Young & Beautiful

It’s only about a half hour later, after dinner’s been finished and the plates are stacked in the
middle of the table, brandy swirling in glasses and cigars distributed, when Niall whoops after
reading a text he’s just received.
“There’s gonna be a wicked fuckin’ party at Andrew Belmont’s place.”
“Belmont?” Liam perks. “Oh, they’re a good family.”
“Come to the party then. Now,” Niall says unabashedly, sending a discreet wink Louis’ way.
And it’s just that easy.
Or maybe it’s not.
“We were going to study tonight,” Zayn says to Liam—who’s already looking excitedly at Niall,
nodding. “We were going to stay in and study, remember?”
“Oh. Yeah,” Liam says, beginning to deflate. He ponders for a moment before: “But tomorrow,
yeah? We could study tomorrow? I’m completely caught up. I could use a bit of fun after this
week. All I do is work—it’d be nice to let off some steam.”
Zayn studies him, lips pursed, but eventually nods. “All right,” he relents, and he doesn’t sound
enthused. Louis sends him a curious look, but Zayn just looks away, grip tightening on Liam’s
hand. “We can go.”
“Go now, yeah? Drinks at my flat first? Then Nelson’ll drive us over.”
“Marvelous!” Liam beams, already standing up.
Zayn sighs, standing up as well.
And Louis doesn’t want to feel relieved, he really doesn’t. But. He does.
“Well, it’s been fun,” he says, smiling, his anticipation thrumming. “Text me when you get there.
Send me pictures every time Niall hugs a stranger.”
“You’re not coming?” Liam asks, instantly saddened.
“Nah,” he says, refusing to look at Harry. Who is currently standing by the window, looking out.
Tragic hero little fucker. “Think I’ll just have an early night.”
“Yeah, take it easy,” Zayn says, pleased, before pulling him aside. His eyes focus on him,
concerned and the color of rich chocolate. “Is everything all right?” he asks, voice quiet. He stares
closely.
“Yeah. Yeah we just… Just need to have a chat.”
Zayn nods, studying his face. “He’s okay? Harry?”
“Yeah, I think so? I mean. I’m going to talk to him.”
“Good. Take care of him, yeah? Sorry for coming so early…”
Louis shakes his head, pressing fingers to Zayn’s lips, shushing him with a big smile. “Hush, you.
No worries. Now you go ahead and make nice with the boyfriend and the leprechaun.”
A flicker of a smile crosses Zayn’s lips, his eyes softening, before he momentarily darkens.