H.S | Same song, second verse | Second book

Chapter 33. He's the dream, i'm the nightmare

[May 5th, 2017]

"So yesterday was your birthday..." he walks into the bedroom where I'm sitting on the bed, working on my computer.

"Yeah?" I frown, glancing up at him, curious but cautious.

"And I have a gift that I didn't get before today," he continues, his voice holding a hint of mischief. He leans casually against the doorframe, hands tucked behind his back.

I close my laptop, intrigued now. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know," he shrugs with a playful grin, "but I wanted to."

I tilt my head, still frowning. "Okay... What is it?"

Without a word, he moves towards the bed, his steps deliberate, and when he's close enough, he pulls something from behind his back. My eyes drop to his hands, and I see a small, neatly wrapped box. It's nothing extravagant, just simple paper with a string bow, but there's something intimate about it.

He extends the small box toward me, his eyes locked on mine, anticipation flickering behind them. "This is for you."

For a moment, I freeze, my heart skipping a beat before I reach out, fingers brushing against his as I take the gift. The simple bow feels heavier than it should as I pull at the string, unwrapping the paper carefully. My breath catches when I open the box—it's a key.

I stare at it, confusion settling in. "A key?" I look up at him, my brow furrowed.

His expression softens as he shifts closer, his voice low but full of meaning. "I want to give you everything. I want to make all your dreams come true... so I bought you a flat. In New York."

My smile falters, my eyes widening in disbelief. "What?" I barely manage to get the word out.

He laughs softly, running a hand through his hair, his tone almost sheepish. "It's perfect for you and Arlo. It's your style, and it's already in your name—because it's yours. Before you can argue, I should tell you—I've already bought it, and there's no going back. So... I really hope you like it."

I blink, completely floored, my mind racing to catch up with his words. He's serious. I can tell by the way his smile doesn't waver, how certain he seems.

I sit there, stunned, still processing his words. My fingers tighten around the key as if gripping it will make the reality of what he's just said sink in faster.

"You... bought me a flat? In New York?" My voice is barely a whisper.

He nods, his eyes searching mine for a reaction. "I know it's a lot to take in, but it felt right. You deserve a place that's truly yours, a place where you can start fresh... where you can breathe." His voice softens.

I'm speechless. My thoughts jumble, trying to wrap around the enormity of it. A flat. In New York. He's given me more than just a gift—he's given me a future.

"But..." I stammer, my head shaking, "I can't just— I don't know what to say. This is... huge. It's too much."

His smile fades slightly, concern flashing across his face. "It's not too much. It's what you deserve. I wanted to do this because your dreams are mine. And if this can give you a fresh start..." He shrugs, his eyes never leaving mine. "Then I've done the right thing."

[May 11th, 2017]

The release party is in full swing, and it's electric. The venue is decked out with shimmering silver streamers and a massive banner that reads "Harry Styles—The Debut Album Release" in bold, glittering letters.