Study Abroad (Harry Styles)

Chapter 11 - Accents

Harry and I take a seat in the car built for millionaires. He must have some money because he keeps buying me food, and he also does things like this. I would never be able to afford this, especially after the two plane tickets I bought. Harry is sat in the middle, while I am sitting to the left of him. He takes the opportunity to rest his palm on the upper part of my thigh. His touch is warm and sends electricity shooting through my body. I am not used to this reaction my body gives to him, but it happens every time. And yes, it scares the shit out of me.

I am looking out the window, while Harry is giving directions to the driver. How does he even know his way around this place?

"Harry , where are we going?"

"Keep talking. But say something different."

"What?" I ask, clearly confused.

"Just keep talking. I love your accent, but you have to know I'm not going to tell you where we're going."

"Will you at least tell me how you even know your way around Maine?"

"Not until you acknowledge the fact that I've complemented you. You seem to forget that I don't let that slide."

"Thank you, Harry. Now how did you know?" I try to act annoyed with him, but I can't help the smile on my face. Honestly, who does he think he is, calling me out on my shit before even properly taking me out? But he also makes me laugh because nobody I ever knew would ever sit there and make me acknowledge their complement. I'm not used to receiving them, and they make me uncomfortable. It's mostly my self consciousness kicking in, because my brain always goes back to, "why would he complement me," or "what's the meaning behind that?" I've never properly received complements before, and Harry is so quick to give them. I don't if he's like that to everyone but I'd like to think that it's just me.

Does Harry like me? He does keep taking me out, and he keeps complementing me, but does he do this with everybody? Does he feel bad for me? Do I like Harry? I mean, I like the fact that I have somewhat of a friend. And nothing about Harry has made me run for good, but I don't know how to feel. I'm scared to ever feel anything because every time something good happens, something bad follows it. As cliche as it sounds, I can't ignore the spark he sets off every time I'm near him. He's also probably made me smile more than anybody else has within the 24 hours they've known me. I don't usually smile that much, but he's charming. What can I say? I also like the fact that he doesn't make me feel insecure. He encourages me to stray from that, which is something I'm not used to. My family doesn't even know that I feel like this at all, otherwise I know they would be there for me. I can't bring myself to tell them.

I now realize that I've been quiet for a couple of minutes and that Harry is staring at me.

"What?" I ask, as I feel pink kiss my cheeks.

"What were you thinking about?" Okay, I've read about this moment. This is the part where I say "you," and we dramatically embrace each other. I've never been one for that though.

"I think I asked you a question. I asked first, you have to answer."

"I don't want to tell you. It takes away the romance of it all." He is smugly smiling now, with a little hint of a dimple coming through. He even has dimples, he's so handsome.

"Then you'll never know what I was thinking about." I turn my head towards the window again, and I the warmth from his hand is suddenly moved from my thigh to my neck. He turns my head towards him, and drops his hand back onto my thigh.

"Let's just say...your mom may have helped me with my research? Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

"I suppose. I don't know how I feel about my mom helping you though." I laugh.