Dark Star

I did not hear from Harry for weeks. I filled my days with work, and when I was at home, I filled my nights with mindless TV shows. I spent so much time in my bedroom, my parents started to question my sanity. I may have not heard from Harry personally, but I did manage to keep up with what he was doing through other sources.

The first interview with Harry appeared in the local newspaper. It was a nice little fluff piece about Harry relaunching his career. The old Harry had disappeared, the article said and the new Harry had taken his place.

Nice interview, you did well.

I sent him a text once I had settled in at work. I sipped my coffee, waiting for a response, but minutes passed. There was no response for the rest of the day, so by the time I clocked off for the day, I felt pretty deflated.

I had just finished my dinner that night when I received a message.

I’m ready to be alone with you

I recalled my parting words to him last time I saw him.

“Call me back when you’re alone.”

There were times I felt as though I were competing for attention from all sides. I guess I just wished it was just me and Harry, the way it had been from the beginning.

I’d like that. What time do you want me to come over?

I knew my response sounded too eager, but I was dying to see him.

7pm? I better give you the address.

I frowned. Address? I figured I was just going to drop by next door. It didn’t take long for Harry to send through an unfamiliar residential address.

??

I wrote back, but he never responded. It was a long day at work before I scrambled home, to the amusement of my manager. I was out the door by 5pm and at home not long after to prepare for my date.

I grasped the steering wheel and peered outside the car window. I was parked outside an ornate apartment building. I glanced down at the number of the apartment before I made my way to the door. I took a deep breath as the door swung open, expecting to see Harry, but coming face to face with a stranger.

I blinked twice before his face came into focus. No, not a stranger.

Zayn Malik.

“Hey.” He said, as though it were the most natural thing in the world that he would be there. I swallowed nervously and paused. He was tall and imposing, dressed all in black, his prominent tattoos on display, his hair styled effortlessly and jet black.

“It’s Ali, right?” He asked with a faint smile on his face. I nodded my head and shook his hand before deciding it was time to get my act together.

“Yes.” I managed to reply.

“Come on in.” He cocked his head and turned on his heel, leaving me to follow him into the small foyer. Zayn sat on a cream couch and looked up at me under his long eyelashes.
“Harry’s inside.” He said. “Have a seat.”

I settled on the couch opposite him and we gazed at each other, expectant looks on our faces. I could barely bring myself to tear my eyes from him to take in my surroundings.

“Is this your apartment?” I finally asked and he shook his head.

I thought back to the Zayn Malik I remembered in One Direction. Young and fresh-faced but with an undeniable edge. Almost seven years had passed since they had broken up as a band, and in the time I had known Harry, he had not been in touch with any of his old band members. Zayn looked a bit rough around the edges, but it didn’t affect his good looks. I knew that I was staring, so I was relieved when Harry emerged.

“You’ve met Zayn?” He asked with a smile.

I nodded, unable to hide the accusing look in my eyes. Hadn’t he promised me a night to ourselves? It was bad enough that I was still questioning what our relationship meant to him. I remained on the couch, feeling too awkward to greet Harry properly but then again, he did not approach me, so that pretty much solved that dilemma.

“So… what do you think?” Harry asked, glancing around the room.

“This is yours?” I asked.

“Yep.” He proudly smiled. “Let me show you around.”

He took me by the hand and gave me a tour, starting in the spacious kitchen and ending in his large bedroom. Every room was furnished and appeared like a real home. It was obvious it had taken time and effort to set this all up and the fact that I had been left out of the process left me with an inexplicably empty feeling.

“Are you okay?” Harry’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“So you finally did it, huh?” I said. “What did your mother have to say?”

“Not much.” Harry said sheepishly. “There wasn’t much she could say to stop me… I should have moved out years ago.”

“What made you finally do it?”

“I guess I just realised it was the right time.” He shrugged. “I need to start standing on my own two feet. You taught me that.”

I glanced up at the soft expression on his face and smiled. Our eyes locked for a moment before the sound of Zayn’s voice interrupted the moment.

“What?” Harry said flatly.

“Is she coming tonight?” Zayn’s voice called from the living room.

“I think so.” Harry replied.

We made our way back into the living room to find Zayn swigging from a vodka bottle.

“Zayn’s come to visit for a while.” Harry said as the scene before us was the most natural sight in the world. “We’re thinking about maybe getting back into it… maybe collaborate on a few songs…”

I nodded mutely as I sat down on the couch.

“Want some?” Zayn asked me and I quickly shook my head. Harry opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.

“She’s here.” He said.

He quickly made his way to the door and opened it to reveal Khloe standing there clad in tight jeans and a cropped leather jacket.

“Hey guys.” She said brightly. Her face broke into a smile when she saw me and Zayn, but all I could do was gaze back wide-eyed. This was not turning out to be the evening I expected.

Notes

I know this website isn't working the way it used to... and I know I haven't been updating this story on a regular basis.

But if you're reading, can you please leave a comment, so I at least know I'm not updating for nothing?

I'm not sure if I'll keep updating if I don't feel anybody is reading.

Thank you :)