The next day at school I spend the lunch hour sitting in the boy's bathroom near the library like usual. It's Friday, which means Stan has lunch with the footballers. The Bathroom is the only place I can go and not be disturbed or bothered by Joey's group. No one ever comes in here. The boys tend to avoid the bathroom because it's so far away from the cafeteria and sporting fields. I make sure I don't eat anything. I just sit and read until I hear the warning bell which gives me 5 minutes to get to my next class, biology. I really don't want to go; I'm thinking of skipping and staying in the bathroom. Harry will be waiting for me though and if I get caught skipping Scott will get a call and the last thing I want to do is make him disappointed in me and give him a reason to hate me and leave. I reluctantly pull myself up off the bathroom floor and start the walk to my locker, I'm running late, and I just hope Harry hasn't been waiting for me for too long. As I'm heading down the hallway, my wrist is grabbed from behind and I'm swung around and into Kyle's chest.

"No bodyguard today I see" he smirks at me.

"Let me go" I say trying to get out of his hold.

There is hardly anyone in the hallways, most people in class already. I look behind Kyle to see the rest of the group are coming towards us. I panic. I bring my leg back and kick Kyle so hard in the shin that he groans and swears, but he lets me go and I bolt down the hallway. I realize I have probably made things worse by hurting Kyle and running and when they catch me, I'll be in for the beating of my life.

I try not to think about it and instead concentrate on running as fast as I can. I can hear the five of them right behind me as they chase after me. I turn the hall corner just as Luke grabs my backpack. I stumble a bit but manage to shrug my bag off and keep running. I turn around to look behind me and I see the group come to an abrupt stop in the hallway. I turn back around to see Drew, Harry, Vanessa, and David walking up the hall towards us. I try to stop running but I can't, I'm going too fast. I try to run past them, but Harry sticks his arm out to the side and grabs me by the waist bringing me to a stop.

"Whoa their Lou, where are you off to in such a hurry?" he laughs out.

I stumble but he steadies me as I try to catch my breath. I look behind me and see Joey's group trying to act like nothing happened. Harry and Drew are glaring at them, and they share a look before Drew turns his attention back to me.

"Where is your backpack?" Drew asks, knowing that the group have it.

Shit, now they are going to put two and two together and realise they bully me. I can't let them find out. I look behind me at the cool group.

"It's ok I'll go get it" Drew says rubbing my arm.

Harry tightens his hold around my waist.

"Did they hurt you?" he whispers as he reaches out and places my fringe off my forehead.

He looks me in the eyes, and I shake my head breaking our eye contact.

"My brother would never hurt anyone Harry. Louis must have done something to them" David says menacingly towards me.

"I highly doubt that David" Harry says rolling his eyes at him, David scoffs.

"What happened?" Harry asks looking back at me.

I look behind me and see Drew grabbing my bag and talking heatedly to the group. Aghh It's going to be 10 times worse now. I turn back to Harry.

"N-non nothing I was just late for class and I um dropped my backpack and they just giving it back to me " I lie avoiding Harry's eyes.

"See, Joey and his group did nothing Harry, Louis is just bloody clumsy" David scolds.

"Ok David, I think you should get to class; I'm going to walk Lou to biology" Harry says.

"Why does he need you to walk him to biology everyday Harry, he's not a baby. I'm sure he can walk his own bloody self" David says angrily.

"David is right Harry I'm fine" I say as I shrug Harry's hands off me and start walking down the hall.

Harry reaches out and grabs my hand from behind to pull me back, but I flinch out of his grip so quickly and my heart starts beating really fast. Harry looks at me confused.

Shit I have to be more careful with my reactions around other people, I'm just so used to being grabbed and hurt by someone.

"It's ok I wasn't going to hurt you" Harry says gently, looking nervously at me.

"I-I-I-I know" I stutter out.

"Come on let's start walking to biology" Harry says dragging me away from the scene, leaving David to scoff and walk down the hall alone.

When we get halfway to class, Harry stops and turns towards me.

"You know what? Let's just skip out hey" he says smiling.

"Really?" I ask hoping he is being serious. I don't want to face another lesson with Mr Charles.

"Really! You look really pale; I'll just drive you home" he smirks.

Harry pulls out his phone to text Drew and let him know we are leaving, and we head to his car.

We settle into a comfortable silence as we drive back to my house. Harry doesn't say anything, but he just glances at me every now and then, it's like he wants to ask something, but he doesn't.

"What?" I finally ask breaking the silence.

"Nothing sorry, I just.... I know your hiding something and I want to know what it is, and I know it has something to do with Joey and his group" Harry says.

Oh no, I knew he would figure it out. I can't let him know. Harry is friends with David, Joey's brother and if he finds out Harry knows about the bulling, it will just make it all worse. Harry won't just sit back either, he will say something and as soon as he leaves next year, I'll be bullied 10 times worse, and no one will be able to stop it.

"I don't want to talk about it Harry" I say looking away tears stinging my eyes.

"Lou, babe, please, let me help you" he says practically begging me.

I hadn't realized we had pulled up and are sitting in my driveway. I look over at Harry and into his green eyes that are pleading with me.

My breathing picks up, I know if I don't tell Harry he will be so disappointed and maybe even angry. He will probably wash his hands of me. Maybe that's what I need, him to start keeping his distance then I won't have to explain myself to anyone. I just need to get myself through the next few years of school as easily as possible. I can't rely on anyone.

"You can't help me Harry, no one can" I whisper hoping he didn't hear me.

I grab the door handle and rush out of the car I hear Harry exit the car and follow behind me.

"Louis, stop please" he says calling after me.

I turn around to face him.

"Look I won't ask you anymore ok, I'll leave it alone, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be watching. I'll figure it out myself if your too frightened to tell me" he says pointedly at me.

I can't help the tears that spring to my eyes. I hate crying in front of people I hate appearing weak.

"There's nothing to figure out Haz" I say quietly.

"Well, those tears say otherwise" Harry says.

He walks over and engulfs me in such a warm hug, my body moulds perfectly with his and I melt into him. I can't help but feel guilty for not being good enough for Harry and not opening up to him. I can't help but let out a sniffle.

"Shhhhh it's ok" Harry says

I can't believe I'm nearly crying my eyes out in front of Harry like a dam baby. I'm so worthless and pathetic, I stop my tears immediately and I pull back.

"I'm sorry Harry" I apologize.

"Hey, don't apologise, I'm here whenever you need me ok, I mean it" he says.

"Why Harry, why are you being so nice to me, why do you even care?" I ask incredulously my emotions getting the better of me.

Harry looks a little offended and taken aback by my questions.

"Louis, why on earth wouldn't I care, you're my best friend's little brother, I've known you since you were born. You mean as much to me as you do to the boys, I'll never stop caring about you" he says truthfully.

I stop breathing at his confession, Harry has pretty much just confirmed that I'm friend zoned, he sees me as a little brother and that's all I'll ever be. I sigh. I shouldn't be upset I knew he would never feel the same, but having it confirmed hurts. I need to get over the stabbing pain in my chest that I'm feeling now, I pull myself together and smile at Harry.

"Come on how about we go and watch a movie together" Harry says.

I nod back at him as he grabs me around the waist and leads me inside the house, I guess I will take what I can get with Harry. At least I get to be close to him for a few hours while we watch a movie together. We end up in the theatre watching 'Love Actually' Harry knows the words off by heart and I can't help but smile at him. He seems to glance at me every now and then during the movie but when I try to catch him out, he turns away quickly.

When the movie is finished, we sit together on the couch my legs curled underneath me, our shoulders touching, we talk for a while Harry makes terrible jokes and as I'm laughing, I get caught staring into his eyes, we both don't seem to be able to look away.

"Umm what's the time?" Harry quickly asks breaking our trance.

"Ahhhh just passed 6" I say looking at my phone.

Harry stands up and I'm brought back to reality, that Harry actually has a life and doesn't want to waste his Friday night with me.

"I was going to go to watch Drew play Football tonight at school" Harry says.

"Oh ok" I reply, trying to hide my disappointment.

"Would you like to come with me?" he asks.

What?? Did Harry just ask me to go with him, he is probably just asking me out of pity.

"No, it's ok Harry, I don't usually go to the games" I say.

I only don't go because Joey and his group will be there, and I have no one to sit with, It would be just an excuse for the cool group to torture me.

"I know, I never see you there. Come on, I'm sure Drew would love it if you came" he says.

"I umm you don't have to babysit me Harry, I'm sure you have heaps of friends you'd rather go with" I say avoiding his eyes.

"Don't be silly Louis, I'm asking you to go with me because I like spending time with you, now come on go get changed" he says smirking at me.

Wow Harry actually wants to spend time with me. It would be great to actually go, and watch Drew play for once. I agree reluctantly.

"Ok" I say and Harry beams back at me.

I get up and head to my room, I find a pair of black skinny jeans and I put my black and white vans on. I choose a white loose long sleeve top so harry isn't disgusted by my fat, I leave my hair out in a fringe across my forehead. I head back downstairs to find Harry; he is at the bottom of the stairs and has changed into his jeans and black hoodie. He is holding his school senior Jersey in his hands. He turns around to me as I walk down the staircase.

"There is a condition of attendance for tonight's game" he says smirking at me.

"Oh, and what might that be" I Laugh

"I love hearing you Laugh" Harry says smiling. I look down and blush.

"You have to wear my jersey" he says proudly.

I gasp. I can't believe Harry Styles wants me to wear his jersey, all the seniors that attend the school games wear their jerseys, The girlfriends or boyfriends that attend with the seniors always wear their jerseys as a sign that they are taken. Like the guys need to mark their territory. Harry and I aren't together though and I don't know why he wants me to wear it, he will just get flack for it come Monday.

"Ummm," I say back not sure what to say

Before I know it, Harry is slipping the jersey over my head, it's black, white, and green, the school colours and Harry's last name STYLES is written across the back. It comes to mid-thigh and past my hands, but it smells like Harry, and I love it.

"You look absolutely adorable" he says laughing at how swamped I am by his clothes.

I laugh and relax a little and we head to his car. The drive is short, and we talk about everything, it feels so good to laugh and smile and to forget about my issues for a while.

We arrive at the school football fields and we exit the car, on our way towards the bleachers, Harry grabs my hand intertwining our fingers, a spark shoots through my body. When we get to the stands people are staring at us and our hands, I go to pull away from Harry, but he grips my hand tightly.

"Come on, this way" Harry says, leading me up the bleachers. I hear people calling Harry's name out waving and greeting him as we try to find a seat.

"Harry mate come sit with us" I hear Harry and Drew's friends say as we approach their group on the stands.

"Hey guys, thanks, but I'm just taking Drew's little brother to his first game so we will sit further up" he says.

"Cool man, no worries" Jeremy, I think his name is says.

"Louis, this is the guys, guys you all know Louis," Harry says introducing me.

I nod shyly. Drew has brought them home heaps of times but I'm not that familiar with them, they all seem nice though.

"Hey Louis" they all say like they have known me for years.

"He's totally hot Harry" I hear one guy say and I nearly fall over from embarrassment, Harry steadying me.

"Watch your mouth Ed, he's too good for you, plus he is only 17, Drew would kill you" Harry says half-jokingly.

I hear the other guys laugh at Harry's remark, jeering at Ed.

"I'll catch you round guys" Harry says as they all say goodbye. Harry leads me up the bleachers and we find a seat together.

"I don't mind if you want to sit with your friends H" I say.

"Nope I want to sit with you" he says smiling.

I smile and shiver a little, it's a bit cold.

"Are you cold?" Harry's asks.

"A little" I say.

Harry places his arm around me and pulls me to his side and I can't help but snuggle into his warmth. We look out onto the field, and I can see Drew and the team warming up. I can also see Joey and Kyle on the sidelines. The junior football teams are always water boys for the senior team at their home games. They spot me and Harry together, Joey looks at me utterly disgusted, I know he has always had a thing for Harry. I look away before I start thinking negative thoughts.

"Harry, I don't really know how this game works" I smile innocently at him.

He smiles his big, dimpled smile at me.

"I would love to teach you" he says.

The game starts and Harry, true to his word, explains what's going on, 20 minutes in and I'm telling him what's happening, we are laughing and smiling at each other. At half time we are up by 2 goals.

"I'm just going to go get us some snacks, is that ok, what would you like?" Harry asks me.

"Um, just a bottle of water would be great" I say shyly.

"Are you sure, I'm getting something to eat" he says.

"No honestly I'm fine" I say.

Can't he see how fat I am like everyone else? He looks at me concern clear in his eyes.

"You can share with me" he states as he gets up to get us something to eat.

About 5 minutes later I feel something hit the back of my head. I turn around to see Luke Ashton and Mikey laughing at me. I turn back around as they continue to throw things at me. I suddenly hear a voice in my ear, and it sends shivers up my spine, bad shivers.

"On a date, are we?" Ashton says.

"Don't think for a second he actually likes you, you're pathetic and when he realizes that you will be kicked to the curb right where you belong" Mikey says.

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Why would he like a fat ugly nobody like you" another voice, Kyle says.

I can't help the tear that escapes and before I can wipe it away, they are gone, and Harry is back. He sits down and hands me my water.

"Are they bothering you?" he asks troubled. I don't answer. I just wipe my tear away discretely.

"Thanks for the drink" I say.

"Now, I have so much food I can't possibly eat it all, you will have to help me" he says excitedly.

Harry has nachos and hotdogs, popcorn, and chips. I laugh at him and take a piece of popcorn and smile cheekily at him. He snorts in response.

"You can do better than that" he smirks.

I laugh and we end up sharing a hot dog and I eat a few mouthfuls of popcorn before I can't stomach anymore food. I try to forget about the heavy feeling in my stomach and the fat that is sticking to my thighs already.

Drew's team end up winning the game and the atmosphere is awesome. I wish I could come to the games more often. Drew is an awesome footy player and hopefully will get a scholarship to university.

After the stands have cleared out, we head back to Harry's car and he drives me home. He kisses me on the cheek and tells me he will see me tomorrow. It's the weekend and everyone always wants to hang out at our place.

As I'm getting into bed my phone lights up with a text from Harry.

Harry: I had a great time tonight. It's nice to see you smile xo

The text sends butterflies straight to my stomach and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face, I text Harry back

Louis: Thanks for making me smile, I had a great time too xo

I smile as I drift off to sleep It's such a nice change from crying myself to sleep like I usually do.