SIX - One Direction

70

The months after that afternoon at the café felt like a slow but steady rise. It wasn't a whirlwind romance, the kind that felt like it was rushing toward a deadline or an inevitable crash. No, this time, everything was deliberate. Thoughtful. The two of them had finally found their rhythm again, and it felt like they were picking up where they had left off, but with the added wisdom of years spent apart. They were more than the sum of their parts now. They were the whole. Together, again.

It wasn't just about love anymore; it was about understanding. Harry and Alex had come to realise that they were not just reuniting as lovers, but as partners in life. The kind that could withstand time, distance, and all the things that tried to pull them apart. They weren't the same people they were when they first met, and that was the beauty of it. They'd both grown in ways they hadn't expected, but still, there they were, side by side, better than they'd ever been.

They'd settled into a comfortable routine, slipping easily back into each other's lives as though no time had passed. Alex's solo career was thriving. October had been met with rave reviews, and though the pressure had always been there, she'd started to truly believe in herself as an artist in her own right. Harry, too, was flying high. His own album was a massive success, and the tour that followed had been nothing short of triumphant. Yet, no matter how busy their schedules got, they always made time for one another.

Every now and then, Harry would text her in the middle of a meeting, or she'd send him a photo of something that reminded her of him. Simple things. Things that reminded them that they were still there for each other, even in the chaos.

It was a Sunday morning in early autumn when everything finally clicked into place for them. The air was crisp and fresh, and Alex had decided to spend the day in London, with no agenda except to enjoy the day. She texted Harry earlier, and to her delight, he replied almost immediately.

H: How about a proper catch-up today? Coffee, stroll through the park, and maybe some lunch?

A: Sounds perfect. I'll meet you at the usual place at 11?

H: See you there, love.

The "usual place" was a quaint café tucked away on a quiet side street in Notting Hill. It was one of their favourite spots, a little hideaway where they could just be themselves, away from the glare of cameras and the constant attention that came with their lives. When Alex arrived, Harry was already there, seated by the window with a steaming cup of coffee in front of him, a soft smile on his lips as he looked up to see her.

"Morning, love," he said warmly, standing up to give her a quick hug.

"Morning," she replied, slipping into the chair opposite him, her heart fluttering just a little, as it always did when they saw each other. "You look all cosy in here."

Harry laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I'm pretty sure I've found my favourite spot in London. Can't beat a lazy Sunday in a proper café."

They ordered their usual, a couple of flat whites and pastries, and settled into an easy conversation. The air between them was comfortable, unhurried. It was the kind of day that made everything seem right.

"How's the tour going?" Alex asked, leaning back in her chair. "Still smashing it, I suppose?"

"Always," Harry grinned, though there was a hint of something else in his eyes. "It's been incredible, but there are days when I'm just so knackered, I'd rather stay at home with you and do nothing." He reached across the table, his hand brushing against hers. "I know that sounds boring, but honestly, after everything, that sounds perfect."

Alex squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth spread up her arm. "I get it. I've had a couple of moments myself where I just wanted to hide away for a bit. You're not alone in that."