G U Y S. Sorry I haven't updated -.- I've been sick & sorry this chapter is short... It's a filler because I really don't feel like writing :'( Enjoy<3

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Chapter 20 – Harry’s P.O.V.

            “Harry Styles cheating on Kendall Jenner?”

            My head jerked towards the sound of the television, my heart slowly beginning to pick up pace as the news reporter smirked into the camera.

            “Yesterday afternoon, the pop star was seen strolling in a local Tampa park with a mystery brunette; who wasn’t Kendall. As seen in the photos on the side, the two were nothing but smiles and laughs during their peaceful walk.” The woman pointed to the pictures that appeared on the screen; Valerie and I walking. “What do you think? Is this mystery girl just a friend, or is Harry Styles cheating on Kendall?”

            I groaned loudly, rolling my eyes before I snatched the remote from Niall, turning the television off abruptly. “Assholes need to find a proper job,” I muttered to myself as I raked my fingers through my hair.

            “Don’t get worked up about it, mate,” Zayn said. “Media always starts things.”

            “I know, but management is going to—“

            As if reading my mind, my phone rang with none other than Modest! Management as the caller. I sighed, pressing talk and didn’t even have the chance to say anything before someone shouted, “Are you insane?”

            Instantly identifying the voice to belong to Jeff (one of our managers), I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

            “The hell you did, Harry! You’re supposed to be making the public think you are dating Kendall. Who the hell is that girl?”

            A burning anger suddenly bubbled in my stomach as my hand tightened on the phone. “Her name is Valerie,” I grumbled. “She just so happens to be a girl I really like.”

            “Harry, this is a vacation, but not for you to go start rumors. The Where We Are Tour is starting next week,” he spat. “You need to keep away from that girl so these rumors simmer down.”

            My heart clenched at the thought of leaving Valerie. I shook my head, even though he couldn’t see. “I’m not going to stop talking to her,” I told him, knowing I’d get screamed at more. “I like her and Kendall isn’t my type. She’s beautiful, yes, but I don’t want to date her, Jeff.”

            “You don’t have a damn choice,” Jeff growled. “I want you to call Kendall and take her out to lunch tomorrow so these rumors of this other girl go away. If you are seen in public with this Valerie girl again, there will be harsh consequences, Harry.”

            “Like what?” I challenged, rolling my eyes.

            “We’ll break the contract.”

            My eyes widened as the boys gave me confused looks. I turned on my heel and walked into my room, closing the door behind me. “You wouldn’t,” I whisper-yelled. “The lads have nothing to do with this. Why would you punish them by breaking up the band?”

            “Because you’re the most popular, Harry,” Jeff stated. “You’re the one people always look for, so people would expect you to be the reason the band breaks up. If you want to keep this band alive, I suggest you stay with Kendall and away from Valerie.”

            With that said, he hung up.

            Anger was eating my insides and I felt the need to punch something. I balled my hands into fists to resist, my nails leaving indentions in my palms the harder I squeezed. Would he really kill the band just because of the girl I like? Just because I’m hanging out with Valerie and not Kendall? He’s fucking heartless, if he would. The lads don’t deserve to get punished for what management thinks I’m doing is wrong. If anything, I can see them doing as much as cutting my pay, but not ending One Direction.

            Valerie.

            That would break her heart if One Direction were to split up. Realization is finally coming to me. If I want to keep Valerie happy, I need to do what Jeff says and keep away. That way One Direction will live on and Valerie will still have our music to rely on. Even though I’d like to be there for her, she might just have to deal with my voice instead of my presence. To keep her happy, I need to stay away from any risk of One Direction breaking up. If I have to stay away from Valerie to keep her happy, I’ll do it.

***

            “You’re awfully quiet, mate,” Louis commented as we all piled in the kitchen for dinner.

            I shrugged, pursing my lips together as I started making my hot dog.

            “Are you all right?” Niall asked, his voice full of concern.

            No.

            “I guess,” I lied, sliding into the barstool beside him.       

            The dinner was silent for a while, no one speaking, just silently eating. I was upset for multiple reasons: One, having to leave Valerie. Two, having to ignore Valerie. Three, I didn’t even get the chance to ask her out yesterday. I was really planning on it, but we got caught up in walking around and just talking, I honestly forgot to do it. I just love her company so much, I got lost in it.

            Liam finally spoke up, “We heard you were talking to management. Did they say anything bad?”

            Yes.

            “No,” I lied again. “Just being their normal and idiotic selves.”

            Louis slammed his napkin down, his eyes boring into mine sternly. “Harry, what the hell is wrong with you? You know we can all see right through you. Not only that, but you’re a God awful liar.”

            I sighed, heaving both hands through my hair before holding my head in my hands. “They want me to stay away from Valerie,” I murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed at how depressed I really felt.

            “Are you fucking serious?” Louis asked. “They can’t chose who you hang out with.”

            “Apparently they can,” I grumbled. “They said I need to be spending more time with Kendall.”

            The boys laughed dryly, shaking their heads before Zayn said, “I don’t like Kendall. Valerie is far more fun to be around.”

            “Her little fangirls spasms are cute and entertaining,” Niall commented. “Kendall is just… duller.”

            I sighed, rolling my eyes. “It’s not that she’s boring, she’s just…” I pondered for the right word, then shrugged merely, my heart clenching again at the thought. “She’s not Valerie.”