Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 9: First Steps Into a Relationship

The weeks that followed my first few studio sessions with Harry were a whirlwind. Every day felt like a blur of music, late nights, and moments of inspiration that kept me running on adrenaline. But somewhere between all the rehearsals and recording, my mind kept drifting back to Nick. We weren't official yet, but something had shifted between us since the VMAs. There was a tension—not bad, but something that made me realize how much more there was between us that we hadn't said yet.

It had been hard to find time to see each other, but we still managed to keep in touch. Nick wasn't the type to make a big deal out of things, and while he didn't seem overly concerned about the time I was spending with Harry, I could feel his quiet patience wearing thin. He missed me. And I missed him too, more than I was willing to admit.

I was at the studio late again one evening when Nick texted me.

Nick:

Can we meet up tomorrow? I want to see you.

I smiled, a warmth spreading through me. I'd been so caught up in the music that I hadn't realized how much I needed this too.

Me:

I'd love that. What do you have in mind?

Nick:

How about we get out of the city for a bit? Just you and me.

I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the keys. It sounded perfect, but it also sounded like more than just a casual hangout. Maybe that was exactly what we needed.

Me:

I'm in. Just tell me when and where.

The next day, Nick picked me up, and we headed out of the city, driving away from the noise and chaos of our usual lives. I didn't know where we were going, but Nick kept it a surprise, only offering a mischievous smile whenever I asked. As we drove, the tension that had been lingering between us seemed to melt away, replaced by the easy conversation and laughter that had always come so naturally.

We pulled up to a quiet villa nestled in the hills, far enough from the city that it felt like a different world. The air was crisp and cool, and the view stretched out over rolling green hills that seemed to go on forever. It was peaceful—exactly what we both needed.

"This place is beautiful," I said, stepping out of the car and taking in the serene surroundings.

Nick came up behind me, his arm brushing against mine as he smiled. "I thought you might like it. We could use a break from everything."

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. "Yeah. We really could."

We spent the afternoon exploring the villa, lounging by the pool, and just talking. For the first time in weeks, there were no distractions—no deadlines, no studio sessions, no flashing cameras. It was just the two of us, and it felt like the rest of the world had faded away.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the hills, Nick and I sat on the terrace, a bottle of wine between us. The conversation had slowed, and we sat in comfortable silence, watching the sky change colors. I could feel his eyes on me, but when I turned to meet his gaze, there was something different in the way he was looking at me—something deeper.

"What?" I asked, smiling softly.

Nick shook his head, his lips curving into a playful grin. "Nothing. I'm just thinking about how lucky I am."

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "Lucky?"

He nodded, his eyes serious now. "Yeah. To be here with you. To be doing... this."