SIX - One Direction

34

After a few more days at home filled with holiday comforts, way too many mince pies, and hours spent lounging around in mismatched pajamas, Alex knew it was time to head back to London. The break had done her wonders. Being back in Bradford had recharged her, and after so many weeks on the road, the simple joy of family time had been like a breath of fresh air. She was particularly chuffed to have returned with Zayn, as they both caught the same train back to London. Having grown up in Bradford, their shared hometown made the journey feel like a proper homecoming, reminiscing about their old stomping grounds and all the laughs they had shared over the years.

As their train rolled into the station, Alex and Zayn stepped off and made their way toward the boys' shared house. "Can't believe it's back to reality after all that," Zayn said, shaking his head. "I could definitely get used to those home-cooked meals."

"Right? Mum's roast dinner could win awards," Alex replied with a grin. "But at least we've got each other's backs, eh?"

"Absolutely! Team Bradford!" Zayn replied, raising his fist in mock triumph.

Pulling up to their shared house, she noticed the lights on, a warm glow spilling out onto the street. Someone had clearly taken the liberty of making the place look festive—even if that meant a slightly lopsided tinsel garland above the door and a plastic reindeer parked on the porch.

As soon as they opened the door, they were met with a cacophony of laughter and the mouthwatering smell of something cooking—probably one of Liam's attempts at a "proper Sunday roast," which somehow always turned out more like an assembly of whatever random ingredients were left in the fridge.

The door swung open, and both Alex and Zayn stepped into the living room at the same time, greeted by the familiar sounds of the boys' chaos.

"Oi, look who's finally decided to grace us with their presence!" Louis called out, jumping up from the couch and sweeping Alex into a ridiculously over-the-top hug.

"Back from the wilds of Bradford, eh?" Niall piped up with his usual cheeky grin, setting down his mug of tea to come and hug her as well.

"Didn't expect you both back so soon," Harry said with a smile, walking over to greet them both. "How was Christmas?"

"It was brilliant, mate," Zayn replied, giving him a nod. "Could've done with a few more days of Mum's cooking though, but it was nice to be home. How about you?"

"Same here," Harry replied, "My mum's still sending me care packages even though I'm back."

Alex laughed at that. "I swear, your mum is the best. I've never met anyone who spoils you lot as much as she does."

"Yeah, she's got a knack for it," Niall added, grinning.

After the greetings, Alex started unpacking her bags, pulling out a few small gifts she'd gotten from home. "Alright, alright, don't get too excited," she teased, rolling her eyes as Louis nearly lunged for the biscuits she'd brought back. "Just some little bits from home. Mum's homemade jam for you, Niall. Zayn, this is for you," she handed him a box of special tea she knew he liked, "and Louis, a couple of hand-knitted scarves from my aunt. I swear, she thinks you're cold all the time."

Louis let out an exaggerated sigh. "Ah, the thoughtfulness is unmatched. Can't wait to wrap these around myself. Cheers, love!"

Zayn smiled, carefully unwrapping the tea. "You didn't have to, but thanks, Alex. Can always use a proper brew."

"Anything for you, mate," Alex said with a wink, before turning to see Liam poking his head out from the kitchen.

"Is that my mum's shortbread?" Liam asked, looking at the tin Alex had placed on the counter.

Alex raised an eyebrow, holding up the tin. "It is indeed. But you've got to earn it, mate. You'll get one piece after dinner."

Liam shook his head, chuckling. "You've got no idea how much I've missed this place."

As the group settled around the living room, drinks were poured, and the boys began recounting their time away. It wasn't long before Alex felt that familiar sense of camaraderie again, the feeling of being right where she belonged. There was something special about being back in this house, with the boys, in the midst of all the chaos and love that came with being part of a family—whether by blood or not.

Later that night, after everyone had crashed or retreated to their rooms, Alex made her way to the balcony. She'd always loved this spot—a quiet corner overlooking the city, with a view that somehow made everything feel a bit more magical. She leaned on the railing, gazing out at the twinkling lights scattered across the London skyline.

After a few moments, she heard footsteps behind her, and then Harry was there, joining her with a gentle smile. "Couldn't sleep either?"

She shook her head, grinning. "Nah, just missed this view. And the quiet. Thought I'd make the most of it while I could."

Harry leaned beside her, letting the peaceful silence settle around them. "It's good to have you back, y'know. It was a bit too quiet around here without you," he said softly, his gaze shifting from the city lights to her.

Alex felt her cheeks heat up, glancing over at him with a small smile. "Feels good to be back. Christmas was lovely, but I missed this lot... and you," she admitted, her voice just above a whisper.

Harry seemed to take a deep breath, as though steadying himself. "Look, about what we talked about before the holidays..." He paused, looking down, almost as if he was choosing his words carefully. "I've been thinking about it. A lot, actually."

Alex's heart picked up a bit, memories of their last conversation flickering in her mind. "Me too," she murmured, turning to face him fully.

He met her gaze, something vulnerable and honest in his eyes. "I know we said we didn't want to make things messy, what with the band and everything else. But... I really like you, Alex. More than just a mate, you know?" He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly a bit nervous but pushing on anyway. "I don't want to mess things up by rushing anything, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about us—about what we could be."

Alex's heart was practically doing somersaults, a warm feeling spreading through her. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm, and smiled. "I like you too, Harry. I have for a while now. Just didn't want to throw a wrench into everything we've got going on." She looked down, her smile turning a bit shy. "But if you're up for it, I'd really like to see where this goes."

Harry's face lit up, a grin breaking through his usual composed expression. "Yeah? Alright, then," he said, his hand reaching out to brush a loose strand of hair from her face. "Slow it is, yeah? No pressure, just... whatever feels right."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the city lights flickering in the distance as they stood side by side. Alex felt a sense of peace settle over her, a certainty that whatever happened next, they'd figure it out together.

After a while, Harry broke the silence, his voice softer, almost teasing. "So... you reckon we should tell the lads?"

Alex laughed, nudging him with her elbow. "Oh, I'm sure they've already guessed. Louis'll probably say he saw it coming ages ago."

Harry chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, you're probably right. They know us too well." He paused, his grin turning a bit mischievous. "Maybe we should keep it a secret for a bit, though. See how long it takes them to work it out on their own."

Alex couldn't help but laugh, feeling lighter than she had in ages. "Alright, we'll see how long we can keep them in the dark. But no promises—Louis has a knack for sniffing out gossip."

They shared a laugh, then drifted into a companionable silence, leaning against the railing with shoulders touching. Alex felt a sense of peace settle over her, a certainty that whatever happened next, they'd figure it out together.

And in that quiet moment, looking out at the city, she knew that this new chapter was just beginning. The road ahead might be unpredictable, full of twists and turns, but she was ready for it—and she had no doubt Harry would be right there beside her, every step of the way.