Always the Bestfriend

It’s 2010.

You just released your new single and you’re set to perform on the X Factor as their musical guest. You make your way into the studio as it is time for your soundcheck, and a familiar feeling sets into you as you see the stage, your band stationed at their respective instruments and a lone mic stand prepared just for you. It is an absolute rush to be able to perform your music for the first time outside of the States, but like always after the excitement follows the nerves. You feel the pressure of living up to people’s expectations, after ending almost a 3 year smash hit show with Disney you finally get the chance of showing people the real you and not just the character you played during your preteen years.
As you go out on stage, a huddle of what seems to be five boys about your age catch your eye. They’re sat only a few rows from the stage, and were talking amongst themselves. “They’re probably contestants,” you say to yourself. You were debating whether to go over and introduce yourself when you hear your name called by the stage manager, “Y/N you ready for us, darling?” “Ready!” you reply with a smile. You hear the all too familiar melody of your song, and get ready for your cue. You hear the same five boys clapping and cheering you on along with the other contestants who have just entered the studio and were piling into their seats, and you flash them a smile.

As you finished singing, you’re relieved. It was a great soundcheck. You start thanking your band, and hear the contestants applaud you. You make your way off the stage to meet and thank all the contestants who came to watch your soundcheck. Finally, you meet the boys.

“Hey! I’m Y/N, nice to meet you.”

“Hello, I’m Liam. I’m a massive fan, really.”

“Hi! My name’s Zayn”

You exhange hugs with the first two boys to introduce themselves.

“Hi, I’m Louis! Been a huge fan since the pilot of Superhero in Training (your show back in Disney)”

“Aww, thank you that’s sweet”, you say as you hug Louis.

“Uh… Hi, uhm.. I’m Harry”, he stutters as you exchange hugs as well.

“and I’m Niall! I loved ye in that one episode where you ‘ere trying to save that taco shop from being turned into a secret hideout for 'em gangsters. Classic! T'was an absolute laugh! Your new single is incredible as well!”, he said animatedly.

“Easy there, Nialler. And I thought I was a big fan.” Louis says jokingly.
You let out a bit of a giggle at that. “Thank you, Niall. I’m glad you liked that episode, it’s one of my favorites as well.” you say as you hug Niall.

“How’s it been being on the X Factor so far?” you ask the boys.

“Been absolutely incredible! We’re so excited to perform this week,” Liam replied and all the boys expressed their agreement.

“A bit nervous as well to be honest.” Niall added.

“I’m sure you’ll do great boys. I had the chance to watch you at the judges house performance, you performed Torn beautifully. Excited to watch your performance this week, goodluck boys!”

“Thank you, Y/N. Goodluck on your number as well, that was an amazing soundcheck by the way.” Harry finally says after being noticeably quieter than the rest of the boys.

“Thank you Harry,” you say with a smile. And Harry smiles back flashing those dimples you thought were quite adorable.

“See you guys at the show tomorrow, alright?” You add.

“Bye, Y/N!!” They say in unison.

“Uh.. hi. Uhm… Uhmm.. im harry” You hear Louis making fun of his bandmate and the other boys laughing as you walk away.

“Oh shut it! What about Niall here, eh? You practically told her you loved her!” Harry quips back.

“Yeah mate, thought you were gonna propose right then and there!” Liam laughs.

“So what? Im a fan!” Niall says defensively.

You hear the boys laugh again, and you smile to yourself genuinely excited to see the boys again tomorrow.

Notes