RUN AWAY || H.S

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟎𝟑

Harry's POV.

"Hello, love. Welcome to America," I whispered, barely moving my lips as I tried to hold onto the moment. Even though our hug lasted less than five seconds, I found myself aching for more—more of her warmth, more of that soft, comforting scent that clung to her skin. It was strange, feeling this pull for someone I had just met, yet everything about her felt familiar and inviting.

While Niall and I hefted Alana's bag and carefully loaded it into the trunk, Kiara's voice filled the space between us with rapid-fire questions. "How long are you staying here, Alana? And why do you only have two bags? I thought you were planning on staying longer!"

Alana chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling with amusement as she adjusted the strap of her worn handbag. "I'm not planning to go back to India, Ki. If I'm starting fresh in a new country, I figured I'd leave most of my baggage behind. I'll get new clothes and settle in—I have some savings, after all."

"Shopping!! Yay!" Kiara exclaimed, her excitement practically lighting up the room.

"Okay, baby. We're done here. Let's take Alana home," Niall said, his tone warm and familiar as he draped an arm around Kiara's shoulder.

We piled into the car—Niall and I up front, the girls snug in the back—and I merged onto the highway. The steady hum of the engine mixed with the soft murmur of conversation as we headed toward our apartment, which was about an hour away from the airport. The journey provided a quiet backdrop for our little chat.

"Do you guys live together?" Alana asked, glancing between Kiara and Niall with genuine curiosity.

Kiara laughed, a bright sound that cut through the hum of the road. "Oh no! Niall and I share an apartment in the same building. It's got three bedrooms, so you can have your own space. And Harry? He stays in the penthouse, right above us."

"We promise we won't make too much noise, darling," Niall added with a playful smirk that made Kiara roll her eyes and laugh.

"By the way, Alana, how's India? How's everyone there? It's been years since I last went back," Kiara continued, her tone laced with nostalgic warmth.

For a brief moment, Alana's smile wavered—an unspoken memory surfacing—before she quickly masked it. "Umm... everything's great, I guess. Why do you ask? Don't you talk to your mom?"

"I do, but barely. Between classes and work, it gets hectic. And the time difference? It's a real hassle," Kiara replied with a half-shrug, half-sigh.

Alana's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh? What do you do? Last I remember, you were planning to study psychology."

"I did, but things changed. I got an internship at a great company four months ago—it's been challenging but amazing," Kiara said, her excitement evident in every word.

"And what about you guys?" Alana then turned her attention to Niall and me.

"I'm studying business now," Niall said softly, glancing at Alana in the rearview mirror. "I was originally on track to be a doctor, but that path didn't feel right."

Alana nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, wow! I did business management too. And what about you, Harry?"

I cleared my throat, a slight nervous laugh escaping me. "Umm... I'm the COO at my father's and uncle's company." I could feel the weight of expectation and history in that simple statement.

Alana raised a teasing eyebrow. "Big boy in a big company, huh?"

I managed a small laugh. "Something like that."

Soon enough, we reached our building—a modest but inviting apartment complex that felt like home. Niall and I helped Alana carry her bags up the stairs, the corridor echoing with our footsteps and the promise of new beginnings. Inside, Kiara's touch was evident in every corner, making the space warm and welcoming.