In Love: Against All Odds

A Necklace Wrapped in Love

Little Things – One Direction✨
"You'll never love yourself half as much as I love you
And you'll never treat yourself right, darlin', but I want you to."

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As Patrick and I strolled down the busy streets, the cool autumn air hit my face, and I couldn't help but grin. 

The whole vibe was on point—the sound of people laughing, shoppers chatting, and the smell of fresh pastries drifting from nearby cafés made the moment feel perfect. It wasn't just any day—we'd both been buried in uni work, so getting a full day together felt like a fresh start.

We ducked into a boutique, the racks lined with the latest fall styles. As I flipped through the clothes, I held up a bright blue blouse against me. "Too much?" I asked, glancing at Patrick.

He gave me a slow once-over, then smirked. "Now that, I can get behind. But let's be real, I'm just here to hold your bags."

I laughed, nudging him. "Oh, please, you love it."

After a solid shopping spree, we hit up a little gift shop around the corner. My mind immediately went to Adri since her birthday was coming up. "Hey, I need to find something for Adri," I told him, grinning a little. "She's obsessed with Jade Kason's music, so maybe I'll grab her his latest album. She wanted to get it, but her parents wouldn't let her—said she's too obsessed with him."

Patrick chuckled, clearly already knowing where this was going. "Isn't she, like, the president of the Jade Kason fan club here? I swear she has more posters of him than textbooks."

"And more merch than common sense," I added, shaking my head. "But hey, at least she's passionate."

My eyes immediately landed on a display of CDs, and a grin spread across my face. "Adri is going to lose her mind."

Patrick followed my gaze and smirked. "Oh no, don't tell me—"

I grabbed Jade Kason's newest album and held it up like I'd found treasure. "Her parents wouldn't let her buy this, so obviously, I have to."

Patrick smiled at me. "You're such a great friend, Kat."

His words felt so simple but hit me right in the feels. I smiled back, a little warmth bubbling up inside me.

As we wandered through the store, my eyes caught something behind the glass counter—a delicate silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. It wasn't flashy, just simple and elegant, but there was something about it that called to me.

I leaned in, admiring how the light made it sparkle. "That's so pretty," I murmured to myself, completely entranced.

Patrick, who had been pretending not to be interested in jewelry, glanced over. "You like it?"

I nodded, then sighed. "Yeah, but I don't need it."

I turned away, forcing myself to be responsible. It was just a necklace. I didn't have to have it. I had come here for Adri's gift, not to spoil myself.

But as we walked away, I caught Patrick looking back at the display for just a second longer than necessary.

---

By the time we reached my apartment, the sun was setting, painting the sky in streaks of pink and gold. We stood at my doorstep, the air between us thick with something—that unspoken thing that had been there for a while now.

"Thanks for today, Patrick. I had the best time."

"Me too," he said, his voice quieter now, his eyes holding mine.

Just as I was about to unlock my door, he hesitated, reaching into his bag. "Wait—I got something for you."

I blinked, surprised, as he handed me a small, beautifully wrapped box. My heart did a little flip.

"Patrick, you didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," he said simply. "Wear it to Adri's party, okay?"

I unwrapped it slowly, my breath hitching when I saw what was inside—a delicate silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. The exact one I had adored but walked away from.

"Patrick... this is gorgeous." I ran my fingers over the cool metal, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You deserve it."

Before I could even process it, he stepped closer, brushing a soft kiss against my lips. It was light, uncertain. But it still sent a shockwave through me, leaving me breathless.

"Thank you, Patrick."

Our eyes lingered on each other for a moment before I stepped inside, closing the door behind me, my heart pounding against my ribs.

----

That night, I sat on my bed, twirling the necklace between my fingers, completely mesmerized by it. The silver chain gleamed against my skin, the heart pendant catching the dim glow of my bedside lamp.

Then, something clicked.

My eyes darted to my jewelry stand. The necklace. The one I had admired weeks ago in that boutique window, the one I had casually pointed out to Patrick, saying how perfect it was.

No way.

I picked it up again, feeling my stomach flip. He had remembered. Out of all the things I had said in passing, he had noticed this.

I grabbed my phone and quickly typed out a message:

I love it. Thank you, Patrick—I can't wait to show you how it looks.

His reply came almost instantly.

Can't wait to see it on you.

I set my phone down, staring at the ceiling with the stupidest grin on my face.

This wasn't just a necklace.

It was a reminder. That he saw me. That he listened. That maybe—just maybe—this was turning into something real.

And for the first time in a long time, I let myself hope.

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