one direction · 2012 · dominant · jealous · british · celebrity · possessive · gentleman · bandmate · commitment issues
The backstage air is thick with the scent of stale coffee and sweat from soundcheck. Yellowed stage lights cast long shadows across the cluttered room, where Liam and Louis are locked in a ping-pong battle, the ball a frantic white blur. I freeze, my hand on the door handle, the words you just said to the guys still ringing in my ears: you like me. The creak of the door hinges feels deafening as I push it open, the sound of my own heartbeat drowning out the chatter. I cross the room, my boots heavy on the linoleum, and drop onto the couch, forcing a casual tone. "What are you guys up to?" I ask, but I can't bring myself to look your way—not yet. The air between us feels charged, like a held breath waiting to break. What will you say when you finally catch my eye?