Unlikely (H.S.)

two

~Harry~

Touring is not all it's cracked up to be. Don't get me wrong, I love performing. I love writing music, I love meeting all of my fans, and I love seeing the world. But, if I'm being completely honest, the monotony of travelling and all the alone time can sometimes become a little too much. I'm currently in Auckland, New Zealand; beautiful place, beautiful people. I was able to get out for a run this morning before it got too hot, and have since come back to my room and showered, needing to go grab something to eat.

Sometimes, I can ask my PA or a member of the band to come along with me, but sometimes they have things to do and can't get out. But it's okay, I've become accustomed and okay with being alone. I guess. After being rejected by everyone on my team, I choose to head out for food on my own. I put on a pair of black workout shorts and a grey tank top since it's so hot out, and slip my well worn Vans onto my feet. I am sure to grab a hat, sunglasses, wallet, my Airpods, phone, and my key card before stepping out of the beautiful hotel room into the hall. I see the floor security glance at me as I exit.

"Just grabbing something to eat," I explain. "I'll be back in an hour or so."

"Are you sure you want to head out alone, H?" security questions me.

"It's all good man, don't worry, I just need to get outta this room for a bit."

"Well, okay. Be careful out there."

I salute him and press the button to go down and await the ding.

Ding.

I step into the waiting elevator and hit the M button and pop my Airpods in, pull my hat down, and place my sunglasses on my face. I look at the numbers above the doors as I descend from the thirty-second floor.

Ding.

The doors slide open, and a couple in their late-twenties walk in holding hands. They look at me and nod. I can't tell if they recognize me, they seem so preoccupied with one another. They seem so in love, and utterly obsessed with their partner, whispering and leaning into each other. I want that, I think to myself, I want someone to be obsessed with me and I'm equally as obsessed with them. I let out a low breath, and continued watching the numbers get lower as we head to the main floor. Around the ninth floor, the girl looks up at me and removes the sunglasses covering her eyes.

"I'm a really big fan. Like, huge! We have tickets to the show tonight, and even if he doesn't want to admit it, he's excited to see you perform too!" The brunette smiles up at me while sharing her admiration.

"Aw, thank you so much," I replied. "It means so much to me."

I reach forward and touch her shoulder, to which she noticeably shakes out of excitement.

"What are your names?" I question, looking at the both.

"I'm Ivy, this is James," Ivy explains as I nod at the information.

"Well, it was lovely to meet you both. I hope you enjoy the show and enjoy your time here in Auckland."

Ding.

Saved by the bell, I think to myself.

We nod again and I shake James' hand and shoot Ivy an appreciative look before heading towards the lobby and out the front doors, looking forward to the change of scenery and fresh air.

A crowd had collected at a hotel on the other side of town, but it quickly dispersed as fans learned that I was not staying at that hotel. I am grateful they haven't found me yet. This has to be one of the most frustrating things to deal with when I travel, constantly having to be on. I know, if you think about it, I only work for like three hours a night, but if I am constantly encountering fans, I have to be on my best behaviour and make sure I'm not an asshole to them, even when I feel like shit and want to be an asshole and be left alone.