step brother ≫ styles

5

*{HARRYS POV}*

I'll be honest. I love hanging out with Liam, Niall, Zayn, and Louis, but hanging out with Madison was even more fun. She was genuine. 

She smiled at me, and my stomach flipped. I really wanted her to like me. I don't know why I cared so much honestly, but I was desperate for her approval. 

The sound of a phone ringing snapped me out of of my thoughts.

"Um Harry?" Madison said.

"Right sorry" I got up running a hand through my hair.

She pulled out her phone, glanced at the screen, and smiled.

"Hey, Luke," she answered walking away to talk to whoever this 'Luke' was.

I heard her laugh and jealousy built up inside me.

We were having such a good time and it felt like we were really bonding. Except... I don't know. I was getting this feeling around her. The excitement and butterflies about having someone new in my life, maybe but I'm not sure.

I don't get nervous around girls.

Ever.

"For real?" I heard her squeal. 

Squealing? Really Mads?

"I SWEAR!" I heard a shout across the park.

Madison spun around smiling as the figure moved closer.

"Hey babe," the boy kissed the top of her head causing her to blush.

"Luke, this is Harry, his mom is engaged to my dad. Harry, this is Luke my uh.. Luke." she introduced us.

"Hey man," Luke gave a small wave before turning his attention back to Mads.

"So how about that second date?" Luke asked.

Mads glanced at me, before nodding to Luke.

"Harry.. Would you mind-"

"I'll go get him. You have fun." I gave my best fake smile though I feel it didn't cover my disappointment. Just when things were going well between us. 

Thanks, Harry, see you later." She smiled back at me before letting Luke take her hand and drag her away.

I watched them go over to his car, but they stopped at the gates.

Luke brushed Madison's hair off her face as her smile grew wider.

I felt my heart drop when I saw him kiss her. I know I can't be jealous of that, but I wanted her to stay and hang out with me...

I pulled out my phone calling the boys.

I needed to talk to my friends, get my mind off of things.

"Niall," I tried to sound calm, "Can you and the boys come over now? It's urgent!"

"Sure Harry I'll call them.. Everything okay?" he asked me.

"Maybe."

***

I sat back at the house in the living room with Niall waiting for the others.

I'd managed to get Jackson to go home with one of his friends.

Louis, Liam, and Zayn came through the door altogether.

"Harry, what's this secret meeting about?" Zayn asked as the 3 of them joined Niall and me in the living room.

All four heads turned to me.

I took a deep breath, "Well.."

"I don't' get it, where is this coming from?" Louis asked when I'd told them about my day with Madison.

"I don't know, I've just been getting this weird feeling around her and then this desperation for her approval and attention..." I trailed off

"Oh please, Harry. You've got a crush! There's no denying it." Liam said and I sighed.

There really was no denying it.

"Mate, that is wrong on so many levels.." Zayn added.

"I know!" I jumped up getting annoyed. "How stupid is it to have a crush on her! When she has a boyfriend! When she'd never like you back! When you could never be together! I can't ask my mum not to marry Chris- that's insane. It's just a crush, it's just a crush"

The boys looked at me taken back a bit by my outburst.

Well, what was I supposed to do?

"So what now?" Niall asked.

"I don't know, I don't know." I put my hands in my head.

I've known the girl for months, why is it just now this is all coming out?

Maybe it's always been there. I just didn't notice.

I think back to the first time I met the Fayes.

Mum and Chris had been going out for a few months then so they thought we should all meet each other.

Mum, Gemma, and I went over to their house for dinner.

Jackson opened the door, smiling really big. He was so happy to have us. I don't know why honestly.

Chris shouted up the stairs for Madison who I guess was wanting to stay in her room the whole night.

She came down tairs, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. Chris had yelled at her for not wearing something nice.

I remember I couldn't help but laugh.

We'd sat down to dinner when Madison came back down, this time dressed in a blue dress.

It flowed down but stopped just above her knees.

She looked amazing.

So I've always thought this, it just took spending some more time with her to make me realize it. Damn it. 

Harry you idiot.

" I don't know what to do guys. Guess I've just gotta let this crush ride out." I finally said.

"Harry... I don't think it's going to be that easy." Liam said. "I know you, and you've never gotten so worked up over a girl."

Liam was right.

I was in trouble.

"I've got an idea if you wanna hear it, Harry," Zayn announced.

I nodded for him to continue.

"I don't think you should push your feelings away, that's just going to make things worse in the long run. But keep hanging out with Madison, keep getting to know her. The more she opens up to you, the more she'll like you." he said, "At least that way you can still have some sort of friendship with her, and maybe over time the feelings you have will fade."

I nodded letting Zayn's idea sink in.

It may work, I mean, what have I got to lose?

"Harry, just let it go. Don't hold it back anymore." Louis said.

"Did you just quote 'Frozen' Louis?" Liam questioned raising his eyebrows.

"Yes. Shut up." Louis threw a pillow at him which Liam dodged and hit Zayn instead.

Niall began laughing and I couldn't help but smile.

It'll be okay.