Capture

More Questions Than Answers

"Flying this early should be illegal," Harry grumbled mid-yawn as we trudged toward our gate.

"It's 8 a.m.," I said.

"Exactly. Too early."

"Alright, grumpy," I laughed, steering him toward the nearest Starbucks. "Let's get you caffeine before someone gets hurt."

The flight wasn't long, but by the time we landed, I was dragging. It smelled like rain in the city—thick air and gray skies. A taxi dropped us off, and Harry handled the tip while I wrestled our suitcases out of the trunk. He carried the bags upstairs without me asking him to.

"Thanks," I said, wrapping my arms around him.

"No problem. You don't have to work tomorrow, right?"

"Nope. I took the extra day off, just in case."

He nodded, silent for a second too long. He looked like he wanted to say something but wasn't sure how. I tilted my head. "Yes?"

"I just... had a really good time this weekend," he said. "I don't want it to end."

I smiled. "That's sweet. I had fun too."

He hesitated again. Then: "Will you be my girlfriend?" The words tumbled out fast, like he couldn't stop them. "I know it sounds juvenile, but I mean it. I'm in love with you, Emma. I know maybe you're not there yet, and that's okay. I can wait. I just want to know we're heading in the same direction."

I froze. His words sank in deep, leaving me breathless. He looked so sincere—no bravado, no pressure. Just hope.

"Harry... I'm damaged goods," I whispered. "You don't want to wait around for me."

"Yes, I do," he said instantly. "I can't stop thinking about you. I want every version of you—messy, complicated, scared. You might be damaged, but I'm in love with everything about you."

I thought about Casey—about the promise I made to stop running. I wanted to keep it. I meant to keep it. But breaking a habit like mine wasn't going to be simple, and this... this felt like my first real test.

Being with Harry wasn't love at least not yet, but it was something close to peace. There was an ease to him—a warmth, a stillness I hadn't known I needed until I had it. After the chaos of yesterday, after bloodying Ian's nose, after all of the fighting with Liam, after all the damage I'd let define me—easy felt like a lifeline.

And Harry felt like someone who'd hold on, even when I wavered. I didn't know what love was supposed to feel like anymore, but I wanted to try, and maybe that was enough. I stepped forward and kissed him — soft, uncertain, but real. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me easily, like I weighed nothing. "So... is that a yes?" he mumbled against my lips.

I smiled. "Yes." Harry's smile broke open like sunlight—pure, unguarded, boyish. He kissed me again, arms wrapping tightly around me like he was afraid I'd vanish.

And for the first time in a long time, I wasn't running.

We spent the rest of the evening tangled up in each other. Nothing else mattered—not tomorrow's responsibilities, not the ghosts behind me, not even the ache in my chest that still whispered be careful. With Harry, I didn't have to brace for impact. I could just... be.

I woke to a loud, rhythmic thumping.

At first, I thought it was part of a dream—the kind that lingers in your chest long after you open your eyes—but the noise didn't stop. Thud. Thud. Pause. Thud. The sound echoed faintly through the walls, hollow and relentless.