the color yellow // l.s.

38.

The gown really was too big for him.

The sleeves definitely went past his hands, and the entire thing looked like it was swallowing him, but he didn't care. Today is the day of good-byes and beginnings all rolled into one, and he couldn't be more excited. Sure, he didn't know which University he would be attending in the fall, but he's not going to think about that right now.

"I'm already crying," his mother starts as soon as they reach the school. Harry rolls his eyes. "I can't believe you're graduating today." She grabs his shoulders with an insanely tight grip and kisses his cheek, likely to be smearing lipstick across it.

"Mum," Harry whines. "I need to go."

She sniffles and pulls away, eyes rimmed with tears as she nods reluctantly. "Where's Louis? He's supposed to be sitting with us today."

The mention of his name is enough to make Harry on edge. He's aware of how close Louis and Anne are, but it still makes him unbearably nervous when they're together. He's just worried they'll be too obvious with things.

"He's right there," Gemma says, who finally emerges from the car and is gesturing behind Harry.

He turns to see Louis in a black suit, one that hugs his body in all the right places. God, he doesn't know what it is with Louis and black suits, but they make his thighs look delicious.

"Harry!" Louis greets, all friendly and aware of the eyes on them. "How are you?"

"Nervous," he blurts out. "I don't want to trip."

He laughs, the sunglasses resting over his eyes adding class to his outfit. And he looks really fucking handsome in them.

"You'll be fine." Louis rests his hand briefly on Harry's shoulder, squeezing it once, before dropping it. He then turns to Anne and extends his elbow out for her to grab. "Shall we? We need to find the good seats before they're all taken."

Anne's eyes go wide. "Blimey, you're right, Louis! Gemma, keep up!" She grabs his arm and heads for the gym, leaving Harry behind with ease—as if she wasn't just crying over him.

"I swear she's in love with him," Gemma says from his side. She sighs deeply.

"Better not be. I only allow one Styles to be in love with a Tomlinson," Harry says. Gemma snorts. "Better catch up with them. I'm not going in the same way you are."

"I know. I did this before, too," she says with a smile. "Good luck. If you trip, I hope they catch it on film!"

Harry flips her off, only to see she's doing the exact same thing to him. They both laugh before she's turning and heading for the gym without a look back, so he takes that as his cue to head inside as well.

They were told to gather in the cafeteria for getting ready, and then walk back over to the gym, so his walk was a bit further out than his family's. The chatter, once he's in the cafeteria, somehow eases his nerves. He doesn't like the quiet on a hectic day, or on a day where he can easily be stressed out. He needs noise to drown out his thoughts—to reassure him he's okay right where he is.

"Mate, that thing is massive!" Niall laughs as he approaches Harry. Liam and Zayn are not far behind him. "Lift your arms!"

Harry does so, his face slowly heating up.

"Don't start flapping—you'll fly away!" Niall says with a snort.

Harry rolls his eyes and shoves Niall. "Shut up. You're annoying when you're nervous."

Niall gasps. "Am not." He looks at Liam for help, but Liam shakes his head.

"You are," Liam mutters.