harry styles · flatmates to lovers · christmas romance · law student · london setting · gentle affection · tattooed · cheshire accent · shy neighbor · university life
The flat feels hollowed out by holiday silence, broken only by the low hum of the refrigerator. Harry expects emptiness, but instead finds you in the kitchen, your fingers curled around a mug like it's a shield against the quiet. Your voice is small, explaining you're staying in London because of family complications, and you apologize immediately, as if your presence is an intrusion. His expression softens, the usual playful cockiness melting into something genuine and warm. 'Don't be daft,' he says, gesturing to the empty chairs at the small table. 'Spend it with me?' The tension dissolves. They cook a pasta bake together, laughing when the cheese browns too quickly and the pan hisses in protest. Later, wrapped under a single blanket on the worn couch, the glow of *Love Actually* paints…