Unlikely (H.S.)

twenty-seven*

~Harper~

The office was unusually quiet as I sat at my desk, the faint hum of the air conditioner barely masking the sound of my own anxious thoughts, but I guess that's what you get at 7pm. I stared at my computer screen, the article I was supposed to be working on just a blur of black and white. I'd been here for hours, but the words weren't coming. Every time I tried to make progress, I found myself circling back to the same problem.

Janet's messages flashed through my mind like a neon sign that wouldn't turn off.

JANET: We need more substance, Harper.

The readers want the inside scoop.

What's it really like knowing a celebrity?

Are you guys dating yet?

Her requests were always the same—dig deeper, give more details, and, of course, make it about Harry. The original pitch had been about musicians and social media, but now it felt like she was steering it into tabloid territory.

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed, glancing out the office window at the city below. The people rushing by on the streets seemed to be moving with purpose, like they had somewhere to go, things to do—lives that didn't feel this chaotic. I envied them.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the uneasy silence. I looked down and saw a stream of texts from my friends, their names lighting up the screen with a welcome distraction.

Amalia: Babe, you better not still be stuck at that desk

LET'S FUCKING GOOOOO 🏃🏻‍♀️

Daphne: You need a break, like, right now

I MEAN IT 😡

Nate's already making one of his special drinks for you at Raven's 🍸🍸🍸

Nate: Trust me, that article can wait ⌛

Just come here and work remotely

Or don't work at all, even better

Fuck Janet, we hate her

Hunter: Ya, fuck dat bitchhhhh

Just fucking leaveeeee

COME SEE USSSSS

I couldn't help but smile, their teasing instantly brightening my mood. I knew they were right—I was on the verge of burnout, and the deadlines looming over me weren't making things any easier. Before I could reply, another text lit up my screen, and this one made my heart skip a beat.

Harry: Miss you, love ❤️

Can't stop thinking about you 😘

Wish you were here with me

It feels like ages since I've seen you, even though I just left

His words wrapped around me like a hug, and a familiar ache settled in my chest. It had only been a couple days since he'd flown back to London, but it felt like much longer. I missed him more than I was willing to admit—missed his laugh, the way he'd always surprise me with little things that made my day better, the warmth of his arms around me.

His texts kept coming, as if he knew I needed the encouragement.

Harry: Please tell me you're not working overtime

Have you finished that article for your boss?

Anything I can do to help?

You can always just leave and come travel Europe with me...