TO BE WITH ME - HARRY STYLES

one

I walked through the chilly streets, clutching the straps of my backpack tightly. I walked inside the Record House and felt immediate relief as my body warmed up quite quickly.

"Hey Tom..." I say already trying to persuade him.

"Emma, you know the rules..." He begins but I start to bat my eyelashes and pout. "Fine, just please do not bother anyone and be careful with the equipment."

I rushed toward the back corner of the store and dropped my backpack on the ground. Tom usually lets me listen on the mostly broken record player and any old scrapped music they plan to throw away.

You would think they shouldn't be treating a customer like that. But I was not a customer. I never once bought from them since I could not afford anything. So, Tom lets me crash the whole day, everyday and listened to scratched music. He says the good stuff on rack is for actual customers who plan to buy or browse and leave.

I was okay with the rules as I understood. Although, once in a while, when Tom doesn't have a stick up his ass, he hand picks new stuff and lets me listen to it before putting it back.

I had many music to catch up on and always have a huge basket of collections to pick. I stand up and make my way to Tom.

"Hey, by chance, do you have an old CD player as well?"

"Emma, I thought we limited it to records only."

"I know but I really want to explore newer music. Some artist only have CD and not vinyls." I really wanted to hear something else.

"Fine. I'll look for some and check in with you about it tomorrow." He rolled his eyes.

Rude.

I walked back to the back of the store and took a seat my my bag. I heard little sputter sounds and turned to my right where the window and the ledge was.

I guess it was supposed to rain today.

I put my earbuds in and plugged it into the entertainment player. I closed my eyes and clutched my bag as The Rolling Stones played.

I had drifted off to sleep for who knows how long. That was until I felt someone rip my earbuds out.

"Woah, what the fuck?" I look up to see a young man staring down at me.

"I'm sorry but I have been trying to get your attention."

"You could have tapped me or something!"

"I was but I didn't want to scare you!" He says in a defensive tone.

"Oh yea, because ripping my buds wouldn't have?"

"I'm sorry. Forgive me." He pouts. I stare at him for a moment. I take in his appearance.

He was quite beautiful actually. He wore tight black jeans. A very fitted black tee. He seems to be wearing a brand new pair of black chucks. I can smell the fresh rubber. The color looked so fresh compared to my faded black vans that were covered in holes.

I turn my attention back to his green eyes. "Yeah, whatever." I say and put my buds back in and close my eyes.

I felt a tug again on my buds. "What?!" I snap and look towards the boy.

"You know, you have quite an attitude to a stranger. I'm hurt."

"I could care less, now what is it that you want?" He has crouched down to my level and I scooch back as far as I can towards the wall.

"I'm surprised you would treat me that way. Have you had a bad day? Would you like me to sign something?" I am bewildered by his comment.

"No, you freak."

He glances down by the pile of CDs and picks one up and glances toward me.

"You seriously have no idea who I am?"

"No, I don't. Have we met or some shit?"

"No, no. Never mind. Well I am Harry" He reaches for my hand but I look down instead.

"No thanks." I turn my head and try to pull my earbuds back on.

"Wait!"

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" I give him an annoyed look.

"I was going to ask if I can listen to the track. You have an old copy of the album and I really enjoy it."

"This copy is scratched up. I'm sure you could find yourself another one in much better condition." I say while looking at his not so bad looking face.

"There is no more. Please. I really like them." He comes closer and I put my hand on his face and push him back.

"Can you wait until I am done please?" I remove my hands from his face and look at him.

"Or I could listen with you."

"No."

He reaches for my hand and I yank it away. He huffs and tries to put his hand on my knee until I kick his leg.

"I do not like being touched." I glare at him.

"Okay. I get it. You think I can't be trusted because I am a stranger and you are scared. But I am safe. I am being polite. I am not hitting on your nor am I trying to prey on you. I love music and I have other places to be." He rambled on and honestly I would have still said no but the persistent fuck in front of me was on my nerves.

"Fine. Here." I offer him the one side of my set. He smiles and comes closer to me until I glare at him. He gives me a small smile and keeps his distance.

We both sat criss cross apple sauce. Each had a string of music in our ears while facing the shelves that littered music. We sat in silence. Him looking more comfortable than me. He turns his head and smiles at me. I give him a fake smile and he laughs.