Things We Don't Normally Do

SEVENTEEN

Alex emerged from her bedroom in something a lot more comfortable than what she wore for the other night's outing. With Stella MIA and unable to control what she wore, Alex opted for a beige sweater, a pair of black leggings, boots and a warm jacket. Part of her wanted to consult Stella though, because she wasn't sure about the sweater. Loose clothes always made her feel like she looked bigger than she was. She even contemplated asking Harry, except it seemed a bit much to already be asking him for validation.

So she said, 'Fuck it' under her breath and walked out.

She felt some relief when she finds the boy's smiling face looking at her. He was still on the couch, wearing a grey jumper and what looked like sidemen track pants. Looking at him then, she felt a bit silly for stressing about what to wear.

"Alright so, I did not not make any plans because I didn't want to put any effort." He started, running his fingers through his hair, "Just didn't want to plan anything you wouldn't enjoy."

"That's alright." they we're walking hand in hand out of the elevator, on their way out of Alex's apartment building.

She felt a weird sense of uncertainty, considering letting go of Harry's hand. The truth was, aside from the one fluke of a kiss they had that night they ditched everyone at the gay bar, they hadn't really been out and open about any affection. On top of that, Alex had always been more than a bit awkward about showing affection, even in private.

As an ex had put it once before, she can be such a frigid little bitch.

And to a degree, she can agree with that. She will even go as far as to joke that she was allergic to anything remotely affectionate or emotional. This was of course an exaggeration. If anything, she wished she could get out of her head at times and be able to act and do whatever she felt like.

Her hold on Harry's hand loosened a bit, but not without him taking notice. He squeezed her hand before interlocking his fingers with hers. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"You're not how I thought you'd be." she said frankly.

"Huh?" he said, looking a bit baffled.

"I thought you'd be more awkward. Like about this." she lifted their interlocked hands.

"Is that bad?" he asked, his eyebrows slightly furrowed as he ruffled his hair with his free hand.

"No." she said, "Just unexpected, I guess."

"I'm not like this with everyone though, just so you know." he lifted her face so she had no choice but to look at him, bright blue eyes staring into her dark ones.

"Please don't say it's just that I'm special or different or something." she gave out a laugh before looking away again.

He smiled, "Why not?"

"Because then I'd have to throw up then die from cringe." she smirked.

A laugh escaped his lips, "I was about to say that I feel like I can be myself around you and you wouldn't make fun of me, and that makes me feel comfortable. But after than comment, I might have to rethink that."

The walked to Chilitos Taberna, a Mexican restaurant just a few blocks away from the apartment. It was one of the places Harry suggested after hours of research, and he was glad to hear that Alex has never actually been.

"I'm surprised you've never been here." he said as they sat at one of the tables in the outdoor patio. There was still a tiny bit of sun left and Alex was determined to soak up eatery last bit of warmth she could, "It's pretty close to your place."