Chapter 9 - 07

Today is finally the day. I get to see Harvey! Ahh, I'm so excited! My heart raced just thinking about it. I'd barely slept last night, going over every little detail, and now that it was actually happening, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

Emma texted me earlier, letting me know she'd be the one picking me up when I landed. I smiled at the thought—Harvey's sister and I had hit it off over our online chats, and I couldn't wait to meet her in person too.

As I boarded the plane, I took a deep breath, clutching the little gift I'd brought for Harvey. Everything felt so real now. Soon, I'd be there, with him, starting this new chapter together.

Before the plane could take off, I snapped a quick picture of the view outside the window and uploaded it on my Instagram with the caption: *On my way to a new adventure!* After posting, I felt a rush of excitement as the plane finally began to move down the runway.

Little did I know, Jake was scrolling through his feed when he saw the picture. His heart sank as he recognized the familiar view from the window, realizing Lia was on her way to the UK to see Harvey. A mixture of emotions swirled within him—jealousy, concern, and a lingering sense of connection he couldn't quite shake off.

He stared at the screen, his mind racing with thoughts. *Is this really happening?* he wondered. He hadn't spoken to Lia since the exams, and seeing her heading off to be with someone else stung more than he expected. He couldn't help but feel that he had missed his chance with her. Jake took a deep breath, trying to push the feelings aside as he continued scrolling, but he couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest.

"Babe, you good?" Emily asked, wrapping her arms around Jake.

Jake nodded absently, trying to focus on Emily, but his mind kept drifting back to the picture Lia had posted. He felt a strange mix of emotions swirling inside him—curiosity, concern, and a hint of jealousy.

"Yeah, just a bit distracted," he replied, forcing a smile. "Thinking about... stuff." He didn't want to mention Lia or her upcoming trip, especially not with Emily so close.

Emily noticed his unease. "You sure? You can tell me if something's bothering you. I want to be here for you," she said softly, looking into his eyes with concern.

Jake took a deep breath, appreciating her support but unsure if he wanted to dive into his feelings about Lia. "It's nothing, really. Just the exams and everything. You know how it is."

"Okay, if you say so. Just remember I'm here for you," she said, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

As they settled into their seats for the flight, Jake couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He kept glancing at his phone, half-hoping for a message from Lia, but it never came. Instead, all he could do was stare at her photo, wishing he could understand what was going on between her and Harvey.

"Hey, what's the plan when we land?" Emily interrupted his thoughts, eager to shift the focus.

Jake forced a smile, trying to push aside his worries. "We'll meet up with your family and maybe hit that restaurant you love. Sound good?"

"Perfect! I can't wait," Emily replied, her excitement infectious. But as Jake tried to immerse himself in the moment, Lia's image lingered in his mind, a reminder of the unresolved feelings he couldn't quite shake off.

As the plane finally took off, Lia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. She was on her way to see Harvey, and the thought of finally being together made her heart race.

"Today is finally the day! I get to see him. Ahh! I'm so excited!" she thought, glancing out the window as the ground below began to fade away.

Emma had texted her earlier, saying she would be the one picking her up from the airport. Lia smiled at the thought of catching up with Emma, who had been a great support throughout her relationship with Harvey.

Before the plane could take off, Lia quickly snapped a picture of her surroundings and uploaded it to her social media account. *On my way to the UK! Can't wait to see you, Harvey! #Excited #Travel* She added a few emojis to express her enthusiasm. After uploading the picture, the plane finally began to move down the runway.

As the plane climbed higher, Lia settled back in her seat, her mind racing with all the possibilities of what their reunion might be like. She imagined hugging Harvey tightly, feeling his warmth against her, and sharing all the moments they had missed while being apart.

Little did she know, her post had caught the attention of someone she hadn't expected. Jake was scrolling through his feed when he stumbled upon her photo. A wave of emotions washed over him—curiosity, longing, and an unexpected pang of jealousy.

Meanwhile, Lia continued to daydream about Harvey. *I can't wait to surprise him with the keychain I made! He's going to love it!* The thought brought a smile to her face.

As the plane soared through the clouds, she whispered to herself, "Just a few more hours until I'm in his arms."

"You may now unfasten your seat belts," said the flight attendant, her cheerful voice breaking through Lia's daydream.

Lia quickly followed the instructions, feeling a rush of excitement as she pulled out her phone. The flight had gone smoothly, and she couldn't wait to let Emma know she was almost there. She opened their chat and typed eagerly:

*Just landed! Can't wait to see you Emma!*

After hitting send, she leaned back in her seat, her heart racing. She could already picture Harvey's smile when I arrive. A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a reply.

*I can't wait either! I'm on my way to pick you up. See you soon!*

Lia beamed at her screen, her anticipation growing. She quickly replied:

*Perfect! I'll be waiting!*

As she gathered her things, she glanced around the cabin, watching the other passengers shuffle to collect their belongings. The excitement in the air was palpable, and she could hardly contain her eagerness.

Once the plane came to a complete stop and the doors opened, Lia stood up, ready to step into the airport. The moment she walked out, she could feel the cool air of the UK embrace her. She took a deep breath, savoring the thrill of being in a new country and, more importantly, being close to Harvey.

After making her way through customs, Lia spotted Emma waiting for her with a big smile and a wave. As they approached each other, Lia felt her heart flutter.

"Lia! You made it!" Emma exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.

"I did! I can't believe I'm finally here!" Lia replied, her excitement spilling over.

"Let's go! Harvey doesn't have a clue you're here," Emma said, leading the way to the exit.

With every step, Lia felt her heart race faster. She was about to see Harvey, and the thought made her giddy. As they walked out into the bustling airport, she scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

"Emma, let's take a picture together with Harvey when we arrive at your place. I want to update my friends and family back home," Lia said, her excitement bubbling over.

"Great idea!" Emma replied, pulling out her phone. "Let's capture this moment."

She could hardly contain her joy at the thought of being reunited with Harvey.

"Say cheese!" Emma called out, snapping a picture of them together, smiling brightly.

After the photo was taken, Lia quickly checked her phone to see how it turned out. She couldn't help but laugh at the wide grins on their faces.

"Perfect! Now I can share this with everyone!" Lia said, already typing up a caption to post on her social media.

"Let's get out of here and celebrate!" Emma suggested, taking her hand and leading the way out of the airport.

Lia felt a rush of happiness as they walked together, her heart full. This was the start of an exciting new chapter in her life, and she couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited them in the UK.

"Our parents are very excited to finally see you in person; they've been preparing everything for you, haha!" Emma laughed as they got inside the car.

Lia chuckled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I hope I don't disappoint them!" she said, glancing out the window as the car pulled away from the airport.

Emma shook her head, a reassuring smile on her face. "You won't! They just want to get to know you better, especially since you and Harvey have been talking for so long. They think you're perfect for him!"

"That's sweet of them," Lia replied, feeling her heart flutter at the thought of meeting Harvey's family. "I can't wait to see them and of course Harvey!"

The drive seemed to fly by as they chatted about everything from what Lia could expect in the UK to the places Harvey had told her about. Emma shared funny stories about her childhood with Harvey, and Lia found herself laughing along, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.

As they approached Harvey's house, Lia's stomach churned with excitement and nerves. "I hope he's home!" she exclaimed.

Emma parked the car, and they both stepped out. "He should be! Let's go!" Emma said, leading the way to the front door.

Lia took a deep breath and knocked, her heart racing as she waited for Harvey to answer.

Lia took a deep breath and knocked, her heart racing as she waited for Harvey to answer. The seconds felt like an eternity, but then she heard footsteps approaching.

The door swung open, and there stood Harvey, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Lia!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let her in.

"Surprise!" she said, her voice tinged with excitement as she stepped over the threshold.

Harvey's eyes lit up as he took in her presence. "I can't believe you're actually here!" He pulled her into a warm hug, lifting her off the ground slightly. Lia melted into his embrace, feeling safe and cherished.

Emma watched with a smile, happy to see her brother so delighted. "I'll let you two catch up," she said, giving them a playful wink before retreating to another room.

"Wow, you look even more amazing since the last time we've meet in person," Harvey said as he pulled back to look at her. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too! This feels surreal," Lia replied, her heart fluttering.

"Come on, let me show you around!" Harvey said, taking her hand and leading her through the cozy house.

As he pointed out various rooms and shared stories from his childhood, Lia couldn't help but admire how comfortable she felt in his presence. They wandered into the living room, where family photos adorned the walls.

"Is that you?" Lia asked, laughing at a picture of a young Harvey with messy hair and a huge smile.

"Guilty as charged!" he laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I was quite the troublemaker back then."

Lia smiled, loving how easy it was to talk to him. "You look cute!"

"Cute? I'll take that as a compliment," Harvey grinned, clearly pleased.

Suddenly, a voice called from the kitchen. "Harvey! Is that Lia?"

"Yes, Mom! She's here!" he shouted back, looking at Lia with excitement. "Come meet my family!"

Lia's heart raced again, a mix of nervousness and eagerness flooding through her. This was it—the moment she would meet Harvey's parents. She followed him into the kitchen, where his mom was setting the table for dinner.

"Lia, welcome!" she said warmly, wiping her hands on a towel and stepping forward to give Lia a hug. "I'm so glad you could join us!"

"Thank you for having me! I'm excited to be here," Lia replied, feeling welcomed by the warmth of Harvey's family.

Harvey beamed, obviously proud to have her with him. "I hope you're hungry! Mom's been cooking all day."

"I am!" Lia said, her stomach growling in response.

"Great! We're having your favorite, Harvey," his mom said, setting a plate of pasta on the table.

"Perfect!" Harvey said, looking at Lia with a playful glint in his eyes. "I knew you'd like it."

As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily, with Harvey's family asking her questions about her life back home, her studies, and her plans for the future. Lia found herself laughing and sharing stories, feeling more at home with each passing moment.

After dinner, Harvey's dad joined them in the living room, and they all settled down to watch a movie. Lia snuggled up next to Harvey on the couch, feeling a sense of belonging that she hadn't expected.

As the film played on, Lia couldn't help but steal glances at Harvey, who looked content, laughing at the jokes and whispering comments to her. She felt a surge of happiness wash over her. This was the start of something special, and she was grateful for every moment.

"Is it okay if I take a picture? I want to remember this moment and send it to my friends and family back home," Lia asked.

"Of course!" Harvey replied, grinning. "Let's make it a group photo."

Harvey's mom chuckled, gathering everyone to squeeze together on the couch. "Say cheese!"

Lia snapped the picture, capturing the warm smiles around her. Looking at the photo, she felt a sense of joy that was hard to describe.

"Thank you all so much," Lia said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "I'll treasure this."

Harvey looked at her and gently took her hand. "I'm glad you're here, Lia. I wanted you to be a part of this side of my life."

Lia's heart swelled as she sent the photo to her friends back home, knowing they'd be as happy for her as she was in that moment.

Lia posted the pictures on her social media account—one of Harvey kissing her cheek, another with Emma at the airport, and a warm family photo with Harvey's family. Each photo radiated the happiness she felt, and the caption read, "Finally here with the best company."

As fate would have it, Jake saw the post while scrolling through his feed. His chest tightened slightly at the sight of Lia's radiant smile and the obvious connection she shared with Harvey. He paused, lingering on the photo of Harvey kissing her cheek, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't quite place.

"Wow, looks like she's having the time of her life," he muttered to himself, caught between the happiness he felt for her and a strange sense of nostalgia. He quickly shook off the thought, closing his phone and glancing over at Emily, who was busy scrolling through her own feed next to him.

"Lia, gosh, you're so lucky! We saw your post—Harvey is lucky, and so are you!" Mia wrote in the group chat, followed by heart and fire emojis.

"Seriously, you two look adorable together," Hannah chimed in. "He better treat you right, or we'll have to fly out there ourselves!"

Lia smiled as she read the messages, feeling a warm glow inside. She quickly typed back, *Thanks, guys! He's been so sweet and his family is amazing too. I'll make sure to keep sending updates!*

"Can't wait to hear more about it!" Steve added. "But enjoy every second, and don't worry about us back here!"

Feeling grateful for her friends' support, Lia put her phone down, glancing over at Harvey, who was happily chatting with his family. She couldn't wait to share more moments with him and keep her friends in the loop on this new chapter in her life.

Jake stared at the group chat, a tight feeling creeping into his chest as he scrolled through the excited messages from their friends. Every comment about how happy Lia looked and how lucky she and Harvey were together stirred something unfamiliar inside him.

He saw Mia's message again: *"Lia, you're so lucky! Harvey is amazing."*

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. *"I should be happy for her,"* he thought, but couldn't quite shake the nagging feeling of regret and something he didn't want to admit.

Just then, Emily glanced over his shoulder, noticing the chat.

"You okay, babe?" she asked, concern in her eyes.

Jake put his phone down quickly and forced a small smile. "Yeah, just... catching up with everyone. They're all excited about Lia's trip."

Emily's expression softened, and she reached for his hand. "They really care about her, huh?"

"Yeah, they do," he murmured, his thoughts drifting back to the image of Lia and Harvey together.

"So are you, Jake. Be honest with me. I know you liked Lia but didn't want to ruin our relationship—and that you regret not seeing her one last time since I was here," Emily said.

Jake looked down, feeling the weight of Emily's words. She knew him better than he realized, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. He took a deep breath, squeezing her hand.

"You're right," he admitted softly, not meeting her gaze. "I did care about her... more than I wanted to admit. But you know I chose you, Emily. And yeah, I do regret not having a proper goodbye, but it's not like I wanted things to be different."

Emily stayed quiet, studying his face. She appreciated his honesty, even though it was hard to hear.

"Jake," she said gently, turning his face to look at her, "I need to know that you're here with me. That we're moving forward, without anything holding you back."

He nodded, a mixture of relief and guilt washing over him. "I'm here, Em. I want to be with you. Seeing her so happy... it made me realize I need to let go of whatever I was holding onto."

Emily smiled softly, leaning into him. "Good. Then let's just focus on us."

He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, determined to fully commit to the path he'd chosen with Emily.

As they settled into the cozy atmosphere of Harvey's family home, Lia found herself feeling more at ease than ever. She glanced over at Harvey, who was laughing at something his mom had said, and felt a warmth spread through her. Being with him here felt different—it felt like belonging.

Harvey looked over and caught her gaze, a soft smile crossing his face. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked, reaching over to take her hand.

Lia chuckled, squeezing his hand. "I was just thinking how happy I am to be here, with you and your family. It feels...right."

Harvey's eyes softened. "I'm glad. I've been waiting so long to share this with you. Even though you're not my girlfriend yet, still—you're part of my life, and that includes everyone I care about."

Lia felt her heart flutter, but she managed to playfully tease, "So, I'm in for good now, huh? No backing out?"

"Not a chance," Harvey laughed, pulling her closer. "You're stuck with me."

They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company, sharing stories, and planning their next adventure. In that moment, Lia knew that this chapter was just the beginning of something truly special.

Lia was feeling quite sleepy during the movie, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute. Noticing her struggle to stay awake, Harvey leaned over and whispered, "Hey, how about we call it a night? You look like you could use some rest."

Lia nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you," she said, stifling a yawn.

"No need to apologize. You've had a long day," Harvey replied, offering her a warm smile. He gently took her hand and led her to his room, where the soft glow of a lamp created a cozy atmosphere.

As they entered, Lia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Harvey's room was simple but comfortable, decorated with posters of his favorite bands and a few photographs of family and friends. It felt welcoming.

"Make yourself at home," Harvey said, gesturing to the bed. "I'll grab you a blanket."

Lia sat on the edge of the bed, her heart racing slightly. She watched as he walked over to the closet and pulled out a soft blanket. He returned and draped it over her shoulders. "There you go," he said, tucking her in gently.

"Thanks, Harvey," she said, feeling warmth spread through her not just from the blanket, but from his thoughtful gesture.

Harvey smiled and sat down beside her. "I'll just stay here for a bit until you fall asleep. I want to make sure you're comfortable."

Lia felt her cheeks flush at his kindness. "You don't have to, but I appreciate it."

"I want to," he insisted, looking into her eyes. "I care about you, Lia. I want you to feel safe here."

Lia smiled softly, feeling grateful for his presence. "I do feel safe. Thank you for everything."

As the room grew quieter, the sound of their breathing became the only noise filling the space. Lia felt herself drifting off, comforted by Harvey's warmth and the peaceful ambiance of the room. Before she knew it, she had closed her eyes, and the last thing she remembered was the feeling of his hand resting gently on hers.

She slowly opened her eyes as she felt Harvey's hand slipping away. "Please don't go, come sleep beside me. This is your bed after all," she said, tapping the mattress to signal him to come closer. "Come, I have something to tell you," she added, her voice a mix of sleepiness and eagerness.

Harvey paused at the door, turning back to face her. The sight of Lia, her hair slightly tousled and her eyes still heavy with sleep, made his heart flutter. He walked back to the bed, sitting down beside her.

"What is it?" he asked softly, leaning in a little closer.

"I just wanted to say how happy I am to be here with you," she confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Being with you feels so right. I can't believe how lucky I am."

Harvey smiled, his heart warming at her words. "I feel the same way. I've been waiting for this moment for so long."

"Then stay," Lia urged, her eyes sparkling. "Let's make the most of our time together."

Harvey nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised, pulling her closer. "We have all night to talk."

Lia nestled into his side, feeling safe and content. "I've missed you so much," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've missed you too," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Now get some rest. We can talk more in the morning."

As they settled in, the warmth of their closeness made Lia feel at ease. She closed her eyes again, drifting off to sleep with a smile on her face, knowing that they were finally together.

"Harvey, come sleep next to me. There's more I have to tell you," Lia said as she held his arm. Harvey laughed, seeing how clingy she was being.

"Alright, what is it?" he asked as he lay down beside her. She hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, "You're my boyfriend from now on," before falling asleep right there, her head resting on his chest.

Harvey's eyes softened as he looked down at Lia, her head nestled against him, breathing softly. A smile crept onto his face, and he gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her a little closer.

"Did you just make it official while half-asleep?" he whispered to himself, chuckling quietly. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, feeling a warmth he couldn't quite describe. It was a mixture of happiness and peace, knowing she trusted him enough to share this moment.

As he lay there, he thought about how long he'd waited for this day—the day she'd call him hers. He closed his eyes, whispering, "I'll make sure to take care of you, Lia. Always."

With a contented sigh, he drifted off, feeling like he'd just found exactly where he belonged.Today is finally the day. I get to see Harvey! Ahh, I'm so excited! My heart raced just thinking about it. I'd barely slept last night, going over every little detail, and now that it was actually happening, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

Emma texted me earlier, letting me know she'd be the one picking me up when I landed. I smiled at the thought—Harvey's sister and I had hit it off over our online chats, and I couldn't wait to meet her in person too.

As I boarded the plane, I took a deep breath, clutching the little gift I'd brought for Harvey. Everything felt so real now. Soon, I'd be there, with him, starting this new chapter together.

Before the plane could take off, I snapped a quick picture of the view outside the window and uploaded it on my Instagram with the caption: *On my way to a new adventure!* After posting, I felt a rush of excitement as the plane finally began to move down the runway.

Little did I know, Jake was scrolling through his feed when he saw the picture. His heart sank as he recognized the familiar view from the window, realizing Lia was on her way to the UK to see Harvey. A mixture of emotions swirled within him—jealousy, concern, and a lingering sense of connection he couldn't quite shake off.

He stared at the screen, his mind racing with thoughts. *Is this really happening?* he wondered. He hadn't spoken to Lia since the exams, and seeing her heading off to be with someone else stung more than he expected. He couldn't help but feel that he had missed his chance with her. Jake took a deep breath, trying to push the feelings aside as he continued scrolling, but he couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest.

"Babe, you good?" Emily asked, wrapping her arms around Jake.

Jake nodded absently, trying to focus on Emily, but his mind kept drifting back to the picture Lia had posted. He felt a strange mix of emotions swirling inside him—curiosity, concern, and a hint of jealousy.

"Yeah, just a bit distracted," he replied, forcing a smile. "Thinking about... stuff." He didn't want to mention Lia or her upcoming trip, especially not with Emily so close.

Emily noticed his unease. "You sure? You can tell me if something's bothering you. I want to be here for you," she said softly, looking into his eyes with concern.

Jake took a deep breath, appreciating her support but unsure if he wanted to dive into his feelings about Lia. "It's nothing, really. Just the exams and everything. You know how it is."

"Okay, if you say so. Just remember I'm here for you," she said, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

As they settled into their seats for the flight, Jake couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He kept glancing at his phone, half-hoping for a message from Lia, but it never came. Instead, all he could do was stare at her photo, wishing he could understand what was going on between her and Harvey.

"Hey, what's the plan when we land?" Emily interrupted his thoughts, eager to shift the focus.

Jake forced a smile, trying to push aside his worries. "We'll meet up with your family and maybe hit that restaurant you love. Sound good?"

"Perfect! I can't wait," Emily replied, her excitement infectious. But as Jake tried to immerse himself in the moment, Lia's image lingered in his mind, a reminder of the unresolved feelings he couldn't quite shake off.

As the plane finally took off, Lia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. She was on her way to see Harvey, and the thought of finally being together made her heart race.

"Today is finally the day! I get to see him. Ahh! I'm so excited!" she thought, glancing out the window as the ground below began to fade away.

Emma had texted her earlier, saying she would be the one picking her up from the airport. Lia smiled at the thought of catching up with Emma, who had been a great support throughout her relationship with Harvey.

Before the plane could take off, Lia quickly snapped a picture of her surroundings and uploaded it to her social media account. *On my way to the UK! Can't wait to see you, Harvey! #Excited #Travel* She added a few emojis to express her enthusiasm. After uploading the picture, the plane finally began to move down the runway.

As the plane climbed higher, Lia settled back in her seat, her mind racing with all the possibilities of what their reunion might be like. She imagined hugging Harvey tightly, feeling his warmth against her, and sharing all the moments they had missed while being apart.

Little did she know, her post had caught the attention of someone she hadn't expected. Jake was scrolling through his feed when he stumbled upon her photo. A wave of emotions washed over him—curiosity, longing, and an unexpected pang of jealousy.

Meanwhile, Lia continued to daydream about Harvey. *I can't wait to surprise him with the keychain I made! He's going to love it!* The thought brought a smile to her face.

As the plane soared through the clouds, she whispered to herself, "Just a few more hours until I'm in his arms."

"You may now unfasten your seat belts," said the flight attendant, her cheerful voice breaking through Lia's daydream.

Lia quickly followed the instructions, feeling a rush of excitement as she pulled out her phone. The flight had gone smoothly, and she couldn't wait to let Emma know she was almost there. She opened their chat and typed eagerly:

*Just landed! Can't wait to see you Emma!*

After hitting send, she leaned back in her seat, her heart racing. She could already picture Harvey's smile when I arrive. A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a reply.

*I can't wait either! I'm on my way to pick you up. See you soon!*

Lia beamed at her screen, her anticipation growing. She quickly replied:

*Perfect! I'll be waiting!*

As she gathered her things, she glanced around the cabin, watching the other passengers shuffle to collect their belongings. The excitement in the air was palpable, and she could hardly contain her eagerness.

Once the plane came to a complete stop and the doors opened, Lia stood up, ready to step into the airport. The moment she walked out, she could feel the cool air of the UK embrace her. She took a deep breath, savoring the thrill of being in a new country and, more importantly, being close to Harvey.

After making her way through customs, Lia spotted Emma waiting for her with a big smile and a wave. As they approached each other, Lia felt her heart flutter.

"Lia! You made it!" Emma exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.

"I did! I can't believe I'm finally here!" Lia replied, her excitement spilling over.

"Let's go! Harvey doesn't have a clue you're here," Emma said, leading the way to the exit.

With every step, Lia felt her heart race faster. She was about to see Harvey, and the thought made her giddy. As they walked out into the bustling airport, she scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

"Emma, let's take a picture together with Harvey when we arrive at your place. I want to update my friends and family back home," Lia said, her excitement bubbling over.

"Great idea!" Emma replied, pulling out her phone. "Let's capture this moment."

She could hardly contain her joy at the thought of being reunited with Harvey.

"Say cheese!" Emma called out, snapping a picture of them together, smiling brightly.

After the photo was taken, Lia quickly checked her phone to see how it turned out. She couldn't help but laugh at the wide grins on their faces.

"Perfect! Now I can share this with everyone!" Lia said, already typing up a caption to post on her social media.

"Let's get out of here and celebrate!" Emma suggested, taking her hand and leading the way out of the airport.

Lia felt a rush of happiness as they walked together, her heart full. This was the start of an exciting new chapter in her life, and she couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited them in the UK.

"Our parents are very excited to finally see you in person; they've been preparing everything for you, haha!" Emma laughed as they got inside the car.

Lia chuckled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I hope I don't disappoint them!" she said, glancing out the window as the car pulled away from the airport.

Emma shook her head, a reassuring smile on her face. "You won't! They just want to get to know you better, especially since you and Harvey have been talking for so long. They think you're perfect for him!"

"That's sweet of them," Lia replied, feeling her heart flutter at the thought of meeting Harvey's family. "I can't wait to see them and of course Harvey!"

The drive seemed to fly by as they chatted about everything from what Lia could expect in the UK to the places Harvey had told her about. Emma shared funny stories about her childhood with Harvey, and Lia found herself laughing along, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.

As they approached Harvey's house, Lia's stomach churned with excitement and nerves. "I hope he's home!" she exclaimed.

Emma parked the car, and they both stepped out. "He should be! Let's go!" Emma said, leading the way to the front door.

Lia took a deep breath and knocked, her heart racing as she waited for Harvey to answer.

Lia took a deep breath and knocked, her heart racing as she waited for Harvey to answer. The seconds felt like an eternity, but then she heard footsteps approaching.

The door swung open, and there stood Harvey, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Lia!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let her in.

"Surprise!" she said, her voice tinged with excitement as she stepped over the threshold.

Harvey's eyes lit up as he took in her presence. "I can't believe you're actually here!" He pulled her into a warm hug, lifting her off the ground slightly. Lia melted into his embrace, feeling safe and cherished.

Emma watched with a smile, happy to see her brother so delighted. "I'll let you two catch up," she said, giving them a playful wink before retreating to another room.

"Wow, you look even more amazing since the last time we've meet in person," Harvey said as he pulled back to look at her. "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too! This feels surreal," Lia replied, her heart fluttering.

"Come on, let me show you around!" Harvey said, taking her hand and leading her through the cozy house.

As he pointed out various rooms and shared stories from his childhood, Lia couldn't help but admire how comfortable she felt in his presence. They wandered into the living room, where family photos adorned the walls.

"Is that you?" Lia asked, laughing at a picture of a young Harvey with messy hair and a huge smile.

"Guilty as charged!" he laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I was quite the troublemaker back then."

Lia smiled, loving how easy it was to talk to him. "You look cute!"

"Cute? I'll take that as a compliment," Harvey grinned, clearly pleased.

Suddenly, a voice called from the kitchen. "Harvey! Is that Lia?"

"Yes, Mom! She's here!" he shouted back, looking at Lia with excitement. "Come meet my family!"

Lia's heart raced again, a mix of nervousness and eagerness flooding through her. This was it—the moment she would meet Harvey's parents. She followed him into the kitchen, where his mom was setting the table for dinner.

"Lia, welcome!" she said warmly, wiping her hands on a towel and stepping forward to give Lia a hug. "I'm so glad you could join us!"

"Thank you for having me! I'm excited to be here," Lia replied, feeling welcomed by the warmth of Harvey's family.

Harvey beamed, obviously proud to have her with him. "I hope you're hungry! Mom's been cooking all day."

"I am!" Lia said, her stomach growling in response.

"Great! We're having your favorite, Harvey," his mom said, setting a plate of pasta on the table.

"Perfect!" Harvey said, looking at Lia with a playful glint in his eyes. "I knew you'd like it."

As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily, with Harvey's family asking her questions about her life back home, her studies, and her plans for the future. Lia found herself laughing and sharing stories, feeling more at home with each passing moment.

After dinner, Harvey's dad joined them in the living room, and they all settled down to watch a movie. Lia snuggled up next to Harvey on the couch, feeling a sense of belonging that she hadn't expected.

As the film played on, Lia couldn't help but steal glances at Harvey, who looked content, laughing at the jokes and whispering comments to her. She felt a surge of happiness wash over her. This was the start of something special, and she was grateful for every moment.

"Is it okay if I take a picture? I want to remember this moment and send it to my friends and family back home," Lia asked.

"Of course!" Harvey replied, grinning. "Let's make it a group photo."

Harvey's mom chuckled, gathering everyone to squeeze together on the couch. "Say cheese!"

Lia snapped the picture, capturing the warm smiles around her. Looking at the photo, she felt a sense of joy that was hard to describe.

"Thank you all so much," Lia said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "I'll treasure this."

Harvey looked at her and gently took her hand. "I'm glad you're here, Lia. I wanted you to be a part of this side of my life."

Lia's heart swelled as she sent the photo to her friends back home, knowing they'd be as happy for her as she was in that moment.

Lia posted the pictures on her social media account—one of Harvey kissing her cheek, another with Emma at the airport, and a warm family photo with Harvey's family. Each photo radiated the happiness she felt, and the caption read, "Finally here with the best company."

As fate would have it, Jake saw the post while scrolling through his feed. His chest tightened slightly at the sight of Lia's radiant smile and the obvious connection she shared with Harvey. He paused, lingering on the photo of Harvey kissing her cheek, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't quite place.

"Wow, looks like she's having the time of her life," he muttered to himself, caught between the happiness he felt for her and a strange sense of nostalgia. He quickly shook off the thought, closing his phone and glancing over at Emily, who was busy scrolling through her own feed next to him.

"Lia, gosh, you're so lucky! We saw your post—Harvey is lucky, and so are you!" Mia wrote in the group chat, followed by heart and fire emojis.

"Seriously, you two look adorable together," Hannah chimed in. "He better treat you right, or we'll have to fly out there ourselves!"

Lia smiled as she read the messages, feeling a warm glow inside. She quickly typed back, *Thanks, guys! He's been so sweet and his family is amazing too. I'll make sure to keep sending updates!*

"Can't wait to hear more about it!" Steve added. "But enjoy every second, and don't worry about us back here!"

Feeling grateful for her friends' support, Lia put her phone down, glancing over at Harvey, who was happily chatting with his family. She couldn't wait to share more moments with him and keep her friends in the loop on this new chapter in her life.

Jake stared at the group chat, a tight feeling creeping into his chest as he scrolled through the excited messages from their friends. Every comment about how happy Lia looked and how lucky she and Harvey were together stirred something unfamiliar inside him.

He saw Mia's message again: *"Lia, you're so lucky! Harvey is amazing."*

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. *"I should be happy for her,"* he thought, but couldn't quite shake the nagging feeling of regret and something he didn't want to admit.

Just then, Emily glanced over his shoulder, noticing the chat.

"You okay, babe?" she asked, concern in her eyes.

Jake put his phone down quickly and forced a small smile. "Yeah, just... catching up with everyone. They're all excited about Lia's trip."

Emily's expression softened, and she reached for his hand. "They really care about her, huh?"

"Yeah, they do," he murmured, his thoughts drifting back to the image of Lia and Harvey together.

"So are you, Jake. Be honest with me. I know you liked Lia but didn't want to ruin our relationship—and that you regret not seeing her one last time since I was here," Emily said.

Jake looked down, feeling the weight of Emily's words. She knew him better than he realized, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. He took a deep breath, squeezing her hand.

"You're right," he admitted softly, not meeting her gaze. "I did care about her... more than I wanted to admit. But you know I chose you, Emily. And yeah, I do regret not having a proper goodbye, but it's not like I wanted things to be different."

Emily stayed quiet, studying his face. She appreciated his honesty, even though it was hard to hear.

"Jake," she said gently, turning his face to look at her, "I need to know that you're here with me. That we're moving forward, without anything holding you back."

He nodded, a mixture of relief and guilt washing over him. "I'm here, Em. I want to be with you. Seeing her so happy... it made me realize I need to let go of whatever I was holding onto."

Emily smiled softly, leaning into him. "Good. Then let's just focus on us."

He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, determined to fully commit to the path he'd chosen with Emily.

As they settled into the cozy atmosphere of Harvey's family home, Lia found herself feeling more at ease than ever. She glanced over at Harvey, who was laughing at something his mom had said, and felt a warmth spread through her. Being with him here felt different—it felt like belonging.

Harvey looked over and caught her gaze, a soft smile crossing his face. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked, reaching over to take her hand.

Lia chuckled, squeezing his hand. "I was just thinking how happy I am to be here, with you and your family. It feels...right."

Harvey's eyes softened. "I'm glad. I've been waiting so long to share this with you. Even though you're not my girlfriend yet, still—you're part of my life, and that includes everyone I care about."

Lia felt her heart flutter, but she managed to playfully tease, "So, I'm in for good now, huh? No backing out?"

"Not a chance," Harvey laughed, pulling her closer. "You're stuck with me."

They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company, sharing stories, and planning their next adventure. In that moment, Lia knew that this chapter was just the beginning of something truly special.

Lia was feeling quite sleepy during the movie, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute. Noticing her struggle to stay awake, Harvey leaned over and whispered, "Hey, how about we call it a night? You look like you could use some rest."

Lia nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you," she said, stifling a yawn.

"No need to apologize. You've had a long day," Harvey replied, offering her a warm smile. He gently took her hand and led her to his room, where the soft glow of a lamp created a cozy atmosphere.

As they entered, Lia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Harvey's room was simple but comfortable, decorated with posters of his favorite bands and a few photographs of family and friends. It felt welcoming.

"Make yourself at home," Harvey said, gesturing to the bed. "I'll grab you a blanket."

Lia sat on the edge of the bed, her heart racing slightly. She watched as he walked over to the closet and pulled out a soft blanket. He returned and draped it over her shoulders. "There you go," he said, tucking her in gently.

"Thanks, Harvey," she said, feeling warmth spread through her not just from the blanket, but from his thoughtful gesture.

Harvey smiled and sat down beside her. "I'll just stay here for a bit until you fall asleep. I want to make sure you're comfortable."

Lia felt her cheeks flush at his kindness. "You don't have to, but I appreciate it."

"I want to," he insisted, looking into her eyes. "I care about you, Lia. I want you to feel safe here."

Lia smiled softly, feeling grateful for his presence. "I do feel safe. Thank you for everything."

As the room grew quieter, the sound of their breathing became the only noise filling the space. Lia felt herself drifting off, comforted by Harvey's warmth and the peaceful ambiance of the room. Before she knew it, she had closed her eyes, and the last thing she remembered was the feeling of his hand resting gently on hers.

She slowly opened her eyes as she felt Harvey's hand slipping away. "Please don't go, come sleep beside me. This is your bed after all," she said, tapping the mattress to signal him to come closer. "Come, I have something to tell you," she added, her voice a mix of sleepiness and eagerness.

Harvey paused at the door, turning back to face her. The sight of Lia, her hair slightly tousled and her eyes still heavy with sleep, made his heart flutter. He walked back to the bed, sitting down beside her.

"What is it?" he asked softly, leaning in a little closer.

"I just wanted to say how happy I am to be here with you," she confessed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Being with you feels so right. I can't believe how lucky I am."

Harvey smiled, his heart warming at her words. "I feel the same way. I've been waiting for this moment for so long."

"Then stay," Lia urged, her eyes sparkling. "Let's make the most of our time together."

Harvey nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised, pulling her closer. "We have all night to talk."

Lia nestled into his side, feeling safe and content. "I've missed you so much," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've missed you too," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Now get some rest. We can talk more in the morning."

As they settled in, the warmth of their closeness made Lia feel at ease. She closed her eyes again, drifting off to sleep with a smile on her face, knowing that they were finally together.

"Harvey, come sleep next to me. There's more I have to tell you," Lia said as she held his arm. Harvey laughed, seeing how clingy she was being.

"Alright, what is it?" he asked as he lay down beside her. She hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, "You're my boyfriend from now on," before falling asleep right there, her head resting on his chest.

Harvey's eyes softened as he looked down at Lia, her head nestled against him, breathing softly. A smile crept onto his face, and he gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her a little closer.

"Did you just make it official while half-asleep?" he whispered to himself, chuckling quietly. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, feeling a warmth he couldn't quite describe. It was a mixture of happiness and peace, knowing she trusted him enough to share this moment.

As he lay there, he thought about how long he'd waited for this day—the day she'd call him hers. He closed his eyes, whispering, "I'll make sure to take care of you, Lia. Always."

With a contented sigh, he drifted off, feeling like he'd just found exactly where he belonged.