Because Hearts Get Broken

Unexpected visitor

Harry is at a bustling nightclub in London, at a close friend's album launch. He is surrounded by flickering neon lights and a thumping bass sound.

The room is packed, and the air is thick with the mingling scents of perfume, sweat and alcohol. Amidst the crowd, Harry feels absent. He's with Jamie and Roman, but his thoughts keep drifting back to Taylor and her recent breakup with Travis.

The news have been causing havoc across media and their industry circles.

Jamie and Roman are engaged in a serious few-drinks-too-much conversation about life and seizing opportunities.

"We're not getting any younger," Jamie says earnestly. "If there's something you want, you need to go for it now. Life's too short to waste time."

Roman agrees, nodding vigorously. "Absolutely. It's all about making the most of the moment. Otherwise, you might end up regretting it."

Harry half-listens at the full on cliche chatter, until he hears a nearby conversation from an upcoming singer and a model at the bar. Their voices cutting through the noise of the club.

"Did you hear about Taylor and Travis?" the singer asks.

The model responds, "Yeah, but it's Taylor. Probably has someone lined up though. That's her MO. You know how it is—being all vulnerable."

Harry's stomach clenches. The conversation stings, reminding him he has been at this crossroads before, her breaking up with someone, and him being too late. He feels a very real and sudden panic about the possibility of her finding someone else to move on to.

He can't sleep that night, until he finds himself at early hours of the morning, texting his EA instructing him to book him a flight to LA for the following day. Only then he gives into a slumber.

Harry arrives in LA late at night. After a quick shower, he heads to his garage, full of unused cars. Grabbing the first set of keys he can find; he drives to Taylor's house.

His nerves are a tangled mess of anticipation and anxiety as he pulls into her driveway. He takes a deep breath before texting her:

"Are you home alone? I'm in your driveway if you don't mind a visitor x"

He watches the house windows, noting a few lights switch on and off. A moment later his phone buzzes with a reply, and the gate in front of him begins to open.

"Not at all. Come in"

The door swings open, and Taylor appears in the doorway. She's wearing an oversized sweater that hangs loosely on her, paired with soft leggings. Her hair is slightly tousled, falling over her shoulders in casual waves, and her cheeks are flushed. There's a slight unsteadiness in her movements that makes Harry suspect she's at least a little tipsy.

Despite that, her initial surprise quickly melts into genuine joy as she sees him. Her eyes light up as she pulls him into a tight hug.

"Harry," she says, her voice full of relief and gratitude. "I didn't expect you. I'm so glad you're here."

Harry returns the hug, savouring the warmth and comfort of her embrace. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding."

"No," Taylor says, pulling back to look at him, her smile soft and sincere. "It's good to see you. Come in."

He follows her to the kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked goods fills the space. He notices the half-empty bottle of white wine on the counter and leans against it, crossing his arms, as he watches her move around, getting her oven gloves ready.