A race to your heart (Zarry AU)

9.- Crossroads 🏁

Harry's POV

I stepped onto the balcony, the cold morning air nipping at my skin as I answered the call. "Hey, mate," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Hey, I have news..." Jeff's voice was low, almost hesitant.

My heart skipped a beat. "Tell me now," I urged, the anxiety bubbling up inside me.

"I'm sorry, mate..." Jeff began, and my stomach dropped.

I braced myself for disappointment, the crushing weight of lost dreams settling in. "Alright..." I replied, feeling the void in my chest expand. The tension was unbearable, and I was ready to end the call when Jeff's voice took on a different tone.

"You will have to leave your London flat," he continued, and my breath hitched. "Move to Monaco next year... and wear a ridiculous red jumpsuit. I'm not sure if red suits you, though."

It took me a moment to process his words.

"What... red? Monaco? You mean... I got it?" My voice was filled with disbelief.

"Yes, mate! As soon as you sign the multi-year contract. You got it, Ferrari wants you. Only you. You'll be one of the youngest drivers joining them!" Jeff exclaimed, his voice loud with excitement.

Ferrari. I got it. The words echoed in my mind, and for a moment, I was speechless. The dream team, Ferrari, was giving me the opportunity of a lifetime in Formula One at the age of 21. It was everything I'd ever wanted, everything I'd worked for.

"Aren't you happy, Harold?" Jeff asked, sensing my silence.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks, mate. Can I call you later?" I managed to say before hanging up.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself amidst the exhilaration. My eyes wandered to Zayn, who was in the kitchen, busy preparing breakfast for us.

Zayn, who had always dreamed of Ferrari too, just like me. The reality of what this meant for both of us began to sink in. It was a dream come true, but it also felt like a betrayal of the pact we'd made as little lads, to be world champions with Ferrari together.

I walked back into the living room, my mind racing. Zayn looked up as soon as he saw me, concern etched on his face. "Hey," he said softly, sensing the shift in my mood.

"Hey," I replied, forcing a small smile.

"All good? What happened?" he asked, walking toward me. His eyes searched mine, looking for clues to what I was feeling.

"I... got it. I... got a seat with... Ferrari," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, as I looked down at the floor. Then, gathering the courage, I met his gaze.

His face lit up with genuine happiness, but there was something else there too, something I couldn't quite read.

"No way! That's incredible news, babe! I'm... I'm so happy for you," he said, pulling me into a tender kiss.

"You are? It's a dream come true, but it's also bittersweet," I confessed, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

"Bittersweet? Why? This is what you've always wanted!" Zayn exclaimed, his joy for me palpable, but I could see the concern flickering in his eyes.

"Yeah, exactly. Do you remember our childhood pact to be world champions with Ferrari? Now it's just...," my voice trailed off, the weight of our unfulfilled dream hanging between us.

"I get it, babe. Mixed emotions, huh?" he said softly, his hand caressing my cheek. "But I'm proud of you and don't ever feel bad or down for it. This is a great moment for you. Don't worry... I'll be there soon, and we'll be sharing this journey," he said.