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sushistyless · 2 years

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Cherry flavoured conversations.

Y/N’s New Years doesn’t go as planned, but then Harry turns up and the night turns around.

(college h, fluff, 9.9k. visuals.)

here’s my masterlist!

—————

(Y/N) was… bored.

Which admittedly, was not the vibe that she was going for tonight— not the vibe the city she lived in offered, either.

The city was either filled with rays of the gleaming sun, or the vast shades of yellow, white and red lights, glowing through the windows of tall skyscrapers and buildings which lined each corner. Evenings combined the two sources of light, while the tainted sky blushed with hues of magenta and light crimson as the sun dipped further into the horizon. The reflection of the crescent, much like the night life, grew more evident as time progressed.

Being lonely was possible, but being alone in the city never felt complete, the bustling atmosphere hardly giving it a chance to stem out. Emotions were usually accompanied with the honking of cars, chattering of people, heightened smell of coffee, and a threatening overwhelming sensation among the local crowds.

In short, moving here was a new start, a new beginning. The city was exciting.

(Y/N) tonight, though, was not.

Not that you could blame her, because staying alone on New Year's Eve in a small 12th floor apartment, waiting for the electricity to return wasn't what anyone could possibly be hoping for. (Y/N) had, in fact, articulately planned the entire evening- a party at one of her friend's home, followed by a quick walk to the main street in order to see the varied fireworks.

But of course, things never work out as you would've thought. Electricity in her building shot out, leaving her stuck as she waited for the light beams to generate back. You see, she did have an electronic lock system (in fact, this fancy new system that was “the best and most advanced” as listed on the catalogues she had juggled through while fixing up her flat) and since the electricity part of it was missing, the lock wasn't working. Something told her that an unlocked house on New Years' with drunk, over-enthusiastic, thieve-minded people roaming around would only result in not-very-good things.

These events led to the occurrence of her current situation. Now, here she was sprawled on her couch, a crocheted maroon sweatshirt twinkled with matte beads adorning her torso, and distressed denim covered legs thrown across laying on the arm rest. While one hand supported the back of her head, the other hanged from the edge, fingers playing absently with the skirt of the couch. A sigh fell out her mouth, lips forming a pout as she thought about the jovial night that could've happened. Overthinking and dwelling upon the 'ifs' and 'buts' was a pity in the life of (Y/N), clearly struggling to balance.

The windows were shifted partially open rendering a soft, low breeze to blow in every now and then. Much to her relief, the weather was good. Slightly cold, but balanced out by a few candles and torches blazing up majority of the tiny living room she was hostage in, illuminating the sparkles on her clothes that gave the illusion of glistening eyes. She loved how the windows here always shined, making the night time view of the city vibrant, a coruscating scene that didn't require much imagination to romanticise.

Her golden beacon of hope was the pizza that was set to arrive in— she checked the clock— 35 minutes. Food in general was comforting but pizza was on a different level. Pizza was a common trend everywhere, making it easily available especially on this night. Her love for the dish had also sprouted when she had the opportunity and privilege to visit Italy. Granted, it was when she realised that the usual pizzas you got here were not how authentic ones were supposed to taste... but they were delicious anyway.

So while her wait for the two things continued, a buzzing sensation rattled against the fabric of her sweater's fabric. Her dead hanging hand now gained some nerve control as she bought it up to remove the phone ringing in its pocket. Swipe she slid, and accepted the call.

Sarah spoke through the other side of the phone, asking her if electricity was back yet; music blared loudly in the background. Sarah had been her best friend since quite a long time, being one of the people who (Y/N) was comfortable around.

"No," (Y/N) groaned out slightly. "I hope I'll be able to make it," she said as she sat upright, a hitch in the sentence at the sudden shift. Internally she thought about her faults. It was really times like these she wished she hadn't been so keen on 'electronic locks' and her 'utmost perfect security' claims which now dawned as not perfect. But, there wasn't much she could do about it now so instead of wallowing in her own self pity and making Sarah feel guilty for enjoying the party without her, she decided to make the best out of whatever the universe had offered her, "But oi! Send me pictures, ‘kay? I can't come so now you better enjoy, on my behalf too..."

Sarah's chuckled on the other side, the chattering of people evident as if from a distance. "You got it. I'm stealing cupcakes from here though... just for you."

"My partner in crime, indeed," (Y/N) intercepted, a smile in her voice. At least she'd have pizza and old cupcakes now. They then said their good bye's and hung up, leaving (Y/N) to be alone with her thoughts once again, when a notification popped up from the food delivery app.

'Your order has been cancelled due to unavailability of ordered options. Sorry for the inconvenience. Sincere apologises from our side!'

A deep frown took over her features, jaw dropping in disappointment. They didn’t seem very sincere, she sighed to herself. Great. Cup noodles will have to do for tonight. It seemed like the universe had something against her.

In hopes of at least making this eve not-so-boring, she stood up slowly, the pillows scattering around on the couch & moving from the absence of her body. She leaned over to the coffee table and soon her clammy hands held in them a set of headphones. She quickly connected the device to her phone; mind aware that saving whatever battery was left would be sensible, but not fun. At this point, anything that would make her night better would be welcomed.

(Y/N) walked towards the door, not wasting a second to push it open and peep her head out to see if anyone loitered in the lobby too. Not that she expected much, her neighbours being mostly old couples who'd practically spend all their days sitting together and playing cards. The much younger people who were in the building were out partying in one of the many clubs of the city (as proved by the multiple times her upstairs neighbours blasted songs at 12 in the night), or either visiting their families in different parts of the world.

Darkness blanketed the hallway outside, compelling her to leave the door of her apartment open to let the lights shine out. A tune started ringing through her ears as the first song began, tempting her to step out. She wandered outside from then, brown velvet boots lightly kicking the carpeted floor, in sync with each retreating beat.

As (Y/N) bobbed along with the music, a sudden muffled string of profanities sprang from the side of the lobby making the young girl turn her head. Her eyes fell on a tall, chestnut-colour headed boy who skill-fully raced up the stairs of the building, a phone held loosely in his tattoo littered hand. A black shirt with faint detailed linings of roses torched his chest, the first few buttons left open to satiate a sneak at inked swallows. Despite the put together look, his entire composure would make anyone think otherwise. (Y/N)'s eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly, curious because of the sight of the 'new' face seemed... somewhat familiar. She suddenly felt like her outfit, which she had not bothered to change out of was rather bland (considering she wasn't actively preparing on going out tonight). Not being able to quite make out who the person was yet, she could only see a part of his face with in each panic-striken look he made.

His eyes grazed the exterior of each door, almost like in keen search to find something, still completely oblivious of the her standing in the hallway. Eventually, they landed on her, sparing a glance at the phone in her hand and almost immediately, his features softened in relief. Their eyes locked, and it's safe to say the boy practically darted in her direction. That's when she recalled who he was! Her profile drew together in surprise, confused on why her the boy from the library was suddenly here.

'The boy from the library' sprouts from the one day (Y/N) was at the library. She, unaware of her ear phones not being probably plugged in, had started playing a song along the lines of Cherry flavoured conversations. It blasted out in the library, but by all the stars' grace, a certain emerald eyed boy, sitting beside her was kind enough to tell her the problem. Not to say she wasn't embarrassed because her mind suddenly became hyper-aware of every single sound around her. The boy in hopes to settle the nerves she tried to hide (which by the way— she failed miserably) had even joked by saying that even if the song had been heard by everyone else, they'd applaud her for her music taste. It was a sweet thing, she intended. That was the only time they'd met... until now.

"Hello," he breathed out with little difficulty. (Y/N) slowly took off the headset and settled them at the nape of her neck, not wanting to be muddled by the music and the conversation. "'M s'sorry, can I please borrow y'phone? Mine's dead, and I need t'make a phone call urgently." His deep & raspy voice, interlaced with a stitch of haste, made it seem as though he was desperate for help. She, herself had maybe 15% of battery left but that wasn't going to stop her caring, people-pleasing personality from allowing her to go through with this act of goodwill.

"O-oh, sure." She figured the boy — whose name she remembered to be Harry (?) or something like that— hadn't recognised her. Nonetheless, she scrambled to unlock her phone, stopped the music, and eventually handed it to the boy- who shot her a grateful smile and was careful to be gentle with it while dialling in an unknown number. (Y/N) unsure of what to do in the situation, found the floor very interesting as she kept her head low and gaze fixed. From the periphery of her eye, the incessant tapping of the boy's seemingly expensive shoes was visible, clearly indicating a sense of urgency in each of his actions. Suddenly it stopped. Someone probably picked up the line, thought (Y/N).

"Oh, thank god, finally, Mitch." Light mumbling could be heard from the device. "Do y'know where m'file on the Big Bang theory is?" His voice was hurried, yet the accent rolling off his tongue made it hard for him to actually talk fast. (Y/N) tried her best to tune out his voice out of her head, not wanting to eaves drop, but what could she possibly do when he was right next to her. His conversation with the other person (Mitch, she thinks) seemed very important. "No, no, no. M'not talking about the damn show! I mean— my project on the Big Bang theory." His voice became louder than he would've liked; and so to say, he was indeed talking about his project, in fact the one he was supposed to submit a week ago. In his defence, the way some people wrote dates was very strange. That being said, he admitted it was his fault too... just a little bit. Either way, he had gotten a phone call from his professor earlier today, adhering to a final warning (the only warning, he had scoffed before) saying that he needed to - anyhow, by hook or by crook - submit it tonight.

A reminder to say that tonight was New Years.

Oh shit, indeed.

During the past hour, Harry’s activities included scrambling across the city from a party downtown in attempts to get back to his house. But as luck would have it, the file was not at his house. This led to go on entire all over the city on scavenger hunt and eventually reached this place. Finally he decided to call his best mate-- Mitch, and ask him if he had taken it or even seen it for that matter. "Oh, your project thing? Is that why you left the party here? Yeah... that's uh, somewhere in my flat. And don't try to blame me, you were the one who got it and forgot it there," his friend recited over the phone casually. Harry could melt into a muddle, visually seen as his face contorted to alleviation.

''Okay. Okay. Okay. Tha's manageable... that's possible.'' He tried to calm himself, licking his lips and nodding to nobody in particular. "Bye now." And just like that the call ended. (Y/N) perked up at the valediction and looked at boy, hoping that he would give the phone back. Instead, he just stood there frozen in contemplation. She couldn't decipher much but from the looks of it, she could sense the cogs turning in his head (chaotically at that).

Among this, though, she couldn't help but let her gaze linger for a bit, analysing the genuine beauty of her acquaintance. Today, she saw him in a totally different light- his entire demeanour a lot more intimidating than the other day. His features looked angelic in the faint lighting, mild rays hitting at the most enhanced edges- like along the curve of his jaw, the surface of his tinted lips, the highlighted tip of his nose, or the shimmering colours in his emerald eyes similar to that of a forest catching fire, blazing unwaveringly. And oh, his hair. Strands of curls haphazardly flowed onto his forehead, like a river resembling the texture soft satin, sticking to his flushed cheeks, carrying with it the fantasy of the inferno we'd been imagining.

Beautiful.

Concluding that the silence extended for more than it should have, she decided to speak up, ''A-are you fine?'' Her voice was feeble and low, hesitant of the boy's condition and whether it would be right to interrupt his train of thoughts. This got the effect she wanted as the boy's head shot to the side to meet her eyes. His irises skimmed her face, recognizing the confusion on it & realised only a second later that her phone was still with him. Eyes widening, he immediately reached out and gave it to her, a tiny nod accompanying as form of an apology.

''Right. Thank you, uh..." he trailed off, his eyes searching for something in her own with an emotion she couldn’t quite figure out.

"(Y/N),'' she completed. ''You're welcome?”

''Harry." He seemed amused at her answer but gave her a warm smile which she returned, (content after internally happy dancing for remembering his name, honestly, it'd be hard for anyone to easily forget a pretty face like that) and turned to the other direction. (Y/N) mirrored his actions, doing the same and resuming her activity.

Only to hear seconds later, a curse... again.

Oh fuck, he muttered under his breath. To give some perspective, he'd seem to have forgotten his wallet in his flat. Multiple pats and checks on the pocket in his jeans later, he indeed found this to be true. He let out a pathetic whimper and this is when (Y/N)'s heart really went out to him, he really was having a horrible day. She didn't know Harry's situation, yet any person would understand by the body language and disorderly exhales that he was having a sad night.

"Har—" she started, pivoting on her heel, but before getting the opportunity to continue, sudden streaks of light blared through the bulbs in the passage, almost blinding the two as both covered their eyes and squinted to see the other. The lights weren't many, just enough to dazzle the hallway- still very new to the young adults who had adapted to nocturnal vision.

As the electricity retuned, a small spark of hope lit up in (Y/N) too, giving her mind to process the chance of going to the party now. But just then, Harry's voice pulled her out of the plans. "Yeah?" Ring clad hands rested against his forehead, blocking the light, and as he looked past at her with fluttering eyes, something in her heart fluttered too.

As much as she just wanted to get along and race to the event she'd been waiting for, she couldn't possibly leave him hanging like that. She gulped slowly and began,"Do you need any help?" Curiosity edged her words, hoping to be of any assistance to make a boy's New Year's maybe a little better?

And when she asked that- that's when Harry really broke.

"Full disclosure, I mean- I don't know what to do. It depends if I'd want to bother you with m'problems, which I don't. But seriously, do you ever just like to believe that everyone around you s'an idiot? Like no disrespect to anyone, but why the fu—" he stopped to release a breath he didn't know was holding, rolling his lower lip between his teeth in nervousness and squeezing his eyes shut for a beat. "Yeah, I guess y'could say I need help." (Y/N) swallowed, slowly nodding, a cue for him to continue on. "Well, I'm fixed- having forgotten m'wallet at home, stuck here with no money for a taxi or anything. And m'supposed to submit a project by tonight. I forgot it at m'friend's house who isn’t at home."

Oh.

That was a lot for (Y/N) to process.

For one, she couldn't possibly imagine being in his position. Sure, she wasn't always the one to give assignments exactly on time, but to give it hours before the deadline? She'd faint. It boggled her out he was still functional.

Now, she had two choices- to either attend the party— or help Harry. The latter endeavour, most likely ending at midnight. She sighed, pondering over the options. She'd have fun in the first choice, no doubt. The second, was... she thinks, not so bad either. She had also met him before, so it was a possible option, he seemed trustworthy enough... what could she do?

Well, she decided the second option.

"I- can help, I think?" Her voice was low as she peeped through, sounding more like a question to herself rather than him.

"Really?" Harry asked as if she'd confirmed the existence of a foreign alien species. His head drooped down as she nodded, thinking while biting the inside of her cheek. "I just don't want t'bother you. 'specially on New Years..." he chimed.

(Y/N) hesitated at first, "I did have plans for today, but—" she looked back up at him, adding on, "They'll manage without me." As the words left her mouth, Harry beamed. A smile stretched across his face, one so genuine and happy that (Y/N) decided at this moment, she didn't regret that one question. It was as if a picture taken after tasting a blend of the honey and saccharine- delightful and simple. A little happiness brightens the darkness of the night so wonderfully.

Honestly, this was something straight out of a book for her. Up until this point, spontaneity was something her life had lacked, one of the many things with a tiny bit recklessness (as she'd like to say), and so it was out of her general character. That being said, her new year's resolution was to be more open to adventure. Why not start an evening early? "So... where's your friend's house?" she asked, gleefully with a shift in the atmosphere.

"You'd actually do that?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"I'm not sure if you remember, but you had helped me at the library once... so it's only fair." She smiled softly. An explanation where it's due is needed here, because although she likes to play it off 'low-key', the kind boy had been on her mind as she replayed the memory almost every day since that incident in the library.

Something like realisation hit Harry like a truck, a glint in his eyes at the encounter. "So you are the Cherry girl! That was you, wasn' it? I thought y’looked so familiar— exactly like her but I just wasn’t too sure."

To (Y/N) it was strangely endearing to be called 'The Cherry girl', but the butterflies within her, moved a beat faster at the mention and the fact that he remembered the tiny meeting. She sizzled with joy as warmth reached her cheeks.

To Harry, his mind added more to the meaning, by thinking of the chérie- as darling in French - too.

If only the other knew.

"Yes," she let out a laugh. "And, I wouldn't mind now that I know my house won't get robbed." A chuckle was left hanging in the air before she quickly motioned for him to wait just a minute before scurrying inside to get her car keys. Harry stood outside, nibbling at his bottom lip, a relief from the huge weight lifted off his shoulders. Just as the girl had said, not a second later, she turned up and made an appearance. This time giving the illusion of being more ready for adventure because of the large jacket hung over her body.

“Ready?”

"Are you?”

“As ever,” Harry grinned.

"So, um— which's the other turn?" A curious (Y/N) asked Harry who had his gazed fixed on the road, staring at each corner feverishly. It took him a second and he responded soon, mumbling incoherently- 'Right... I think?' squinting his eyes to the right.

There was no right turn.

"There is no right turn." Her lips tugged for no one to see, wondering if he was drifting into his dreams yet.

But the boy was far from sleepy, and even if he would've liked to— his panicking self would surely strike insomnia. He lowered his hand, and muttered a soft 'left'.

"Sorry, m'bad. I've come here often, it's just that today m'slightly overwhelmed is all." Harry visibly thought about it, retracting and sinking back into the seat. "For one thing, I know that if M'not able to submit this project thing, my mum's going t'personally make sure I die." Now that is something (Y/N) could definitely understand— on hearing the situation from Harry, he did seem in quite deep waters. Albeit, not fully knowing these courses because she hadn't dabbled in the subject he had, she still knew that these projects were worth a a lot in terms of grades.

Her hold on the steering tightened as she swerved the car to the left. She'd been working on not overthinking things as of late, but it did kinda hurt her seeing him so distressed. It hit a spot in her heart which was guilty of being wounded way too many times about the smallest reasons. "I think we’ll be able to submit this tonight, don’t worry." This she says with a tiny bit more enthusiasm, in hopes to life Harry's mood.

"Thank y'so much again. Really, I appreciate it," he reiterates for probably the fifth time. The night so far has only consisted of the echoes of giving directions, and incessant words of gratitude. And although she was definitely not bored of hearing the rich, heavy British accent that rang in his words— she didn't want him to feel like she thought this entire situation was a burden.

"And for the fifth time, I'm more than happy to help. Really." Her voice is a little serious, still not sounding remotely intimidating like Harry's (who just unintentionally and naturally gave off that kind of vibe). He just nodded it off with a lopsided smile, while sauntering his eyes over the streets.

Just five minutes later, they pulled up, halting in front of a rather tall, red painted building; seemed like it housed apartments in the same ranges higher than for students like herself. It was only after a quick wave over from Harry that she realised she was also welcome to come upstairs. In her mind, she thought she'd wait only in the car and wait for him to come back, but in a haste, her mind felt obliged to be spontaneous.

Now, it was all in Harry's lead as he guided (Y/N) through the entrance. She followed his trail, finding it hard to keep up with the fast paced steps- and funnily, her heart raced too- for she was just as anxious about this as he was. Well, it was that plus the heightened sensation of being next to a beautiful, attractive person like him (she'd bet he could classify in the looks of a Greek god though). They rushed into the elevator, not a lot of chattering followed along the way as both were more focused on the task on hand.

Harry mumbled a please, as he held the elevator door open for her and would step in only after she did. (Y/N) scurried in and nestled into the corner of the lift, eyes shifting glances before transfixing on the mirrored ceiling. He stepped in, finding a space just a few steps away from her. The soft tunes of the elevator song combined with the faint slurring of the elevator gears was the only sound filling the room. The pace in their story slowed down now, almost like in action filled movies with a tiny tension break.

She could feel his gaze on her for a split second before actually looking at his face- well, indirectly - as his shot up, and they saw each other's reflections in the mirror on the ceiling of the lift. Hoping to ease the tense nerves which Harry knew both was in the air, he stuck out his tongue, like a tiny reprimanded puppy and wiggled his eyebrows, which earned a giggle from (Y/N), and the boy could say it was one of the most sweetest sounds he'd heard. (Y/N), followed through without thinking and mimicked his actions.

Neither knew why they did this- it was silly, and probably weird from the view of a third person, yet the silence in the room gave him a moment to break the tension.

"Y're pretty weird," his voice emerged, biting back a smile as if he hadn't done the same just a second back. Looking directly to his side, with furrowed eyebrows and a look of fake offence, she gasped in stupor.

"You did it first!" As the incredulous lilt was notable, Harry didn't respond as he just licked his lips, liking the reaction he got. From the day they met, he knew that he had gotten the cherry girl flustered.

And he found it so damn cute.

"Guess tha' makes the two of us." Right as a smirk rose on his annoyingly gorgeous face, the elevator door opened. (Y/N) could only shake her head as she grinned and followed him while their hunt resumed. Unsaid it was but the air had shifted from the initial level of awkwardness, sparing it thanks to the antic in the elevator. Still, the sense of urgency which had toned down in the lift now loomed back. Almost like the scene where there's comical calmness for just a split before the rushing to explosions.

They started again, climbing up a certain set of stairs, a minute easily gone by, before reaching a door who (Y/N) thinks to be his friend's apartment. A small lamp was fixed on the wall to the side of it, forming a cup with frosted glass, letting out soft light. Harry paused for a second, thinking, and then quickly reached out to the lamp. (Y/N) could've sworn she heard him mumble 'asshole' (assertively directed to the absent existence of Mitch and presumably his efforts at finding the easiest place to hide a key), as his tattooed hand dipped in the light fixture and pulled out a key. In one smooth movement, he unlocked the door and pushed it open. The pair didn't waste any time to stagger inside. As soon as that happened, Harry searched the room with a disorganised look, heart beating out of his chest.

Alas, the euphoria on his face when he spotted a black file on the untidy, chestnut coloured console in the middle of the room— was indescribable. Saying he was happy would be an understatement. And if it wasn't his rapturous, beautiful smile that gave it away, it was probably the way he charged at it and smothered the disorderly file with hundreds of kisses. From (Y/N)'s frame of vision, his smile hit as if in this moment, the clouds parted, allowing the sun rays to glimmer down accompanying the graceful descent of archangels from heaven and cast such an exquisite glow in room, that each movement of every human was captured in slow motion. The only appearance that differed from representing him as an angel, was his dark attire and sullied tattoos which looked the opposite of godly... but hey, who's to say what an angel can look like? It had to be this green-eyed boy in front of her— gleaming oh so bright.

It was easy for anyone to think that Harry was intimidating when they first saw him; (his long fluffy hair for some reason accentuating it)— (Y/N) did think that too, but after getting to know his personality in the little time they'd spent, he had the warmest, most humble personality. Now, although his humour was quite nonchalant- not seeming over the top- it was evident that he liked to be humoured. Even the jokes which would usually be classified as terrible were pretty funny coming from him... more so-- it's not the jokes, it was more of the contagious laughter he had when he giggled at his own puns, claiming them to be 'the best ones in the universe' and adding on, ' to not dare to lie and say they're not'.

The point being, (Y/N) was having fun. Maybe, she wouldn't miss the party so much. And hopefully it'd be worth it when they gave the thesis to his teacher. Speaking of...

She cleared her throat, drawing him out of the magical realism.

Before she could continue on, he ran up to her and— only after shooting her a look that silently asked her if it was okay to hold her— held both her hands in his, with a dimpled glow. "We found it. Thank you s'much, (Y/N). This means an incredible amount," he bubbled. She was too stunned to reply back instantly, still dazed by this adorable mess of a situation. Now, she's starting to come to terms with the fact that she might have a teensy-tiny crush on this emerald eyed boy.

Just maybe.

"I'm always here to help, it's no worries."

He hummed, lost in the way her beauty captured each word she said. He took in each detail like the little crinkles that moulded onto her face when her features danced with a smile that reached her eyes.

They pulled away soon after although they didn't want to, but just like the adults, the night was young and the rest of the adventure— pending.

"So, where to now?"

"A bar— that is where m'professor is— What. The. Hell." Harry's figure sinked back in the car seat, head resting completely against the head restraint, a soft exhale whipping by, "That is where m'supposed to actually give it to him. He's enjoying and making it 'the best new year ever', while I'm here, ditching everything— making you ditch y'night. It's not bloody professional." Harry's voice seared across the car, shock, frustration but mostly guilt, spilling and flowing off his mind uncontrollably. The rings of his hand clacked against the screen of her phone — the same one which he'd called his professor on less than a minute earlier, which was now at 10% battery and read 11:05 PM —, settling it in the area sculpted in the tunnel console.

"Well, he did extend the date for you, didn't he? You've managed to somehow convince him you can submit it after the due date - which is commendable, by the way - so at least he's cutting you some slack, there. It's a good thing," she spoke, more comfortably now, as they rode through the streets.

"Whose side are you on?" A helpless look was stamped onto his face, as Harry looked to her, a teasing accent in his voice. (Y/N) couldn't help but hide a smile that lingered almost the entire night she was with him.

"Yours of course!" she tittered, "But if it makes you feel better, whether you want to believe it or not, I'm actually having a lot of fun. Sure, the circumstances aren't the best, but you're nice. I'd say it makes up for the night I so-called 'ditched.'" All she let out was a chuckle as her hands steered the wheel, body tilting with the car, following suit.

But oh, to see Harry.

Lights from restaurants lined across the road, reflected in the irises of his eyes, yet they mostly twinkled as a result of the awe and adoration she'd just shown. Tinted colours mixing with something in the air from the LEDs, circulating all over the city highways along with being a tell tale sign of the Fest that people would be celebrating wildly in about an hour— also provided the scene to be a hazy, blush filtered atmosphere. The loud music that blared in the car, audible to the pair for a few seconds at different amplitudes between time intervals, also grew muffled to Harry as the sound of his heartbeat just became stronger. Herds of young, boldly dressed college students stumbled on the sidewalks, hollering and yelling to each other in small groups, catching (Y/N)'s staggered attention, and it baffled Harry how innocently oblivious she was to the reaction she'd had on him when she said those kinds words.

"Yeah..." His voice faded, bleeding with awe, as it was now his chance to observe her. Her cardigan looked slightly old, with its fibres dangling off at places especially at the sleeves. She probably likes to fidget around with the ends, he frowned, recalling the same habit he also presented when he was nervous. And although he loved her simple outfit, he simply loved her precious face. He found her curious, dewy eyes to be flickering in each direction of the road, and if he squinted his own, he bets he could see a smile playing on her lips. The car came to halt as the traffic lit red. Tendrils of her hair, swayed against her forehead from the air exiting the air conditioner, and when strand landed on her eye, she tried to blow it out of her face, the wisp called from the exhale causing the wild one to whip up, only to fall back in the same place.

Before his mind could comprehend his actions, his hand absently reached out, gingerly moving the hair out of her face & tucking it softly behind her ear (which he noticed were pierced with tiny gold earrings). (Y/N) froze at the contact, as they looked at each other for just a split second. Once Harry realised what he had done— retracted back. Both of them immediately looked away, warmth reaching cheeks profusely, and gave it their best effort to suppress the smiles that just were so hard to contain.

But this time, the pair knew that the other was smiling too.

Harry had never been one to shy away with such innocent touches, actually priding himself in being quite confident in whatever approaches he made with people - romantic or platonic - so, why was this is so... dreamy? He frowned to himself, wondering what the hell was wrong with him. But one more glance in the direction of the girl who seemed like she was threatening herself to stop smiling, ditched away all his concerns and just allowed himself to melt into soft little flutters of laughter.

"T-Thank you," (Y/N) stifled between ringlets of restrained giggles, as the green light reflected off her hair and the car's engine revved.

"I'm always here t'help. No worries," he said, repeating the exact same words she had said to him, causing her to playfully roll her eyes.

"Copy cat," she chided... but honestly, it meant so much to her for anyone to pay even that amount attention to the words she said. Sure, it's a small thing but she really liked the way Harry was present in the moment. It made her feel important and - as her self confidence would allow it - worthy of his time.

"Oh, please. As if that is an original line," Harry retorts.

"Okay. But, at least I admit to doing something weird, and don't call someone strange when they do the same." Harry's jaw dropped, scoffing lightheartedly. In her mind, (Y/N) patted herself on the back when Harry couldn't think of a response.

"I was jus' teasing," he dismisses it, purposely looking petulant. "But, anyway, I've gotta ask— what was your situation? Like, why were you stuck at home? You're definitely not an idiot like me."

"No, actually. I'm an idiot too..." Her eyebrows raise, knowing of the mistakes she'd made, before going on and narrating the entire scene of events that took place on her end. “And - before you ask - electronic locks are usually backed up with batteries— but I'd been stupid enough to forget to change the old ones. So I was actually just relying on only electricity for over three months now."

"Huh. Weirdly, that makes m'feel better about my self." Harry says and receives a quick glare thrown in his direction. "Apologies, m'lady," he laughs, running a hand through his hair that skimmed up till his shoulders.

"We're here, by the way. S'the one on the right..." They both perk up, as he points to a restaurant and bar on the side of the road, swarming with people visible through the glass panels.

It takes about two minutes for them to find a parking space and they soon get out of the car. (Y/N) waits for Harry to get his file from the backseat and they reach the entrance. They're asked for their ID's and soon allowed to enter. As she walks by Harry's side, she can't help but feel a little out of place- one, because she's obviously not dressed for the occasion, and two, because going to places like these is just usually... not her thing. Of course, she's open to experiencing different ambiences, but she'd just rather do them when she's mentally prepared for it.

(Y/N) involuntarily moves closer to Harry, feeling a tad bit overwhelmed with the noisy environment. He seems to sense her mild discomfort as he looks at her for permission before clasping her hand in his, the familiar dopamine inducing, warm touch intwined with the chilling, cold spruces from his multiple (pretty) rings, leading her along the chattering parties of people. Seems like this place ranged with all ages of people— not particularly catering to only the young crowd. Nonetheless, it feels nice and she realises she's already more inclined to possibly enjoying this place because, well, she's with Harry, but also instigating from the words, 'back in the summer of 69', slurring in melody on the speakers.

"You've been here before?" she questions, noticing how Harry looks pretty accustomed with this place. He twists his body towards her, trying to maintain some kind of eye contact while still navigating safely through the tables.

"Y'could say that. Used to come here on some occasions earlier but now there’s tons of other places." He raises an eyebrow, then scrunches his nose, eyes filtering through the place lit with colourful lights. "I've actually forgotten almost everything. But, oh well, gotta set a good impression for you."

The next thing he does is winks... winks.

(Y/N)'s just grateful she didn't pass out.

"Ah— there he is." Harry exclaims without giving her much time to react when he catches the sight of a short, slightly grey-haired man who seems to be sitting on the high tables with his mates. A scruffy vest is what he's wearing, and it was easy to recognise his late-50s phase.

Their hands part and - she can't say she doesn't miss the feeling - before leaving to complete his task, Harry turns around to face her for no particular reason, really. In search of some kind of validation from her side, which turns to him just staring at her in awe for over 5 seconds straight.

Five seconds is a lot, in reality.

"Okay then, go!" She says to him over the loud music, after which he mumbles, 'You'll be okay for a minute?' and she nods keenly.

But he just thinks she looks so pretty, with a cherubic glow— like an Angel. Her eyes are beautiful, especially when she laughs and the little roundness that moulds into her face so enthusiastically... just like that! She's smiling and he made her smile!

She prods him, burying her face in her hands, when it's obvious that she is the reason those dimples are indented so deep in his cheeks, "Harry! Go!"

The boy suddenly regains sanity, nods and then flusters away, looking at the floor with a large grin of pure happiness shining through, stumbling along to his professor.

Beautiful Idiot, she thinks to herself, finding a perch on the high tables.

Oh, Chérie, he thinks to himself, happy that his sappy thoughts are only in his mind. Running his fingers while grazing them against his lips, a wave of confusion for getting nerves for someone he's just newly met.

On the other hand, Harry's professor sees him approaching with a twinkle in his eye, almost as if he was reluctant to leave whoever he was with. Eventually they meet, and Harry straightens his posture, joy diminishing and contorting to a more serious expression. He clears his throat and they exchange a few words, going something along the lines of 'finally, Harry!' followed by multiple apologies due by Harry.

"I'm sorry. I really am. Won't happen again I promise," he says to his teacher who's excused himself from his friends he was previously sitting with.

It was a strange sight, seeing this tall, tattooed, somewhat intimidating man talking to his short professor like a puppy who'd been reprimanded.

"It better not, but it's alright now. You can go now." His professor smiles with a curt nod, the file tightly held in his hand. "Happy New Years, Harry." Their exchange lasts for a few more minutes before the boy bows to a small degree, returning the salutations and it's not long before he's making his way back to (Y/N)'s side.

"Ha—"

But that's all she was able to say before he pulled her in a tight embrace, strong arms looping around her neck. Taken aback, a blaze of sparks spread at the places his hands settled around her. He chuckles, the cool breath tingling and sending sparks across her skin as his face nestles into the crook of her neck. She cuddles him back with equal amount of force. He made it easy to melt into the hug, a wave of comfort washing away voices of the night. Her eyes fluttered close as she leaned against his chest, feeling safe and protected with someone as loving as Harry.

"I could cry right now, y'know?"

"I actually believe that." Her laugh is muffled against his shoulder which has her cheek squished, eyes fluttering shut, "Happy tears only, I hope."

"Of course,"- I'm with you, so obviously-, "Only happy tears."

They would've liked to stay like that in each other's embrace for more than a minute- if only it wasn't for the drunk relatively old lady who bumped into them, flaying her hand with a glass of... champagne? She apologises, and then swerves past, leaving them separated, only hanging on by the lingering touch of their hands as they graced the tips of each others' fingers.

"So... now what?" (Y/N) asks the question she's been dreading to since she really doesn't want this night to end. Her lip wobbles at the thought of parting ways now, grown used to and comfortable with his company. It usually took her some time to get used to people, sticking to a slow, gradual process of getting familiar with friends in contrast to bouncing into things, being afraid of over sharing and growing too vulnerable, especially avoiding the awkwardness with someone she didn't gel well with. In that aspect, she was pretty versatile flowing off in conversation with people in general- but she, herself, didn't always enjoy it to the fullest. With Harry however, smoothness rolled off with ease, making it a lot more effortless to open up. Initially, early on in the night, she'd expected the stark opposite if she's being honest. But, she absolutely loved this time- now to an extent where it pained her to not have his gravelly voice cracking terrible jokes and witty remarks.

Harry crosses his arms, thinking while moving to sit on the bar stool she'd been leaning on before. "I mean, there's still some time till New Years, right? We could - if y'want to - celebrate together? Maybe? Since I don't think y'have the time t'go t'your friend's party and all."

There was no second thoughts before (Y/N) gratefully blurts out a, 'Sure!' revelling in the idea of spending more idea with Harry.

"Great," he chimes, happy to see her feeling comfortable with him. "Alright, so I have an idea but do you mind waiting here for a bit? I’ve gotta do something first, you’re okay with that?" She nods diligently while he gauges her reaction, continuing on, “Alrigh’, jus’ wait here for two minutes, yeah?”

She can't catch him in her vision for a bit after he pushes himself off the table, following a brief conversation with a bartender named Josh. A few minutes pass after Harry leaves through the back door of the bar and returns.

Striding towards the back door, (Y/N) although unsure of what he's planning, willingly complies his instructions as he calls for her to follow him towards the exit. Two thin glasses of wine (she's not very sure if it is) are placed in his hand while he carries both of them, refusing to let her carry them being the gentleman he is, although she ultimately carries her own owing to some gentle prodding.

"Wait. What's this? Where're we going?" She rattles him with questions she thinks are very valid, while walking up to a dark stairway they are now nearing, because that's what Harry led her to do.

"Okay, waiting," Harry turns to her smiling, his eyes piercing into hers, now walking backwards with a hand gliding by the handrail to keep a grip and traction, slower than before. "It's cranberry & cherry wine. Non alcoholic, so don't worry. As for where we're going— you'll see." His words are reassuring, and she's quick to grasp the look of sincerity he gazes at her with, “I’m here, don’t worry, if anyone wants to murder you, they’ll have to get past me first.” It's no doubt that she feels safe with him which she wouldn't if it was someone else— possibly just because of the way he is and has treated her so far.

"You know... you could very well murder me," she voices out loud, grabbing the chance to toy with his words when he pouts at her.

"Well, I won't," he responds, turning round to walk straight on the incline, one hand behind his back. Carefully analysing the variety of inking on his hand alone, she wonders how many he really has. There's a pair of swallows she can definitely recognise, skimming on the muscles of his torso likely of seizing anyone's attention from the top three buttons which were a trademark fashion choice of his, she thinks.

"But, what if you do?" She muses, catching up to his speed and walking beside him. She bites back a smile, already taking the tiniest sips of the juice, liking the taste of the cool, light charade and the sensation it sends down her throat.

"Then," he emphasised, sparing a glance at her & leaning down to whisper in her ear, "You'd be stupid."

The change in tone leaves her jaw dropped, him assertively speaking almost leaving no room for argument. "Oh, maybe I should go then." Her lips curve at the edges when his eyebrows knit together in a frown.

"If I wanted to, I would've already murdered you, love." He bargains further, smirking when suddenly her proud beam turned bashful, and it seems it gives him some joy when she’s so cutely responsive to his little comments. She wasn't sure if it was the cold or the fact that the curly headed boy called her 'love' when a shiver rushed through her veins, but she doesn't respond, much too lingered with his use of pet names to spew a string of sensible words.

So, she resorts to only one.

"Meanie."

And the sound to respond to (Y/N)'s short remark was Harry's hearty laughter, resonating like little giggles littered across the expanse of the closed stairway. It was the most indented his dimples had been, pronouncing the apples of his cheeks with a tiny dip. Harry found it funny how he'd been called so many things worse than that, and this little small remark which was so innocent made his heart float.

An urge to poke his dimples she had, and so she did- quickly and lightly, with a faint 'boop' sound. Curly looked at her when she did that, still beaming so wide that his cheeks hurt... but weirder than that was this unaccustomed fluttery butterfly kind of thing in his stomach when she touched his cheeks. If it was even possible, he only poured more of his heart out in those tee-hees.

"Okay, okay!" she slurs, "Harry, stop. We're going to fall on these stairs and break these glasses with some complementary bones."

The rise of endorphins in Harry's body were still way too high, wide smiles slipping through his words. "I wouldn't mind breaking hundreds of glasses if it meant we would laugh. Bones— M'not very sure. But, trust me, I won't let us fall on the stairs.”

This was true because they'd reached the top of the stairs, having walked more than they could account for. In front of them, stood actually a closed door, but oh gosh, once pushed open, (Y/N)'s pretty sure she was living a dream. They were on a rooftop, the view of the entire city visible among the crooning breeze and flashes of light marvelling the scene. Corners of the terrace housed a few plants, vines hanging down them, adding a touch of green. Music from the restaurant below could be heard too, allowing some symphonies to perfume into the air.

A few stars dotted the sky with the company of the moon joining the curly headed boy and the cherie girl.

They had to be quite high up and Harry watches with innocent satisfaction as (Y/N) gasps and teeters around the medium sized terrace, ogling at the view and practically everything around her. If there's anything he loves, its the genuine excitement for small things. To be honest, he'd definitely definitely not expected her to be so cheerful for a thing he'd planned so last minute.

He just knows that he wants to someday give her a cute, actual planned surprise, and he can't wait for her reaction.

"So... do y'like it?" He asks, rowing the slightest detection of feebleness. He'd say the place is actually really cool, but what mattered to him was if she was happy with it. Hoping for no guilt to seep in, he wished to promise her a decently fun night when he'd been the reason she had to cancel her plans. Call it a little selfish, but he was glad she was there tonight - it made this night so memorable and one which had turned from the worst to one of the best.

"Love is an understatement! T-this is so sweet, Harry. Thank you so so much. You’re one the the kindest people I’ve come across,” (Y/N) meant her words to the fullest extent, clutching onto the fabric of her cardigan right over her chest, overwhelmed with joy. Fairy lights she assumed he had arranged from downstairs were draped messily around a tuft of fluffy blankets and pillows he’d gotten from god knows where. And a pizza was placed in front, which she also assumes he had ordered from the restaurant part of the bar downstairs. He had actually listened to her while she spoke to him about the things that happened to her this evening. This was just so thoughtful - and given that it was a last minute idea, she found it even more impressive.

Harry's features softened, a little palpitation in his heart over the fact that he didn't know she’d like it so much. He’s suddenly shy, “I know it’s kind of, messy? I’m sorry. The fairy light things weren’t starting so I had t’tangle them in some weird way to get them to hold up in an angle where they’d word. And the blankets aren’t as fluffy, as I’d like them to be, but I hope you like it anyway.”

At that moment, (Y/N) turns around to stare at him in shock. “Harry! This… that doesn’t matter at all. You did so much for me, it’s…” her words fade as she comes instead to hug him, curling her arms around his waist. “It’s amazing.”

It was different, and awfully endearing how her reaction could cause such a effect on him. And to her, the sentiment as pure as it was- was just so soft.

The next few minutes, they sink against the wall of the terrace, sitting beside each other talking about anything and everything. First it's Harry's turn to explain that coming here was in fact, allowed- it's just that since it was New Year's, they'd shut it off. But the craziest part— his professor's family owned the bar. (Y/N) had almost spit out her drink when the lady who bumped into them was his wife. But oh well, she believes things made much more sense now. Harry had asked his professor, and then requested Josh to let them up.

Things after that went from talking about their favourite colours & albums (him expressing his love for Stevie Nicks' music), to digging into their majors and all that jazz.

"I love the moon," she continues in a whisper, basking in its emission. Harry looks at her side, noticing the shadows of the dark that fall on her eyelashes, accentuating the richness of it, and the way her lips are stained with some areas shaded more, owing to the Cherry drink. It's a crime how lovely the reflections of window lights look in her eyes and how the mesmerised emotion swam through them.

It's so silly. . .but he wishes she will one day talk about him like that.

"Me too. It's s'beautiful, isn't it?" He isn't sure who he's calling beautiful.

"Exactly! Like just look at it. It's crazy how no matter where we are on the earth, we look up to the same moon. It's a cycle which doesn't stop for anyone, because no matter what happens, life goes on. I guess, the moon— with its different shapes, crescent and half moon, and whatnot— gives hope that when happiness feels stagnant, it'll eventually come back. It's going to be there, you just have to make an effort to look through the clouds sometimes." Her ramble ends and she’s suddenly conscious, seeming to regret her words like she’s internally cursing herself for rambling. “Sorry, too much?” A breathy laugh leaves her lips.

"No, no,” A smile breaks on Harry’s face, wishing he could say more, but he honestly just wants to listen to her talk. He hates that she would apologise for that. “Don’t be sorry. I love the way y'expressed that. And it's so true. Jus’ brings this sense of comfort, y'know?"

(Y/N)’s face lights up at that, it’s rare to come across someone who genuinely engages— and properly listens— in the conversation, but Harry’s just so good at that. It makes her feel special, and heard… like he genuinely enjoyed her company. And nothing makes her happier than that— the fact that he thinks she’s inserting enough. "Exactly. I dream about the moon so often, hoping to see it but it's kinda hard to get a perfect view of it from my apartment." She smiles sadly, wishing she could.

"'M lucky to be able to see it really well from mine. I guess, that's a reason we can meet again."

"Meetings with the Moon," she says, suddenly perking up at his idea and spreading her hands in the air as if presenting a banner, "Trademark."

"I like the sound of that. And we'll have this Cherry drink thing to officiate the meetings. It's surprisingly so good." Holding the stem of his wine glass, Harry laughs, clinking it against hers with astonishment of how good it really is.

. . .

"... so, that's how red velvet cupcakes became my favourite."

Harry chuckles, listening to (Y/N) rant about an incident that really pushed her into her love for the treats. He loved the simplicity and even complexity of topics that often interchanged with a bounce. Just as the night round up, firecrackers started bursting flying in the air. The pair, startled, instinctively reached out to each other's hand, holding it tightly before allowing themselves to melt into the beauty of the free show they received. It was definitely an exquisite site— the most premium concert with VIP tickets, but best of all was the presence of the other.

(Y/N) quickly checks her phone, reading 12:00AM before exclaiming her revelation to Harry. "Hey, it's twelve! Happy New Years, Harry!"

He begins wishing her too, stopping mid sentence when he realises a very familiar tune ringing through the atmosphere.

"S'our song,”" He tells her with a knowing smile, still while staying true to his Cheshire Cat demeanour, hearing the 'Cherry Flavoured' lyrics behind the blasting of dozens of heightening coloured crackers. To think of it as their song feels so... warm. "Y'wanna dance?"

"My dancing skills are equivalent to the flying skills of a chicken," she shys away, laughing at the mental image of anyone seeing her dance. She danced for fun, and dancing with someone... was nerve wracking.

"Good. We'll both be chickens then." He stands up swiftly, making his way ahead and dragging her along with her pleads of 'noo'. "Oh, come on! I promise, 'M not a dancing prodigy in any sense, too."

And just like that, the rest of the sleepless night they spend dancing to their song, under the influence of the moon and reign of the music forming a New Years they'll never forget. Her sways with his shimmy's and eccentric moves were only for each others' eyes to see, and against the backdrop of igniting works, their silhouettes could create the perfect picture. Although, there was no alcohol in their drinks, maybe they'd classify under the 'love drunk' category.

And slowly with exhaustion tolling over, the night drifted off to an end.

. . .

It was only early next morning at about 5 am when dawn was just beginning to set, rendering the sky with shades of yellow and orange, that the same bartender guy, Josh, came to inspect the terrace & discovered a sight he'd never really seen— the ghost of a smile on a girl with crimson stained lips, leaning against the chest of a tattooed, curly-haired boy; his arm wrapped around her shoulders showing off flexed muscles taut against the tightness of a thin black button up, keeping the two steady to sit up. Her face was nuzzled into his chest, with one hand holding onto his shirt as they dozed off with a flush of joy.

He remembers the two, observing how last night among the bustling crowd downstairs, their eyes locked with such ecstasy and happiness that was rare to see. The boy clearly seemed at the edge of... whipped, and he’s pretty sure it was the same guy who had requested him to play a certain song at midnight. The girl had just fought every urge to stop smiling at him. So really, they looked like they had the biggest crush on each other.

And who knows— maybe, they do.

But, for now, with the credit of the moon, these Cherry flavoured conversations are something they'll look forward to... and with knowing each other's existence a little better— they have one more thing to dream about.

—————

So here it is you guys, my first piece ever!! 🥺 *cue the tears* honestly, this took me the longest time— literal months I swear. and I feel like there’s certain things I can def improve (sorry for any typos or grammar iffys too) but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out :(( I really hope you love it and enjoy it as much as I loved writing it!!

thank you so so much for reading and taking out your precious time for something that means so much to me!! Please like and esp reblog if you enjoyed— it really does mean the absolute world to me!!

you can check out my other works linked in my masterlist!

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