Capture

Newbie

I slammed my fist—not hard, but enough to hear the hollow clang—against the cold metal of the lift doors. Great. Day one in London, and I was already unravelling in a hallway.

Behind me, a door creaked open. "Emma?" I turned. Harry stood on the threshold of his flat, brows drawn in concern.

I forced a smile, brushing frustration from my face like stray hairs. "Sorry. Just had the pleasure of meeting one of our neighbors."

His mouth tugged into a crooked grin. "3Q?"

I blinked, then laughed quietly. "That obvious?"

"Let's just say he's... memorable." Harry leaned against the hallway wall between our flats. "So," Harry said, "what'd Payne do?"

"He brought me my mail. I thought he was a courier and gave him a twenty. He kept the money."

Harry blinked. Then: "You tipped Liam Payne twenty to walk ten feet?"

"Don't say it out loud," I groaned, laughing despite myself.

He chuckled. "You're generous. I'll remember that when my birthday rolls around."

We shared a look, then laughter that shook off the rest of the tension. For the first time since landing, I didn't feel entirely out of place. 

"I should go, I've got to get settled before work tomorrow." 

"Have a good night, Emma," Harry said.

I paused in my doorway. "Hey, thanks for the cookies. Peanut butter's my favorite."

He smiled. "Mine too."

And just like that, London felt a little less unfamiliar.

Back in my apartment, I locked the door behind me, glancing instinctively toward 3Q. I didn't let myself linger. He didn't deserve the headspace. 

It was late, but thanks to jet lag, I was still wide awake, but, deciding to be responsible, I took a sleep aid and went to wash my face. I changed into flannel pajama pants and a grey tee, made a cup of tea, and curled beneath the covers. The flat was still mostly empty, but for the first time since I arrived, it didn't feel entirely hollow.

Morning arrived like a quiet nudge I hadn't asked for.

I woke before my alarm, sleep light and broken. Anxiety pulled at me like expected, first days always did, but I pushed myself through the shower, humming a tune to fill the silence and keep the nerves at bay.

I dressed quickly—slacks, a sweater that made me feel just confident enough. Hair up. Makeup just enough to feel polished. Coffee into a thermos, bag over my shoulder, deep breath at the mirror.

You've got this.

I locked the door, ignoring 3Q's entirely, and took the lift down alone. The Uber was waiting. Ten minutes later, the sleek facade of Capture Photography Studios came into view. It was taller than I expected—industrial, sharp lines and clean edges. Inside, the lobby was all modern design and muted tones.

The front desk was manned by a woman with polished red hair and a practiced smile. "Hi! Welcome to Capture Photography Studios. How can I help you?"

"I'm Emma Diamond. First day."

"Oh! Nice to meet you." She pressed a few buttons on the phone. "Yes, I have a Ms. Diamond here... Great." She looked back up at me. "Someone will be down to get you in just a moment. I'm Sarah, by the way. Welcome aboard."

"Thanks. It's great to be here."

Before I could say more, the door beside the desk opened.

He was... striking. Tousled brown hair, button-up shirt rolled at the sleeves, tie slightly loosened. His presence was confident but not cocky.

"Emma Diamond?" he asked, extending his hand.

"That's me," I said, shaking it.

"I'm Niall Horan. I'll be showing you around."

"Well, thanks for rescuing me. Sorry you got stuck with babysitting the newbie."

He grinned. "Trust me, I volunteer for these things. Any excuse not to sit at my desk."

I liked him instantly. "Oh, you and I are going to get along just fine."