Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
⚡︎⟡₊ ⊹
you'd never noticed before just how often harry skipped school until now. some days, you'd catch a glimpse of him and zayn leaning against his car in the far end of the school parking lot, sharing a cigarette as though they had all the time in the world.
other times, he'd shoot you a quick text between classes, just a small message to ease your worry and let you know he'd swing by your place later.
it was almost like he existed on his own timeline, always drifting in and out as if school were optional.
the final bell rings, and you and serena wander down the hallway, voices echoing against the lockers as you chat about the homework you're both likely going to ignore tonight.
your phone vibrates with a text from harry, saying he's waiting outside to pick you up.
he knew you and serena had plans, and of course, he'd offered to give you both a ride.
in the parking lot, you spot him leaning against his car, curls a bit disheveled, that ever-present smirk playing on his lips. he straightens when he catches sight of you, offering a small wave.
"alright, juliet," serena mutters with a grin. "your prince awaits."
harry raises an eyebrow as you approach.
"ladies," he greets, opening the passenger door for you with a dramatic bow, like something out of a corny rom-com.
you slide into the seat, laughing, while serena rolls her eyes as she climbs into the back.
"a gentleman. who would've thought?" she teases, kicking her feet up on the seat.
harry starts the car, and soon enough, you're cruising down the road, the familiar streets blurring by as he drives.
his hand rests near yours on the center console, fingers brushing against yours just so, sending a flicker of warmth through your skin.
you glance out the window, trying to hide the small smile tugging at your lips.
"can you two stop eye-shagging up there?" serena teases, leaning forward with a dramatic sigh. "honestly, it's like i'm in a third-wheel nightmare."
harry chuckles, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.
"jealous, are we?" his eyes flick to yours, and he gives you a quick wink that makes your cheeks flush.
the rest of the drive is filled with serena's playful jabs and harry's comebacks, filling the car with laughter.
yet every so often, you feel his gaze slide your way, his fingers brushing against yours just a bit longer, and the warmth of it all makes you almost forget where you are.
when he finally pulls up in front of your house, he lingers in the driver's seat as if he might stay a little longer.
"thanks for the ride, haz," you say, hovering by the door before getting out.
"anytime, love, " he replies softly, his gaze meeting yours with an intensity that makes you want to stay there, just a bit longer.
inside, you and serena sprawl out in the living room, textbooks open as if you'll actually get any studying done.
serena, though, is already scrolling through her phone, glancing at you now and then with a knowing grin.
"so," she starts, setting her phone down and leaning forward with a grin. "homecoming's coming up, and i know you've got your eye on someone."
you groan, sinking back into the cushions.
"please, not this again."
"oh, come on! i saw you two in the car. are you two a thing, or is he just being... harry?" she raises an eyebrow, teasing.
the question catches you off guard, and you hesitate, fingers tracing the edge of a notebook.
"i don't know, ren. i think there's something real there, but... he hasn't really made anything official, you know?"
she leans back, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"maybe he's just waiting for the right time. you know how he is—not exactly mr. straightforward when it comes to feelings. or anything, really."
you sigh, feeling the weight of your own uncertainty bubbling up.
"i just... i really like him. but i'm scared that maybe i'm just another girl he's interested in for now. sometimes i see him with zayn, skipping school, and it's like... do i really know him? or am i just getting wrapped up in the thrill of it all?"
serena's gaze softens as she listens.
"i get it, hun. he's a bit of a mystery, but he's different with you. i mean, you should've seen his face when he picked us up earlier. he was practically glowing. i think he genuinely cares about you."
you bite your lip, wanting so badly to believe her but afraid of the risk.
"i hope you're right. it's just hard when things feel so up in the air."
she nods, her tone soft but certain.
"if he cares about you, he'll step up. and if he doesn't? then he's just another boy who doesn't deserve you."
her words sink in, and you feel a bit of the worry ease.
maybe she's right.
maybe you just need to give him time.
a little later, you and serena are still chatting when your phone buzzes with a message from harry.
hey, everything okay?
you show serena the text, and she grins, nudging you with her elbow.
"see? he's checking in on you, even when he's not here."
you can't help the smile that spreads across your face as you type back.
all good. just catching up with ren. you?
his response comes almost immediately.
just thinking about you.
a warmth spreads through you, soft and comforting.
for a moment, all your worries feel distant, replaced by the small but growing certainty that maybe, just maybe, harry feels the same way.
