Andrea hasn’t shut up for the last three days. Literally never shut her mouth when I come face to face with her, whenever, wherever. There wasn’t a single day she seized the chance to speak out about the monumental revelation that I indeed met all five boys of One Direction without her breaking a sweat at all and had successfully seduced Liam Payne that resulted to me losing my virginity.

And she has repeatedly told me over and over again that I will have to say goodbye to my sanity and my currently normal life because it will indeed be crashing down in to an epic mess in a matter of days, because once you rode the Payne Train, apparently you’re rather screwed for the time being. I’m still trying to process what the hell does that mean, really. Andrea is not as bright as Michelle and I. Hell, she’s an artist. Most well-known artists are school drop outs. I wouldn’t really be surprised if she dropped out of college too considering she’s shit at Maths but she took Engineering as some sort of rebelling and her newest circle of friends (read: One Direction) never finished schooling.

Okay, I know a thing or two about those One Direction lads. Sue me.

Really, I blame it to Andrea and Michelle because they were the instigators of this entire thing that has to do with that stupid boy band. If only they’d left me the hell alone that night and never went in that stupid anniversary party I wasn’t even technically invited to, then I wouldn’t get constant rant from my younger cousin that I was a hundred percent going to be fucked up from now on. That, and my hymen would still be intact.

And I really, really, really just want for Andrea to shut the hell up. Every fucking time she mentions the fact that Liam’s penis had made contact with my vagina, the regret that I can’t remember how my first time felt like and that I have finally seen and held an erect penis just keeps bothering me. Alright, I just assume I did because that inevitably happens when you have sex, right?

Fuck you, brain cells, for not remembering a single thing at all. How am I going to brag about it now? Erm. Not like I’m really going to shout it out to the entire world that I had sex with Liam Payne, because let’s be real, I bet that Payne Train has plenty of riders. Ugh, fuck this. Way to fucking frustrate yourself even more, Velvet.

I don’t know. I bet it’s weird yeah, but I can’t help it. I’m weird, that’s justified by my faulty brain cells, short-term memory loss and overall awkwardness. It’s just that every time Andrea mentions Liam’s name I feel my entire body tense and I feel like my chest was going to combust.

It was that bad.

For the record, it has never happened to me so you really can’t blame me for wanting to know what exactly happened that night. I bet it’s not a crime for knowing how you had lost your virginity anyway so I’m not doing anything wrong here (read: I’m just assuming again). But my memory is never reliable and I just can’t call Liam and ask him a detailed story of what really happened that night because no normal human would actually do that and I don’t want Liam to think I’m a fucking sex addict for wanting a play by play because really who fucking does that? And also, I don’t want to scare Liam because again, for the record, never did an attractive guy as drop dead gorgeous as Liam Payne ever hit on me. Or hit on my vagina. Whatever. The point is I have somehow proven my Korean ancestors don’t hate me and that just like Michelle and Andrea, I have the beauty to attract the male specie.

Well, drunken male specie to be specific. Again, whatever. You can’t bring me down with this so shut it.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me, Vel.” Was my morning greeting from Andrea as she whined the second she laid her eyes on me as I stepped out of my room. She, too, just got out of her room. “You can’t leave the house just looking like that. Jesus H. Christ, are you mental?” What a judgmental little bitch.

She’s a cute little mess in the morning but you don’t see me whining at all. I’ve learned to stop getting jealous because I was the one that bagged someone like Liam Payne. Although, I bet she wouldn’t really be envious about me getting some Liam action because she’s apparently gay. I’m still in doubt that my younger cousin is gay. I need more proof because Fake Blondie’s words don’t count as good evidence.

“What is wrong with how I look?” I asked, glaring back at her. Did I miss a memo that says you can’t wear skinny jeans and sweater to class? You can’t expect me to wear a frilly dress and heels (read: I am never gonna do it again) and strut down the hallways of King’s like a freaking celebrity because one: I am not a celebrity, and two: I’m just going to a six hours of Anatomy lecture also known as six hours of pure torture. So I don’t understand the point of arguing about my fashion sense to a still groggy Andrea.

Yeah, she just woke up and has decided that her mission for the day was to act as a fashion police. I know for one that she spent an all nighter hanging out in her bedroom window that was next to my room, talking to Curly Pervert from the adjacent window, member of the stupid boy band One Direction and our freaking neighbor. They were talking about new songs for their album, how’s his mum and sister and a very detailed Saw-like torture she’ll put upon him if Andrea’s parents ever finds out (read: blamed me too, of course) about the tattoo under her breast (read: which I’m still about to find out what exactly the drawing is).

“You are dating Liam Payne.” Andrea said it like it’s a normal occurrence. Where in the bloody fuck did that come from? Weren’t we just talking about my taste in clothes?

“I am not fucking dating Liam Payne!” Of course I screamed at her, which again was too fucking early to do. I wasn’t going to start my day exasperated by the fact that I banged a very famous boy band member and has no recollection of whatsoever that happened in between the sheets. This is the joy in the fucking life of Velvet Ferrol, ladies and gentlemen.

I had sex with him, yeah. That does already mean we’re dating? Is that how relationships go these days? Am I really that outdated? I’m not that old! Gosh.

“What? You didn’t get the tweet?”

Andrea speaks like I’m from another planet.

“What tweet?” I asked, clearly pissed at this point because I don’t understand a thing she’s talking about.

(Read: I fucking know what Twitter is and what a tweet is. I am not outdated. I am not that old. Fuck you, with feelings.)

Andrea groaned. And before I knew it, I was being pulled inside her room and was shoved to the chair in front of her big messed vanity dresser.

It was either that my younger cousin’s going to lecture me for not having her and Michelle’s fashion sense, or that she’s going to create a beauty miracle like what Michelle did on the night of the party. I’m just getting on my game! I’m not that helpless! I bagged a Liam Payne! That speaks a lot!

But she didn’t. Instead, she took her iPhone from under her bulk mass of pillows (read: she’s got gigantic pillows. How the fuck does she managed to not get stiff neck from them?) And then started tapping on the screen. She’s logging on to Twitter of course. I’m not fucking dumb.

Andrea jumped out of her bed and practically shoved the screen in my face. It took me a moment to read whatever was written on the tweet but it was the picture on the screen that got me way too shocked, I nearly died on the spot.

It was that bad, but it was also kind of good, which is still bad. It was disaster in epic proportions.

“Now tell me you still aren’t dating Liam.” Andrea wasn’t even slightly appalled by it while I’m currently wishing the building would collapse and that we die together, because again, I wouldn’t be in the Twitpic if it wasn’t for her and my bad of an influence older sister.

I snatched the phone out of Andrea’s grasp and stared in horror slash beauty that was a picture of me and Liam. Our heads fit perfectly on the frame, his large hands resting on my cheeks and our eyes were closed. We were smiling. Though simply smiling, I bet in that very moment I was screaming on the inside. How I wish I could remember what made it possible to have our lips were pressed together in a perfectly pictured kiss.

It’s best to assume that Liam took it, because I was shitty at taking photos. I’m not even a selfie enthusiast or narcissistic like the rest of my generation to plaster my face in the worldwide web so I don’t have much practice.

But what’s really more astonishing than the picture were the words he told everyone.

It was captioned: Envious? #Dontstealmygirl

My girl. Liam called me ‘my girl’.

I’ve never been anyone’s girl before. Hell, not even my parents or Michelle was ever proud to call me as their own family. Now, Liam Payne from One Direction has practically told the entire planet that we are a thing because he called me his girl.

Liam Fucking Payne was kissing Velvet Fucking Ferrol which was captured in a black and white picture that was retweeted for 157 thousand times and was favorite by 249 thousand people.

“The hashtag is number one on the worldwide trending topics for the last twenty four hours since Liam posted it.” Andrea claimed. I was way too amazed to even say anything.

I think the picture started an apocalypse. Were there really that many people that use Twitter? How could 249 thousand people like that picture? Does that mean 249 thousand people liked me? Or just liked Liam kissing random people? But he made it clear that I wasn’t random because he called me his girl but then again, he didn’t really tagged or mentioned me so for others, I’m still a stranger. Well, that’s explained firstly by my lack of Twitter account (read: because I don’t have anyone to chit chat with and I always forget what I did 47 seconds later there’s no use to tweeting anything) and also because I’m an anti-social human being.

Andrea has then started untangling my long black hair that I put up on a bun and began working her magic. It was a good thing that all three of us have these shinny straight hair, we never needed to use iron or hair blower on daily occasion. Asian hair is the best, I guarantee you that. She parted a small portion of my hair from the right side and began her braiding. Once she finished, she put it in with a rubber band and tucked the braided part under my ear. She did make me look a little better so I guess I should thank her for that. I don’t really put with so much effort in styling my hair. I’d go with a messy bun or just let it down. Braiding was really Michelle’s field of expertise. But when she does it, she’ll demand to put flower crowns or whatever hipsters put in their head to make them look stylish. Andrea, luckily, wasn’t as crazy as my sister.

Speaking of Michelle, I haven’t seen and had a decent siblings bonding with my sister in days. She’s got a crazy schedule, as per what Andrea told me. She’s hardly in the house with all her hectic work in Southern Liberty Hospital and part-time teaching in the hospital’s sister school.

Andrea began tilting my face towards her so she can put some loose powder on my face. She’s shit at doing make-up too because she’s rarely putting make-up on herself anyway. Andrea held the brush and thought my face was a blank canvass so I swatted her away. I don’t like make-up either. I’m just going to class damn it.

She gave up and retrieved her phone that was still clutched tightly on my hands. I have to remember to ask Liam about that. I have the right to know why he’s suddenly calling me his girl without even any confirmation from that girl that she wanted to be his girl in the first place.

I do. I’m totally 100% sure that I want to.

“The fans call you ‘Mysterious Bitch’.”

I gasped, “I’m what?!”

I went from being ‘Liam’s girl’ to ‘Mysterious Bitch’ in a matter of minutes. My life is a joke.

“They aren’t really good with nicknames; really, they’re just silly school girls. They aren’t that clever. They don’t even know you at all or like, have any clue where to find basic information about you in the first place so they resorted to the words ‘mysterious’ and ‘bitch’ rammed together to form your new name.” Andrea explained. “Although, if they ask me I think they should have stuck with ‘bitch’ only.”

“You’re the bitch.” I retorted.

Andrea just laughed at my annoyance. “I’m still contemplating whether or not I should tell them that we are related or not because they hate me as well. If I tell them it’s because of me that you and Liam even met, we’ll both get fucked by the worst fandom in the history of all fandoms.”

I rolled my eyes at her. She needs to understand that she’s not the reason we met. She didn’t push Liam to hit on me that night in the party. Liam did it himself, so no thanks to you, Hann. There’s no need for appreciation to even begin with, because nobody appreciates if you’ll get hate for no reason.

But then I asked, “And why do they even hate you?”

It was Andrea’s turn to roll her eyes on me. “Honestly, have you forgotten that I’m currently working with them in their new album, or that I live next door to Harry Styles? Is your memory really that bad?”

“So? I still don’t get why you’re suddenly hated.”

“You are fucked in the head, honestly, Vel. Any girl that gets associated with those lads is either praised to infinity or be under the wrath of the jealous Directioners. There’s no in between. Right now, we are number two and three in the hit list.” Andrea smirked before telling me, “You’re number two. That’s why you can’t leave the house looking so bland. I don’t want you to get mocked because you’re my older sister. I feel the need to take care of you because I know how these bastards work. My face that was photoshopped on a unicorn’s body is the ninth most reblogged post in Tumblr.”

I didn’t have to ask who was number one, because I’ll just forget it, but then curiosity got me so I still did. “Who’s number one?”

“Zayn’s ex-girlfriend.” Andrea said before she disappeared in her bathroom, not saying anything else behind the closed door.

I didn’t feel the need to delve for more information. I don’t want to. It’s not like I’m that close to Zayn after what happened, although I must admit that I couldn’t forget his face, not even his name ever since we’ve met –which is good, by the way. It means I’m not a hopeless case. Zayn might be the first random stranger that I’ve ever remembered.

But then again, there’s no need to know what happened to him and his ex-girlfriend. Although we’ve met and he’s considered my hero, we’re still not friends, so really there’s no need to be curious about that one story. Only, if I’m being honest right now, there’s something itching from underneath my skin that already makes me hate that girl even if I don’t know who is she, and that I also have this tiny bit of wanting to comfort Zayn although that’s very weird because we’re not friends at all.

But why am I so curious? Suddenly, after imagining Zayn and I having a heart to heart talk about how his heart’s been broken by a girl, something in the back of my head is screaming to ask Andrea more about this ex-girlfriend that’s most hated by the fans.

Maybe I could ask Michelle. I bet she knows a thing or two, considering they’re friends.

Ah, what the fuck am I even thinking?

It’s not like I’m suddenly jealous, or anything. Ha! This isn’t even jealousy. No. Nope. Why the hell should I be jealous anyway?

I am Liam’s girl.

----------(Blue Velvet)----------

Date of Record: September 21, 2015
Time of Record: 10:02A.M.

“Ask Liam about the tweet,” I smiled, “And tell him that nobody’s going to steal his girl.”

End of Record004

I’m smiling like I just won the lottery. My cheeks hurt by the way I was stretching my facial muscles. This is crazy. I bet I’m starting to look weird, but that’s okay because I sat at the very back of the class so nobody would notice me talking to myself (read: I do that a lot, especially if the teacher’s voice is too soft so I repeat all that he says so it’ll be recorded) or dose off to sleep if the class gets too boring, which is not that often because I’m not a sleaze. I do take my lectures seriously.

“Is that how you study?” I suddenly heard someone say next to my left. “And is this seat taken? Mind if I sit next to you?” I bolted right up to see who’s talking to me.

My privacy was suddenly cut short when I saw a girl with waves of sandy blonde hair standing right next to my seat. And she’s very tall. Like, really really tall, I’m probably a midget next to her (read: curse my small genes). But what really caught my eyes and the thing that I really noticed about her is that she’s very beautiful. Her heart-shaped face is so angelic, so innocent, just so perfect, and I’m getting jealous by the second that passes by. I wonder if she’s a model or some actress because her face is worth staring at.

And that’s what I did. Stare at her.

The girl was also smiling at me with those dimples like Harry Styles’ on either side of her cheeks and big bright cerulean blue eyes. She was extremely gorgeous. Too much for my liking, if I’m being honest. I thought nobody could ever be more beautiful than Michelle. Guess I was wrong there.

And please, don’t start on me with her British accent, she sounds chic and sophisticated. Unlike mine, which was most of the time I just sound like a croaking frog trying to communicate in English.

Why the hell does she want to sit at the back of the class with a loner like me? She’s worth ogling at. A pretty girl like her should be appreciated in front of the class.

Me? Meh. My beauty is for Liam Payne only.

(Read: Again, fuck you, with feelings, if you think that I was even joking. Remember, I am Liam’s girl.)

“Sorry,” I said after being so quiet and just staring at her like some freaking moron. I quickly tore my creepy gaze at her and said, “Uhm, yeah- I mean, yeah it’s my study method –the recorder, I mean. And no, I don’t mind you sitting here.”

Crumb. I’m still shit with these first impressions. I just did sound like a freaking moron, because a pretty girl decided to grace my lonesome presence at the back of the room. Maybe Andrea wasn’t the lesbian in the family. Maybe I am.

“Wow, that’s very unique method I must say.” The girl smiled. “Hi, I’m Diana,” she introduced herself, extending her skinny hands for me to shake.

I guess there’s no need to create a nickname for her. I’ll be able to remember her name. Her name even fits her fucking perfectly. Really, a prince from a land far away should marry this girl because she’s fit to be a princess. Princess Diana.

Now, she’s just really, really, making me feel insecure. Why did she have to choose to sit at the back?

“I’m Velvet Ferrol.” I said, smiling right back at her.

“That’s a very nice name! I like it. It’s unique, too, just like your study method. It’s nice to meet you, Velvet.”

Ha. If she knows my voice recorder is actually my kind of life support, she wouldn’t find it unique. She’d pity me for sure, just like everyone who feels sorry for me and my short-term memory.

Diana sat down at the empty space beside me. We were actually the only persons at the very back aisle. A girl as pretty as her couldn’t be a loner like me, why choose to sit at the very back?

“Sorry, but I’ve taken notice that you’ve always been sitting at the back of the class since the semester started.” She said.

Oh God, I knew it. I should’ve known the very second she talked to me. Of course she feels sorry for that tiny Asian girl to the back of the room. That’s why she’s chosen to sit next to her so she’d feel slightly appreciated.

Shit. Is this some sort of psychological bullying? Will I get kicked out of the class if I tell her to leave me the fuck alone?

“Erm…I’m trying to practice and pursue individualism,” I answered, and it was really the honest reason why I’ve chosen to sit at the very back of the room. I want to be alone, up to the point of Isolation, probably.

Although I didn’t sound very funny, she laughed at me. And fuck, even the sound of her laughter was beautiful. I bet even if she snorts, she’d still look freaking cute.

“You’re funny.” She told me. I wanted to face palm myself. “I think we’re going to be good friends.”

Her smile was contagious, so I beamed my pearly whites (read: fake ass smile, FYI) back at her. Great, another addition to the pretty faces that’s about to crush my self-esteem to negative zero.

Our conversation was put on hold when my phone signaled a new voicemail received. It was a message from Liam.

I felt my heart skipped a beat.

“Uhm…would you please excuse me for a second?” Oh look, I’m very modest. There’s always a first in everything.

Diana was still smiling. Doesn’t she get tried? “Oh, no, go ahead.” She replied.

I left my seat and moved a few steps further away from my newest friend. I was also kind of hoping she’d find me rude and leave because I do want to be alone.

(Read: On the scale of the bitch-o meter, I’m way over the top.)

“Hi…Velvet!” Liam’s cheerful voice echoed in my ears, and that simply already put another silly smile on my face. “I…uhm…ha ha…I really don’t know what to say. Ha ha…sorry. I want to say enjoy your classes but from what I’ve heard from my college friends, lectures are boring so it’s impossible to really enjoy it. I’m really sorry for these incessant ramblings. I…uhm…What I really wanted to say is; I can’t wait to see you again.” he chuckled from the other line. I did, too. I can’t help it. “I really hope to see you as soon as possible.”

----------(Blue Velvet)----------

“Hurry up! We’re going to be late!”

Not only was it started raining right after my lecture was done and I was waiting at the parking area where Andrea was supposed to be thirty minutes ago, it was pouring so heavy like every body of water in the whole planet has evaporated and decided to wash London out. I wasn’t ready of the downpour today. I didn’t have an umbrella or even a coat, so I was soaking wet when I got inside Rose.

Wait. That doesn’t sound right…

“I should be getting at you for messing Rose’s seat, but she’s technically yours so I have no right to yell at you. Car cleaning is very expensive in U.K.” Andrea said, hitting on the gas pedal and we speed off like we’re on a car race.

“Oh, my god! I don’t plan on dying today! I shouted. “Oi! Slow the fuck down!” My nails gripped at the leathered seats of the car tightly. I think Michelle’s mind slipped to mention that our little cousin has become a part-time drag racer.

“I can’t. The boys needed me in the house thirty minutes ago, but because you’re a slowpoke, now I’m late!”

“Boys? What boys?!” I cried.

“Oh, my god. Unni, I’ve told you for like a hundred times already. One Direction!” Andrea shrieked, clearly already frustrated with me. “I’m working with One Direction! Do you want me to name them one by one too?”

Yes? I can’t even remember who’s who. Aside from Liam, of course. Liam is precious to me.

“Yes. Yes, you should.” I clarified. I do need another round of introduction to the lads.

I also might have forgotten the fact that Andrea Hann is very violent. My stupidity earned me a smack on the arm.

“You are impossible, Velvet Ferrol.”

----------(Blue Velvet)----------

When Andrea mentioned that we’ll be going to One Direction’s house, I’ve expected a lavish mansion at a gated community because I’m well aware that those boys are multi-millionaires. Imagine what a huge disappointment it was when Andrea parked my car at a two storey loft without security guards just a few blocks away from our home.

“Oh look, I make you breathless.” Fake Blondie greeted Andrea and me at the front door. It was still raining, and neither of us have an umbrella so while Andrea used her jacket to shield her from the drizzle, I didn’t even bother because I was already too wet that my clothes clung in my body like I just got out of a swimming pool.

“No. You’re blocking the door and you’re making me want to hit you in the face. Move, Horan!” she snapped back at him, pushing Fake Blondie out of the door so both of us could get inside. He didn’t even look mad at how bitchy Andrea was. He kept his eyes at her and just followed Andrea like a puppy as she walked further into the house, both of them completely forgetting my entire existence so there I was, standing awkwardly at the doorsteps and starting a puddle in their polished floorboard.

I then noticed Receding Hairline emerge from the stairs. His pretty curls were sans of a ridiculous bandana which I’d have to say makes him look better, and –I can’t believe I’m saying this- a lot more pleasing to the eyes.

His expression changed from utter surprise to complete confusion with what the hell was I doing there standing at their foyer. Yet he didn’t do anything but just stand right there for a second staring at me before yelling out Liam’s name.

I didn’t know exactly why, but I started to panic.

“What?” I heard Liam answer from the anteroom. “Haz, why are you yelling-?”

Soon as Liam and I locked eyes, mirroring a surprised look in our faces, I’ve completely forgotten how to breathe.

“Velvet?” he sounded unsure as he pivoted his heel and turned to me, making him stare at me a little more.

My heart started to race when his face lightened up soon as it dawned to him that he wasn’t imagining that I was indeed there. His eyes crinkled in sheer delight and his lips formed a grin as he called my name for the second time, “Velvet.”

Liam didn’t even care that I was soaking wet. Soon as he met me by the doorsteps, he quickly wrapped me in a tight embrace, literally cutting the little air supply I’ve got left in my chest because I haven’t noticed that he was bigger and stronger than what looks like. And God, he smells amazing. I’d totes won’t care if we just stay there and hugged for the rest of eternity.

In that very moment, I swear to myself Liam Payne is going to be the death of me if he doesn’t stop being so freaking perfect.

“Let’s get you out of those clothes.” He whispered in my ear.

It wasn’t exactly the best formed sentence, and I know it was completely wrong to think of sex but that’d be blamed to him, because his stare alone was suggestive.

“You’ll get sick if you stayed in those wet clothes.” Liam clarified, although I know he felt me tense a little bit when he mentioned stripping me off of these clothes. Not like I was expecting him to tear them off of me in an aggressive predator manner who wants some Velvet meat in the middle of the afternoon (read: Afternoon delight, no?), but he said ‘let’s’ so I just thought he meant it that way. Ugh. He will be the death of me.

----------(Blue Velvet)----------

“Velvet’s got crappy brain cells. She forgets everything you tell her, and I mean everything. One time, she got lost in Malaysia and freaked the shit out of her family. Michelle almost booked a flight back to Singapore that day, you must know.”

I wasn’t in anyway subtle as I shot Andrea looks that could kill.

Liam, Receding Hairline, Fake Blondie, Pixie Sticks and Zayn’s attention were all stuck at Andrea as she made the unnecessary introduction for me. This wasn’t how I thought the fancy meeting with One Direction’s going to be. Again, I wasn’t even here in the first place! My bitch of a cousin just dragged my sorry ass all the way over here when I’m supposed to be at home enjoying a cuppa all by myself, not round up on a table having lunch with five famous boys and wearing Liam Payne’s clothes –which I’m keeping by the way, because his clothes smells just like him and it was warm and very comfy just like he was hugging me again.

“Anyway, you wouldn’t bother telling her that you guys are the biggest music act in the world today because after thirty seconds she’ll just ask you: who’s One Direction?”

While Andrea laughed like a psychopath, all five boys gave me concerned looks. Whether they were worried I’m somewhat stupid or I hurt their massive egos because I don’t know them, I just sighed in exasperation.

Now, the ‘Pity Velvet Ferrol’ wagon is just about to sail with the amount of people who knows about me. Fucking perfect.

“I suffer short-term memory loss. It’s incurable, yes, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely hopeless, Andrea.” I groaned in defense. If she can’t understand it, well I truly hope this bunch of boys would.

“Wow, that’s…that’s very interesting.” Pixie Sticks said. His bright bluish green eyes showed astonishment as he was sat next to me. With a face like him, I really thought he’d be the first to make a joke at me. But he didn’t. He was more mature that I pegged him. Either that or maybe he wants to be on my good side because he’s sleeping with my sister (read: which I’m still trying to prove).

“Is it like amnesia?” Fake Blondie asked.

“No, it’s not amnesia. It’s like occasional forgetfulness. My brain has difficulty recalling memories and other stuff which most of the time affects and interferes with my daily life to a degree that I needed help. But I am still capable of living a life.” I told them. I can’t believe I’m even explaining my condition to them. They aren’t family, not even friends.

“What kind of help? And aren’t you studying to be a doctor? Isn’t that hard with your condition?” he asked again.

“Again, I’m not hopeless, Fake Blondie. I use mnemonics. I have a set up daily routine and I use a voice recorder.” I took a hold in the recorder hanging from the golden chain from my neck. “Repeating words and auditory stimulation helps me remember.”

To Pixie Sticks’ left, Zayn said, “That’s sick. I thought those characters only happen in movies.”

Liam hasn’t said a word. He was just looking at me. I couldn’t really throw a light on why he’s staring like that.

Finally, Liam spoke out. “Can you remember our names?” He must have noticed the slip on Fake Blondie’s nickname.

“Funny you’ve asked. She did ask me to name you one by one, again.” Andrea interfered. I purposely made sure she sees me roll my eyes back at her. She’s seriously in trouble once we get home.

“Ooh! I know how to help you remember our names!” Receding Hairline got up from his seat next to Andrea and left. He came back holding a yellow post-it note and a marker.

“It’s like on your kindergarten class where the teacher gives you nametags for a few weeks in the beginning of class so she could recall the names of her students.” Receding Hairline said.

After scribbling their names, he distributed their name tags and posted it to everyone’s chest. Pixie Sticks’ name was Louis, Fake Blondie was Niall, Receding Hairline with Harry, Zayn with Zayn and finally, Liam with Liam with a heart.

Oh. Harry knows something…

“We want you to remember us, of course.” Harry smiled. It was the sweetest thing he’s done so far, and I’m starting to quite like him. I think he’s making amends with all those horrible times we’ve had so far.

“Yeah, and your nicknames suck. You think I didn’t hear that? Fake Blondie? Really? That hurts, Velvet.”

“I’m so sorry, Niall.” I apologized. The nicknames were very mean indeed.

“Oh, wait, I forgot Andrea’s!” Harry snapped out again.

Even before Andrea could protest not to put a name tag anymore because of course I do remember my cousin’s name, Harry already stuck a post-it note in her chest.

It read: Bitch.

Laughter roared around the table as Andrea caught Harry’s head around her arms and sucker punched the curly dude. To my surprise, I caught myself laughing with them. I was actually enjoying their company. I didn’t realize it’d be this easy to feel like you belonged in their group.

And that’s why I didn’t notice Liam holding out his phone, taking another candid picture.

----------(Blue Velvet)----------

Andrea and I stayed for the whole afternoon at the boys’ loft. They let me study in peace in Zayn and Louis’ room while they camped at the meeting area where they talked about the progress of the album. Andrea happily told me on the way back at our flat that the boys mentioned about a song in the album which they wanted her to sing with them and get her featured. It was going to be the biggest break in Andrea’s career.

I was very proud of her. If someone deserves recognition, it was Andrea and her talent. Although she was a bitch most of the time (read: I think she’s got anger management issues too), Andrea was very passionate when it comes to her music and career. Her parents weren’t very supportive of it which leaves Michelle and I the only family to support her when she decided to try and break into the music industry. Look what her determination got her today. These were what her dreams were made of, and I couldn’t be more proud of our Andrea Hann.

“Velvet?” I heard her soft voice call me from outside of my room.

Soon as we got home, I retreated to my room and commence to studying my lecture from earlier. I haven’t come out from my kingdom of isolation since then. I also didn’t bother taking Liam’s clothes off of me. I liked wearing them. I really like him.

“Do you need anything?” I asked her when she opened the door and let herself in.

Andrea just stood there at my room’s doorsteps. “I just wanted to say sorry for how I acted earlier at the boys’ house. I realized I shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t my story to tell, in the first place. I realized I made you feel bad and you know I didn’t mean it. I feel so horrible, I deserved Harry’s nickname for me. I’m really sorry, Unni. Please don’t hate me.”

“That’s alright, and I don’t hate you, yeodongsaeng.” She didn’t need to be so sorry anyway. Michelle, Andrea and I grew up together. We know and understand each other more than anyone else, so I know that this is just one of the many phases Andrea goes through since she’s still so young and naïve.

“But next time maybe you’d let me introduce myself without overwhelming them so much about my life story.” I told her.

Andrea nodded. “Oh, uhm, I also thought you would like to see this.”

She walked towards me and showed me her phone. Just like earlier today, it was another Twitpic that made me believe.

Believe in the butterflies in my stomach.


@Real_Liam_Payne: I’m so lucky to meet and enjoy the company of such an interesting and beautiful girl today. The boys and I already love her, but they also know that she’s mine. :) #DontstealmyVelvet

Notes

**‘Unni’ means big sister and ‘Yeodongsaeng’ means little one.**

Hii! How are you guys? I hope you enjoyed this really long chapter because I sure did! Writing Velvet’s character is fun. Writing Velvet with Andrea and the boys is more fun! Writing Velvet AND Liam is amazeballs. I think Velvet is my most favorite OFC I’ve ever created and Blue Velvet is a lighter theme for me, which I’m starting to enjoy too. I know Velvet is a little confusing, but that’s the point of her character! We’ll get more of her in the next few chapters, and more of the boys and Michelle and Andrea, because they have big roles in this story. I’m just starting the fun part. So stay tuned!

Also, our new character Diana is portrayed by the lovely Greer Grammer! I totes love her. She’s Lissa from MTV’s Awkward, which I totes enjoy too. Diana is another character to watch out for. I can’t anymore because I don’t want to spoil.

Let’s talk about ships! Anyone you wanna see more in the story? I wanna hear your thoughts!

Love you guys. <3

-Andie