Young & Beautiful

“And then the library,” Liam confirms, and maybe Louis groans, too.
“You need to study for your class,” Zayn reminds him, but Louis flicks his hand in dismissal.
“I’ve already come to terms with my shortcomings, Zayn dearest. I’ll never pass.”
“But you have to pass!” Liam says, eyes wide.
“If this is the agenda for the day, then I’m out,” Niall then interrupts with barely withheld disgust,
backing towards the door.
“You’ve got homework as well, you child. Stop acting like the queen of the day,” Louis scolds,
glaring.
“I don’t do homework. That’s what assistants are for.”
“What?? You have RORY do your homework?” Louis asks in disbelief, before the light bulb
suddenly clicks and his wheels begin slowly turning. He narrows his eyes in suspicious inquiry. “I
don’t suppose he’d do mine?” he asks in a low tone out the side of his mouth, eyebrow raised.
“Of course he would!” Niall says delightedly, hopping immediately up out of the throne he’d just
sat in. All of Zayn’s chairs look like thrones. It’s sort of impeccable, Louis thinks.
Liam smiles widely at this, turning expectantly to Louis with eyes that clearly ask, ‘Well, then?’
“In that case—“ Louis starts, but is promptly cut off by Zayn who is now brushing a smear of
black paint off of his cheek with the back of his dirty, paintbrush-holding hand.
“Louis does his own homework, don’t you, Louis?” Zayn smiles, and there’s just a hint of
encouraging pride beneath the surface of his calm features and steady eyes.
“Erm.”
“He’s smart, our Louis,” Zayn finishes, and with a respectful nod in Louis’ direction, he returns
his attention back to wiping his hands clean.
Louis sighs. “Yeah. Yeah, what he said.” And his tone is unconvincing but at least he’s forced the
words out.
Niall deflates. “Fuckin’ great. Stuck at the wanking library all day.”
“It could be fun,” Liam suggests, adjusting his cufflinks.
“Not if he ends up failing and it all goes to waste,” Niall grumbles, pouting.
“Niall!” Liam scolds, and Zayn laughs.
“I’m not going to fail,” Louis says hotly. “I’ll figure something out. But for now, let’s focus on
Zayn putting on something proper so we can EAT.”
“I’m so fucking starving,” Niall adds as he pokes at an unidentifiable sculpture that resembles
melted chocolate.
Zayn nods, eyes on Louis. “I’ll be right out. Liam?”
And with one last look at Louis—which holds far too much unexplained secrecy and mischief for