Liam's POV:
As I entered the rehearsal studio, I could feel the familiar buzz of energy that always filled the air when we were about to start. Louis was already seated at the piano, tapping away at the keys, while Harry and Zayn were engaged in a heated discussion about the setlist. Niall, however, was nowhere to be seen.
"Morning, Liam," Louis greeted me with a grin, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the ivory keys. "Have you seen Niall?"
I shook my head, scanning the room once more. "Not yet. He's probably running late again."
Just then, the door swung open, and Niall walked in, a bright smile on his face. But what caught my attention wasn't just his smile—it was the hand he was holding. Niall had a new boyfriend, and his name was Josh.
"Hey, guys!" Niall greeted, his cheeks flushed with happiness. "Sorry we're late. Josh wanted to grab a coffee on the way."
Josh, tall and handsome with a warm smile, waved shyly at us. "Morning, everyone. Nice to meet you all."
Louis nudged me with a mischievous grin, and I couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed like Niall was head over heels for this guy, and it was adorable to see.
"Good to meet you, Josh," I said, offering him a friendly smile. "Make yourself at home."
As we began to rehearse, I couldn't help but notice how Niall's eyes sparkled every time he glanced at Josh. They were completely lost in each other, and it was hard not to smile seeing them so happy together.
Throughout the rehearsal, Josh sat on the sidelines, watching us with keen interest. Occasionally, Niall would steal glances at him, a proud grin spreading across his face whenever Josh applauded or cheered us on.
At one point, as we took a short break, Louis sauntered over to me, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Liam, have you seen the way Niall looks at Josh? It's like he's found his missing piece."
I chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, they seem really into each other. It's cute."
Louis nudged me with his elbow, grinning mischievously. "Think we should tease Niall a bit?"
I raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly where Louis was going with this. "What do you have in mind?"
Louis smirked. "Let's give them some privacy, but maybe later, we can drop a few subtle hints about how cute they are together. See how Niall reacts."
I couldn't help but laugh at Louis's plan. "You're terrible, you know that?"
Louis winked. "But you love me for it."
As we resumed rehearsal, I couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that filled the room whenever I glanced at Niall and Josh. They were like two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together, and it was a beautiful sight to behold.
After rehearsal, we all headed out for a quick bite to eat, with Josh joining us at Niall's insistence. As we sat around the table, chatting and laughing, it was impossible not to notice the way Niall and Josh were completely lost in each other's company.
"So, Josh," Louis said casually, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How long have you and Niall been together?"
Josh glanced at Niall, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Just a few months now. But it feels like we've known each other forever."
Niall reached across the table, squeezing Josh's hand affectionately. "Yeah, it's been amazing. Josh's been so supportive of everything, including my music."
Zayn raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "Supportive, huh? So, does that mean we'll be seeing more of Josh at rehearsals?"
Niall blushed, his cheeks turning a rosy shade of pink. "Maybe. If he wants to come, that is."
Harry grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Well, we'd love to have you, Josh. The more, the merrier."
Josh smiled gratefully, his eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks, guys. I'd love to come and watch you rehearse sometime."
After dinner, Niall invited us back to his flat for drinks and a bit of relaxation. As we settled into his cozy living room, Josh perched himself on the arm of Niall's chair, their fingers intertwined as they chatted with us.
Louis grinned mischievously, nudging me with his elbow. "Looks like Niall and Josh are joined at the hip tonight."
I chuckled, shaking my head in amusement. "Can you blame them? They're still in the honeymoon phase."
Zayn smirked, leaning back in his seat. "They're like a couple of lovesick puppies."
Harry rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Zayn. Let them enjoy their moment."
As we chatted and laughed, Niall and Josh shared affectionate glances and whispered secrets to each other, completely lost in their own little world. It was hard not to smile seeing them so happy together.
At one point, Niall excused himself to grab another round of drinks, leaving Josh alone with us. Sensing an opportunity, Louis leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"So, Josh," Louis began, his tone teasing. "How did you and Niall meet?"
Josh's cheeks flushed pink as he glanced around at us. "Uh, we met through mutual friends. It was just one of those chance encounters, you know?"
Harry raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "And when did you know Niall was the one?"
Josh's smile widened as he thought for a moment, his eyes softening. "I think I knew pretty early on. Niall has this way of making you feel like you're the most important person in the world. It's hard not to fall for him."
Zayn chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "He does have that effect on people."
Just then, Niall returned with a tray of drinks, his smile lighting up the room. He settled back into his chair, Josh's hand finding its way back to his, and we continued our conversation late into the night.
As the evening wore on, I couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these—surrounded by friends, laughter, and love. And as I glanced at Niall and Josh, their happiness was infectious, filling the room with warmth and joy.
And as we said our goodbyes and headed home, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was just the beginning of something truly special for Niall and Josh...
1 YEAR LATER
As we gathered for rehearsal, I couldn't help but notice the absence of Josh. It wasn't uncommon for him to join us occasionally, especially since he had become such a familiar face around the studio over the past year. But today, Niall walked in alone, his usual bright smile replaced with a heavy sadness that hung in the air like a dark cloud.
"Hey, Niall," I greeted him softly as he took his place at the mic. "Where's Josh?"
Niall's smile faltered for a moment before he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "He couldn't make it today. Said he had some things to take care of."
But even as he spoke, I could see the pain etched in his eyes, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.
Throughout the rehearsal, Niall seemed distant, his mind clearly elsewhere as he went through the motions mechanically. It was like he was there, but not really present, lost in the depths of his own thoughts.
During his solo in one of our songs, Niall's voice cracked, and he moved away from the mic, his shoulders shaking as he buried his face in his hands. My heart sank as I watched him, the raw emotion in his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.
Before any of us could react, Niall's sobs filled the room, and we rushed to his side, concern etched on our faces.
"Niall, what's wrong?" Louis asked, his voice filled with worry as he placed a comforting hand on Niall's shoulder.
Niall took a shaky breath, his tears staining his cheeks as he struggled to speak. "Josh... he broke up with me this morning. Said he found someone better."
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, the pain evident in every syllable. My heart ached for Niall as I watched him crumble before us, his grief raw and unfiltered.
Zayn wrapped an arm around Niall's shoulders, pulling him into a comforting embrace. "I'm so sorry, mate. We're here for you."
Harry nodded, his expression filled with empathy. "Yeah, Niall. You don't have to go through this alone."
Tears welled up in my own eyes as I looked at my friend, his heart shattered into a million pieces. But even in his darkest moment, Niall showed strength, surrounded by the love and support of his bandmates.
And as we stood there, arms wrapped around Niall in a silent show of solidarity, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would get through them together.