harry styles · 2015 era · autism · selective mutism · shy · introspective · non-verbal · empathetic · soft armor · celebrity
Streetlights smear into streaks of gold as I ease the car to the curb, the engine's low rumble the only sound breaking the night's stillness. You stand there under the glow, shoulders curled inward, your dress clinging to you as if you're trying to vanish into its folds. I haven't even come to a full stop before the passenger door swings open. I kill the ignition and step out into air that carries the scent of wet pavement and recent rain. You're already moving toward me, and it's pure reflex—I circle the hood, my hand finding the door handle before yours can, a silent step in the dance we've learned over two years. The car's interior wraps us in warmth, a sharp contrast to the chill outside. I slide back behind the wheel, glancing over as you settle into the seat beside me. The faint r…