the cover — part 2 (Patreon)

Author's note: Hello my lovely people! I hope you are doing well. Things have been crazy lately! There has been protests in my country and everyone is basically locked at home. It's good because I get to write, but bad cause I don't get to see my patients. Anyway, here is the second part! I think this is going to be longer than I expected. Hopefully the next part will be the last!

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The hum of the car engine and the rhythmic sound of tires on the highway created a comfortable backdrop as Harry and Y/N cruised along the motorway, the city of London far behind them. They’d been on the road for a couple of hours now, and the sun was starting to dip low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the landscape. The air was filled with the scent of takeaway coffee and crisps, and the windows were cracked just enough to let in the cool evening breeze.

Harry had insisted on driving first, one hand loosely gripping the steering wheel, the other resting casually on the armrest between them. His sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose, but Y/N could still see the glint of amusement in his eyes every time he glanced over at her.

“You’re awfully quiet for someone who agreed to a whole road trip,” Harry teased, nudging her gently with his elbow. “I thought you’d be the one keeping the conversation going.”

Y/N smiled, sinking back into the seat. She was relaxed, but her mind was racing. Being in such close quarters with him for the next several hours—and the entire weekend—was a reminder of the dangerous territory she was treading. “I’m just enjoying the peace before the madness of my family.”

Harry laughed, his voice low and warm. “You act like they’re going to eat us alive.”

“They might,” Y/N muttered, earning a chuckle from him.

In the background, music softly played from the car speakers, an eclectic playlist Harry had put together. Just as promised, it was filled with road trip classics—Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, a bit of Elton John. As Go Your Own Way started playing, Harry grinned and turned up the volume.

“Oh, this is a good one,” he said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat. “Come on, you know this one.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. “I’m not singing.”

“You don’t have a choice.” Harry glanced at her, his smile wide. “It’s a road trip rule. If a song this good comes on, you have to sing along.”

Y/N hesitated for a second before Harry started belting out the lyrics dramatically, completely over the top. His voice, usually so smooth and captivating, was intentionally off-key, and Y/N couldn’t help but laugh.

“Come on, help me out here,” Harry urged, pointing at her with exaggerated intensity as he sang the chorus.

Y/N caved, joining in, though far less theatrically. “You can go your own way…” she sang softly, barely keeping a straight face.

“There you go!” Harry said, laughing. “See? This is what road trips are all about.”

The moment settled into a comfortable rhythm, the music, the road, and the lightheartedness between them making the miles slip away. Y/N looked out the window, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. For now, it was just them—no family pressures, no pretending—just two best friends on an adventure. But the weight of what was coming still lingered, and deep down, she wondered how long she could keep her feelings for Harry hidden before the lines blurred even further.

The miles rolled by effortlessly as the car sped along the motorway, the skies now a pale blue, streaked with fading wisps of clouds. They had finally made it out of the city congestion, and the open road stretched out in front of them. Harry tapped the steering wheel, humming along to the latest song on his playlist as Y/N flipped through her phone, occasionally sneaking glances at him.

A couple of hours later, they decided to take a break. They pulled off at a small, unassuming roadside diner nestled between hills, where the countryside started to emerge in full force. The air was crisp and fresh, a welcome contrast to the stuffiness of the car.

“This looks like a good spot,” Harry said, stretching his arms above his head as they got out of the car. Y/N couldn’t help but stare for a moment, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his face, making his tousled curls look effortlessly perfect.

“Yeah, it’s cute,” Y/N replied, looking around. The diner was charming in a retro kind of way, with an old sign that read Granger’s Café and a few picnic tables outside where a couple of people were eating. It was a quiet spot, far from the usual bustling places Harry would normally be recognized in.

They walked in, the bell above the door chiming softly as they entered. The woman behind the counter greeted them with a friendly smile, her attention focused more on her order book than Harry’s famous face. It was a relief—no glances, no whispers, just a couple grabbing a bite to eat like anyone else.

Harry visibly relaxed, and Y/N could see the tension in his shoulders melt away as they slid into one of the booths near the window. He glanced around the café, appreciating the normalcy of it all.

“This is nice” Harry said, his voice soft, almost as if he were afraid to jinx the moment.

Y/N smiled at him, understanding what he was referring to. “It must feel like you can finally breath for a minute.”

He nodded, leaning back in his seat with a contented sigh. “It’s nice to just…be. No cameras, no autographs, just us.”

They ordered burgers and fries, classic comfort food, and Harry insisted they get milkshakes to go with it. It was the type of meal Y/N hadn’t had in ages, but it felt fitting for the day—simple, no fuss.

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by the occasional shared laughter. Harry made jokes about the wedding, trying to imitate what he imagined Y/N’s relatives might say, and Y/N couldn’t stop laughing, almost choking on her milkshake at one point.

“You’re terrible,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes as she caught her breath.

“I’m just preparing for what’s ahead,” Harry replied with a smirk. “I’ve got to get into character as the perfect fake boyfriend.”

After lunch, they wandered around the tiny town nearby, a few shops lining the main street. Harry pulled out his phone to take some photos, capturing the picturesque countryside. “Come on, stand over there by the tree,” he instructed Y/N, holding his phone up as she rolled her eyes but complied.

“Why are you taking photos of me?” she asked, posing half-heartedly in front of a sprawling oak tree.

“Because,” Harry said with a grin, snapping a few shots, “you’re part of the adventure. Gotta document it properly.”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Fine, but I’m taking one of you too. Stand still.” She took his phone and snapped a quick photo of him with the tree and hills in the background. He gave her a goofy smile, and she couldn’t help but think how carefree and happy he looked here—like he could just be Harry, her best friend, and not the famous singer.

Once the photos were done, they lingered for a bit longer, soaking in the rare sense of calm.

“Alright,” Harry finally said, checking the time on his phone, “we should probably get back on the road if we want to make it to Edinburgh before dark.”

Y/N nodded in agreement, but as they climbed back into the car, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The road trip was already turning into something special, far beyond what she’d expected. The quiet moments, the laughter, the freedom of being themselves—it was everything she hadn’t realized she needed.

As they drove away from the quaint little diner, back onto the highway, Y/N glanced at Harry. His hand casually rested on the gear shift, his other drumming lightly against the steering wheel in time with the music. She wondered if he felt it too—that unspoken shift between them, as if something more was slowly beginning to unfold beneath the surface of their friendship.

The miles stretched out before them, and for the first time, Y/N was glad they had hours to go.

As they approached the castle, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate. The castle loomed ahead, its towering stone walls and ivy-covered turrets straight out of a fairytale, the perfect backdrop for the grand wedding weekend. Y/N’s stomach fluttered with nerves as the car rolled up the long gravel driveway, each bump reminding her of the pressure she was about to face.

“We’ve made it,” Harry said, glancing at her with a reassuring smile as he parked. “Ready?”

Y/N laughed nervously, adjusting her seatbelt. “Not even a little.”

Before she could respond further, her door was yanked open, and she was immediately pulled into a flurry of hugs and shrill greetings. The moment she stepped out of the car, her family swarmed her like bees to honey. Her mother was the first to squeeze her, stepping back to give Y/N a critical once-over.

“Oh, darling, I’m so glad you’re here,” her mom said, her eyes narrowing in on Y/N’s hair as if it were some kind of crime. “But sweetie, you really need a haircut before tomorrow. I mean, the wedding photos! You want to look your best, don’t you?”

Y/N winced inwardly. Here we go.

Before she could respond, her aunt joined the fray, nodding in agreement. “Absolutely. Just a trim around the edges would be good. We can fix that in the morning.”

Y/N forced a smile, her heart sinking a little. It didn’t matter how much she’d accomplished in life or how she actually looked—her family always found something to nitpick.

As if on cue, her cousin chimed in, her voice filled with that particular tone of well-meaning condescension. “You know, one of the groomsmen is single, and I’m pretty sure he’d be interested in you. We’ve been hoping to pair you two up! Just so you are not alone all weekend”

Y/N’s mouth went dry. The mention of being set up was exactly what she’d dreaded. She opened her mouth to politely brush it off when a familiar voice cut through the chaos.

“Hey, love, sorry what did I miss?,” Harry called, stepping out of the car with a smile, closing the door behind him and making his way over to Y/N’s side. “I’m Harry”.

The entire group turned, eyes wide and jaws practically hitting the ground as Harry strode over, exuding a casual confidence. Y/N had never seen a group of people fall so silent so quickly. His presence had a calming effect on her, and she immediately felt the tension lift from her shoulders.

Harry slipped his arm around Y/N’s waist without hesitation, pulling her in close with a warmth and ease that made it all feel real, even if it wasn’t. “You alright?” he asked quietly, just for her ears.

“Better now,” Y/N whispered, grateful beyond words.

Her mother’s eyes widened, darting between them with obvious surprise. “Harry! I didn’t realize… you were coming with Y/N.”

“Yep,” Harry said easily, his smile disarming as he shook hands with Y/N’s mother and the rest of the family. “We thought it’d be fun to make a weekend of it. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.”

There was a beat of silence as Y/N’s family processed this information. Her aunt’s mouth opened and closed a few times as if she were trying to find the right words. “Well, well,” she finally said, smiling brightly. “You never mentioned you were bringing a guest, Y/N.”

Y/N managed a smile, leaning into Harry a little more, taking comfort in his steady presence. “Yeah, it was kind of a last-minute decision.”

Her mother and aunt exchanged quick glances, as if they were mentally recalculating everything about Y/N and Harry’s relationship. No doubt, they were rethinking their plans to set her up with any of the groomsmen.

“Well, we’re about to head inside and settle in,” Y/N’s cousin interjected, clearly still recovering from the surprise. “I’m sure you two will want to get comfortable. Let me know if you need anything, Y/N.”

Harry gave a small nod, his eyes twinkling with amusement as Y/N’s family slowly dispersed. Once they were out of earshot, he dropped his arm from around her waist, but stayed close.

“That was… intense,” Harry murmured with a grin, nudging her playfully. “I didn’t even get out of the car and they were on you.”

Y/N let out a breath, laughing softly. “Yeah, welcome to my family. It’s like this all the time.”

He gave her a sympathetic look, then glanced around at the grand estate. “Well, at least the place is nice”.

Y/N’s mom led them through the grand halls of the castle, her heels clicking on the stone floors as she chatted animatedly about the wedding preparations. The décor was stunning—ornate tapestries hung on the walls, and crystal chandeliers glimmered overhead. But Y/N wasn’t paying attention to any of it. Her mind was swirling with how the weekend had just taken an unexpected turn.

“So, this is where you’ll be staying,” her mom said brightly as they reached the end of a long corridor. She swung open the door to reveal a large room with a four-poster bed, plush furniture, and a window that overlooked the rolling hills of the estate grounds.

Y/N blinked. “Wait—this was supposed to be my room, right?”

Her mom smiled, completely oblivious. “Well, it was going to be, but since Harry’s here, I figured you’d be sharing. There’s more than enough room for the both of you, dear.” She waved her hand dismissively, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Y/N shot Harry a quick look, but he just shrugged with a smirk, clearly amused by the situation.

“Right… sharing,” Y/N muttered, mentally bracing herself.

Her mom, however, seemed more interested in asking questions she hadn’t even had the chance to voice yet. “So, when did all of this happen?” she asked, turning back to Y/N with a curious expression. “You and Harry, I mean. You never mentioned anything about dating—just that he was your best friend. When did you two meet again?”

Y/N felt her stomach drop. Her family knew she had a best friend named Harry, but she had always kept the fact that it was Harry Styles under wraps. She didn’t want them to make a fuss, ask for favors, or worse, make him uncomfortable. It had always been easier that way.

Y/N forced a smile, trying to find the right words. “Oh, uh… we’ve known each other for years. It just… sort of happened.” She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. How was she going to keep up this charade all weekend?

Her mom raised an eyebrow. “Years? And you never said a word. I’m a little hurt, honestly.” She sighed, shaking her head. “But Harry is lovely, I’m glad you brought him. I guess I just didn’t expect—well, you could have told us. We wouldn’t have—”

“We didn’t want to make it a big deal,” Harry cut in smoothly, saving Y/N from having to stumble through more half-truths. He flashed Y/N’s mom that charming smile of his, the one that could melt even the toughest critic. “We’ve always kept things pretty private, and with my life being so public, we figured it’d be best to keep it between us until now.”

Y/N’s mom smiled warmly, clearly buying every word. “I understand. Well, it’s wonderful to have you here. The whole family is going to be so thrilled. I’m sure you two will want to freshen up before dinner. Let me know if you need anything.”

As soon as her mom left the room, closing the door behind her, Y/N let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. She turned to Harry, who was lounging against the doorframe, looking entirely too relaxed.

“Thanks for that,” she said, leaning back against the bedpost.

Y/N shook her head, a smile creeping onto her lips despite her nerves. “They don’t even know I’ve been best friends with Harry Styles for years. I never told them because I didn’t want them to treat you any differently. And now here we are.”

Harry crossed the room, standing in front of her with that soft, understanding look in his eyes. “I get it. And honestly, I appreciate it. But for now,” he said, nudging her lightly with his shoulder, “let’s just play along. No pressure.”

Y/N nodded, grateful for his ease. “Alright,” she said, glancing around the large room. “So, I guess we’re sharing a room now.”

Harry grinned mischievously, his dimples deepening. “Well, it’s not like we haven’t shared a room before.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Not at a wedding where we’re pretending to be a couple.”

“True,” Harry said, smirking as he plopped down on the edge of the bed. “But that just makes it more fun.”

Y/N laughed, despite the tension that was starting to build again.

Dinner had been as awkward as Y/N expected it to be. Her cousin, ever the attention-seeker, had monopolized the conversation for most of the meal. She had been relentless in her attempts to impress Harry, talking loudly about her upcoming wedding and how “perfect” her fiancé was, throwing in not-so-subtle hints about her family’s wealth and accomplishments. It was exhausting, and Y/N had to bite her tongue more than once to keep from rolling her eyes.

Harry, ever the professional, handled it with grace, smiling politely and nodding along while giving Y/N amused glances whenever her cousin turned away. He was charming, of course, but Y/N could sense he was just as ready as she was to escape the dinner table.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally excused themselves, claiming they were tired from the drive. Y/N’s family didn’t seem to mind, too caught up in their own wedding plans to care. Her cousin had shot one last look at Harry, clearly hoping for more of his attention, but thankfully, they made a quick getaway.

Now, back in the quiet of their shared room, the tension of the evening began to lift. The large bed dominated the space, its fluffy pillows and thick comforter looking far too inviting after the long day. Y/N changed into her pajamas in the en suite bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror for a moment as she processed everything. Sharing a bed with Harry, even just for show, felt like crossing a line she never thought she would cross.

When she finally emerged, Harry was already lounging on one side of the bed, scrolling through his phone, still in his t-shirt and sweats. His hair was a little messy from the day, and his skin had that freshly-showered glow. He looked comfortable, as if the day’s events hadn’t affected him at all.

Y/N, on the other hand, felt the weight of the entire weekend pressing on her.

“You alright?” Harry asked without looking up, sensing her presence.

“Yeah,” she replied, climbing onto the other side of the bed, pulling the covers over her legs. “Just… processing. Dinner was a lot.”

Harry chuckled softly. “Your cousin really doesn’t quit, does she? I thought she was going to recite her fiancé’s entire resume at one point.”

Y/N snorted, grateful for the levity. “Trust me, that’s mild for her. I’m just glad she didn’t break out the baby pictures.”

“Well, I’m sure we’ll see those tomorrow,” Harry teased, turning off his phone and placing it on the nightstand.

Y/N leaned back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling. “Thanks for coming with me, by the way. I don’t know how I’d be getting through this weekend without you.”

Harry turned his head, his expression softening. “Of course, you don’t have to thank me for that. I’m here for you.”

They lay there for a moment in silence, the sound of the wind outside the castle the only thing filling the room. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of earlier. Y/N’s mind wandered, and she couldn’t help but think about how natural this felt—having Harry by her side, even if it was just pretend. The thought tugged at her heart, and she pushed it aside, not wanting to dwell on it.

“Hey,” Harry said, breaking the quiet. “You okay? You’re quiet.”

“Yeah, just… tired,” she murmured, rolling onto her side to face him. “It’s been a long day.”

“Why are you so far away?” he asked, his tone laced with a playful pout.

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat. She had tried to give him space, unsure of how to navigate sharing a bed with her best friend, even if they were pretending to be a couple. “I didn’t want to make it awkward,” she muttered, her voice soft.

Harry shifted, the bed dipping slightly as he moved closer. Before she could react, his arm wrapped around her waist, and with a gentle tug, he pulled her toward him, closing the gap between them. His chest pressed against her back, and the warmth of his body seeped into her skin.

“Come here,” he whispered, his breath tickling the back of her neck. “No reason to sleep miles apart”.

Y/N’s heart pounded in her chest as she let herself relax into his hold. His embrace was comforting, familiar in a way that felt both safe and dangerous at the same time. She could feel his heartbeat steady against her back, his hand resting lightly on her waist, fingers brushing the fabric of her pajama top.

“This isn’t awkward for you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, unsure of what his answer might be.

Harry chuckled softly, his thumb tracing absent patterns on her side. “Not at all. Quite the oposite,” he added with a grin she could almost hear, “you’re pretty cozy.”

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at that, her nerves easing as the warmth of his body and the comfort of his words began to calm her racing mind. She hadn’t realized how much she needed this—how much she needed him.

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The next day arrived with the welcome party in full swing. The castle grounds had been transformed into a lavish setting with fairy lights strung between trees, soft music playing in the background, and long tables covered in elaborate floral arrangements. It was all as grand as Y/N expected, but she had other things on her mind.

As she stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out her yellow dress, she could hardly believe she’d made it through the morning without a meltdown. The dress, a soft golden hue, flowed elegantly just below her knees. It was simple but stunning, with a cinched waist that flattered her figure, and she’d left her hair down, the natural waves falling past her shoulders. The short heels she chose were comfortable but still classy, giving her enough height to feel confident without stumbling on the castle’s stone floors.

She took a deep breath, glancing one last time at her reflection. She didn’t usually go for bold colors like yellow, but something about the way it brightened her skin and brought out the glow in her eyes made her feel like she could pull this off. Besides, she needed every ounce of confidence she could gather for the day ahead.

The thought of facing her family again—especially with Harry as her “boyfriend”—had her nerves on edge, but she pushed those thoughts aside as she stepped out of the room.

Harry was waiting for her in the hallway, already dressed in a sleek navy suit that hugged his frame perfectly. His hair was styled effortlessly, the curls swept back just enough to show off his sharp jawline. He looked incredible, but when he turned to see her, the expression on his face made her stop in her tracks.

His eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he was speechless, taking her in from head to toe. His gaze lingered on her dress, then moved to her face, a look of genuine admiration settling in his features.

“Wow,” he breathed, finally breaking the silence. “You look… stunning.”

Y/N felt her cheeks flush under his gaze. She wasn’t used to him looking at her like that, as if he were seeing her for the first time. “Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly self-conscious under his intense stare. “It’s just a dress.”

Harry shook his head, stepping closer to her, his eyes still locked on hers. “It’s not just the dress. You’re beautiful. You always are, but tonight… you look—" he paused, as if searching for the right words, “— breathtaking. Absolutely perfect.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his compliment, and she had to remind herself to breathe. It wasn’t often that Harry openly complimented her like this, not in a way that felt this personal. She swallowed hard, trying to brush off the flutter in her chest.

“You clean up pretty well yourself,” she teased, hoping to lighten the moment, but her voice came out softer than she intended.

Harry grinned, his dimples showing as he slid his hand down to her lower back, a familiar gesture that had always felt natural between them but now carried a different weight. “Shall we?” he asked, his voice smooth as he leaned in closer.

Y/N nodded, letting him guide her toward the stairs leading down to the party. But the whole time, she couldn’t shake the feeling of his hand resting against her back or the way he had looked at her, like she was more than just his best friend in a yellow dress.

As they walked into the party together, her family’s eyes were already on them, but all Y/N could think about was the lingering warmth of Harry’s touch and the way his words echoed in her mind.

They stepped into the garden, where guests were mingling around, sipping champagne and chatting beneath the twinkling fairy lights. The atmosphere was relaxed, though Y/N couldn’t help but feel the familiar nervousness that always came when she was in large family gatherings. Especially with Harry by her side, playing the role of her fake boyfriend.

Her mom was the first to approach, her eyes flicking from Y/N’s dress to Harry’s perfectly tailored suit. “You two look lovely together,” she said, a touch of surprise in her tone as though she still couldn’t quite believe they were a couple. “I must say, Y/N, you really outdid yourself with that dress. It’s very… sophisticated.”

Y/N smiled tightly, unsure how to respond, but before she could say anything, her cousin—the cousin—made her way over, her fiancé in tow. Her eyes immediately locked on Harry, a look of pure admiration crossing her face.

“Oh my God, Harry, you look even better in person,” she gushed, her voice too loud for comfort. She completely ignored Y/N, not even sparing a glance at her. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. How are you finding the castle? Isn’t it just stunning?”

Harry, ever the gentleman, smiled politely. “It’s beautiful. The whole place has a lot of character.”

The cousin’s fiancé, meanwhile, puffed out his chest as if trying to assert himself in the conversation. “Yeah, well, it’s been in the family for generations. You get used to it after a while,” he said, clearly trying to impress. “You know, my family owns property all over Scotland.”

Y/N fought the urge to roll her eyes. Her cousin always managed to make everything about her and her fiancé, no matter the situation. She shot Harry a quick look, silently apologizing for the obnoxious display, but he was handling it with his usual grace, nodding along while maintaining a faint smile.

After a few more minutes of forced pleasantries, Y/N felt her patience wearing thin. She tugged gently at Harry’s sleeve, signaling that she’d had enough. “Why don’t we get something to drink?” she suggested, her voice light but firm.

“Great idea,” Harry agreed immediately, flashing one last polite smile at her cousin and her fiancé before they made their escape.

As they walked toward the bar, Y/N let out a sigh of relief. “I swear, if I have to listen to my cousin brag about her wedding or her fiancé one more time, I’m going to lose it.”

Y/N smiled gratefully, taking a sip of her drink. “I don’t know what I’d do without you here, honestly. It’s weird… having you as my ‘boyfriend.’ But it also makes this whole thing a lot easier.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, his smile playful. “Weird? I thought I was a pretty good fake boyfriend.”

“You are,” Y/N said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “It’s just… different, you know? I’ve never had anyone like this to lean on.”

Harry’s smile softened, and for a moment, his gaze lingered on her in a way that made her heart skip a beat. “You know I’d do anything for you, right? Fake boyfriend or not.”

The sincerity in his voice sent a wave of warmth through Y/N, and she had to look away to hide the emotions she felt creeping up. Before she could respond, a sudden call from across the garden pulled her attention.

Her mom was waving them over to a small group of relatives, clearly eager to introduce “the couple” to everyone. Y/N sighed, preparing herself for another round of introductions and awkward family dynamics.

As the evening drew to a close, the soft glow of fairy lights gave the garden a warm, magical feel. Guests had settled down at their tables, and the soft clinking of glasses quieted as the groom stood up, ready to give his speech.

The crowd hushed, eyes turning to the head table where Y/N’s cousin sat beaming at her soon-to-be husband. He cleared his throat, his voice steady but emotional as he began to speak about the woman he was marrying.

“When I met her,” he started, looking lovingly at Y/N’s cousin, “I didn’t know what I was missing in my life. She has been my best friend, my confidante, and my greatest supporter. She pushes me to be better every day, encouraging me in everything I do.”

His words hung in the air, and Y/N, sitting beside Harry, shifted uncomfortably. As much as she was happy for her cousin, the familiar ache of longing settled in her chest. This kind of love, this partnership, felt so distant for her—something that was for others but not for her.

The groom continued, his voice cracking slightly with emotion. “Whenever I doubted myself, she was there to pick me up. In my hardest moments, she was my rock, my stability. I’ve never had someone I could lean on like that until her.”

As he spoke, something shifted in Harry. He glanced at Y/N from the corner of his eye. His mind started racing as the words hit closer to home than he expected. The way the groom spoke about his bride—their friendship, their bond, the unwavering support—it resonated deeply. And suddenly, it clicked.

Y/N was all of that for him.

Every late-night conversation, every moment of doubt, every success—they were shared with her. She was the one who always knew how to calm his nerves before a big show, the one who called him out when he needed it, the one who believed in him even when he struggled to believe in himself. She had always been his anchor, but he had never truly seen it that way before.

Without thinking, Harry’s hand slid under the table, finding Y/N’s. His fingers gently intertwined with hers, giving a soft, reassuring squeeze.

Y/N blinked, startled at the sudden contact. She turned her head slightly, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the look in Harry’s eyes. There was something new there, something intense and unspoken.

Harry didn’t say a word, but the warmth of his hand, the way he held hers with such quiet confidence, said everything. The realization hit him hard—Y/N had always been his rock, his person. She was the one who had always been there, and now, he couldn’t shake the thought that maybe she was meant to be more than just his best friend.