1 in 7 Billion (Harry Styles)

Chapter 29

"It'll be fine." Sophia tried to reassure me during the elevator ride up to their penthouse. I was fidgeting with my fingers, a nervous habit, and biting the inside of my cheek.
"Your ass looks incredible in those pants by the way." She smirks at me and I cough out a laugh. I look at her astonished and all she does is giggle to herself. I was a nervous wreck, but Sophia knew when to say the right things. She was really beautiful and I couldn't help but be jealous of her. Her hair always looked perfect and she had the curves of a goddess. Her and Liam were probably one of the hottest couples I've ever seen, and I was not ashamed to admit that.

My weird thoughts were diminished as the elevator opened. She walked with confidence past me into the space and I followed like a puppy dog behind.

"Soph." Liam walked toward his girlfriend with absolute adoration is his eyes, and my heart melted. He pecked her once on the mouth and looked at me behind Sophia.
"Hey Hayley, I didn't know you were comin'. I think Haz is out on the terrace ."

"Haz is right here actually." Green eyes met mine and I felt like a toddler in a room of grow ups. I completely forgot how to talk or even move. I was so nervous. I've never been like this before.

What is he doing to me?

Harry walked past Liam and wrapped his arms around me in a quick embrace. He pulled away before my body could respond, so he may as well hugged a piece of cardboard.

"You alright, love?" He mumbles so only I can hear. Niall and Louis were on the couch playing Fifa, and Sophia led Liam away to give us our privacy.

"Y-Yeah." I clear my throat to regain some composure. "Sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me you were comin'? It's only been like an hour since you locked me out of your flat." He winked and laughed the most beautiful sound on the planet. That sound alone loosened me up, and I smiled at the thought of my previous actions.

"Oh yeah, sorry bout that." I twist my ring on my finger, avoiding eye contact in hope of keeping my composure.

"Mmmm, sorry may not cut it babe." He smirked and leaned down to leave a sweet kiss on my lips. I don't open my eyes right away, trying to savor the moment before I ruin it. "So, why did you come here? Miss me too much? Decided I get a reward for being a good lad?" He jokes. I laugh. The usual routine. But, I can't let him charm me out of the conversation we need to have. I'm going insane over here.

"Not exactly. I was wondering if maybe we could talk?"

"About what? Hayley, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just need to talk to you about things is all." I give him a reassuring smile. I don't know how he'll react to any of the things I'm going to say, but I'm not afraid. He is too sweet and kind. That still wasn't enough to calm my nerves though.

"Alright."

"Maybe somewhere more private?" I whisper, looking over at the Irish man who has since moved further down the couch than he was before.
Harry catches on and leads me out to their balcony.

They cool New York air cascades over my face as I took a deep breath in.
Harry pulled me into his side, wrapping his arm over my stomach, holding me close to him.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" He asks before leaving a tender kiss to the top of my head, melting me heart.

"What am I to you?" I blurt. God dammit Hayley.

He laughs uncomfortably before responding with, "I'm not quite sure what ya mean, love."

"Yes you do, Harry."

"I'm quite lost, if I'm honest."

"Who am I to you? What am I to you? You mean a lot to me, and I need to know those feelings are reciprocated. People still think I'm Zayn's friend. We are about to go out together to a very high profile, very publicized event." I took a deep breath before I continued, pulling out the big guns. "I don't want to be just another number on a list Harry. I'm not going to be Harry Styles' girl of the week or your seasonal romance. I need to know what I am to you because if this is just another one of your flings, I'm gone. You're going on tour and I'm staying here. I can't let you leave not knowing what it is we've been doing. I need answers. I'm a big girl and I can handle the truth. I just- I need to know."

There was a long silence after I finished talking. I was silently proud of myself for how composed I was. I patiently waited for his answer. I felt his chest dramatically rise and fall, and I knew a response was coming.

"Hayley Stewart, what am I going to do with you? I reckon I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have someone like you care enough about me to even bring this up. You're incredible doll. You're bloody smart and painstakingly beautiful. I care about you so much Hayley, that it scares the hell out of me." I was taken back by his response that I sat up from our close position to look him in the eyes. I was searching for any sign of mockery or joking but found nothing. He grabbed both my hands and stared deep into my eyes. I looked at him quizzically before he continued with nothing but sincerity.
"This is really important to me. You are important to me. You clog my thoughts and fill my mind with every word you say. I'm constantly thinking about you and our conversations. Your laugh is etched into my brain and I spend my days thinking about when I'll be able to see it again, about when I'll be able to touch you again... Wow, I'm really embarrassing myself now..." He blushed as I felt my own cheeks redden. "Hayley, I can't get you out of my mind and that is how I know this is real. It's been a long time since I felt this way for a girl, and I don't want to mess it up. So, that being said..." He quirked an eyebrow at me and I felt my stomach erupt in butterflies. "Hayley Stewart, will you be my girlfriend?"

My smile was too the point where it was painful. Here he was being absolutely adorable, making my heart physically melt, and I jumped at my opportunity. I pressed my lips to his plump ones and slowly pulled away. I love the way he tasted. Minty and sweet. So, so sweet. Despite his taste, I had something else in mind. Now, that I knew where we stood, it was time for a new page in the playbook.

"Absolutely not."

His smile was all the reassurance I needed as I leaned in again to kiss him.

Game on.

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