Love Island — part 7 (Patreon)

Harry’s arrival on Love Island stirs Y/N’s feelings, sparking tension with her partner, Tom, and the rest of the ladies, as she’s drawn to Harry’s charm and intrigue.

Author's note: I don't know what happened, but I had posted part 7 and now that I just checked with the intention of posting part 8, PUFF ITS GONE! I guess you are all getting TWO chapters posted today. Let me know what you think! 

 The villa buzzed with quiet chatter and occasional laughter as the Islanders scattered across the garden and lounge areas, enjoying the calm of the evening. The stars above twinkled faintly, casting a serene glow over the scene. But inside, away from the easy conversation and playful banter, Harry sat alone on his bed.

The door was cracked open, letting in a faint murmur of voices and the distant clinking of glasses. He stared at the floor, his elbows resting on his knees, the weight of the day pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. His head throbbed slightly—not from any physical ailment, but from the emotional exhaustion that came with living in a villa where every word, every action, every glance was scrutinized.

His gaze flicked to the bedside table where a photo of his family sat. It was his anchor, his reminder of life outside this bubble. But even that felt distant now.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, tugging slightly as if that would somehow untangle the mess in his mind. Sophia’s laugh from the garden echoed faintly through the villa, and his stomach churned. He liked her energy, her confidence. But the guilt that came with thinking about her when Y/N’s face kept flashing in his mind was unbearable.

And Y/N… She was everything he wanted. Except he didn’t know if she wanted him in the same way. Not really. Her guardedness, her hesitance in showing her feelings publicly, gnawed at him. It felt like she was holding back, and it made him question everything. Was she scared? Or just not as into him as he was into her?

He leaned back against the headboard, eyes closing briefly as he exhaled deeply. It was strange—he felt drained in a way he couldn’t fully explain. Being in this villa, surrounded by people constantly, was supposed to be exciting, fun, and carefree. Instead, it felt like he was carrying the weight of two different versions of himself: the one who wanted to let go and the one who couldn’t stop thinking about what he might lose if he did.

The door creaked open softly, and Harry glanced up to see Sophia stepping in. Her small smile was warm but carried a hint of curiosity. She walked toward him slowly, hands clasped behind her back.

“Thought I’d find you in here,” she said, her voice light but purposeful. “Everyone’s outside. It’s a bit of a vibe.”

Harry forced a smile. “Needed some space.”

Sophia tilted her head, her eyes scanning his face. “Heavy day?”

“You could say that,” he replied, leaning back against the headboard.

Sophia took a step closer, perching on the bed opposite him. “Well, if you’re looking for something to take your mind off it, I was thinking… maybe you’d want to sleep outside with me tonight?”

Her tone was casual, but her intent was clear. The corners of her mouth lifted in an inviting smile as she waited for his response.

Harry’s heart skipped a beat. He knew this moment was coming; he’d felt it brewing all day. And yet, faced with it, the words caught in his throat. Finally, he managed a smile, soft but apologetic, and shook his head.

“I appreciate the offer,” he started, his tone careful. “But I think I’m going to stay in here tonight. ”

The change in Sophia’s expression was subtle but sharp. Her smile faltered, her eyes narrowing just slightly. “With Y/N?” she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Harry nodded, feeling the weight of his decision in the air between them. “Yeah. I just… I need to sort things out with her.”

Sophia’s posture stiffened, and she let out a dry laugh. “Wow. So, after everything today, you’re still chasing her?”

“It’s not about chasing,” Harry said quickly, his voice firm but not unkind. “It’s about what feels right. And I owe it to her—to us—to figure that out.”

Sophia crossed her arms, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “You know what, Harry? Maybe you should figure it out. Because right now, it feels like you’re just stringing people along.”

Harry flinched at her words but didn’t argue. Instead, he exhaled deeply. “I’m sorry if it feels that way. That’s not my intention, Sophia. I think you’re amazing. But my head’s a mess, and I can’t give you what you deserve while I’m still working out what I want.”

Sophia stood, her movements sharp. “Right. Well, good luck figuring it out. Hope she’s worth it.”

Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving Harry alone once again. He leaned forward, running his hands through his hair and letting out a long, frustrated sigh.

“Great job, Harry,” he muttered to himself. “One more bridge burned.”

“Ah, poor Harry. Torn between two beauties and about as decisive as a toddler choosing an ice cream flavour. Don’t worry, mate, I’m sure this will definitely work out well for you. Or not.”

Y/N stepped in softly, already dressed in her pyjamas: an oversized shirt and comfortable shorts. Her face was bare, her hair tied loosely back, and a slight crease of uncertainty lined her brow. She wasn’t sure how to approach Harry, especially after the game earlier and everything that followed.

Harry was lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling, though his gaze flickered toward her briefly as she entered. He didn’t say anything, and neither did she. The lights were still on, casting a warm glow across the room, highlighting the neatly made beds of those who hadn’t yet retired for the night.

Y/N moved to her side of the bed, placing her water bottle on the nightstand before sitting down. The mattress dipped slightly under her weight as she uncapped the bottle and took one last sip. For a moment, she simply sat there, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her shirt.

Then, without a word, she slid under the covers, turning onto her side to face the wall. She curled up slightly, pulling the duvet up to her shoulders, her breathing slow and steady as she stared into the soft light of the room.

Harry shifted, lying on his side but with his back to her. He had hoped she might say something, even something small—an olive branch, a sign that she wanted to bridge the gap between them. But her quiet, distant demeanor said otherwise.

He exhaled silently, the weight of the day pressing heavier on him now that they were so close yet felt so far apart.

The unspoken tension hung between them like a thread stretched taut, fragile and fraying at the edges.

The tension in the room shifted suddenly as Harry felt her arms wrap around his torso from behind. The warmth of her embrace caught him off guard, making him still for a moment. Her cold feet brushed against his thigh, sending a sharp contrast through his skin, and he shivered involuntarily.

Her breath, soft and warm, tickled the nape of his neck, and before he could even process what was happening, she pressed a gentle kiss just under his ear. The sensation sent a jolt through him, her touch tender yet charged with unspoken emotion. Her arms tightened around him as if she didn’t want him slipping away—not tonight.

Harry’s heart raced, his mind struggling to catch up with his body’s reaction. It was intimate, more than he expected, and far more than he thought she’d allow herself to give after the events of the day.

His hand instinctively moved to hers, resting over the warmth of her grip. His fingers intertwined with hers for a brief moment, grounding him in the moment.

He turned his head slightly, his voice soft. “Y/N?”

She didn’t answer, only pressing closer, her face near his shoulder.

Harry exhaled, letting himself relax into the moment before gently shifting. Slowly, he turned around to face her, their eyes meeting in the dimly lit room. Her face was close, her expression vulnerable, a mix of hesitation and longing.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, no words exchanged but everything they needed to say hanging in the space between them. Harry’s hand moved up to brush a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering against her cheek.

“Is this real?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N didn’t answer with words. Instead, she leaned in, her forehead resting lightly against his, her breaths mingling with his. It was intimate, unguarded, and for the first time in days, it felt like they were finally on the same page—even if they hadn’t spoken a word.

Y/N’s voice was barely audible as she whispered, her lips close to his ear. “I don’t want to argue or fight anymore.”

Harry felt his chest tighten at the vulnerability in her tone. He nodded, his own voice soft but firm. “Neither do I. I hate conflict. Especially with you.”

She hesitated, her fingers brushing against his chest as if gathering courage. Her heartbeat seemed to echo in her ears, but she pressed on. “I like you, Harry. Too much to let anyone snatch you away in three days—not when we haven’t even given ourselves a proper chance.”

Her words hung in the air, raw and unfiltered. Harry’s lips curved into a smile, small but genuine, as he searched her eyes for any trace of doubt. “Do you really feel something for me?” he asked, his voice tinged with hope.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips despite her nerves. “Do you seriously doubt it?”

Harry didn’t respond immediately, his silence speaking volumes. Y/N’s gaze softened as she scooted closer, the space between them disappearing. Her hand rested lightly against his cheek, grounding him in the moment.

“I don’t ever want you to hesitate, Harry,” she murmured, her tone gentle but resolute. “Not about me. Not about us.”

Her words hit him like a wave, washing away the doubts and confusion he’d been wrestling with. Harry’s hand covered hers, pressing it against his cheek as he leaned into her touch. His eyes searched hers, seeing nothing but sincerity and determination.

“I won’t,” he promised quietly, the weight of her words settling in his chest. “Not anymore.”

Y/N’s lips curved into a soft smile, and for the first time in what felt like days, the tension between them seemed to dissolve. She rested her forehead against his, their breaths mingling in the shared quiet of the room.

The sound of laughter and footsteps signaled the return of the other Islanders, their chatter filling the shared bedroom as they trickled in to wind down for the night. Harry glanced toward the door, his eyes darting back to Y/N’s as a cheeky grin tugged at his lips. Without a word, he grabbed the edge of the duvet and pulled it up over both their heads, creating a cocoon of privacy amidst the chaos.

“Real subtle, Harry,” Y/N whispered, her voice laced with amusement as she stifled a giggle.

“Just trying to save us from the peanut gallery,” Harry muttered, though there was a playful twinkle in his eyes.

The muffled voices of the Islanders grew louder, and it didn’t take long before Lucas clocked the huddle under the duvet.

“Oh, what’s all this then?” Lucas called out, his tone dripping with mischief. He let out a loud wolf whistle, drawing attention from the rest of the room. “Harry and Y/N, hiding away like two lovebirds under there!”

Before either of them could respond, Lucas threw himself dramatically onto the lump beneath the duvet. The impact caused Harry to groan in mock annoyance, and Y/N couldn’t hold back her laughter.

“Get off, you prat!” Harry protested, his voice muffled by the blanket as he shoved at Lucas’s weight.

“Oi, don’t mind me!” Lucas teased, sprawling over them with exaggerated effort. “Just making sure you’re not sneaking off to the Hideaway without telling us.”

The room erupted into laughter, and Amber chimed in, “Lucas, leave ’em alone! Let them have their moment, for God’s sake.”

“Moment? They’re about to suffocate under there!” Lucas quipped, finally rolling off and collapsing onto his own bed with a cheeky grin.

Harry threw back the duvet just enough to glare at Lucas. “You’re lucky I don’t kick you out of this room, mate.”

“Love you too, pal,” Lucas replied with a wink, settling in and pulling his own duvet over himself.

Y/N shook her head, still giggling as she turned back to Harry. “You’re surrounded by absolute children.”

Harry sighed dramatically but smiled. “Tell me about it.”

Underneath the playful banter and teasing, there was a sense of ease that hadn’t been there earlier. Even in the chaos of the shared room, Harry and Y/N felt like they’d carved out a little space for themselves.

The morning sun poured into the villa, bathing the kitchen in a golden glow. The smell of sizzling eggs and toast wafted through the air as Islanders milled about, still in their pyjamas and nursing mugs of tea. Y/N was leaning against the counter, a relaxed smile on her face as she watched Harry flip a pancake with surprising precision.

“You’re getting the hang of it,” she teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

“Hang of it? I’m basically a Michelin-star chef,” Harry quipped, sliding the pancake onto a plate and passing it to her. “There you go, princess.”

The others in the kitchen exchanged knowing looks, their grins growing as Harry reached to brush flour off Y/N’s cheek.

“Oh, they’re insufferable,” Amber groaned, though she couldn’t hide her amusement.

“Leave them alone,” Lucas chimed in, pouring milk into his tea. “They’re in their honeymoon phase.”

Chloe smirked as she leaned against the counter next to Y/N. “Alright, lovebirds, enough showing off. Y/N, come have a chat with me.”

Y/N raised a brow, momentarily hesitant to leave Harry’s side, but Chloe was already pulling her by the arm toward the seating area. She shot Harry a look over her shoulder, and he gave her a playful wink before turning back to the stove.

“Alright,” Y/N said as they sat down, “what’s all this about?”

Chloe’s eyes sparkled with excitement, leaning in conspiratorially. “Okay, so… Lucas.”

Y/N’s brows shot up. “Lucas?”

“Lucas,” Chloe repeated, her voice dropping to a whisper even though the kitchen wasn’t far. “We had a bit of a moment last night. Well, not just a moment—a proper chat. He was sweet, funny… cheeky as always, but he said some things that had me thinking.”

Y/N leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on.”

Chloe grinned. “He said he’d been watching me in the challenges, and he thinks I’m the ‘dark horse’ of the villa. Can you believe that? And then—get this—he said he couldn’t stop looking at me during that Pilates session yesterday.”

Y/N’s eyes widened, and she clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. “No way! What did you say?”

“I told him to behave himself, obviously,” Chloe said with a dramatic eye roll, though her cheeks flushed. “But… it felt good, you know? Like, maybe he actually sees me. Not just as the ‘fun one,’ but as someone he’d be serious about.”

Y/N smiled warmly, placing a hand on Chloe’s arm. “You deserve that, Chlo. If he’s making you feel good and treating you right, then I say go for it.”

Chloe bit her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Yeah, but you know me. I don’t want to get carried away and end up hurt.”

“Take your time,” Y/N advised. “Feel it out, but don’t let fear stop you. You’re amazing, and if Lucas doesn’t realise that, he’s not worth your energy.”

Chloe smiled, squeezing Y/N’s hand. “Thanks, babe. You’re a good egg, you know that?”

Y/N chuckled. “I try.”

Harry carried a tray of scrambled eggs, toast, and a couple of plates over to where Y/N was lounging by the outdoor table. Her legs were tucked underneath her, the morning sun making her skin glow. He set the tray down with a flourish.

“Breakfast, madam,” he said with a cheeky grin.

Y/N smiled, sitting up. “Thanks, chef. You didn’t spit in it, did you?”

“Only a little,” he teased, grabbing a slice of toast for himself before retreating to sit on the bean bag beside Lucas.

As Lucas muttered something about the game last night and nudged Harry, he suddenly froze. “Ah, crap,” Harry muttered, slapping his hand against his forehead.

“What now?” Lucas asked, raising a brow.

“Left the smoothies on the counter,” Harry groaned, already pushing himself up. “Be back in a sec.”

As Harry disappeared into the villa, Sophia sauntered across the garden and, with all the grace of a lion claiming its territory, plopped herself onto the bean bag Harry had just vacated.

“Morning,” she said with a saccharine smile, turning her attention directly to Y/N.

Y/N glanced up from her plate, her smile fading slightly. “Morning.”

Sophia leaned back, playing with her hair as she tilted her head. “So… I have to ask,” she started, her tone light but her eyes sharp. “What did you say to Harry last night to make him change his mind?”

Y/N paused mid-chew, swallowing before setting her fork down deliberately. “Not sure what you mean,” she said calmly.

Sophia smirked. “Oh, come on. You must’ve said something. I mean, he was all over me one second, then suddenly he’s acting like I’ve got the plague. Gotta give you credit, though—you work fast.”

Y/N leaned back in her seat, her gaze steady. “I don’t need to convince anyone to do anything, Sophia. If Harry made a choice, it’s because it’s what he wanted. Maybe that’s something you should think about.”

Sophia laughed lightly, brushing imaginary lint off her shorts. “Oh, I’m not mad. I’m actually amused. Just watching you claw to keep him when you’re usually so… what’s the word? Aloof?”

Y/N’s jaw tightened, but her voice remained calm. “It’s not about clawing. When you’re confident in a connection, you don’t have to fight for it. Guess that’s why you’re so interested in what’s going on.”

The subtle jab didn’t go unnoticed. Sophia’s smile faltered for a moment before she leaned forward, her tone dropping. “You’re cute when you’re defensive. But let’s not pretend, yeah? Harry’s got options. And three days isn’t a lot of time to lock anything down. I’d be careful if I were you.”

Y/N stared at her for a moment, then smiled sweetly. “Thanks for the advice, but I think I’ll be fine. And by the way, if Harry has options, so do I.”

Before Sophia could retort, Harry returned, holding two smoothies in his hands. He stopped short, glancing between the two of them, sensing the tension. “What’s going on here?”

Sophia stood, her grin back in place as she brushed past him. “Nothing at all. Just girl talk.”

Harry frowned, watching her walk away before turning to Y/N. “Everything alright?”

Y/N smiled, taking one of the smoothies from him. “Perfect. Thanks for breakfast.”

Harry hesitated, glancing back toward Sophia before sitting beside Y/N. “She didn’t say anything, did she?”

Y/N shook her head, sipping her smoothie. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Harry’s lips quirked into a small smile as he watched her. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“And don’t you forget it,” she said, nudging him with her shoulder.