Black Ink [Harry Styles]

Chapter 20

Nessa

I turn around, give a small wave to Harry and make my way up the stairs to my apartment.

I have no idea what just happened, we had the most amazing date. No one has ever done anything like that for me, I mean he hired a movie theatre and played one of my favourite movies.

But on the way home, he was suddenly really closed off and distracted. And while he couldn't keep his hands off me earlier, now he couldn't wait to get away from me. I feel really stupid for asking him if he would like to come in for a coffee, let's face it, I didn't actually mean a coffee.

I open the door to my apartment, and I realise in the short time I have known Harry, I have walked through this door feeling bewildered and upset more than I would like.

I put the kettle on for a calming cup of chamomile tea, slip my shoes off and decide to put something more comfortable on. I walk into my room, switch the light on and pile my hair up in a messy bun. Just as I unzip my dress and lift it over my head, I hear a knock at the front door. I have no idea who would be knocking at this time of night. For a brief moment I hope it could be Harry. But he left a while ago and made it clear he didn't want to come in. I grab a large vintage Bon Jovi t-shirt and throw it on with my thigh high socks, which I haven't had time to remove yet.

Whoever is there knocks again and I shout "I'm coming, hold on" as I pad down the passage and look through the peep hole. My heart skips a beat when I see Harry standing there looking nervous.

I take a deep breath to try calm myself and open the door.

He opens his mouth to say something, but seems to notice what I am wearing. His eyes widen and his gaze moves down to the too short t-shirt and the thigh high socks. I curse myself for not putting my dressing gown on.

I feel exposed and try tug the shirt down before saying in an annoyed tone "Harry, what are you doing here? I thought you had left".

His eyes shoot up to mine and he runs his hands through his hair nervously as he answers "Nessa, I'm an idiot! I should have said yes to that cup of coffee. I was in my own head; it doesn't matter what about. But I was overthinking things and I am sorry. Because I would love to have a coffee with you right now. Am I too late?".

I have never seen Harry so flustered. Normally he is calm and in control, but not now. I can't help but look at him questioningly as I invite him in.

We walk into my kitchen, and neither of us seem to know what to say to each other. Harry leans against the fridge and watches me as I reach up and grab two mugs from the cupboard. I ask him if he would like tea or coffee and he shrugs and says he will have whatever I am having.

I pour the boiling hot water into the cups and I immediately smell the aroma of chamomile. I pick our teas up, choose a packet of chocolate digestives and walk into the tv room, with Harry trailing behind me.

Placing the cups on the coffee table, I gesture for Harry to sit on the couch. I turn around and walk towards the record player, the awkward silence is killing me. My copy of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours is already on the turntable so I press play before sitting down next to Harry, but I leave a little space between us.

I decide to jump in, because for once he doesn't seem to be taking the lead.

"Harry I'm a confused, you were so distant on the drive home and then you seemed to want to get away from me as fast as possible. What changed for you to knock on my door?"

Harry takes a sip of his tea, and seems to be mulling over what to say before he says "I don't know Ness. Moira said something that freaked me out. It's not a big deal and I would love it if you would forget I was acting like such an idiot?"