𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍, ʰᵃʳʳʸ ˢᵗʸˡᵉˢ

• 𝟏𝟒 - 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

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new year's eve in new york city was always a whirlwind, but this year, with harry by my side, it felt different.

the streets were buzzing with energy, throngs of people bundled up against the chill, their faces illuminated by the glittering lights of times square.

we navigated the crowd with a practiced ease, our steps in sync despite the chaos around us. harry's hand occasionally brushed against mine, a silent reassurance amidst the frenzy.

"how are you holding up?" harry asked, his voice a low murmur barely audible above the noise.

"better now," i replied, offering a small smile. "just trying to soak it all in without thinking too much about the cameras."

harry nodded, glancing around with a wary eye. the paparazzi were always a looming presence, their lenses constantly searching for a shot that would make headlines.

" yeah, gotta stay on our toes. management would lose their minds if they caught wind of this."

i sighed, the weight of the past year settling on my shoulders. "i know. it's like they don't care about anything but the image, the brand. they'd never approve of us."

his hand found mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "they're toxic. the schedules they put us on... it's inhumane."

i nodded, feeling the truth of his words deep in my bones. "i don't know how much longer i can keep up. the constant traveling, the lack of sleep... i've developed an eating disorder because of it. there's just no time to take care of myself."

his eyes darkened with concern. "i'm so sorry. We barely get a break. they push us to the edge and expect us to keep smiling for the cameras."

as the countdown began, the crowd around us surged with excitement. the giant screens flashed with numbers, and the anticipation was palpable.

harry turned to me, his eyes reflecting the lights of the city. "hey," he said softly, leaning closer. "no matter what happens, i'm here with you. we'll get through this together. forever"

"ten!" the crowd shouted in unison, and i felt a surge of hope.

"nine!" harry's hand tightened around mine.

"eight!" the noise was deafening, but all i could focus on was harry's face.

"seven! six!" his gaze was intense, filled with unspoken promises.

"five! four!" my heart pounded in my chest.

"three! two!" time seemed to slow.

"one!"

as the clock struck twelve, harry leaned in, and our lips met in a kiss that was both tender and passionate.

it was as if, for that moment, the world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us in our own little bubble of joy and relief.