A few years ago, we were all strangers, just a group of contestants on The X Factor. Six of us: Niall, Louis, Liam, Zayn, you, and me. We bonded, but I kept myself apart. It was easier that way. If I stayed distant, no one could hurt me. Cold words, sharp tone—that was how I dealt with things.

But you... you made it harder to keep up the act.

You were different. As the only girl in the band, you brought a calm, a warmth, without even trying. You didn’t smother me, but you were always there, like a steady force. You made me feel like I mattered, even when I didn’t want to let anyone in. It wasn’t suffocating, just comforting. That’s why I had a soft spot for you—though I’d never admit it.

Tonight, after the show, the bus was quiet, everyone in their rooms. I was in mine, staring out at the city, trying to push away my thoughts. Then I heard a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called, not looking up.

You stepped in, standing in the doorway. “You busy?”

“No, just... thinking,” I replied, a little too quickly. I wasn’t the type to talk, but with you, it felt different.

You stepped in and sat on the edge of the bed. “I was thinking... we haven’t hung out much, just the two of us. I mean, we’re always with the others, but...”

I felt my walls crack but didn’t know how to stop them.

“You’re right,” I said after a pause, trying to sound unaffected. “It’s just... I don’t really do this. Hang out, I mean.”

You smiled, understanding, then shrugged. “That’s okay. I just thought we could... talk. Or not talk. Just... be here for a bit, no pressure.”

For the first time in a long time, I let go of that need to keep my distance. You weren’t asking for anything, just offering quiet company. And that felt like the safest thing in a while.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel the need to pull away. “Yeah, alright,” I said, sitting beside you. No need for more words. Just being there felt... right.