"Seriously," Zayn said as they walked inside the pub, "why did I have to come with you again?"
"Because you like good music." Harry looked around, trying to make out a familiar face. "I'd have taken Babs, but she was busy."
"And you can't go alone because...?"
Harry turned to Zayn, frowning. "I need moral support. A wingman."
Zayn raised a brow. "Do you really expect me to convince someone else that you're a great catch?"
"Just act as though you like me." Harry sat down at a table. "That'd be plenty help."
Not answering, Zayn went to the bar to get them drinks. Harry took the time to have a closer look at the people in the pub. He saw the equipment on the small stage, a waiter clearing the tables of glasses and plates, but Niall was nowhere to be seen.
As was Louis.
Zayn placed a pint in front of him and Harry nodded his thanks, still looking around.
"He's not even here," Zayn said.
Harry shrugged. "He's probably in some backroom, warming up."
"I didn't mean Niall."
"This whole thing was your idea, just to remind you." Harry kept his eyes on the door.
"My idea was you going, not dragging me along." Zayn kicked Harry's shin under the table. "You're not even looking at me."
"What? This is not a date," Harry argued.
Zayn snorted. "If it was, I wouldn't be paying for your drink."
"Excuse you, Zee, but if this were a date---"
"Harry!"
Turning his head around, Harry saw Niall approaching, with Louis right behind him.
"I'm so happy you could make it," Niall said, leaning in to hug Harry. He held his hand out for Zayn after. "And you even brought a friend. Hi, I'm Niall."
"Zayn," he replied, shaking Niall's hand. "Nice to meet you."
Louis followed Niall, holding out his hand for Zayn, too. "Louis."
Louis seemed flustered, Harry thought, keeping his eyes on him as the three men chatted. The realisation hit him that bringing Zayn had probably been a mistake because every single person in this world was flustered when meeting Zayn and fell in love with his handsome face; even if it was just a little.
"That turned out great," Niall said. "Now Louis's got some company. I'm gonna head up on that stage. Have fun, okay?"
Harry watched Niall leave before he focused back on Louis. He was standing next to the table, still looking out of it. Or maybe like he wanted to run away. Harry couldn't tell.
"C'mon, Louis," he said, scooting over on the bench and gesturing to the free spot next to himself. "Sit down."
"I'm gonna--" Louis pointed at the bar. "Just gonna grab a drink first."
Harry kept his gaze on Louis' retreating form, noticing that he had a really nice behind. He wore wide jogging pants, but it did nothing to hide the nice shape of his bum. His t-shirt pooled around his hips, showing off his slim waist. Harry hadn't really paid attention to it last time they'd met, but he had to admit that the realisation only made Louis more attractive to him.
"He's got horrible fashion sense," Zayn commented.
Harry turned to him, blinking. "What?"
"Not a fan of that style." Zayn shrugged. "He looked better in the tailored suit."
