Revenge - English Version

Chapter 17 - A New Direction

Harry POV

This girl... She drives me crazy in ways I can't explain. Every time I'm with her, a whirlwind of emotions consumes me. There's something about her—it's that typical friendship where, even though we've barely met, it feels like we've known each other for years. But it's become more than just friendship. It's that duality that confuses me, that pulls me towards her.

I feel an uncontrollable need to protect her, like she's the most precious thing I've ever held in my hands. There's something in me that believes she needs that protection, but I know that's just my way of justifying what I really feel. The truth is, I'm in love. No, it's deeper than that... I think I've been in love for a long time, but I refuse to admit it because I know that once I do, there's no turning back. But she... she doesn't even notice. Or maybe, she pretends not to.

I see her walking down the stairs, and my heart tightens, like the simple act of seeing her could change my entire day. A smile spreads across my face before I can even control it—it's instinctive. She's just so... her. How can someone be so simple and yet so perfect at the same time? Jeans, a loose jumper, no fuss about what she's wearing, yet she captures all of my attention. The casual way she leans over to grab her bag from the sofa... my eyes are glued to her movements, like it's inevitable. Like my whole body is programmed to react to her presence.

But what scares me is that all of this might mean nothing to her. Maybe Zayn is the only one she really thinks about. Zayn, who has hurt her so much, and yet, he seems to have a part of her that I'll never reach. I feel torn between what I want and what I know is right. How can I fight for her when deep down I know he's always lurking? He doesn't deserve her, not after everything that's happened. But then, why does she still hesitate? What does he have that I don't? Does she still love him?

The questions consume me, gnawing at me from the inside. And as much as I want to push them away, they keep filling me with doubt. I know I can make her happy, I know I can give her everything she deserves, but does she see that? Or am I being naïve, imagining that one day she'll look at me the way I look at her? Every little thing she does, no matter how small, seems to carry a different weight for me. And the worst part is, she has no idea. How could she?

- Shall we go? - Her soft voice interrupts my thoughts, and I realise I've been staring at her like an idiot this whole time. I smile, a little embarrassed.

- Yeah, let's go. - I offer her my hand, and as soon as our fingers touch, I feel a warmth in my chest, like something inside me is finally right.

- Where are we going? - she asks, blinking with curiosity, and—damn it... Care, don't do that. You have no idea how you make me feel.

- Shouldn't you ask that before accepting the invitation? - I raise an eyebrow playfully, and she laughs, making me feel even lighter. - The cinema,- I reply, before leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, just enough to catch the sweet scent of her perfume.

When we get to the cinema, we immediately start a friendly argument over what to watch. She wants a romantic film, but I prefer horror. I end up winning, of course, which leaves me satisfied. Horror films are perfect—I'll have her in my arms the whole time, and there won't be any excuses.

My happiness grows when I realise I was right all along once the film ends. I didn't pay attention to a single scene. How could I? I spent the whole time watching her. She clung to me, terrified, and all my focus was on how perfectly she fit in my arms. Damn it, Harry! I never thought I'd let myself get caught up like this with a girl. At first, I just wanted to help her get over Zayn, make her feel good about herself. Now... now it's so much more than that. She's becoming something essential to me.