Strictly Professional [Narry]

Chapter 12.

Niall is first at the bar when the 14th of February finally arrives. Liam and Jen have chosen a small community hall for the event and Niall would be lying if he said they hadn't done a good job with it. There is a row of wicker seats at the far end of the room and there are three more chairs sitting opposite of them and in between them are a small table. Above the area is a banner which reads 'Kissing Booths' in pink, italic writing.

Along the other side of the room is the bar, which Niall currently sits at and he couldn't help but admire the room a little. The walls are filled with party banners and fairy lights – mostly pink and red – and there's a disco ball in the middle. There's small area filled with food on a table – mostly party food like sausages on a stick, sausage rolls and sandwiches. The stage is set at the front of the room, large enough to fit at least four people on plus a karaoke machine.

Niall is dressed in a plaid button-down shirt with black pants and shoes. He's dressed casually but at the same time he still tried to look smart. He held a beer in his hands and his blue eyes are fixated on the entrance door of the hall, waiting for Harry. He wasn't even sure if he'd come but he couldn't help hoping.

"They say a watching pot never boils." Liam greets suddenly. Niall glances at him and sighs a little before taking a sip of his drink and turning round to face the bar.

"Do you think he'll show?" Liam asks.

"Who?" Niall frowns, pretending to be innocent. Liam scoffs.

"Come off it, Ni. Harry."

"I don't know." Niall finally admits. Liam smiles sadly at him before looking around the room.

"Hey, not to be a mood killer or anything but Jen's getting quite antsy 'cause no one's taken their place at the kissing booth yet so you'd probably best taking your place before she yells." Liam advises him. Niall chuckles and grabs his beer at the bar and heads towards the kissing booth area, taking a seat at the far end one.

It turns out though, that Harry did show up. Fashionably late, of course. He was dressed in a grey cashmere sweater and jeans with a stylish black hat placed on top of his hand he was wearing a pair of gold Chelsea boots. Niall couldn't help but sigh with relief as he seen him, knowing that his night was saved. Harry casts him a wary smile before going over to Jen. They talk briefly and Niall watches closely, feeling a bit relentless toward Jen before Harry walks over to him and sits down opposite him.

"You made it." Niall says firstly and Harry smiles.

"You sound so surprised."

"Well, to be honest, I didn't think you would come." Niall admits.

"I was thinking about it," Harry starts, "But then I realized I didn't to leave you with these people." He sighs and Niall can't help smirking.

"These people," Niall repeats, "You make them sound like they're some sort of villains." He muses but Harry only rolls his eyes.

"How did you get here?" Harry asks casually, noticing the half-empty glass of beer in Niall's hand.

"Taxi." Niall replies.

"I can give you a lift home, if you like."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

They fall into a comfortable silence in which they listen to the friendly hubbub of the hall and the upbeat R&B music from the DJ. Another participant had arrived and sat next to Niall – a young girl from the first floor, most likely an apprentice and the third participant had arrived shortly after that – one of the lawyers that worked next to Liam but Niall couldn't remember his name for the life of him.