If You Only Knew

Chapter 10

Harry's POV

The soft voice of Lottie pierces through the haze of my dreams, a gentle nudge pulling me from the warmth of sleep. "Harry, love, you need to wake up."

I blink my eyes open slowly, the room still wrapped in a quiet, golden light from the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains. I stretch, feeling the pleasant ache in my limbs from the nap I didn't even realize I needed. "Hmmm... Hi, Lots," I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. "Is Lou home?"

Lottie's smile is playful, but there's something deeper behind it—an understanding, a knowing. "He's not, but he left me this note for you," she says, handing me a small, folded piece of paper. The anticipation makes my heart flutter as I take the note, my fingers brushing the soft edges of the paper.

I unfold it with care, my heart already racing with the thought of Louis. The words bring a smile to my face as I read them:

Hi Hazza,

I hope you had a good nap. You looked super cute and cuddly on the couch. I'm excited for you to join me on this date.

Lottie picked out an outfit for you; it's on my bed. Please get ready and meet me at the place where you broke your arm at 7 pm. P.S. I told Lottie, I hope that's okay. P.P.S. Thank you for letting me have this opportunity to show you how much you mean to me.

XOXO Your Boobear 🖤

I can't help the soft laugh that escapes me, my heart swelling as I imagine Louis writing these words. It feels so personal, so raw, and yet full of warmth. I look up at Lottie, the smile on my face stretching wider. "So you know?"

Her eyes twinkle with a mix of mischief and affection. "Yes, I do. Now come on, let's get you ready. We've got an hour!"

Her energy is contagious as she pulls me to my feet, guiding me upstairs to Louis's room. As I walk, my mind races with thoughts of tonight. This is it. A date with Louis. A real, tangible step in this beautiful, messy, confusing thing we have. I want to be perfect for him.

When we get to Louis's room, she points to the bed, where an outfit is laid out so thoughtfully: a red long-sleeve shirt, black skinny jeans, and an array of bracelets and a ring that glints under the light. "It looks great, Lottie, thank you," I say, my voice soft with appreciation.

"Now, go shower, and I'll make sure your hair is perfect for him," she says with a wink. I nod gratefully, then head to the bathroom for what feels like the second shower of the day. The warm water hits me like a comforting embrace, washing away the sleepiness and leaving me feeling refreshed, alive with anticipation.

I step out of the shower, the air cool against my skin. I towel off, glancing at the clock. I still have plenty of time. As I walk back to Lottie's room, I feel a strange combination of nerves and excitement swirling in my stomach. My mind wanders to Louis—his smile, his laugh, the way he makes me feel like I'm exactly where I need to be.

Lottie is already sitting on her bed, waiting for me. "I'm ready for you to do my hair, Lottie," I say, my voice tinged with the nerves I'm struggling to suppress.

She pats the bed beside her, her smile reassuring. "Great, sit down, and I'll make you look even more gorgeous than you already do."

I settle on the bed, feeling the softness of the blankets beneath me as Lottie begins her work. She's delicate with my hair, running her fingers through the damp curls, her touch light and steady. The smell of her products fills the room, a mix of lavender and vanilla. The soft hum of the hairdryer fills the space, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting myself relax under her care.