"Oh, you're so naïve yet so…"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r0vpIXTbl4

I knocked on Harry’s door and applauded myself for arriving exactly thirty minutes after our phone call. It took him a few seconds to open the door, and I instantly saw why. He stood in front of me in only a towel, his body still wet from the shower. I failed to stifle a laugh. “Hi, sorry! I got caught up singing in the shower and – wait, why are you laughing?”

“Your towel! You wrap it like a girl!” I chuckled, pointing at him. The towel was wrapped around his chest, neatly tucked underneath his armpits. I swear if he bent over I would see his bare ass.

“Whatever, you know I look cute!” he winked. “Now calm down and come inside.”

I kicked off my shoes and hopped on to his bed, knowing he wouldn’t mind. I made myself comfortable and scrolled through Twitter on my phone while Harry got dressed. He came out of the bathroom wearing an almost identical outfit to mine, the only difference being his hair was loosely pushed back by a bandanna. He looked so…cute.

“So,” he exhaled, taking a spot next to me on the bed. “Tell me what’s on your mind.” He stared at me eagerly, and suddenly I became too nervous to discuss the details of this morning.

“Um, lets go get food. You’re hungry right? You won’t be able to concentrate on an empty stomach!” I fiddled nervously as I watched him contemplate the idea. Unfortunately, he saw right through me.

“Oh, this must be serious! I can tell you’re nervous Autumn, I know you too well. Let’s just eat here, I baked some blueberry muffins yesterday and I have plenty of tea and coffee.”

“Well…I guess that’s fine with me.” He went off into the kitchen to prepare the food while I made my way to the table. I still felt nervous. My palms were sweaty, and my mouth was beginning to get dry. How can I ask for his advice about the situation without including the details of hooking up with Niall?

When he got back to the table, I took a huge bite out of the muffin to avoid talking. We sat in silence, chomping away until all that was left on our plates were crumbs.

“Okay, I’ve let you be quiet for long enough. What’s going on Autumn?”

I felt bad for making him wait, knowing he was taking time out of his day to talk to me. I decided to leave out the events of the prior evening completely, and only told him about the argument with Savannah. It was difficult, but I managed not to give away any details concerning Niall.

“So,” he started once I ended my story. “Savannah left without an apology? Why wouldn’t she have told you she was, you know, having sex and all? And why was she questioning you about your virginity anyway? I thought you two were close?” So many questions!

“I have no idea. I mean, she’s my best friend, you know? And we haven’t been keeping in touch as well as when I was still back home with her. I think she’s just hurting because she misses me… and she’s always been protective over me. I don’t know….” I slurped on my tea to avoid eye contact.

“Well I couldn’t imagine anyone being mad at you for very long. It’s quite a silly thing to argue about if you think about it. You should call her later to talk, I’m sure you can work things out love.”

“You’re right, Harry. Thank you, it feels good to talk about it.” I really did feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I knew Savannah and I were too close to let this little argument ruin our friendship. Besides, it was partially my fault for not keeping in touch. Even though that situation was no longer a problem, I was still feeling confused. What was I going to do about Niall? I really wanted to spare myself the embarrassment, but I needed input from a guy’s perspective. I took a deep breath, “Harry? There actually is something else I need to talk about.”

He stared at me, nodding his head for me to continue.

“It’s about Niall.” He nearly choked on his tea, but still encouraged me to tell the story. He seemed a bit uncomfortable – fidgeting with the rings on his fingers and wriggling in his seat; but I carried on.

“Well last night he walked me home, and we finally told each other how we feel about one another. And…well…I invited him inside. We, um, kissed and…lost track of time. Anyway, we fell asleep and this morning I expected things to be all nice and romantic. I wanted to spend more time with him, but he left in such a hurry it almost seems like he was running away.” I sighed deeply, “I don’t know. Do you think I’m just overthinking or am I being too naïve and was Niall really just telling me what I want to hear to have his way with me?”

“Erm…” I’d never seen him so nervous before. After a few moments he finally responded. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t know much about Niall; but from what I’ve heard he has been quite the ladies man in the past. I’m not saying you should question things, but maybe you should be cautious. He was probably just rushing to get to his practice. And if he’s told you to your face that he likes you, that definitely means something. I can’t imagine someone not liking you, anyway.” His advice was surprisingly comforting, but I still wasn’t totally convinced that my concerns were irrational. Ladies man, huh? Who would’ve guessed….

“Thank you, Harry. You always know how to make me feel better.” Although we’d only known each other for a few weeks, we’d already become close friends. I trusted him more than some of the people I grew up with. He pulled me in for a hug, and I inhaled his musky scent.

We spent the next hour joking around and listening to music. I felt kind of sad when it was time for me to leave, but we both had work to do.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Harry,” I smiled up at him.

“See ya later, Autumn.”

I turned to leave, but Harry grabbed my arm and turned me around to face him. I certainly wasn’t expecting that from him.

“Autumn…” he said in a raspy voice. “If he ever hurts you, just know I’m here for you.” He leaned in and placed a firm, wet kiss on my cheek - lingering for just a moment too long.

“O-okay,” I stuttered. Something about that kiss made my heart flutter, but it also caught me off guard. I left his apartment feeling a bit disoriented. I have a lot to think about over the next few days…

Notes

This chapter is sort of a filler, but there seems to be some tension rising....
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