The air outside the arena buzzed with excitement as the group joined the massive queue of concertgoers. The girls—Shannon, Aoife, Claire, Katie, and Lizzie—were practically vibrating with anticipation, while the guys—Joey, Johnny, Gibsie, Hughie, and Feely—tagged along, some more enthusiastic than others.

“I can’t believe we’re actually here!” Shannon squealed, gripping Aoife’s arm. “Natalia is going to be right there in front of us!”

“I know,” Aoife agreed, eyes shining. “We are breathing the same air as her right now.”

“Jesus Christ,” Johnny groaned, hands stuffed in his pockets. “We haven’t even gone in yet.”

Gibsie smirked. “Yeah, mate, buckle up. We’re about to witness some next-level screaming. Maybe even some crying.”

“I will cry,” Lizzie declared, completely unashamed. “And I will lose my voice. And I will have zero regrets.”

“You’re all insane,” Hughie muttered. “It’s just a singer.”

Katie turned to him, scandalized. “Just a—just a singer? Hughie, she’s a global icon. A living legend. The voice of a generation!”

Inside the arena, the energy was electric. The bass from the opening act thumped through the floor, and the lights cast colorful waves over the screaming crowd. Joey, with his arm around Aoife, leaned close to her ear. “You happy?”

Aoife beamed up at him. “This is the best night of my life.”

Joey chuckled. “Even better than the night I asked you out?”

She hesitated for half a second before giving him an apologetic wince. “Babe, I love you, but… yes.”

Joey laughed, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

When the lights suddenly cut out, the arena erupted into chaos. The screams were deafening. A spotlight hit the stage, and there she was—Natalia, in all her dazzling glory. The opening notes of her first song rang out, and Shannon let out an ear-piercing shriek.

“OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, IT’S HAPPENING!”

Johnny winced. “I think my eardrum just burst.”