Crave — part I
Y/N x Professor Harry Styles share a secret passion that could destroy them both. Crossing the line means risking everything.
Author's note: Hello! As you know Love Island is coming to an end. So, I decided to post the first part of the Crave just so none of you run out of reading material for this weekend after the last chapter is posted on Friday. Let me know what you think!
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The wooden doors of the lecture hall groaned softly as Y/N slipped inside, her movements quick but measured. She’d never been the type to enjoy being late—especially to his class—but today, her mind was elsewhere. She found a seat near the back, heart still fluttering from the hurried walk across campus.
Professor Harry Styles hadn’t started speaking yet, standing at the front of the room, quietly observing the room. His presence alone commanded attention—a stillness that felt more intense than the bustling energy of the students around him. Even from where Y/N sat, she could feel the weight of it.
She swallowed, her pulse thrumming beneath her skin as she pulled out her notebook, stealing a glance toward him. He didn’t seem to notice her entrance, his gaze fixed on something—or someone—else. Yet, something in the air made her feel as though he had seen her the moment she walked in. He always noticed.
Y/N shook off the thought and refocused, gripping her pen, trying to quiet the thoughts stirring in her mind. It had only been a week since that strange encounter in the library, where they had exchanged a few words—polite, distant, yet there was an undertone she couldn’t quite place.
Harry’s voice broke through the silence, low and deliberate. “Today’s topic is boundaries.”
Her breath caught. Of course, it would be.
He turned toward the whiteboard, writing the word in bold strokes. It was simple, and yet it felt heavy with meaning as the chalk scratched across the surface. Y/N shifted in her seat, wondering if he knew how that word lingered between them, unspoken.
The lecture carried on, but Y/N found it impossible to focus. Harry’s voice was calm and steady, the kind of voice that demanded you listen, that pulled you in even if you didn’t want to be drawn so close. She kept her gaze low, pretending to scribble notes, but every time his voice dipped into something more intense, she felt a pull in her chest.
Her eyes flicked up briefly, catching the way his hand moved across the desk, the strength in the veins of his forearms as he gestured toward the board. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing tanned skin, and Y/N had to force her gaze away before anyone noticed.
What bothered her most was how unaware he seemed of the effect he had. There was no smirk, no glance her way, no sign that he even remembered her as more than just another student. But that didn’t stop the feeling that coiled in her stomach every time they were in the same room.
When the class ended, Y/N was quick to gather her things, eager to escape the charged air of the lecture hall. She was almost at the door when she heard his voice again.
“Miss Y/L/N.”
She froze, heart racing. Slowly, she turned around, her hands clutching her bag strap a little too tightly. “Yes, Professor?”
Harry stood at the front of the room, still sorting through papers, but his tone was casual, indifferent even. “I’d like to discuss your last paper, if you have a moment.”
There was nothing strange about the request, nothing inappropriate about it. But her stomach twisted all the same.
She nodded and walked back down the aisle, each step heavier than the last. By the time she reached his desk, the room was empty, leaving only the two of them. Harry’s attention seemed to be fixed on the papers in front of him, his brow furrowed in concentration.
He looked up only briefly, his gaze flicking to hers before returning to the papers. “You’ve written well,” he began, his voice as measured as ever. “But I can tell your focus has been... divided lately.”
Y/N’s heart stuttered. Was it a critique? Or something else? She licked her lips nervously. “I’m sorry, I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”
Harry hummed softly, almost as if in thought, his eyes still on the paper. “Understandable,” he said, flipping a page. “But I’d hate to see your potential go unrealized.”
The statement hung between them, strangely intimate for what should have been a routine discussion. There was no accusation in his tone, nothing that suggested he had noticed more than just her academic performance. And yet, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that his words carried weight beyond their surface.
“I’ll do better,” she said, though her voice was softer than she intended.
Harry finally looked up again, his eyes meeting hers with a steady gaze that sent a chill down her spine. For a moment, she wondered if she was imagining it—the tension, the unspoken things between them. He seemed so composed, so unaffected, while her own heart raced in her chest.
“I’m sure you will,” he replied simply, his tone polite, neutral.
And just like that, the moment passed. Whatever she thought she might have seen in his gaze was gone, leaving her feeling foolish for reading too much into it. He turned his attention back to the papers, clearly dismissing her, and she let out a quiet breath, relieved and yet disappointed at the same time.
“Thank you, Professor,” she said softly before turning to leave, feeling his presence like a shadow behind her.
As she walked out of the room, her mind raced with questions. Had she misread him all along? Or was there something hidden beneath his calm exterior, something darker that he kept carefully veiled? She couldn’t be sure.
All she knew was that whatever it was between them—it was far from over.
Y/N’s footsteps echoed in the empty hallway, her mind buzzing with the memory of Harry’s gaze. She should have felt relieved that he hadn’t called her out for anything too specific, yet that brief exchange had left her unsettled.
Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. She fished it out of her pocket, glancing at the screen: a message from her best friend, Liv.
"How was class? Any more moments with Mr. Unattainable?" Liv had a knack for teasing her about Harry, ever since Y/N had once, in a moment of weakness, mentioned how attractive he was.
Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Class was fine. No, stop exaggerating," she typed back quickly, though her fingers hesitated. There was no way she was about to confess how his voice had almost made her heart stop when he’d called her name.
The truth was, she didn’t understand it herself. She had no reason to be so affected by him—he was her professor, after all. Yet, ever since that first class, there had been something about Harry Styles that lingered with her long after the lecture ended. The quiet control he exuded, the way his words dripped with intellect and confidence, how he seemed perfectly oblivious to how his presence could command a room without effort.
She let out a frustrated sigh, tucking her phone away. This was ridiculous. She wasn’t some schoolgirl with a crush on her teacher. But she couldn’t deny the fact that when she thought about Harry, it wasn’t just admiration for his mind or his teaching methods. There was a physical awareness too, something magnetic that made her pulse quicken whenever he was near.
By the time Y/N made it to the campus café, her mind was still spinning with thoughts she shouldn’t be having. She grabbed a coffee, needing the warmth and caffeine to shake the lingering unease from her bones.
As she settled into a corner booth, opening her laptop to review her notes, her gaze kept drifting toward the window. She didn’t expect to see anyone familiar, but every once in a while, her thoughts circled back to him.
Was it wrong? Was it really just in her head? That gaze earlier—it had felt like something. Or was she reading too much into it, twisting normal interactions into something they weren’t? It didn’t help that Liv’s constant teasing about “Professor Dreamy” had planted ideas in her head she couldn’t quite shake.
Just then, a shadow moved across her table, and Y/N’s heart lurched into her throat. She looked up, eyes widening slightly in surprise.
Harry Styles stood before her, his expression unreadable.
"Mind if I join you?" His voice was smooth, yet his tone made it sound like more of a statement than a question.
Y/N’s pulse stuttered as she nodded, forcing herself to appear calm, even as her mind raced. What was he doing here? It was a large campus—he could’ve gone anywhere—but here he was, sliding into the seat across from her with an ease that both unsettled and intrigued her.
Harry set his coffee down and leaned back in the chair, his presence overwhelming even in this casual setting. His eyes, a deep shade of green, flicked to her laptop briefly before returning to hers, as if assessing something.
“You looked like you were in deep thought,” he remarked, a faint smile playing at the edge of his lips. It was a subtle observation, but his gaze lingered a fraction longer than necessary, making her feel exposed.
Y/N cleared her throat, trying to gather her thoughts. “Just catching up on notes,” she said, forcing a smile. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
Harry’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, but there was something about the way he leaned forward slightly that made her heart skip. “I frequent this place often,” he said simply. “Though I don’t usually run into my students outside of class.”
There it was again—that carefully controlled neutrality in his tone. She couldn’t tell if he was making small talk or implying something deeper. It was maddening.
“I guess it’s a coincidence,” Y/N replied, trying to keep her voice steady. But she could feel it—the undercurrent of tension pulling them closer, threading through the seemingly innocent conversation.
Harry raised an eyebrow, watching her with a quiet intensity. “Do you believe in coincidences?”
His question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Y/N opened her mouth to respond, but no words came. There was something about the way he was looking at her—like he was testing her, challenging her to acknowledge the unspoken tension that had been simmering ever since that first glance in class.
Before she could formulate an answer, Harry’s phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it briefly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before he stood.
“Another time, perhaps,” he said smoothly, gathering his things. “I’ll see you in class, Miss Y/L/N.”
And just like that, he was gone, leaving Y/N sitting alone, her heart pounding and her mind whirling with questions. The conversation had been brief, but it was enough to set her on edge.
What did he mean by coincidences? Was there more to that question than she realized?
Y/N stared at the empty seat across from her, frustration and curiosity churning inside her. She had no idea what game Harry Styles was playing, or if there was even a game at all.
But something told her this wasn’t the last time their paths would cross outside the lecture hall.
Y/N sat in her apartment that evening, nervously adjusting her costume in front of the mirror. She and Liv had been planning to attend a Halloween party on campus for weeks, and Y/N had finally settled on a daring outfit: a sleek, black cat costume that hugged her curves in all the right places. The fitted bodysuit clung to her figure, the fabric shimmering slightly under the light, with a daringly low neckline that accentuated her collarbone and added a touch of allure.
The suit left her legs bare, the material stopping just below her hips, showcasing her smooth, toned thighs. She wore black heels that elongated her legs, making them appear endless and adding a sultry confidence to her stride. Each step felt powerful, her high heels clicking against the floor, a stark contrast to the soft fabric of her costume.
To complete the look, she adorned herself with a pair of playful cat ears and a thin tail that swayed behind her, giving her a playful edge. Y/N could see herself in the mirror, her reflection bold and unashamed. She felt good in her skin, caught up in the thrill of the night ahead—one filled with dancing, laughter, and maybe a little mischief.
The thought of running into Harry flickered briefly in her mind, but she brushed it aside, determined to enjoy the party without overthinking her attire. Tonight was about having fun and celebrating, not getting tangled up in complicated feelings.
“Are you ready yet?” Liv called from the living room, her voice slightly slurred from the pre-party drinks. “We’re going to be late!”
“Almost!” Y/N called back, taking one last look at herself. She felt powerful and fierce, ready to own the night.
“C’mon, I need you to approve of my costume!” Liv barged into the room, wearing a bright, revealing witch outfit complete with a feathered hat. She spun around dramatically, her long hair swaying. “What do you think? Am I hot or what?”
Y/N laughed, the tension easing a bit. “You look amazing! Just don’t make me drag you home” Referring to the multiple times that she had to carry her across campus back to their apartment.
Liv winked, grabbing her bag and tossing Y/N a mischievous grin. “No promises! Now let’s go, I want to dance!”
As they made their way to the party, the campus buzzed with excitement. Halloween decorations adorned the buildings, and students in various costumes milled about, laughter and music echoing in the cool night air. Y/N felt a thrill run through her as they approached the venue, a popular fraternity house that was known for its raucous parties.
On the way, they decided to take a shortcut through a quieter part of campus. That’s when Y/N spotted him.
Harry Styles emerged from the gym, a towel draped around his neck and wearing a loose fitted tank top that showcased his toned arms. His hair was slightly damp, and he looked effortlessly handsome—exuding the same confidence that had captivated her in class. Y/N’s heart skipped a beat, her earlier bravado instantly replaced by embarrassment.
“Shit, is that—?” Liv started, her voice slurring slightly as she squinted in the dim light.
Before Y/N could stop her, Liv straightened, her playful demeanor shining through the haze of her tipsiness. “Hey, Professor Styles!” she called out, a cheeky grin plastered on her face.
Y/N felt her cheeks heat up as Harry turned his gaze toward them, eyebrows raising in surprise. “Liv, Y/N,” he greeted, his tone friendly yet laced with curiosity. His eyes flickered over their costumes, and Y/N couldn’t tell if he was amused or shocked.
“Looks like you two are ready for a big night,” he said, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
Y/N could feel her stomach twist with embarrassment, acutely aware of the way she was dressed. She glanced at Liv, who was practically bouncing on her feet, clearly emboldened by the drinks she’d had. “Yeah, just heading to the party! You should come by and join us!” Liv said, her words spilling out a little too quickly.
“Liv!” Y/N hissed, mortified. This was not the conversation she had envisioned. The last thing she wanted was for Harry to see her friend flirting like this.
Harry chuckled, the sound low and rich, and Y/N felt a mix of relief and frustration at the way it sent warmth through her. “I appreciate the invite, but I think I’ll pass,” he replied, his gaze still locked on Y/N, as if trying to gauge her reaction.
“C’mon, it’ll be fun! You could let loose for one night,” Liv pressed, tilting her head with a playful smile, completely oblivious to Y/N’s discomfort. “Besides, we’d love to see you in a costume!”
Harry shook his head, laughter dancing in his eyes. “I think I’m better off here, thanks. Maybe next year?”
Y/N felt like she might combust. Next year? As if they’d still be in the same orbit then. “Uh, right. Maybe,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah, you should really think about it,” Liv chimed in, clearly enjoying the banter. She nudged Y/N, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “I mean, we’re all just trying to have a little fun, right?”
Harry’s gaze flicked back to Y/N, his expression softening slightly. “You’re right, fun is important. Just make sure you’re safe tonight.”
Y/N swallowed hard, struggling to keep her composure. The concern in his voice felt personal, like he genuinely cared about their well-being. “We will,” she promised, forcing a smile despite the heat flooding her cheeks.
“Well, I’ll leave you to your night. Enjoy yourselves,” he said, taking a step back.
As he turned to walk away, Liv leaned into Y/N, her eyes wide with excitement. “Did you see that? He was totally checking you out!”
“What? No!” Y/N protested, though her heart raced at the thought. “He was just being polite.”
“Polite? He was practically undressing you with his eyes! Come on, don’t act like you didn’t feel that!” Liv giggled, already pulling Y/N toward the party.
Y/N tried to shake off the feeling, but as they walked away, she glanced back at Harry, who was now disappearing into the shadows of the campus. The look he had given her lingered in her mind, an intoxicating blend of desire and danger.
The party loomed ahead, pulsing with music and laughter, but Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that this night was just the beginning.
As Y/N and Liv stepped into the party, the pulse of music hit them like a wave, vibrant and intoxicating. The room was filled with bodies dancing under dim, flickering lights, laughter and cheers blending into a thrilling cacophony. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and Y/N felt herself being swept away, the earlier embarrassment fading as she embraced the night.
“Let’s get some drinks!” Liv shouted over the music, her eyes sparkling with excitement. They made their way to the makeshift bar, where red solo cups overflowed with punch and various alcoholic concoctions.
Y/N poured herself a drink, the sweet taste sliding down her throat with a comforting burn. She felt the warmth of the alcohol spreading through her, loosening her nerves. Maybe this was what she needed—a distraction, a chance to dance, to forget for a while.
As they moved through the crowd, Liv grabbed Y/N's hand and led her to the center of the room, where bodies swayed and mingled. The rhythm of the music thrummed through Y/N, and she found herself letting go, the beat pulling her into the moment.
But even as she danced, her mind kept drifting back to Harry. The way he had looked at her, the flicker of interest in his eyes—it made her heart race and her skin tingle in ways she didn’t fully understand. The tension between them was electric, but the reality of their roles—the professor and the student—loomed over her like a dark cloud.
She needed to shake off those thoughts. Just for tonight.
As if the universe was listening, a guy approached her, a confident grin spreading across his face. He wore a pirate costume, complete with a ruffled shirt and an eye patch that gave him a playful charm. “What’s a pretty cat like you doing here all alone?” he asked, leaning in slightly, his voice a low drawl.
Y/N raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. “Not alone, I’m with my friend,” she gestured to Liv, who was laughing with a group nearby, completely engrossed in her own conversation.
“Well, I’m glad you’re not alone,” he said, his eyes glinting with mischief. “I’m Shawn, by the way.”
“Y/N,” she replied, a hint of flirtation in her voice. “So, you’re a pirate, huh? Got any treasure to share?”
Shawn chuckled, stepping closer, the heat between them palpable. “Oh, I’ve got plenty of treasure. Just depends on what you’re looking for.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “What are you in the mood for tonight?”
Y/N felt a spark of excitement, a welcome distraction from her thoughts of Harry. She wanted to forget the lingering glances and the magnetic pull she felt toward him. “I’m looking for something fun,” she replied, her confidence bolstered by the drink.
“Fun, huh? I can definitely help with that,” Shawn said, his gaze lingering on her legs, appreciation evident in his eyes. “Why don’t we grab a drink and see where the night takes us?”
Y/N hesitated for just a moment, then nodded, eager for the distraction. She needed to step away from her complex feelings and embrace the night. “Sure, let’s do it.”
They made their way back to the bar, Shawn’s easy charm making her laugh as he recounted silly stories about past Halloween parties. She found herself genuinely enjoying his company, the flirtation light and carefree, a pleasant contrast to the weight of her feelings for Harry.
As the night went on, they danced and shared drinks, the music enveloping them in a cocoon of excitement. Y/N allowed herself to get lost in the moment, to revel in the attention Shawn offered her. It was fun, thrilling even, to flirt with someone who wasn’t complicated or off-limits.
Yet, even in the midst of the revelry, she felt that familiar twinge in her chest, a reminder of Harry's presence and the tension that crackled between them. The deeper she got into her flirtation with Shawn, the more she realized she was trying to fill a void that Harry had created—one that was proving harder to ignore than she had anticipated
-> part 2
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