I watch as Harry bolts out the back door, a playful grin on his face, and I can’t help but smile at his antics. Liam is hot on his heels, and I know they’re headed for the pool. I chuckle as I see Harry stop in front of it, waiting for Liam to catch up. When he dives to the side, Liam tumbles into the water, and I burst out laughing. “Harry, why are you like this?” Niall asks, helping Liam out of the pool.

“Thanks, Nialler,” Liam says, but then he pulls Niall in with him, and I can’t contain my laughter. The joy in the air is infectious, but then I notice Harry laughing so hard that he doesn’t see us standing right next to him. Suddenly, he’s in the water too, and I catch a glimpse of his mom laughing with her head in her hands.

As we start splashing each other, I spot Gemma talking to me, and my heart skips a beat when I realize I’m standing next to Harry. He looks like he’s stopped breathing, and I can see something’s off. “You okay, mate?” I ask, concerned.

“I need to go,” he replies, climbing out of the pool, still dripping wet. I call after him, but he ignores me, walking into the house. “Harry…” I try again, but he just keeps going.

I follow him upstairs and knock on his door. “Harry, let me in,” I say softly, hoping he’ll open up. “I’d rather not,” he responds coldly.

“Harry, please?” I plead, realizing how upset he looks. “I’m going to wait here until you open the door.” I stand there, waiting, and when he finally opens it, I see the hurt in his eyes. “There, I opened it, you can leave now,” he says, his tone icy. We lock eyes for a moment, and I can feel the tension thick in the air before he abruptly closes the door again.