Then it hit him, the distant roar of the stadium. Thousands of voices, a restless energy pulsing through the air.“All I hear is noise from the football fans, mate,” Louis muttered, still confused.“Exactly.” Zayn’s expression softened.“There are thousands of people out there waiting for you, Louis.” He held up a hand before Louis could protest. “Yeah, I know most of them are here for the game, but trust me, a huge number came just to see you. Did you see how fast the tickets sold out when they announced you as the halftime performer? I mean, I’m new to this sport, but apparently, people were even thinking of boycotting this year’s Super Bowl, until you were announced. You saved it, Lou.” Zayn’s chest swelled with pride.Louis rolled his eyes. “You’re just saying that to make me stop panicking.”“I’m not.” Zayn’s voice dropped slightly, his gaze locking onto Louis’. “You’re the biggest rockstar of our generation, and right now, you’re in the middle of a scandal. So go out there and give them the best performance of your life. Make them talk about that instead of your shitty ex.”At the mention of his ex, something ugly twisted in Louis’ chest. The pain was still raw. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he missed Daniel. He missed him so much it made his bones ache.And the worst part? If Daniel showed up tomorrow, saying he had made a mistake, Louis knew that despite everything, his stupid heart would take him back in an instant.He still lay awake at night, turning over every moment of their two-year relationship, searching for the exact moment it all started to fall apart. Trying to pinpoint what he had done wrong, why Daniel had just woken up one day and decided Louis wasn’t worth it anymore. He was supposed to be the one. They were supposed to be endgame.But now, Louis was left with the bitter truth that he had been nothing more than a stepping stone. A name to use, a connection to exploit. And yet, some nights, he still convinced himself that Daniel had loved him. That it had all been real. That maybe, just maybe, this was just another cruel twist in their story.“I need to use the bathroom,” He said abruptly, his voice tight. He ignored everything Zayn had just said, pushing past him. But before he could slip away, Zayn caught his elbow.“Don’t run away, Lou.” Zayn’s voice was soft, but there was an edge of concern beneath it. Maybe he was remembering that time Louis had disappeared before a concert, hiding out until twenty minutes before showtime, leaving everyone on edge.“I’m just going to take a wee, Z,” Louis reassured him, patting his friend’s hand. He forced a small smile, knowing it would put Zayn at ease, then slipped out the door.His best friend worried too much.The past few days had been harder than usual, but with rehearsals keeping him occupied, Louis hadn’t had much time to dwell on things unless he was alone, buried under his bed covers.His friends had made sure he was distracted, filling rehearsals with endless stories and laughter. It had been just what he needed.But today was different. Today was the day they had all been preparing for. And after this? No more rehearsals. No more work to keep his mind busy. Just an endless stretch of time—one and a half years of it, to be exact.He wasn’t sure what to do with all that time.Going back home to England was an option. He missed his family terribly, especially his sisters and parents. But the thought of bringing the media storm with him and giving the paps a reason to chase him across the Atlantic, made him scratch that idea immediately. Of Course he knew that England had its own set of paps, but nothing compared to what was in LA.Zayn kept saying the scandal would die down, that people would move on. But Louis knew better. The rumors, the headlines, the whispers, would linger like a shadow, following him wherever he went. And if he went home, that shadow would fall over his family too.He couldn't let that happen.So he’d stay in LA. He’d let himself be haunted here, far away from the people he wanted to protect. Maybe, once the storm passed, he could finally go home.With a quiet sigh, Louis slipped into one of the bathrooms assigned to him and his crew. The moment he shut the door, the overwhelming noise of the stadium disappeared, leaving only silence. Leaning against the door, he closed his eyes and took a slow, measured breath, trying to ground himself.Then, without thinking, he pulled out his phone and dialed the one person who always made everything better.The call barely rang twice before his mum’s voice filled the receiver, warm and excited.“Hello, sweetheart! We’re all here, waiting for you to come on!”Louis exhaled, feeling the tension in his body melt away at the sound of her voice.“Mum,” he breathed, his grip on the phone tightening."Hey, baby, is everything alright?" His mum’s voice softened with concern. In the background, Louis faintly heard her whisper, I’m coming, guys, probably excusing herself so she could talk freely without his sisters fighting over the phone to speak with their brother, or his father’s questioning looks.Louis smiled to himself. He loved her so much. The fact that she and the rest of his family had stayed up late just to watch his performance warmed his heart."I’m fine, Mum," he reassured her, though his voice still carried traces of nervousness. "Just wanted to hear your voice."His mum let out a relieved sigh, and Louis could almost picture her placing a hand over her chest. She worried too much, especially when his voice wasn’t what she always called her happy Boo Bear voice."Okay, sweetheart," she said gently. "How’s everything going over there? Are you ready for your big show?"Ever since Louis told her about the Super Bowl performance, she had been ecstatic. She had canceled all their Sunday plans because the entire family was going to watch him perform together, even though the show was late at night."Everything’s fine," Louis replied. "The band is ready, the crew’s done an amazing job, and the dancers—" he chuckled, shaking his head. "I still can’t believe I will have dancers during my performance."His heart melted at the sound of his mum’s soft laugh."Louis with dancers? That’s something I can’t wait to see," she teased, amusement lacing her tone.Louis laughed along with her. He had never used dancers in his shows before, but Zayn and his team had convinced him it was necessary. This is the Super Bowl, they had argued. You have to be entertaining.At first, he had taken offense, assuming they were calling his performances boring. But after watching previous halftime shows, he realized they had a point. This wasn’t a stadium filled with his fans. It was a crowd with mixed tastes—football lovers, casual music listeners, people who had no idea who he was.He needed to put on a show that would captivate everyone.The upside? The dancers took some of the pressure off him. With them on stage, the audience would have more to focus on than just him."They really are good, just wait and see" he admitted, still smiling.They talked for a while, his mum updating him on everything from his sisters’ dance classes to their elderly neighbor, Old Man George, who was still refusing to let his sons take him to a nursing home.Louis felt lighter, more at ease. "Can I speak to Dad and the girls?" he asked, his voice softer now.His mum didn’t hesitate. "Of course, love."She didn’t say it outright, but Louis knew that this was her way of letting him know she could tell something had been off with him. And now, she knew he was feeling a little better. She always knew, just from the sound of his voice."How’s my rockstar son doing?" Mathew’s cheerful voice rang through the phone, and Louis couldn’t help but laugh at his dad’s enthusiasm.As much as his mum was the one he turned to for advice and comfort, his dad was the one who could always make him smile. If Louis needed a good laugh, he knew exactly who to call.Their conversations ranged from football, debating who would win the Champions League or the Premier League to which player deserved the Ballon d’Or.Sometimes, they talked about the different coffee beans his dad was importing for his mum’s cafe or the new employee he had hired for the car wash business."Hi, Dad. I’m okay," Louis said, his tone teasing. "Are you ready to watch me take over the Super Bowl?"His dad let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, your mum has forced all of us—including the neighbors to watch this game because you’re performing at halftime."Louis grinned, especially when he heard his mum’s voice yelling from somewhere in the house."You better not be changing the channel, love!""I won’t, darling! Anything for our lovely son, right?" His dad called back, his voice full of playful surrender.Louis burst into laughter. He adored his parents' dynamic."And can you believe she’s been feeding us coffee just to keep us awake?" Mathew continued his exaggerated complaints."You do know I can hear you, right?" his mum’s voice cut in again.Louis could practically hear his dad sigh in defeat, making him chuckle even harder."Anyway, we all can’t wait to see you, lad," his dad then said, his voice turning a little more serious. "I mean, I have no idea what’s happening in this game, I’m trying to follow along, but I don’t understand a thing."Louis chuckled. "I wish I could help you, Dad, but honestly, I have no clue either. But don’t worry, Zayn will teach us both. He’s suddenly serious about his new sport."He could already imagine Zayn’s groan when his dad inevitably cornered him for a full American football lesson.They chatted for a little longer, and Louis even got to speak with his sleepy sisters, who were fighting to stay awake just to watch him perform. He felt a pang of guilt knowing how late it was for them."You know you can go to bed and watch it on YouTube tomorrow, yeah?" he suggested gently."Not the same," they whined in unison, making Louis smile fondly.After a few more minutes, they all said their goodbyes, promising to call him the next day with their thoughts on his performance. They wished him luck, and with an exchange of heartfelt I love yous, Louis finally hung up.A deep sigh of relief escaped him. He felt lighter, like all the tension and anxiety had drained from his body.Then, just as he was basking in that rare moment of calm, he heard footsteps outside, heading towards the bathroom. Someone was definitely coming for him.But the person who entered the bathroom was someone Louis definitely never thought he’d see again. He sighed loudly, running a hand down his face."We seriously need to stop meeting in bathrooms."
************
The stadium was vibrating with energy, the roar of the crowd a constant buzz in the air. Even from his seat, Harry could feel the sheer electricity of the Super Bowl atmosphere.Despite the weeks of controversy, boycotts, angry fans, heated debates on Twitter, it seemed like a large portion of the world had collectively shrugged and decided football is football, because the place was absolutely packed.Not that Harry was particularly interested in the game. In fact he was there just to see how the atmosphere would be when he finally led his team to the finals next year.His friends, Liam especially—had spent way too much time talking about the halftime show for him to focus on anything else.Apparently, the headliner was the rockstar. The one they always gushed about. The one they had been arguing over for the past twenty minutes, debating which of his albums was his best work.Harry had zoned out sometime around the third mention of artistic evolution.He wasn’t proud of it, but he was not in the mood for a halftime performance tonight. He needed a break from the endless talking, so he formulated a genius escape plan—sneak out before the show started, disappear for a solid twenty minutes, and return as if he’d only gone for a quick stretch. Foolproof."Uh, guys, I’ll be back," he mumbled, but his friends were too engrossed in their heated discussion to even register his words.Perfect.Harry slipped away from their seats and navigated through the crowd like a pro. He knew this stadium inside and out; after all, he did play here every other Sunday.He expertly weaved his way past vendors, security, and a few enthusiastic fans who thankfully didn’t recognize him in his hoodie.A few people in the corridors were rushing around like headless chickens, clearly involved in some last-minute halftime preparations. He gave them a quick nod in greeting but kept moving.His destination? The VIP bathrooms.They were tucked away in a quieter corner of the stadium, usually reserved for invited guests. He’d used them plenty of times before, and they were always blissfully empty. Huge, pristine, quiet—basically, a personal sanctuary in the middle of game-day chaos.Just as he was about to pull open the door, he hesitated.There were voices inside.Harry grimaced. Should he wait? Should he barge in and risk awkward small talk?Nah. He wasn’t in the mood for polite smiles and oh my god, aren’t you the Chargers’ QB?So he turned on his heel and wandered towards a massive window overlooking the city.From this high up, LA stretched out beneath him like a glittering maze. The streets were alive, traffic still crawling along despite the game, and outside the stadium gates, he could see the chaos of late arrivals and press photographers scrambling for shots.But even with the view, his mind wasn’t on the city.It was on him.
Blue Eyes.
It had been three days since Meltdown Bar. Three days since he had walked into a bathroom expecting a moment of peace to just wash off his beer sticky face and instead had been met with a gorgeous, moody, slightly heartbroken stranger.And he still couldn’t stop thinking about him.The icy blue eyes. The sharp, elegant features. The effortlessly cool aura. The tiny waist Harry desperately wanted to wrap his arms around.He didn’t even know the guy’s name.Which was, frankly, unacceptable.Harry had one job that night—at least ask for a number but he had completely failed. Not his proudest moment.And sure, from what little he had gathered, Blue Eyes had just gotten out of a messy relationship. Maybe Harry should just let it go, chalk it up to a random bar encounter and move on.But his heart disagreed.His heart wanted another conversation. Another chance.Just as Harry decided he should head back to the bathroom and hope it was empty, a voice rang out from the corridor.“Ten minutes to go. Where’s Tomlinson?!”The voice echoed down the corridor, sharp and urgent, and Harry barely had time to register it before a flood of people poured out of a nearby room. They moved like a chaotic wave, dancers, crew members, managers, with some adjusting their earpieces, others running through last-minute instructions.It didn’t take a genius to figure out that this was the halftime crew.Harry had never seen so many stressed-out people in coordinated outfits in his life.He decided immediately: Nope.This was not his business. He did not need to get involved.So, like any self-respecting man avoiding an awkward situation, Harry pivoted on his heel and walked briskly in the opposite direction, back towards the bathrooms.He prayed that whoever had been in there earlier had left by now. He just wanted peace. A moment alone. A few minutes to think about Blue Eyes without his friends dragging him into yet another debate over which album was Mr. Rockstar's magnum opus.So, without hesitation, he yanked the door open, slipped inside, and leaned against it, exhaling a deep, relieved sigh. The moment the door clicked shut, silence wrapped around him like a warm embrace.
Finally.
"We seriously need to stop meeting in bathrooms."A raspy voice, slightly exasperated, and laced with an accent Harry couldn’t stop thinking about for the past three days, let out.His heart nearly jumped out of his chest as he let out a very unmanly squeak, one he would later deny with his entire soul. His head snapped up so fast he was surprised he didn’t give himself whiplash.Standing in front of him, looking just as startled—yet somehow effortlessly cool, was him.
Blue Eyes.
Harry blinked. Then blinked again.He couldn't remove his eyes from the person he least expected to see today, but whose presence was very much welcomed."It’s you." He whispered, his gaze still locked onto the blue-eyed man standing before him. The man’s lips twitched like he was fighting back a smirk."It’s me." The man replied nonchalantly, pulling his phone out of his jean jacket pocket, checking something briefly before locking the screen and slipping it back inside."Are you stalking me?" he teased at the same time that Harry blurted out—"Were you talking to your ex?"The man’s eyebrows shot up, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and amusement. Then, with a short snort, he shook his head. "I regret telling you my life story.""I want to know your life story. Everything about you." Harry said, his voice quieter now, more earnest. His feet carried him away from the door and further into the dimly lit bathroom, the tile cool beneath his sneakers. He came to a stop right in front of the man—the very man who had been living in his head rent-free since their first encounter.The stranger studied him, something unreadable flashing in his blue eyes. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice edged with hesitation, but he didn’t step back.Harry swallowed, taking in every detail—the sharp cut of his jaw, the way the fluorescent lighting above cast soft shadows on his face."It’s the second time we’ve met in a bathroom after I convinced myself I’d never see you again. Doesn’t that mean something?" he asked, a flicker of hope in his voice.The man exhaled, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. "I… I’m sorry, mate, but I’m really not looking for anything or anyone right now."The words landed like a dull thud in Harry’s chest, but he forced himself to nod, to pretend like it didn’t sting. Of course. Poor guy was probably still nursing a broken heart, what the hell was Harry thinking.Still, he wasn’t ready to let this moment slip away."I didn’t say anything about you looking for anything," Harry said quickly, trying to recover. "Or about us being anything. I just meant... maybe meeting twice means something. Like, maybe we could be friends?"That wasn’t exactly what he wanted, but judging by the guarded look in those blue eyes, Harry knew he had to tread carefully. He could be patient. Maybe they’d start as friends and later, he could show this man that he was the best thing that had ever happened to him.The man's eyebrows shot up, and then—"Oh. Fucking hell, that’s so embarrassing." He groaned, his hands gesturing clumsily between them. "I thought you meant... you know... like us."Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh no, no, don’t worry at all. I totally get why you thought that, I wasn’t exactly clear."He hesitated for a beat before adding gently, "And hey, I know you just got out of a relationship, so really, no pressure. I'm not looking for anything either." He lied.The tension in the man's shoulders eased slightly, though he still looked a bit flustered. Harry smiled to himself.It didn’t matter how long it took. As long as Blue Eyes didn’t disappear from his life again, he’d take whatever he could get.For now.Harry knew he was getting ahead of himself. He didn’t even know this guy, not really. But that didn’t stop his heart from hammering against his ribs whenever he thought about him.And now, standing just a breath away, it was worse.Something deep inside told him that this man was going to be important—one of those rare, life-altering people who leave a mark that never fades. A soulmate.Three days ago, when they first locked eyes in the dimly lit bathroom of Meltdown Bar, Harry’s mind had immediately flickered to his birthday wish. The one he made in a moment of quiet longing in front of his family.The universe had to be telling him something. Right?The man let out a groan, running a hand through his hair. "Okay then. It’s just… I’m kind of saving myself, you know? Apparently, I have really bad taste in men."Harry winced at the admission. He could hear the bitterness beneath the words, the weight of past hurt."I don’t think so," He countered, flashing him a wide grin. "I’m sure you just haven’t met the right one yet."But instead of being reassured, the man just snorted. "The right one? There’s no such thing. I mean, I thought my ex of two years was ‘the right one’—and look where that got me."His voice was laced with quiet resentment, but what really got to Harry was his expression.Sad blue eyes.Harry hated seeing them like that. He wanted to see this man smiling, wanted to memorize the crinkles that formed beside his eyes when he did.Before he could say anything else, a loud voice interrupted them."Louis William, where the fuck are you? I swear to God, you better be in that bathroom!"The bathroom door burst open, and a man with raven hair and sharp brown eyes poked his head inside. He was attractive—objectively so, but not like his blue-eyed boy. Still, Harry could appreciate a handsome man when he saw one.The newcomer’s gaze landed on him, and his eyes widened slightly. "Wait… you’re Harry Styles?"Harry stiffened. It wasn’t an accusation, but the question still made his stomach twist."It’s me." He replied sheepishly, already silently pleading for the guy not to make a big deal out of it.Behind him, the blue-eyed man—Louis apparently, spoke up. "Do you guys know each other?"Harry turned, offering a small smile. It was obvious now that the man had no idea who he was. Or if he was pretending, then he deserved an award for his acting. But the brief flicker of confusion on his face when his friend recognized Harry? That confirmed it.And God, it was such a relief.For once, someone was talking to him, not the famous quarterback. Not the MVP. Just Harry."Yes, Louis, he’s the—" the raven-haired man started, but Harry cut him off quickly."We met at Meltdown Bar," he interjected, forcing a casual tone. He hoped Louis would buy it.The friend though, who clearly wasn’t convinced, narrowed his eyes at Harry but didn’t push. Instead, he turned back to Louis."Anyway, come on. You’re on in five, and your hair is a mess."He didn’t wait for an argument, simply grabbed Louis' wrist and started pulling him towards the door, out of the bathroom.Harry watched in amusement as they bickered, the dynamic between them full of exasperated fondness. And just like that, they were gone.
Louis Williams.
That was his name.Harry leaned back against the wall, his mind already working a mile a minute.This time, he wouldn’t let him slip away.With a quiet exhale, he made his way to the bench against the wall, sinking down onto the cool wood. He glanced at his watch. Four more minutes until halftime, plus the fifteen-minute break for the show.
Nineteen minutes.
Nineteen minutes to kill. Nineteen minutes to figure out everything he could about Louis Williams.Pulling out his phone, he typed the name into the search bar and hit enter.
23,147 search matches for Louis Williams.