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⚡︎⟡₊ ⊹
the cafeteria buzzes with excitement, the air thick with talk of tonight's homecoming game and dance. you try to match your friends' energy, but it's hard when harry seems entirely indifferent to the whole thing.
around the table, each friend talks animatedly about their plans.
serena's going with michael clifford, louis with eleanor calder, niall with cher lloyd, jaxon with jade thirlwall, liam with danielle, zayn with perrie, and ashton with... luke?
you blink, surprised that you'd missed this new development.
with a soft smile, you reach across the table to squeeze ashton's hand.
"that's amazing, ash," you say.
he smiles shyly, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.
"thanks, (y/n)." he hesitates, glancing between you and harry. "you'll be there too, right?"
your smile falters slightly, and your gaze flickers over to harry. he's completely absorbed in a conversation with zayn, one arm draped casually around your waist, his thumb absentmindedly tracing soft circles on your hip.
when you glance back at ashton, you catch the sympathetic look he's giving you.
you shrug, unsure what to say.
serena nudges you from the other side, a determined glint in her eye.
"of course you're going! i'll ditch michael if i have to."
"i wouldn't ask you to do that. i know you like him." you interject, shaking your head.
she tuts, her gaze sliding to harry.
"if he doesn't ask you by the end of the day, i swear i'll—" the bell interrupts her threat. you force a chuckle, but the conversation leaves you restless.
the school day drags on, and it all culminates in a rousing pep rally that leaves everyone buzzing with even more energy.
✰
as evening falls, you, harry, and your friends settle in the bleachers to watch the players warm up, the chill of late october seeping into the air.
shivering, you pull your flannel tighter, but it's barely enough to keep the cold at bay.
harry notices, and without a word, he slides closer, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and rubbing your arm to warm you up. the gesture sends a warmth through you that no jacket could replicate.
he glances down at you, his eyes meeting yours.
"you've been awfully quiet today," he says, his voice low and full of something you can't quite place.
you lean in, debating whether to be honest or brush off his comment. taking a breath, you decide to go for it.
"what are we, h? i get it if it's too soon for labels, but... it's just been a bit confusing for me. you say you care for me, that you've cut off ties with other girls, and you treat me as way more than just a friend. but... should i expect you to do things a boyfriend would? like ask me to the dance?"
