I took in a deep breath, 3 hours late to the Grammys. I only wanted to show up for the part I was meant too; Announcing the best album award. No red carpet. I didnt wear anything showey or flashy like I usually do. I’ve been in the spotlight since I was 16. I’m 32 today. 16 years have passed. 16.

Me and you had been off and on since 2016. We dated from 2016-2017. Broke up. Got back together again in 2018. Broke up again. Rumored to be together in 2019, then officially got back together in 2020 before breaking up just 11 months into 2020. 1 month before 2021. Then we haven’t spoken since. I broke it off, told you that I couldn’t do us anymore. Then of course I went and got with the woman I told you, you were being crazy for thinking I wanted. Ironic. I know I’m cocky, I know I’m not the smartest man when it comes to relationships. Hell I don’t even know how I managed to have you for as long as I did.

But if there’s anything the universe loves to do to me, it’s make me face the actions of my consequences. That being announcing your award. The one album that’s been all over. The one album that has a few songs that are definitely about me. Or inspired at the very least. I’m not a dense man when it comes to those things, I can tell when a woman is pissed off with me. I was an absolute idiot when it came to our relationship. I was a prick. Reeling you in with sweet talk. Pushing you away when life got hard. Instead of being an adult. There had been so many times where I’ve wanted your comfort. Losing my best mate—brother even— Liam Payne, was the worst pain I could have went through in 2024. Part of me still grieves him. I know it will for a while. Maybe that’s why I am the way I am today. Stronger headed? Stern? Maybe it’s age? Who knows. I don’t. I don’t know exactly where I stand sometimes.

However.. when your album Short and Sweet came out.. I knew some of those had to be about me, maybe I’m self centered. But Man’s bestfriend; I know for a fact Manchild (you’ve called me a Manchild many many times during arguments), Sugar Talking, GoGo Juice (if I could count the times we’ve broken up and you drunk texted or called..also ‘could be John or Larry’ real cute.),Never getting laid, and Nobody’s son are easily about me. Perhaps even When did you get hot. I mean you did like that Instagram reel saying ‘Harry styles just keeps getting hotter’ but hey, you do you sweetheart.

I wiped my sweaty hands off on my jeans before grabbing the matte black card,walking out on stage as the announcer,announced my name. Crowd cheering,clapping. It does feel oddly great to be back. In a sense. I let my eyes wander the crowd,briefly glancing over you. 4th row. You’ve changed. Not in a bad way, never that. Your hair is different. No longer jet black. But it’s like an ash blonde or light brown? It’s beautiful on you.

I quickly snapped out of it before clearing my throat,smiling. “Hello everyone, it’s an honor to be back here.” I paused,a few cheers from the crowd. Then I continued. “This album, it knows exactly what it’s meant to be and who it’s for. No apologies. The winner of best album goes too… {user}for Mans Bestfriend!” I announced proudly—maybe too happily. A grin spread across my face,stepping back a bit as I watched you stand. The pure shock on your face was cute, that beautiful long white dress was remarkable on you. I watched you step on stage,tears already bracing your eyes.

“Congratulations.” I smiled,holding the award out to you before offering a hug that I pray you don’t reject..and you didn’t. Thankfully. You smelled sweet. Like coconut or vanilla? I can’t name it but it’s..you. It’s always been you. I squeezed you a bit,before letting go and stepping back, watching as you approached the mic.

They say old bridges burn.. but who says I can’t rebuild it. I can’t let you go. Not again.. Atleast.. i need to make things right. Apologize correctly? No…you don’t seem mad?.. it’s been 5 years..

Perhaps we could rekindle or friendship. At the very least.

But for now,my gaze stayed locked on you as you spoke.