But okay, 9.5K, what's happening?!? THANK YOU SO MUCH MY ROSY TULIPS! ILY 🌷

♬ ✥*

Harry.

Paralysed.

It's precisely how my body felt the moment her lips touched my skin.

For weeks I'd watched the way her lips danced every time she spoke, confusingly wondering how they'd feel against my own. Never has anyone made me feel like that before. I'd been heart-struck one time in my life before, but even then, this couldn't compare. Something about her touch was different. 

I'd said many words that I was unsure of how to describe her, but if I were to ever choose one, captivating would be the pick. I was in too deep with Serenity that I was terrified. The problem, was that that I didn't know much about her other than what was on the surface.

But I wondered about Serenity's past. How was she when she was a child or growing up? Was she this little mischievous thing, or was she a goody-two-shoes? Something told me that she was vexatious; it would only makes sense, I mean, she is as an adult.

What about her appearance? Did she always have brunette hair, or was it lighter, like how I was blonde as a child? Those adorable freckles of hers, were there more or less? And since she's a ballerina, did she have a tutu?

Childhood photos. Memories. Laughs. Embarrassing moments. Sharing her favourite things — maybe stuffed animals or treasurable trinkets. I wanted to know and see all of those things.

If she'd let me — would she?

It was Sunday night, and I knew that tomorrow the renovations for Serenity's studio were finally starting. It wasn't groundbreaking news to the world, or anything by that means, but it was something that meant the world to her.

Our final meeting that was originally meant to be in Keon's office for the final meeting, and had a group video conference instead, since he had a trip that came up and had to go out of town. It made my entire body feel at ease, knowing that they weren't going to be in the same room together — that was until it was mentioned that she already did when she gave him the plans. My blood boiled, but I kept calm the entire time.

Desperately, I wanted to ask her what happened, and if he said anything that crossed the line; but I didn't. I knew she could handle her own, and I didn't want to act like a jealous boyfriend. I was already bitter towards any guy I saw around her — and we weren't in any sort of relationship.

But what made me feel worse was that I wished I could've been able to postpone my business trip to be there with her during demo day. Unfortunately, there was no way to do that.

I asked Iris to try — and she did.

Unfortunately, there was no way to do it. This trip was one that I had to make.

Laying on the bed in my hotel room, I picked up my phone and found Serenity's name. My finger gently grazed along the last couple of texts I sent her.

One, being that fucking emoji. I didn't even know if that was considered to be a 'preferred' one. It had a bow on the heart, so it just thought that it'd mean 'feel better.' However, after I sent it, I realised that it wasn't the prettiest of them there.

It did cross my mind to send a purple heart, but I think I would've overdone it — she would've known. I didn't want her to.

Honestly, Styles? You sent her a period care package, you pathetic fuck. She'd be the stupid to not have already figured it out — or something of that sort.

It was past three in the afternoon there, and all I could think about was hearing her voice again. We had conversations via text, email, and verbal messages sent directly through Iris, but only once did we speak over the phone.

And that was the time she called me on her period. Just the thought of that moment put a smile on my face. 

"Harry?" Grant's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

Even during a fucking meeting, she was stuck in my head — my daydream.

"Yeah?" I looked up at him.

"Where's your head at? You've never been distracted before. Everything in your life, okay?"

"Felix, I think it's safe to say if you ask about my personal life, we'll break the partnership," I said, leaning back into my chair.

"Maybe if you get your head out of your ass more, then we'd have more partnerships, and I wouldn't need yours," he joked.

For some strange reason, at times, that's how we amused ourselves.

Sitting up straighter in his chair, he brought us back to why he was here, when he continued our topic of conversation. "Anyway, Tanaka's assistant has emailed a couple of times regarding the merger proposal. I mean, think about that, once Urban Corp. and Tanaka Group merges, Grant Enterprises could practically be a bundle deal afterwards. These deals would be one of the best that our companies ever did."

"I know that. It's why I'm going to London," I spoke firmly, with a nod. "There's just one thing that keeps rolling around in my mind about it."

"What's that?"

"I'm surprised Keiko has been holding out for a while. That woman never waits for a deal. If it's great and on the table, she signs immediately. If the person waits too long, her account backs out just as quick."

"So what you're saying is why has she been waiting?"

"Precisely." My fingers twirled the pen that was in my hold. "She wants something from us, and I'm trying to figure out what that is. Thanks to her, though, I have that extra time to do so."

"Hold on a sec, why are you going to London and not Japan?"

"Because she'll be there meeting with another potential client of hers. It'd be best to say that it's a client that won't be beneficial to anyone when I give her the file filled with countless fraudulent reports they have hidden."

There was one thing I hated in business, people and companies who cheat others. With all of my work, I hire the best private investigators available to make sure that I don't do business with the wrong businesses and corporations. 

However, if I find something, it would always be attached with a million more little-big things. I always warn them in advance before I expose them, but they clearly didn't choose to back off wisely. It's not to gain money or to put my name higher on the 'Richest Men Under Thirty' list Forbes always has. The purpose was to get rid of the companies who swindled money left and right, who wanted to be there.

"Wait, you're going to crash their meeting?"

I smirked, tipping the pen towards him. "You catch on quick, Grant."

"Styles, you little shit," he spoke, letting out a surprised breath.

"I tried to find a way to get their meeting changed, but connections can only go so far."

"Why did you want to —"

"Mr Styles?" Iris' voice spoke up through the phone on my desk. "There's someone on who needs to speak with you."

It was rare that she interrupted me during a meeting — she knew better to never do that. But, there were only two names on a list that became a priority with anything I was in the middle of doing.

"Who is it?" I asked, and I was nervous it would be the one person I never wanted to hear from. Yet, I still had to put their name on that list.

"E," she said, simply, trying to hide her smile — but that was a definite fail.

"Mate, you got to leave. We'll finish this meeting when I get back from London."

"Whoever this E person is, clearly is important." The teasing tone was evident as could be and my eyes narrowed at him.

"Get out, Felix."

"Take a chill pill, Styles. I'm leaving. We'll reschedule this meeting," he said, with a chuckle as he stood from his chair.

"Great, teen slang. That's just bloody wonderful for someone in their mid-thirties. Out!"

He held up his hands in defence, laughing as he left my office.

I waited fifteen seconds exactly when I pressed on the blinking red button on the phone — and was immediately greeted with a heavenly voice.

"Harry?" She only spoke my name, but it was enough to tell me that something was not right.

"Serenity?"

"I'm in pain."

"What? Are you okay?" I asked, then pinched the bridge of my nose realising my foolish question. "Of course, you're not okay. Fuck. What's wrong?"

"I have my period. It hurts," she blurted, uncomfortably, and I choked on my spit.

What the fuck was I supposed to say? "You, um, what?"

"The period fairy. I don't like her."

"I'd say that everyone with a uterus wouldn't either," I mumbled.

Styles, you're such a fucking twat. I mean, who says that? 

"Harry, can you give me something?" she asked, hope filling her tone.

"What can I give you, love?"

"A hug."

"What?"

"You say 'what' a lot," she commented, with a laugh, which quickly got interrupted with a loud groan.

"No, I can't give you a h-hug," I grimaced saying the word. 

"It's not a disease, Harry. It is, however, contagious," she said, and I swear that I could imagine her forcing a smile through her pain. "I'd like to give you a hug one day."

"Do you have pain killers, Serenity?"

"I'm out. River went to get me some."

That fucker. No fucking way am I letting him be the one that helps her.

"Serenity, go lay down or something. Maybe that'll help — I think."

"Okay," she whispered, "Come on, Luna."

I spoke to Serenity for a few minutes more, and during which I decided to search for whatever I could do help her. Generally, when I needed things, I'd send a list of things to my housekeeper; this time, however, I didn't.

Instead, my personal assistant became my temporary helper. She informed me of a few things that I could do. Iris knew that I liked Serenity, but didn't say a word — I was so fucking thankful for that. After I compiled a list, and wrote down a note, and sent it along for her to give to Archie. I did, however, tell her if she looked at it, she'd be fired.

An hour or so later, my driver sent me a confirmation that he'd delivered them. Let's just say that I remained nervous and on edge the entire time until I received a text from Serenity.

And that made my entire day.

Shaking my head, I rid the memories I'd recently cherished in my thoughts, and glanced at the clock on my phone — 23:14. It was getting close to midnight, and I had no tired eyes.

My mind briefly went to the meeting I had on Friday, as I singlehandedly exposed Tanaka's potential client. She was pleased, to say the least. However, before any other business could be brought up, things took another turn when Felix gave me a call during the conference I interrupted and proposed another idea.

And that was for Grant Enterprises and Urban Corp. to merge together instead. Everything was put on a pause, and I was taken completely off guard. For the first time in a long time, I was unsure about what to do. I wasn't prepared — and I was always prepared.

It was a risk to merge with the Tanaka Group as it was — but one that was worth taking. It's why I'd put forth the proposal in the first place. I wanted to expand Urban Corp. even further across the world. I was only in one global location, but there was a need for more. Planning to hit Tokyo, Oslo, and Boston. Those were cities that cared about green building development and sustainable construction; that wasn't what my company specialised in, but I needed the structures to be so.

I cared about the earth, and the more I expanded, I wanted to do it in the best way possible.

As for the decision, I couldn't make it on the spot. Keiko gave me a week to decide, or she'd pull out for good; and Felix, he was more than okay with waiting.

Felix dealt with Mateo often, as he also took over CEO at a younger age. He taught him several things, being wiser and like a grandfather figure to him — similar to how he was to me. The only difference was that Grant Enterprises was a family business. His father had handed him the reins after he had an almost-fatal stroke. It seemed like the right decision to do, and Felix improved the company and helped it grow even more successful.

The deal, however, I spent hours since the meeting with a pen and paper, creating a pro-con list, and calculating millions. My thoughts were preoccupied, and I needed a fresh mind to do that. My decisions were best made at night, but I couldn't seem to conclude on anything.

I'd pushed the notepad away from me ages ago, and saw the glass of whiskey I'd filled earlier was long gone, and I wasn't in the mood for another.

There was only one thing, however, that I was in the mood for.

Without thinking twice, I picked up my phone and pressed the call icon under her name. The familiar ringing sound echoed in my ear as I impatiently waited for her to pick up.

Seven rings in with no answer; but just as I was about to hang up, the line connected.

"Hey, Tiger," her soft voice spoke.

And again, there were those familiar butterflies in my tummy.

"Hi, Serenity." I could stop my lips from curling into a smile.

"What can I do you for?"

"I, um, I just —" Shit. I didn't think this through. What do I say? I should've hung up.

"How's London?" she interrupted, and saved me from acting like a further fool.

"London is London. I want to go home."

"I thought you grew up there."

Letting out a sad and short laugh, I clarified, "I did, but I never said it was home."

"So where's your home then?"

With you.

"Vancouver," I said, clearing my throat.

Something was seriously wrong with me.

"Sounds like me," she spoke, hearing Luna purr quietly in the background. Then I heard something crash, Serenity muttering a brief, 'hold on a sec,' before yelling out to River to shut up. The sound of a door closing, followed by shuffling, and a deep breath being let out. "Sorry about that. Riv's being annoying."

Pushing the jealous feeling aside, I focused only on the fact that Serenity was spending her time talking to me, and not him.

"Explain, please?"

"I'm saying that Vancouver is my home too. The people I love, and like, are there. I always want to be beside them."

"Do you like someone?" Seriously, Styles? Why would you ask that?

"Yeah, I do. Don't you?" she answered.

Of course, I do. I like you.

"I'm not sure," I mumbled, and she burst into laughter on the other line.

"And that translates to, yes, I do, Serenity," she said, still giggling.

"How're you feeling? You know, from that fall," I asked, anxious for her reply.

"I'm alright. I'm still a bit sore, but I'm alive."

"That fucker's lucky I didn't —"

"Easy, Tiger." She chuckled. "I told you, I'm okay. He's not the only one that's dropped me before."

"What? How many more fuc—"

"A lot, and as you can see, I'm still okay. Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

"I just — I can't help it. I feel like I need to," I said quietly and truthfully — and I swore I heard her breath hitch.

A minute or so after, she cleared her throat from clearly have thought deeply about something and spoke again. "What are you doing?"

"Laying in bed, and talking to you," I answered, lightly pinching the skin on the top of my hand. This is real.

"I want you to do me a favour. Look out the window for me, and tell me what you see."

My brows furrowed at her request. "Why?"

"Just do it, please."

"Fine." Letting out a deep sigh, I got out of bed, and slipped on the hotel slippers as I made my way towards the large crystal clear glass. I felt the coolness of the surface against the bare skin of my arm as I leaned against it.

Glancing out the window, I replied with exactly what she asked for. "I see traffic, a skyline, and a night sky."

"Alright. Honestly open your eyes for me, Harry, and tell me..." she paused, "...what do you want to see?"

You.

"I'm not sure."

"We're doing that again? Really?" I could just picture a scowl on her face, but a smile still cracking through.

"No." I shook my head, tilting it so that my temple leaned against the glass.

The conversation went silent for a while, hearing only distant sounds of the vehicles below, and the calming tune of Serenity's breathing on the other line. Pressing my lips together tightly, I closed my eyes and imagined her.

I pictured she was sitting on her bed, wearing leggings and an oversized jumper — maybe the one that had ABS written on it. Luna perched upon her lap as she sat with her legs crossed. Her rimmed glasses rested on her nose, strands of loose hair falling from the bun she had it in. A cup of tea curled in her hands, freshly made as the steam rose from the hot temperature.

"Tell me something..." I whispered, "...anything."

There was a pause, and I thought the line disconnected, until I heard her speak again.

"I told you once that my name has a story behind it," she started softly, and I just took in a deep breath, waiting patiently for her to continue. "Well, when my mom was pregnant with me, she'd always look at the sky at night, and my dad asked why she did that. I mean, I wasn't her first child, so he noticed it wasn't something she did with Milo. Anyway, she told him that looking at the night sky made her feel at peace — at serenity. It's how I got my name. It was just something so simple, but knowing the story, it just makes it so much more special."

What her mum didn't know was that even her voice would be so soothing. It could make anyone feel at peace — at serenity.

"Lovely." As are you.

"I know you probably wondered why I named my studio, Starlight. It's one of those many questions that's up in your pretty little head of yours," she said, with a chuckle. I didn't say anything else in return, so she decided to carry on talking.

"It's also another story, along with all the love of stars I have. So when I was little, my parents took turns in telling me goodnight. When it was my dad's turn, he'd always tell me the 'Star Light, Star Bright' poem. Then he'd tell me to make a wish so that one day it'll come true. However, it wasn't just any wish, he told me to make sure it would bring me happiness forever. What he didn't know was that I was a tad bit greedy, and I said two in mind."

"One was your studio?" I wondered.

"Yeah. To become a dancer, then own my own studio like the ones I danced in."

"What's the other?"

"Maybe one day I'll tell you."

"Not tonight?"

"No. Not tonight."

"Okay."

"Harry?" she whispered. "Tell me something."

Her identical request caught me off guard, but nonetheless, I complied. Something about Serenity wanted me to tell her more about me. For me, it was only fair that if I learnt more about her than she would want to know the same about me.

I just hoped that I wouldn't get bitten — like I always did.

Maybe it was better that she couldn't see me