The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

4.

I entered the café where Lottie worked, and the first thing I saw instantly ruined my mood. Harry was sitting near the counter, and those black sunglasses looked ridiculous for late autumn, especially indoors. But I guess it was either that or listen to fangirl squeals even here. Not that there was anyone besides him and an old lady around at the moment.

"Oh god, what's he doing here? Twice in one week is too much," I muttered to myself, but loud enough for him to hear.

When Harry spotted me, he greeted me with his signature smile. "Oh, you're here too. Nice to see you, though..." He paused and looked me up and down. "I preferred you in a suit."

I rolled my eyes, seriously considering just leaving and grabbing coffee somewhere else, but I didn't want to let Harry ruin another day for me. I'd promised Lottie I'd behave, and it was way easier to stay polite if I just didn't speak to him at all. So I went straight for the counter.

Lottie, who was washing cups, finally noticed me. "Hey, Louis."

"Hey..." I said in a vague tone. My eyes quietly shifted between Harry and Lottie, and she picked up on my silent question without me needing to say it.

"He just stopped by. We were discussing our rehearsal plans," she explained.

"Oh, okay," I replied quickly.

It was much warmer inside than outside, and I could feel myself starting to overheat. Wearing my jacket in here was way too warm, but taking it off would mean lingering here longer than I wanted to.

"I just came for coffee anyway. I won't interrupt," I added when I saw Lottie studying my expression a little too closely.

She perked up like she'd suddenly woken up. "Of course! I'll make it in just a few minutes."

As she prepared a large latte, I stood nearby, feeling Harry's gaze on me the whole time. It was uncomfortable, like he was trying to see right through me. Annoying and creepy - a new combo to describe this guy.

I snuck a glance back at him. He was sitting relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, with a coffee cup and an untouched croissant beside him. Harry looked different without the fancy clothes, more like a regular person, but his face still screamed 'privileged' from a mile away.

"So, how'd the rehearsal go?" Harry asked casually.

I turned sharply, unsure if he was actually talking to me. Did Lottie mention that I had a rehearsal? But why would they even be talking about me?

I tried to sound polite, but my voice still came out with a hint of edge, "Why do you think I was at rehearsal? And why do you even care?" Okay, maybe that sounded harsher than I wanted, but whatever.

Harry's smile faded. Finally. I'd never actually seen his serious face before.

Slowly, he gripped a fallen strand of hair from his face and moved it to the side, then calmly spoke, "Look, I know I'm probably not your favorite person..."

"That's putting it mildly," I interrupted.

"Fine, whatever," he continued. "You can hate me all you want, but this is stressing Lottie out. Can we at least try to get along?"

"Oh, I am talking to you nicely. I already promised Lottie I wouldn't bite your head off."

Harry shook his head and lowered his voice even more. "I just don't want our... Relationship to get in the way of the plans. So please... Can we at least pretend to get along when she's around?" He was showing a side of himself I hadn't seen before. I didn't expect this kind of conversation today. All I wanted was my coffee.

After a few moments, I sighed. I knew he was right, which annoyed me even more. I'd do anything to make Lottie happy, even if it meant becoming an award-winning actor who could tolerate Harry.

"Sure," I hissed through clenched teeth. I didn't really have a choice, so I hoped to avoid meeting with Harry altogether if possible.

Lottie brought over my latte, startling us both. But it turns out Harry is quite the actor himself, slipping into his role seamlessly.

"Oh, good timing! We were just talking about rehearsals. He suggested we could rehearse at your place, said it wouldn't bother him at all, right?" Harry said, a massive grin stretching across his face as he looked at me.

Mid-sip, I suddenly choked on my coffee. I couldn't believe Harry was this sneaky. But I had to act fast because Lottie's attention was now focused on me, looking confused.

After clearing my throat, I tried to sound convincing. "Yeah, that's exactly what I said." As Harry grinned in satisfaction, I forced a smile too. "But now that I think about it, maybe you'd be better off rehearsing at Harry's, since, you know, he has a whole recording studio there." I shot him a deadly glare and patted him lightly on the shoulder. Best friends, what can I say.

"Hmm..." he looked up thoughtfully. "But I don't have a piano at home. Only a crappy five-octave keyboard. Maybe we should stick to your previous suggestion?" he teased, clearly enjoying this.

Lottie still looked unconvinced. "Well, we have a piano at home, so maybe it actually would be easier if you came over to ours. If that's really okay, Louis?"

"Mhm," I mumbled quickly.

"Are you sure it won't be a bother?" She knew me well enough to sense that I was lying.

"Yeah, it's totally fine with me. He can totally come over," I assured her, smiling while gritting my teeth. Lottie seemed satisfied with my answer, and they started discussing something else that wasn't my business.

I couldn't believe what had just happened. Had Harry planned this? He's just a devious superstar used to getting whatever he wants, and I'd just handed it to him.

I sat there awkwardly, stirring my coffee and plotting my escape. Luckily, another customer came in, and Lottie had to leave the table.

"It was nice seeing you both, but I've got things to do," I said. The only 'thing' I had to do was to get out of here as fast as possible, but they didn't need to know that.

"Alright, see you at home," Lottie said, waving as she turned to the new customer.

Just as I was leaving, I heard Harry's voice behind me. "Your guitar's on your back."

"Huh?" I turned back, confused.

"You asked how I knew you'd been at rehearsal," he shrugged, and his smile softened, showing tiny wrinkles around his eyes.

"Oh," was all I managed to say. I couldn't believe I'd forgotten that.

Just as I stepped outside, I heard him again. "See you soon, Luke."

Unbelievable. My mood was ruined all over again. God, please make him choke on his croissant.