Illustrations [Larry Stylinson]

Chapter 1

“In this world, it is too common for people to search for someone to lose themselves in. But I am already lost. I will look for someone to find myself in.” -C. JoyBell C.

Louis’ POV

I awake to Theo shaking me gently from my slumber. “Mr. Tomlinson, sir, if you don’t get up now you’re going to be late for your orientation today. And you know how your father is about these things.”

“He’s my step-father, not my real father, Theo,” I remind him once again. Groaning, I push myself off of my side and grudgingly make my way to dining area where a steaming mug of imported Brazilian coffee was set beside a small pitcher of cream and a bowl of sugar cubes. I dump two sugar cubes into the dark liquid and pick up the small silver spoon beside it to stir it. The bitter sweet liquid fills my mouth traveling down my throat.

Draining the last drops of coffee, I cross the penthouse to where my closet was located. Throwing a black t-shirt over my head and stepping into black skinny jeans I slip into a pair of vans. Making my way to the bathroom I run a comb through my hair and leave it the way it is. I spit the remainder of toothpaste out and swing my backpack over my right shoulder and await the elevator that brings me down to the first floor.

“Have a nice day, Mr. Tomlinson!” Theo shouts behind me as I step into the elevator. Without glancing behind, I give my signature three finger wave and press my free hand to the first button which would take me down the the garage. I slide into the driver’s side and press the power button to start the car engine. A soft rumble stirs beneath my feet and I move the gear from park to drive as I use the rear camera to back out of the reserved parking space.

Making a right onto Fifth Avenue, I see many freshman lingering around the stairwell. Pulling into the parking spot my step father reserved for me, I step out of the car and shove my car key into my pocket walking up the stairs to my orientation classroom. Sitting down in a desk in the back row, another student sits beside me. Scrolling through what seemed like Twitter on his phone, he didn’t acknowledge my presence.

“Hi, I’m Louis,” I speak in his direction.

“Liam,” he responds. “What’s your major?”

“Vocal music studies. You?” I ask.

“Musical theatre. Actually my best friend is also studying vocal music. Maybe you’ll see him around,” Liam informs me.

“Yeah. Maybe I will. What’s their name?” I nod towards Liam.

“Harry. Harry Styles,” he tells me.

“I’ll keep him on my radar,” I make a mental note.

“TOMLINSON!” I hear someone yell. I turn my head to see a blonde haired guy walking in my direction.

“Hey Niall,” I stand up to give him a bro hug.

“Hi. I’m Niall. Nice to meet you. . .” Niall holds his hand out for Liam.

“Liam. Liam Payne,” Liam fills in.

“Nice to meet you Liam Liam Payne,” Niall shakes Liam’s hand. Liam gives a slight chuckle and shakes his head before sitting down again.

“Hey Niall, wanna hang out this afternoon?” I turn my head towards him.

“Sure,” he replies looking down on his phone.

“You in?” I gesture towards Liam realising it would be rude not to invite him. He also seems alright.

“We just met. How do you know that I’m not a serial killer or something?” he asks bewildered.

“Are you a serial killer or something?” I look at him.

“No,” he responds.

“Alright. Do you wanna hang out this afternoon?” I repeat.

Liam ponders this for a moment. “Yeah. Sure,” he agrees.

Harry’s POV

“HAROLD EDWARD STYLES, GET YOUR ASS UP RIGHT NOW OR YOU’RE GONNA BE LATE FOR ORIENTATION!” My mother’s voice echoes through the dark hallways of our tiny apartment. I sigh and rub the sleep from my eyes, then grudgingly roll out of bed. I walk the two steps it takes to get to the tiny excuse of a bathroom that my mom and I share. I turn on the shower and step in, washing my almost shoulder length curls. I throw on a pair of jeans and a somewhat presentable shirt, then grab a navy blue blazer from my small closet. I run to the bathroom again, styling my hair up into a quiff. I decide I look good enough for today’s orientation, and wink at myself in the mirror before jogging down the stairs.

As I enter the small kitchen, I see my mom hovering over a pan of eggs. “Good morning, Haz,” she said, not even looking up at me. I grunt in response and grab the orange juice from the fridge. I eat, brush my teeth, then grab my black JanSport backpack and slip my feet in my favorite pair of red converse. I check myself again in the mirror, and rush out the door.

Not that I would ever admit this, but I’ve always loved walking places. The fresh air, knowing that you have control over where you’re going, and not having to worry about the hassle of Manhattan parking.  Lucky for me, because I have to walk almost everywhere. My mom needs the car everyday to take to work, and we don’t have enough money for two cars.

As I approach the end of our block, I see a muscular guy with a light brown quiff, otherwise known as my best friend, approaching on his skateboard. “Hey, Liam! Ready for school?” I say as sarcastically as possible. We both love what we go to the school for, but all the other guys in our year are jerks. He rolls his eyes at me and hops off his skateboard.

We jog to the subway station, pushing and shoving each other like usual. The musty, damp smell wrinkles my nose as the cold air hits my bare face. My eyes adjust to the darkness as we wait for our subway. I step into the train and grab a seat, pulling Liam down next to me.

Liam and I approach the huge brick building and gaze up at it. It’s about 6 stories up and reads MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS across the top. There are so many people, some singing, some skateboarding, and some seniors shoving freshmen around. Looks like the typical school scene, especially at an arts school where everything is a competition. I sigh and glance at my best friend. “What the hell did we just get ourselves into?” Liam looks over at me, then back at the looming building ahead.

“I don’t know, Haz, but I, for one, am pretty damn excited. Let’s go do this thing.” I shake my head and follow him up the steps to the glass doors.

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author's note:

Hey guys! We really hope you like this story! It's our first fanfiction so it might be a little rough, but bare with us! Thanks for reading :) 

xx,

coffeewithlarry