in the ring / harry styles

14- Movie Night

Just then, Harry's phone buzzed, slicing through the charged silence between us. He sighed, fishing it out from his pocket, his eyes still on me as he glanced at the screen.

"It's Zayn," he murmured, a flicker of irritation briefly clouding his gaze, though a faint smirk remained. He held my gaze as he answered, his voice low. I could just make out Zayn's voice, casual and curious.

"Mate, where are you?" Zayn's voice was clear, laced with mild amusement. "Still out, or...?"

Harry's smirk widened slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "Actually, I'm with Lucy."

There was a pause, then Zayn's low laugh. "Keeping her all to yourself, I see. Just checking if we'll see you tonight—Louie's taken over the couch already, and Liam's trying to convince us he's a chef in the kitchen."

A laugh escaped me, and I could feel Harry's hand press lightly against my back. His eyes held a quiet intensity as he replied, "Maybe. I was thinking of bringing her over."

"Oh?" Zayn's tone shifted, a playful edge creeping in. "If Lucy's coming, maybe she'll bring her friend Lynn. That one was... memorable."

Harry ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket, turning to me with a steady gaze that made my pulse quicken.

"You should stay the night, Lucy," he murmured, his tone confident but gentle.

His invitation made my heart skip, a spark of excitement blending with uncertainty. "Stay over?" I echoed, the words barely audible, and realized how much they made me feel like I was crossing into uncharted territory.

Sensing my hesitation, Harry's expression softened, his voice becoming more reassuring. "Only if you're comfortable with it," he replied, his tone warm. "It's just about having you there. Nothing more."

The sincerity in his eyes put me at ease, and after a beat, I found myself nodding, a small smile forming on my lips. "Alright," I said quietly, feeling my nerves settle. "Then I'll stay."

I moved to pack a few things, still smiling at the thought of seeing Lynn and Zayn's dynamic play out again. They'd clicked immediately the night at the club, Lynn's spirited energy finding an equal match in Zayn's relaxed confidence. I'd never seen her so fully in her element. As I zipped up my bag, the door clicked open, and Emelia's voice echoed into the room.

"Lucy! You will not believe what happened—oh!" She froze in the doorway, eyes widening slightly at the sight of Harry standing in the center of our cluttered room.

Lynn trailed in behind her, raising an eyebrow as her gaze landed on us. She crossed her arms with a smirk. "Well, well, if it isn't Harry himself," she drawled, sending me a teasing look as she tossed her bag onto her bed.

Harry greeted them both with a nod, his gaze calm but steady, taking in their surprise without missing a beat. I could feel warmth creeping up my neck as I slipped my things into my bag, avoiding their curious looks.

"Harry invited me over for the night," I said a little too quickly, feeling the flutter of nerves in my chest. "You should come too!"

Lynn's face lit up, her smirk spreading into a full grin. "Oh, I am so in." She clapped her hands, turning to Emelia with an excited look, though Emelia merely smiled, shaking her head as she rifled through her backpack.

"I'd love to, but I've got a mountain of homework," Emelia replied, her tone slightly apologetic. She shot me an encouraging smile. "You two go, have fun. And Lynn..." She threw her a mock-warning glance. "Behave."

Lynn rolled her eyes, grabbing a small bag with a mischievous grin. "Don't worry; I'll make sure Lucy has the night of her life."

Harry watched our exchange with quiet amusement, and as he reached for my hand, his grip gentle but firm, he leaned close, murmuring in my ear, "Zayn's going to be pleased." His smirk deepened. "He asked about Lynn specifically."