Pressure [hs au]

24 - Unheralded*

Word Count: 3320

(a/n: tysm for reaching to vote goal!! sorry it took me longer to update, I had this written the other day but my first day of my senior year was today, so I'm just getting around to editing it now. thanks again!!)

"Absolutely, astoundingly gorgeous. How wonderful that that's the least interesting thing about you."

His compliment ran through my mind on a seemingly endless loop--that dumb accent filling every corner of my brain. 

"Absolutely, astoundingly gorgeous,"

I hated how deep I blushed, or how I had to look down from his strong gaze.

I hated how my voice got higher when I spoke around him, or how I had a tight feeling in my stomach every time our eyes locked. 

I hated how much I thought about him when he wasn't around.

I hated how crazy I felt thinking about just the freaking idea of a relationship with Harry.

And I hated how I knew for a fact I was falling in love with him. 

I hated that. 

So much.

Thinking about love hurt, especially since Jason was the first person to come to mind. 

I didn't love him. 

I honestly couldn't, not in the way he wanted, and that changed him. 

I don't want to change who I am because of a relationship like that.  

I couldn't imagine avoiding Harry the way Jason avoids me--and if having a relationship meant the possibility of losing him, I'm not sure I want one anymore. 

Whatever we have--it's probably just two kids fooling around, right?

"Hey." I blink hard, looking up from my lap. Harry sat across from me, at this little table in the corner of some cute, small restaurant. 

I don't remember the name, much less I don't even remember seeing a sign out front. I glance around quickly, looking around the room. There were so many nicely dressed people here, but it wasn't too loud. 

Almost like everyone here was afraid to speak louder than a whisper.

"Abby?" I shake my head quickly, turning my attention back to Harry. 

Why am I so spacey all of a sudden?

"Yeah?" My voice cracks, causing me to blush lightly as I reached for my glass of water. I feel so disoriented all of a sudden.

"Are you okay?" I look up again after taking a deep breath, trying to calm myself. He was practically looking at me with puppy-dog eyes.

I hated how concerned he was. 

"Yeah--I just," I ran my fingers through the ends of my pony tail nervously, sighing lightly, "Spaced out?" My tone raises and I internally started beating myself up. 

He nodded, still watching me with a worried look that made me sick to my stomach. 

I really hated that. 

After I went into his room earlier and received quite possibly the nicest and most amazing compliment I ever had before, we walked through his neighborhood for a few minutes until we found a small downtown area.

Harry lead me through the busy streets, always keeping one hand on the small of my back. 

We passed a small farmer's market type thing, where there was a stand with roses.