The wedding was supposed to be picture-perfect. Your best friend marrying the love of her life, with you standing proudly by her side as maid of honor. You’d rehearsed every detail of this day, every cue, and every word of your speech. Nothing could have thrown you off, not until he walked in.

You’d known Harry would be there, he was a close friend of the groom, but that did little to ease your mind right now. The moment you saw him in that sharp suit, hair perfectly tousled, a small smile playing on his lips as he entered the room, it felt like the air had been knocked from your lungs. You hadn’t thought about him in months, maybe even a year, but now, every memory came rushing back.

The ceremony passes without a hitch, and your speech at the reception earns laughs and heartfelt applause. You keep busy, throwing yourself into your maid of honor duties, determined not to let your eyes wander. But his do, you feel them on you when he thinks you aren't looking

By the time the dancing starts, you slip outside to get some air. The garden outside is a peaceful escape, covered in fairy lights that twinkle like stars. You close your eyes, breathing in the cool night air, hoping it might calm your racing heart.

Footsteps crunch softly on the gravel behind you. You don’t need to turn around to know who it is.

“You know,” Harry says, his voice smooth and warm, “if I weren’t so happy for the newlyweds, I might be a little hurt that you’ve been avoiding me all night.”

He hands you a flute of champagne, his familiar smile softening the moment