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⚡︎⟡₊ ⊹
a soft knock on your bedroom door rouses you from a light sleep.
a low groan escapes from the boy curled beside you as his arms unwind from your waist, and he rolls over, his face nuzzling into your pillow.
you take it as your chance to answer, shuffling to the door with careful steps. your mom stands on the other side, her eyes carrying that familiar look of quiet concern.
she's known all along about you picking up harry last night, but she kept her questions gentle.
"i didn't want you two to be late for school," she murmurs, her voice soft. "how's he doing?"
you glance over your shoulder, where harry stirs awake, blinking against the morning light.
his green eyes meet yours, and despite everything, you feel your heart flutter at the pure softness in his gaze.
"he'll be okay," you reply, giving her a small, grateful smile. then, stepping forward, you wrap her in a hug. "thanks for letting him stay here."
she hugs you back, nodding in understanding.
"always, sweetheart."
as she heads back down the hall, you turn to find harry sitting up, stretching sleepily. he gives you a faint, sheepish smile before yawning.
"i'll, uh, need a change of clothes, yeah?" he says, ruffling a hand through his curls.
"definitely." you smirk, tossing him a pillow. "you can borrow something from ashton."
downstairs, after harry borrows a t-shirt and jeans from your brother, the three of you head toward the front door. before you reach it, your mom stops him, pulling him into a hug.
harry's a bit startled but returns it with an awkward pat on her back.
"thank you for looking out for her," she says softly. "if you ever need anything, we're here for you, too."
the boy's gaze falls to the floor, a flush of warmth crossing his cheeks.
"thank you, ms. (l/n)." he gives a small nod, his usual grin softened by an unmistakable gratitude.
✰
as you walk together to school, harry's hand finds yours, his grip strong, grounding you both. despite the rough night, he seems lighter, his usual spirit shining a little brighter.
by the time lunch rolls around, the two of you have settled into the normal rhythm of the day, almost like any other, though you still catch harry wincing occasionally, a reminder of the ordeal two days ago.
you meet up with your friends, and niall immediately gives harry a playful nudge.
"mate, heard you got yourself into a bit of trouble," the blonde boy teases, eyebrows raised with a smirk.
