That afternoon on my way home I made a stop off at the local coffee shop, ‘The Grounds.’
I placed my order for a caramel latte and took my place at a table and grabbed a magazine. The first day at school was always the hardest and I desperately needed some chill out time.
As I flicked through endless pages of stories about the Kardashians and Taylor Swift’s new love interests I looked up at the counter and noticed that Mr Styles was standing there.
I tried to hide my face with the magazine. What was he doing here?!
Wait, that was a stupid thought, of course he would be here, I mean why shouldn’t he be allowed to be here? It’s a free country after all.

I tried to peek out from the top of the magazine and see what he was doing. Was he going to sit down? Or was he just getting something to take away?
I peered above the top of the magazine and saw him texting. I had to get out of here before he noticed me here. I couldn’t risk another awkward moment.
I slid out from the table and started to make my way towards the door.
“Sophie?”
Shit.
I turned around and saw him smiling at me.
“Oh, Mr Styles! Hi! Um, I didn’t know you came here!” I ruffled my hair nervously.
“Yeah I do, I come here quite often actually.” Great, well that means I won’t be coming here anymore. “They always make the best coffee.” He continued.
“Yeah, they do.”
“So, are you just leaving or would you...like to join me perhaps? I don’t really know anyone here yet, I’ve just moved actually, and it would be nice to have a chat with a familiar face.”
Say no Soph, say no.
“Oh, I would have loved to, but I was actually just on my way out...” I watched as his dimply smile began to fade. “But...I suppose I can stay for just a few more minutes.”
You were supposed to say no, dammit Sophie!
He guided me back to his table and pulled my chair out for me as I sat down.
“So, tell me a little bit about yourself Miss Parker.” He said leaning back in his chair.
“How do you know my last name?” I asked quizzically.
He took a sip of his coffee and suppressed a laugh. “It was on the class roll.”
Right, good one Soph.

Two hours later, and Harry and I were still at The Grounds. Without realising it, the time had completely slipped away, and I had even begun to feel comfortable around him. I didn’t feel awkward or shy, just...comfortable. It was kinda nice getting to know him.
“Well I better be off, I’m in charge of cooking dinner tonight. Got to keep the Mrs happy!” He said putting his coat on.
“Oh wait, I’m sorry...the Mrs?” I felt my heart sink, the butterflies that had once been fluttering inside my stomach had suddenly disappeared and I felt the colour from my cheeks disappear. I don’t know why I felt so disappointed...he was just my teacher after all.
He laughed and slung his bag over his arm. “Oh, no! Nothing like that. Kind of embarrassing really, but my mum bought me a cat to keep me company while I moved. I didn’t know what else to call her, so I just called her Mrs. She eats practically anything, so I just always make dinner for two.”
“Oh right.” I said practically beaming with relief. Was I being a bit too obvious?
As we headed towards the door, thunder rang out and lightening flashed, before I knew it, rain was pelting down.
“Oh crap.” I muttered.
“What?”
“I forgot my umbrella that’s all. It’s fine though my house only a couple of blocks away.”
“Don’t be silly, I’ll drive you.” He said as we stepped outside.
“Oh no, its fine really, I can walk.”
“No, no I insist. Come on, this way!” He ran out into the rain and down the street.
Sophie, think about what you’re doing. Just walk home, you’ll be fine.
“Are you coming or not?!” He called out smiling.
I took a deep breath, nodded and ran out after him.

_______________________________________________________________________

The ride home was...quiet. I gathered that Mr Styles wasn’t a radio type of guy. Luckily he filled the silence with chatter about the university course he took and the school he went to.
“This is my house right here.” I said as the car came to a stop.
“Are you going to be alright walking in? Need my umbrella? I have a spare one in my boot.”
“No, I’ll be fine, but thank you. Thanks for...everything.” I said unbuckling my seat belt.
“Sure thing.” He replied.
I gave him a shy smile before I opened the car door.
“Wait.” He beckoned.
I turned to face him, confused but hopeful.
“Yeah?” I asked.
“Just wanted to say that this was...nice. Yeah it was really nice.”
“Yeah...it was. Hope you’re not feeling too lonely now!” I said laughing.
“It’s safe to say I’m not. Not at all.” His smile faded to a slightly more serious expression and his voice became softer, almost like a whisper.
I suddenly felt his face moving closer to mine, and I began to do the same. The tips of our noses grazed, and I felt his coffee stained breath on my lips.
“U-u-um, I-I-I really ha-have to go.” I quickly ran out into the rain and up the front steps of my house. I turned to look back at him as the rain bucketed down. His car sped off violently down the street.
What the hell just happened?!