Midnight Memories

12

The day had finally come for Harry to meet Zayn's family, and Zayn felt a whirlwind of nerves and excitement as they drove to his parents' house. He glanced at Harry, who was fidgeting with his hands in his lap, his expression a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Are you ready for this?" Zayn asked, trying to keep his voice light.

Harry chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair. "I think so. But what if they don't like me? I mean, they're your family."

"Trust me, they're going to love you. They already do," Zayn reassured him, shooting him a warm smile. "They've been hearing about you for years. You're practically family already."

Harry's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Zayn parked the car in front of his family's house, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before stepping out. "When we were best friends, I talked about you all the time. My parents loved you before they even met you. They thought you were the best thing that ever happened to me."

Harry's face lit up with a mix of surprise and happiness. "Really? I had no idea."

"Yeah, really," Zayn said, opening Harry's door for him. "Just be yourself. They're going to be thrilled to see you."

Taking a deep breath, Harry nodded, and they made their way up to the front door. Zayn knocked, the sound echoing in the quiet afternoon. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing his mother, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"Zayn! Harry! I'm so glad you're here!" she exclaimed, pulling them both into a tight embrace.

"Hi, Mrs. Malik," Harry said, his voice slightly muffled as she squeezed him.

"Call me Mama Malik," she insisted, stepping back to get a good look at both of them. "You're just as handsome as Zayn said you were!"

Zayn grinned, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. "Told you so!"

"Come in, come in! Your father is just finishing up in the kitchen," she said, ushering them inside. The familiar scent of spices and home-cooked food enveloped them, making Zayn feel a wave of nostalgia wash over him.

As they entered the living room, Zayn's father looked up from the couch, a smile spreading across his face when he saw them. "Harry! It's great to see you!" he said, standing to greet them.

"Hi, Mr. Malik," Harry replied, a bit shyly.

"None of that! It's 'Uncle' to you, young man," Zayn's father chuckled, pulling Harry into a friendly embrace.

Zayn watched as Harry relaxed under the warmth of his family, his nerves slowly fading away. They settled into the living room, and Zayn's mother began pouring them drinks, asking them about their lives, the tour, and everything in between.

"So, Harry, how does it feel to be dating our Zayn?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Harry flushed slightly, glancing at Zayn for support. "It's been... amazing," he admitted, a shy smile on his lips. "Zayn's incredible."

Zayn felt his heart swell with pride as he met Harry's gaze, the warmth between them unmistakable.

His father leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "You know, Zayn's always had a special place in his heart for you, Harry. We could tell even when you were just friends."

Zayn's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and he looked down, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Thanks, Dad."

"I remember the first time he brought you home," his mother chimed in, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "He wouldn't stop talking about you. He was so happy to have you as a friend. We knew there was something special there."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't realize I made that much of an impression."

"You certainly did," Zayn's father said with a nod. "And we couldn't be happier that you two are together now."

The conversation flowed easily as they shared stories, laughter ringing through the house. Harry's initial nerves faded away completely as Zayn's family welcomed him with open arms.

"Now, let's talk about the wedding," Zayn's mother said, winking playfully. "When are you two planning on tying the knot?"

Harry nearly choked on his drink, his face turning bright red. "Um, well, that's a bit early, isn't it?"

Zayn couldn't help but laugh, the playful banter feeling like home. "Don't worry,mama is only pulling your leg Harry."

As the evening went on, Zayn realized just how much he cherished this moment—the warmth of family, the laughter, and the love surrounding them. It felt like everything was falling into place.

Later, as they settled down for dinner, Zayn reached for Harry's hand under the table, squeezing it gently. He could feel Harry's warmth radiating beside him, and it made everything feel even more special.

"Here's to new beginnings," Zayn's father said, raising his glass. "And to family, whether by blood or by choice."

They all clinked their glasses together, and Zayn felt a rush of happiness. With Harry by his side and his family embracing their relationship, he knew that they were on the right path