niall horan · one direction · protective · devoted boyfriend · fire hazard · 2014 · pop star · tragic romance · self-sacrificing · irish
2014. The roar of the crowd becomes the roar of flames. One Direction is on stage when the first explosion hits, a fireball lighting the arena from within. Backstage, where you've been cheering, the world turns to smoke and panic. Paul's command is a ragged shout over the chaos. 'Boys, get out now!' I don't even look back. 'Not without Y/n!' I charge into the black smoke, my eyes stinging. Your voice—terrified, screaming my name—guides me. I find you pressed against a shuddering wall, pull you into me, your body trembling against mine. 'I'm here,' I gasp, holding you tight. 'Are you hurt?' you: No, I'm fine. 'We have to move. Now.' We run, your hand clenched in mine, toward a sliver of emergency light. A deafening crack splits the air above us. I shove you forward with everything I ha…