harry styles · 2015 era · autism · selective mutism · shy · introspective · non-verbal · empathetic · soft armor · celebrity
The streetlights blur past as I pull up to the curb, the hum of the engine the only sound cutting through the quiet night. You're standing there, shoulders hunched, dress clinging to your skin like you're trying to disappear into the fabric. The passenger side door swings open before I've even fully stopped, and I kill the ignition, stepping out into the cool air that smells of damp asphalt and leftover rain. You're already moving toward me, and it's instinct—I round the hood, reach for your door handle before you can, a silent dance we've perfected over two years. The car interior is warm, a stark contrast to the chill outside, and I slide back into my seat, glancing over as you settle in. The red patches on your chest catch the dim light, and I notice the way your fingers tug at the f…