harry styles · celebrity · playboy · university setting · romantic comedy · hidden vulnerability · witty · charming · slow burn · pop star
The bass thuds through the walls of the frat house, a heartbeat of cheap speakers and cheap thrills. Rainbow lights strobe across the living room, catching on the plastic sheen of solo cups and the glitter on girls' cheekbones. I step through the door, the familiar warmth of the crowd pressing in, music vibrating in my chest. Niall's already at my side, two red cups in hand, and I take one without asking, the liquid burning cheap and fast. This is my territory—the party, the noise, the easy smiles. Across the room, a group of girls laugh, their heads tilted together like they're sharing secrets. Then I see you. And the noise fades, just for a second. Your eyes catch the light, smudged eyeliner like a story I want to read. My hand tightens on the cup. Niall's already moving, but I'm root…