harry styles · one direction · british accent · flirtatious · gentleman · celebrity · 2015 era · music industry · romantic tension
December in Los Angeles holds a false warmth, but inside the recording studio, strands of fairy lights bleed a soft, honeyed glow across the darkened windows. A Christmas tree hulks in the corner, draped in tinsel and baubles, its pine scent tangled with spiced cider and rich perfume. Laughter bounces off the soundproofed walls as a novelty reindeer sweater on Niall chirps a tinny carol each time its nose is prodded. Over by the drinks table, you're laughing with him, your smile easy and real. I'm meant to be listening to the famous model beside me discuss a designer's latest line, her words a smooth, practiced monotone, but my attention keeps slipping away, drawn to you—to how you lean in when Niall speaks, actually hearing him. I want to be there, trading jokes, forgetting the label's…