The Secrets We Keep

The next morning, the boys gathered in their usual spot in the student lounge, but the air was heavy. Maria's absence hung over them like a cloud. Niall sat at the edge of the table, his fingers tapping anxiously. He hadn't seen her all morning, and she hadn't replied to his texts.

"Maybe she's just skipping today," he said, his tone forced and casual. "Could be one of those off days."

Harry, leaning forward, gave him a pointed look. "Skipping? Maria? She's been here every day this week. That doesn't sound like her."

Niall shook his head, his unease growing. "She'd have told someone if something was wrong," he murmured. But even as he said it, his gut told him otherwise. Their last conversation had replayed in his mind over and over, the way her voice sounded distant, almost tired. "Maybe... maybe the rumors finally got to her."

Louis, who had been quietly scrolling on his phone, looked up and spoke for the first time. "Maria doesn't just vanish. That's not who she is."

The group exchanged glances, the unspoken fear settling over them. Liam broke the silence. "Do you think something's actually wrong?"

Niall's posture straightened, his jaw tightening. "She's overwhelmed," he said, more to himself than the others. "She probably just needs space."

But even as he said it, he knew it wasn't true. Something felt off, and no amount of rationalizing was going to change that.

"Maybe," Zayn offered, his voice unsure. "Maybe she's just lying low."

The silence after his words told a different story—they all felt it. Something was wrong.

Niall suddenly stood. "I'm going to find her," he announced, determination clear in his voice. "I need to know she's okay."

"I'll come," Liam said, grabbing his jacket.

Louis pocketed his phone and stood without a word, a storm brewing in his eyes. "I'm in."

The boys split up, each determined to track Maria down. Niall checked the usual places—the coffee shop, the quad, even the campus bar—but every person he asked shook their head. "Haven't seen her," was the only answer he got, each one tightening the knot in his chest.

Liam and Zayn headed to the library, searching every quiet corner and study nook. Zayn even approached a couple of Maria's friends, but none of them had seen her since the previous day.

Meanwhile, Louis walked the campus alone. He didn't say much to anyone, but his face gave him away—the tight set of his jaw, the way his fists clenched and unclenched. He checked the places he knew Maria liked, even if it seemed pointless.

Eventually, the group reconvened at the campus bar. The usual hum of students chatting and laughing felt out of place compared to the tension at their table.

"This is pointless," Niall muttered, collapsing into a chair. "She's not here either."

Liam leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "We'll find her. She can't have gone far."

Louis stared at the door, his voice low but resolute. "She wouldn't leave without telling someone."

The weight of his words hung in the air. Niall exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "If she wanted to be alone, where would she go?"

Louis hesitated. He thought about the last few days—the rumors, her distant behavior. His stomach churned. What if she was trying to get away? From him? From all of them?

"She wouldn't just run," Niall said firmly, though his voice wavered. "She'd tell me if something was wrong."

The boys nodded, but no one looked convinced.

"I'll check her dorm again," Niall said suddenly, standing. "She has to be there."

"I'll come with you," Liam added, getting to his feet.

Louis hesitated before speaking. "If she's not there, we'll go to her apartment."

The group agreed and split up again, their determination stronger than ever. As they walked, Louis trailed slightly behind, lost in thought. His chest felt tight, the guilt and worry twisting together. Maria had been pulling away, and now she was gone. The weight of it all was crushing.

"I'll find her," he muttered under his breath, his hands clenching into fists. "I'll make sure she's okay."