I Can Only Go in One Direction

Problems

"Why?" Both of them responded at the same time.

Josh sighed. "Because I'm tired of you guys arguing. You all should love each other and treat each other with respect, not always fighting."

"Now I see where Ellie gets her wisdom from." Niall murmured thoughtfully.

Ellie murmured, "I'm going to bed early. Bye, Lisa and Josh." With that, she turned around and headed back into her room. Niall frowned. She seemed slightly upset... He made up his mind to go check on her later.

Lili grabbed her jacket. "Goodbye, friends. Maybe we come back soon." She smiled and went outside. Josh went to follow her, but then he stopped.

"Niall?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't forget what we talked about." With that, he winked and left.

Louis became immediately jealous. "Can we talk?" Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Niall's arm and towed him into his room. "What is going on between you and Josh?"

Niall blinked, startled. "What?"

"You know what I mean. Holding hands. Hugging. Winking," pausing for breath, Louis continued on. "And many other things! You asked if you could talk to Josh about Ellie, 'cuz, ya know, I want to know some more about her.' and then all of a sudden you and Josh are really close."

"You think I'm gay?!" Niall exclaimed, dragging a hand through his hair.

"Maybe..." Louis muttered sheepishly.

"No, I'm not. I told you the truth, I really did only talk to Josh about Ellie."

He looked relieved and happy. "Okay, Niall. That was all!" He flapped a hand at the door, indicating that Niall should leave. He rushed over to his computer, humming a cheerful song. Niall was amused at the sudden change in his friend, and he glanced back at Louis, who was playing a computer game, before going out the door. He hesitated in front of Ellie's room nervously, then knocked softly. A loud "Come in!" and he bolted into Ellie's room before he could change his mind.

Ellie looked up from her book, surprised to see him. "What is it, Niall?"

"Um... Uh, well, you see..." He stammered, forgetting what he was going to say.

"Well, while you try to remember what it is that you wanted to say, I have a question." Ellie gulped, then blurted it out. "Are you gay?"

Niall groaned and buried his head in his hands. "Why does everyone assume I'm gay when I spend time with another boy my age?" He shook his head in despair. "No, I'm not!" Ellie flushed pink, slightly embarrassed.

"Oh." was all that she could manage.

Now he remembered what he was going to say. "Ellie..." He murmured.