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 when I told her what was on my mind.

"Can I tell you two things?"

"Whatever you're comfortable with, H."

"I mentioned that I went to a boarding school in England," I paused, seeing if she'd interrupt me, but she didn't. "It was an all-boys institute — and it was the worst years of my life."

Closing my eyes, pinching them tightly together, and took a deep breath composing myself.

"Throughout my entire school year, minus university that I did in Vancouver, it was absolute shit. I had two friends in the beginning, one of them came with me when I left. And the other, well that bond broke when we were twelve. It was just after I got glasses and when the bullying got worse. He said that he couldn't be friends with a twit and a tosser. Those were just a couple of the infinite amounts of insults they called me."

"Stupid bullies," she murmured lightly, almost to herself, but I didn't comment on it.

"The other, we were inseparable for several years, but eventually he broke my trust in the worst possible way. Mind him, though, it was probably my fault for what happened," I said, then shook my head, trying to forget him specifically.

"My grades were ace, which added to another reason why I got hate — and why I chose to stay mute. I didn't want to talk back to them to make it worse. I learned my lesson from the first time it happened. None of the teachers, nor the headmaster, did anything. My father gave the school a lot of money, and they didn't want to get on his bad side by complaining about what happened to me in case he'd stop with the funding.

"Then when I'd go home for summer, it didn't get any better — it was worse. My dad is strict as could be. At times, I felt he belonged in the army for how stringent he was. Every day was a routine, and I never had any sort of fun. There wasn't a single thing of fun that I did when I was younger. Watching Disney movies, going to the funfair, ice skating, eating junk food, or anything like that. There were pristine meals, and his definition of fun was being on the chess and lacrosse team. Playing polo and going to galas. Tuxedos for the men, ballgowns for the women.

"It was boring as fuck, but there was no way out of it. I tried sneaking out a couple of times, which worked, but was a disaster when I got back. I couldn't lie my way out of anything, because I never did. It wasn't, still isn't, who I am. It's why I'm straightforward all the time. Lying only gets a person fucked up, and the outcome is never worth it.

"There were only a handful of things that I was honestly good at — for me, that is. I loved maths and problem-solving. I learned some tricks on how to deal with difficult people from watching him. My communication skills got better as I got older and began to speak more often.

"Then there was the day I told my father that I wanted to study university in Canada. I'm still unsure if he was either happy I was finally getting out of his sight or if he was angry that I wasn't going to the University of Cambridge or Oxford. I think what was okay was the fact that he thought I was following in his footsteps by going into business. He let me go and paid for my tuition.

"What he doesn't know is that I didn't use his money. I worked my way through uni. Coffee shops, retails, the bookstore, tutoring, basically whatever job I could get my job on. I didn't want to rely on him for anything because he forced the younger years of my life on me."

"You're doing amazing." Every word she spoke was quite, meaningful, and thoughtful.

And each word only made me feel at ease. For the first time in a long time, I was actually talking about my past to someone — to Serenity.

"Before I officially took the full-time position at Urban Corp., I sent back every penny my father gave me. He thought that cutting me off was a good idea at the time, but clearly didn't expect his son to turn out to be the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company. He wanted me to suffer, but I wasn't going to let that happen.

"I never expected to achieve a position like this, but when Mateo saw the potential I had, he put a trust in me that no one had ever done before. He believed in me. I didn't want this position to prove that I could be more successful than my father, but I wanted do be here for me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do anything I put my mind to, and that with the help of the right people, you could accomplish all your goals."

"You know something?" she finally spoke, after I poured out a significant part of my past to her.

"What's that?" My heart was pounding as I waited for her to say something — anything — else.

"Your father doesn't deserve to have an inspiring son like you."

"And your family deserves to have an amazing daughter like you..." I trailed off, "...because they love you."

"Who said you don't deserve love? Because whoever that person is, I want to throw a frisbee at their head," she said, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my tummy at her protective nature.

"That's probably the harshest thing you've ever said."

"You're mistaken, Harry."

"Am I?"

"Yep. It was crummy," she said, and I let out a chuckle. "Keep on smiling, Tiger."

"How'd you know I was smiling?"

"Because you just said it. Fell into my trap, didn't you?" A giggle escaped her lips. "Plus, the sound of your laugh is cute."

It was a heavenly melody.

"Harry, can you do me a favour?"

"What's that?"

"When you arrive on Tuesday, can you come find me? I need to give you something."

"Let me guess, you won't tell me what it is. Will you?"

"It's a surprise."

"Fine."

Silence took over the phone call, and after several minutes, a yawn finally escaped my lips. When I glanced at the time, I noticed only an hour had passed — and it was the earliest I'd ever felt exhaustion take over.

And because of my fatigue, I spoke something I didn't expect to say so soon.

"Essie."

"What?" she questioned, seeming puzzled — so I explained myself.

"Can I call you Essie?"

"Ew, why?" A laugh adjoining her words.

Fuck. She hates it.

But maybe she doesn't.

Why'd you even say anything?

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

"Harry?"

"Yes."

"You can call me Essie," she paused, "But for the record, I'll pretend I hate it like someone else I know."

"You're dreaming," I said, trying to prove her wrong.

That was something I don't think I could ever do.

"Never in a million years, Tiger."

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

Essie.

Harry and I didn't talk too much after he gave me that new nickname. I absolutely loved it — and was completely taken off guard by it. It seemed that he'd been trying to figure out something to call me for a while. I noticed him struggling with saying my name at times, but I never expected him to actually say anything.

He ended up falling asleep not much longer after I softly recited the 'Star Light, Star Bright' poem. I sent him a short and simple 'sweet dreams' text once I hung up, hearing his adorable soft little snores.

When I left my bedroom, I found River on the couch with a smirk on his face. I found a cork coaster and threw it at him. He only laughed at my action, teasing me with singing the 'kissing in the tree' song. That was when I punched him lightly in the shoulder.

We spent about an hour of moseying around the apartment, met up with Amara for a little while, then went to the studio.

It was the last day that we had the space was available for us to use. Riv searched online to see if we could rent a private place for the couple weeks we had left. He managed to find one, but it was pricier than we hoped for. The problem was that we would've settled on a park, but with the uneven ground, it was going to be dangerous with the lifts we had. We needed precise distances, which would not go with the natural levelling of the earth.

Three hours of dancing reached the distinct goal of where we needed to be. We successfully nailed the hardest move several times to the point of being incredibly comfortable with it. I noticed River was much more careful, and the reason for that was apparent.

He did also mention that if Harry saw me next with a broken bone, neither of us would be able to move for his audition. His actual meaning was that he'd end up with a deformed nose because of the other Englishman who loathed him.

Something about that told me it would be partially true — and that made my heart skip a beat.

Just as River and I were packing up our things, we heard someone come through the main doors. My friend looked at the studio entrance and gave me a single nod silently telling me that this was the man he'd seen the other week.

"Can I help you?" I asked the man who'd wandered inside.

The stranger was in a suit, entirely professional, as he glanced around the space, finally settling on River and me.

"Yes, actually," he said, with a slight foreign accent, as he nodded once. "I'd like to purchase this studio."

"Excuse me?" A short laugh escaped my lips at his words. "This studio is not for sale."

"I'm aware, miss, but that doesn't mean you won't consider selling."

"Hey, I said that it's not for sale, nor will it ever be."

"The renovations won't make it any better, you know. Once you finish, you won't be as successful as you're thinking. You'll end up selling anyway, so why not save yourself the trouble of waiting, when you can do it now?"

"I think you should save yourself the trouble of waiting for an answer that you already know, and get out," River snapped.

The man only smirked in response. He reached in his suit jacket pocket, pulled out a business card, then placed it on the ground.

"Just in case you change your mind," he said, with confidence, then turned around, and disappeared out of sight.

My friend and I both walked up to where he left that card. I stared down at it for a few seconds before I reached down and placed it between my fingers. River came up behind me and snatched it from my hands, just about to rip it in half, but I quickly took hold of it again.

"What? Are you actually considering it?"

"Riv, shut up. Of course, not. I need to know his name, and I'm going to do a little research on whoever this man really is."

The card was just as polished as the man who gave it, with a sleek, black, and metallic look. My fingertips skimmed over the ridgy edges of the text, reading the capital letters carefully. A local number was under his name.

Taro Tanaka
Tanaka Group

And that name, made the blood in my veins tingle — and not for good reason.

...

A/N:

Part of this chapter was for those who wondered what Harry felt when Serenity called him about her period. Tee-hee.

Ain't Harry a pumpkin pie cutie? I'm proud of my baby after all he's been through...well, what's been revealed so far.

And who wants to punch Harry's father where it hurts? Because I do.

Besides that, we're finally getting somewhere with the plot. There was some recollection and some reveals here and there. And then, what's up with Keiko and Taro? And the Tanaka Group in general? Thoughts?

What else did you think about the chapter? Tell me, tell me!

Please press on that little star on the chapter, I mean, it only takes a millisecond. They're nice gifts and make me happy.

Kissy, stay beautiful, and always TPWK!

S x

P.S. AS also reached 100K and PM reached 166K...seriously bruh, what is happening? I honestly love you all so much forever and ever!