✓ 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙣' 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 ━━ Harry Styles

19. dates gone wrong

chapter nineteen
"dates gone wrong"

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Boston, massachusetts ━━ 2014

THE BOSTON skyline glittered in the distance as Harry's car wound its way through the Massachusetts countryside. Aisling gazed out the window, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her stomach. It was their first proper date since she'd decided to accept the solo record deal, and with only three shows left before she left the tour, every moment felt precious.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Harry's voice broke through her reverie.

Aisling turned to him with a smile. "Just... taking it all in. It's been an intense few days."

Harry reached over and squeezed her hand. "I can imagine. How are you feeling about it all?"

"Excited. Terrified. A bit of everything, really," Aisling admitted. "What about you? How are you handling... all of this?"

Harry was quiet for a moment, his eyes on the road. "I'm going to miss you like crazy," he said softly. "But I'm also incredibly proud of you, Ash."

They pulled up to a small, secluded restaurant nestled in the woods. As they settled into their seats, Aisling couldn't help but marvel at how Harry had managed to find such a private spot.

"So," Harry said as they perused the menus, "have you thought about what you want to do for your final show?"

Aisling nodded, setting her menu down. "I was thinking we could debut that new song we've been working on. Go out with a bang, you know?"

Harry's face lit up. "I love that idea."

As their meals arrived, Aisling hesitated before asking, "What about... after I'm gone? What will you guys do for the opening act?"

Harry took a sip of his water before answering. "We've actually been talking about that. We're thinking of going back to the original plan, bringing in the act we were going to have before you joined us."

"Oh," Aisling said, trying to ignore the pang in her chest. "That makes sense. Who was it again?"

"A band called The Tide," Harry explained. "They're good, but..." he trailed off, his eyes meeting hers. "They're not you."

The intensity of his gaze made Aisling's heart race. Without thinking, she leaned across the table. Harry met her halfway, their lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss.

As they pulled apart, Aisling felt a warmth spread through her entire body. "Wow," she breathed.

Harry grinned, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Yeah. Wow."

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden flash of light from outside the restaurant window. Aisling turned to see a man with a camera, rapidly snapping photos.

"Paparazzi," Harry muttered, his expression darkening. "I'm so sorry, Ash. I thought this place was secluded enough."

Panic rose in Aisling's chest as more flashes went off. "What do we do?"

Harry stood up quickly, throwing some bills on the table. "We run."

Hand in hand, they dashed out the back door of the restaurant and into Harry's waiting car. As Harry sped away, Aisling could see several cars following them in the rearview mirror.

"I can't believe this," she said, her heart pounding. "Is it always like this for you?"

Harry's knuckles were white on the steering wheel. "Sometimes. I'm so sorry you had to experience this, Ash. I should have been more careful."

After a series of turns and backroads, Harry finally managed to lose their pursuers. They pulled into the hotel parking lot, both breathing heavily.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, turning to Aisling with concern in his eyes.

Aisling nodded, though she still felt shaken. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just... not used to that kind of attention."

Harry pulled her into a hug. "I wish I could promise it won't happen again, but... this is part of the life, Ash."

As they said goodnight in the hotel lobby, both still rattled from the evening's events, Aisling couldn't help but wonder what she was getting herself into.

Back in her room, she found Tulip waiting for her, camera in hand as always.

"There you are!" Tulip exclaimed. "How was the big date? Spill all the deets!"

Aisling had just started recounting the evening when her phone rang. It was Sophia, and she did not sound happy.

"Aisling," Sophia's voice was tense. "Have you seen the photos?"

"Photos?" Aisling asked, confusion turning to dread. "You mean... they've already been published?"

"They're all over social media," Sophia confirmed. "We need to talk about damage control. Meet me in my room in five minutes."

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