New Boy || [ Harry Styles au ] ✔️

21

My dad's stern gaze never wavered as I shrunk back further into my seat, hands gripping the cushions tightly.

"Zara Jocelyn Malik!" I winced when I heard my full name being called out so menacingly.

I didn't like my middle name. My mother gave it to me. Why didn't she just stick to another brown middle name like Zayn's? The name Jocelyn completely contrasted my first and last name. My parents, I swear to the heavens above...

"Yes daddy?" I smiled up sweetly, feigning a look of innocence as I heard Zayn scoff. Lowering my legs a little bit so I could reach across to him, I kicked his shin, his face scrunching up in immediate pain as he hissed lightly.

"Since when do you have a boyfriend? I don't remember allowing this." My dad tried to be stern, he really did. But as a man who was the family clown, it was hard for us to take him seriously.

"Daddy, I'm almost 18." I rolled my eyes playfully. "Well, do you want to know about him or not?"

My dad let out a breath in defeat. He solemnly nodded his head as an indication for me to carry on.

"His name is Harry Styles. He's 18 years old and just recently moved here. He's an amazing human being and I hope that you will be civil with him tomorrow." I pleased my father with puppy dog eyes.

"Yes honey, please be nice. This is Zara's first boyfriend—" Mom paused in thought, "well at least one she's told us about."

My dad choked on his chicken as I groaned at my mom's comment. "Mom stop."

"Sorry honey." She smiled teasingly before going back to persuading my brother and father.

If tomorrow didn't go as planned, I'd just jump off a cliff.

❁

"Baby, breathe." I cooed in the phone, balancing the device between my ear and shoulder as I took out the hot chocolate chip cookies I was baking earlier.

"I should wear formal right? Like make a suit and some—" once again, I cut off my rambling boyfriend—which I still didn't know was the appropriate terminology seeing as he hadn't asked me out yet—telling him that a simple white shirt with some pants would be just fine.

"I'll see you tonight babe." I bid him a goodbye and went back to completing my baking.

Mum wanted to keep the dinner menu simple as she didn't want to scare him off. And I decided to make some cookies and surprise Harry because he absolutely loves them.

I glanced at the clock behind me. In large bold numerals, it read out 4:57 pm. Harry would be here around 7 pm so I had some time to get ready. Since I still had a slight stench of eggs and drops of flour everywhere, I decided to hop in the shower.

❁

I walked out of the bathroom in my white fluffy towel, feeling the breeze raise goosebumps on my skin. I quickly shrugged on some undergarments and a long t-shirt. 

I quickly blow-dried my hair, letting them fall freely over my shoulders. I walked over to my closet, picking out a simple black dress that had rhinestones on the neckline. For makeup, I swiped on a deep wine coloured, kiss-proof (because it's Harry) lipstick, and some mascara.

Once I thought I looked good enough, I smiled big and headed downstairs to my mum. She also dressed up a little as she was fixing the table.

She smiled at me when she saw me enter the dining room.

"Honey, your brother's gone out for a bit, but he said he'll be back in time for dinner. And that he might bring a plus one." She informed, placing the glasses beside each plate.

I mumbled a small 'whatever' as I was still very much pissed with him. He couldn't have stayed a bit longer? Āsshole.

The sound of the doorbell ringing was almost deafening to me. Oh god It's time. Before my mum could go, I shot up and raced towards the main door.

Swinging it open, I smiled wide as I saw Harry standing there looking as handsome as ever. His brown locks were up in a quiff, body clad in a white shirt and black pants while he stood there with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He seemed relieved that I opened the door instead of my parents or else he would have to engage in conversation before my pep talk.

"Hi baby." He greeted happily, and I immediately launched myself at him. I rested my head in the crook of his neck.

"You look so good." I pressed a kiss there and he giggled. Fūcking giggled.

"I should be saying that to you princess. You look absolutely gorgeous." He pressed a kiss to the side of my head.

"Come inside." I grabbed his hand, leading him through the door. "Don't be nervous, we got this okay?"

He nodded, intertwining our fingers, his other hand holding the flowers. "Let's go."

❁

I know yall hate me but it's ok I do too

Also, plot twist next chapterrr

-perfectzjm xoxo