The state I'm in COMPLETED

The invite

I boldly took Harry's hand, guiding him toward where Leo and Cathrine were sitting, deep in conversation. To my surprise, he followed without complaint.

"So, are we going to sit here all night, or are we actually going to dance?" I asked, arching a brow at them.

"Dancing it is," Leo declared, already getting up. Cathrine followed him eagerly.

I turned to Harry, who stood awkwardly by my side. "Harry, come on. Dance with me."

He didn't answer. Instead, he just followed me onto the dance floor, hesitant, almost shy.

I didn't pay much attention to it. All that mattered was that I was here with my best friend, breaking the rules, having fun. If I was going to get caught sneaking out, I might as well make it worth it.

The thought made me smile as I moved to the music, letting go of the anxiety that had been lingering in the back of my mind. Leo, ever the entertainer, was showing off ridiculous dance moves, making all of us laugh. Even Harry, who seemed so out of place at first, started loosening up.

What really surprised me, though, was how he didn't seem to notice the growing crowd of girls around him—some whispering, some outright staring, all clearly hoping for his attention. But he didn't seem interested. He stayed close to us, occasionally exchanging amused looks with Leo, but that was it.

For once, it felt like all of us were just there to have fun. No expectations, no complications.

After a while, Cathrine leaned in, breathless. "I'm thirsty. Can we sit down for a bit?"

"Okay, babe," Leo answered smoothly.

I leaned in toward him, whispering, "Babe? That fast? Seriously?"

He shot me a look of fake innocence. "What?"

I laughed, shaking my head. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught something unexpected—Harry smiling.

Well, well. He's actually human after all.

"Be a gentleman and go get the girl a Coke," I told Leo, knowing full well he would.

"Yes, sir," he replied with a mock salute. "It's a good thing I love your mom's cooking, or else—"

We all burst into laughter as he made his way to the bar.

As soon as Leo was out of sight, I turned to Cathrine. "Wanna go to the ladies' room?"

She immediately caught on. "Sure."

The moment the door closed behind us, the pounding music muffled, she spun toward me, eyes sparkling. "He's amazing, Val! He's charming, funny, gorgeous—ugh, everything!"

I stifled a laugh. "I've heard this before."

"And he asked me to go for a ride on his bike tomorrow!"

I raised a brow. "That's terrific."

"And..." she hesitated, then smirked mischievously. "His friend isn't bad-looking either."

I rolled my eyes. "No, he's not. But he's also not the talking type."

"Maybe he's just shy."

I let out a soft chuckle. "Shy? The Sphinx has fewer enigmas." Then, lowering my voice, "Did you see all those girls eyeing him? That was weird."

"But he didn't pay attention to them," she pointed out.

I paused, realizing she was right. "There's something about him... like he's holding back."

But I didn't dwell on it. I shook my head, brushing the thought aside. "Forget about him. Let's talk about you and Leo. Just... be careful. He's my friend, but he's not exactly known for being reliable in relationships. Take it slow, okay? Promise?"

Cathrine nodded. "Promise."

By the time we returned, Leo was back with Cathrine's drink, his arm already draped around her shoulders. She didn't seem to mind.

Harry was still there, leaning against the bar, drink in hand. From what I could tell, it was whiskey on the rocks. His other hand held his phone, eyes scanning the screen.

I smirked. "Waiting for a call? With all this noise? Not a great idea."

He glanced up, almost embarrassed. "No, just checking my texts."

I waved him off. "Relax, I was just making conversation. Mostly to give those two some space."

He blinked, then nodded in understanding. "Oh. I see."

Then, out of nowhere—

"Leo's taking Cathrine for a ride on his bike tomorrow afternoon. We're meeting at five to check out the new parts we installed. Want to come with me?"

I froze.

Did that just happen?

Did Harry just ask me to go with him?

I glanced at Leo. So he was playing wingman for his friend, and I was just along for the ride. Nothing more. Besides, judging by the uncomfortable look on Harry's face, he already regretted asking.

Still...

I tilted my head. "Should I bring a helmet?"

For the first time, Harry actually smirked. "I'll provide that."

Wait—was he actually having fun?

I had no idea.

I checked the time. It was getting late.

I turned to Cathrine. "Cinderella, it's time to go. I have a room to sneak back into."

She groaned but followed me toward the exit, Leo trailing after her.

And just like that, the night ended.

But something told me this was just the beginning.