"Hey guys! You heading to Kendall's party tonight?" Louis asked, slapping both Harry and Niall on the back. The excitement felt…loud.
"Nah, I think I'll pass. Still feeling wrecked from last night, and honestly? Kendall gives me hives." Niall rolled his eyes, already halfway to dismissing the whole idea.
"Speaking of wrecked, footie season’s coming up. Harry and I were planning on getting some practice in, right, Harry?" Niall glanced at Harry, a hopeful look on his face.
"Yeah, I guess. Come on, Louis, aren’t you gonna at least *try* to be a decent human being for once?" Harry chuckled, but there was something brittle underneath it.
"Nah. I'm not a party pooper, I’m a party animal. I’ll see you guys around." Louis grinned, then flipped them a middle finger before turning and heading off.
The bell rang, scattering everyone out into the late afternoon sun. It was actually nice weather. Perfect for football. Harry and Niall headed to Harry’s backyard.
“Go long!” Niall called, and Harry sprinted across the yard, his long legs eating up the space.
Niall threw the ball. Harry caught it, then fumbled it, the ball bouncing out of his hands and hitting the grass.
“Come *on*, Harry,” Niall groaned, already walking toward the ball.
“Fifth time,” Niall said, grabbing it.
“Sorry! Haven’t played in ages, getting a little rusty, I guess.” Harry shrugged, trying to look nonchalant.
Harry sat down on the bench, grabbed a water bottle, and chucked it at Niall. It hit him square in the stomach.
“Ouch! You bloody wanker!” Niall yelled, grabbing a towel and smacking Harry with it.
“Ew! Stop it, Niall! I don't want your sweat!" Harry shrieked, grabbing his own bottle and pouring the contents over Niall’s head.
Niall slowly turned toward the cooler, pretending Harry hadn’t just soaked him. He glanced at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Oh really, you didn't notice?" Harry said, smirking.
Before Harry could blink, Niall grabbed the cooler, lifted the lid, and dumped the entire contents – ice water and ice chunks – over Harry’s head.
Harry let out a noise that wasn’t remotely manly. A yelp. A shriek. A protest. Niall started laughing, a full-body laugh that shook him.
Harry squinted at Niall. Niall grinned, all teeth and wet hair. “Sorry, lovely,” Niall managed to choke out, handing Harry a towel.
“Ice cold water, Niall! What if I’d died?” Harry said, wringing out his hair.
“Wouldn’t let that happen.” Niall pinched Harry’s cheek and headed inside, toward Harry’s room.
Harry followed, dripping, and changed into dry clothes. While Harry was changing, Niall stared. He really stared.
“No homo, but you got a good body. If I was gay, I’d tap that.” Niall grinned, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Flattering.” Harry chuckled, rolling his eyes.
“You gotta say thank you and say I’m attractive, ya wanker.” Niall dove under Harry’s duvet.
“Get out of my bed, idiot.” Harry pulled the duvet off and hoisted Niall onto the sofa, bridal style.
“You’re so rude, babe. Why you gotta be like that?” Niall pouted.
“Niall, your gayness is showing.” Harry said, fixing his bed and sitting down.
“Nah, never gonna be gay. Only turning gay if Ryan Gosling asks me out.” Niall smiled, getting comfortable on the sofa.
“That’s never gonna happen.” Harry laughed.
“Then I’ll never be gay.” Niall shook his head.
“You don’t hate gays?” Harry asked, just curious.
“Of course not! My brother is gay and I still love him.” Niall looked at Harry.
“Why do you ask that?” Niall raised an eyebrow.
“Just asking.” Harry shrugged.
Harry hadn’t told anyone about his secret. He was terrified. His reputation meant everything. If anyone found out he was bisexual, he’d have to disappear. Vanish.
He’d have to move to Mexico and change his name to Pablo.
He didn’t even dare tell Niall, not even after years of friendship. The thought felt like a cold weight in his chest.