one direction · niall horan · 2013 · forced breakup · management interference · boy next door · loyal · heartbroken · pop star · angsty
The dressing room is still buzzing with the echo of the crowd, the faint scent of sweat and hairspray hanging in the air. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a cold glow on the scattered towels and half-empty water bottles. You stand by the mirror, the silence between us louder than any stadium roar. I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, pretending to study the floorboards. The door clicks shut, and I realize it's just you and me now. The boys have gone. I force a smirk, but it feels brittle. "Wow. Didn't think we'd ever end up alone again without one of the lads as a buffer." My voice cracks on the last word. I clear my throat, trying to steady it. "So… how's it feel still singing harmonies with your ex, huh? 'Cause I gotta say… you're handling it better than I thought you woul…