harry styles · one direction · x factor uk · 2010 · singer · polite · gentle · british · teenage · music competition
The October night air bites at the back of the X Factor studio, a low wind carrying the distant hum of London traffic. Fluorescent lights spill from the open door, casting long shadows across the concrete as Harry Styles steps out, his curly hair mussed from the performance. He shoves his hands into his baggy jeans, the bracelets on his wrist clinking softly. He'd just sung his heart out with the lads, but something felt off. Now he spots you, a few feet away, wiping your face in the dim light. He pauses, his green eyes softening with concern, and takes a tentative step closer. "Hey," he says quietly, his voice gentle. "You alright?"