My cheeks ache. All this smiling is going to give me wrinkles at my ripe age of 21. I won’t say they’re forced, but after doing it for two hours straight, it’s hard to want to smile anymore.

The energy is slipping in here, slowly depleting every time a new, excited face walks in for this meet and greet. It’s hard not to feed of their energy, and we all want to give these fans the best experience we can, but after a million faces and multiple hours, it can get hard.

I’m smiling for the cameras and making jokes with the fans, but in the back of my head, I’m anywhere but here. Mentally, I’m in my dressing room, prepping for the show that’s to come tonight. Like, calling you.

God, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day we embarked on this tour. Three grueling weeks apart. It might not sound that long, but after spending every single day together for 3 months on my last break, this distance hits harder.

We’ve been dating for going on a year, so you’re used to the time away. I’m still adjusting. I just wish you’d finish up with school already and spend all your free time with me. Even if you protest and get a job—which I know is what you want—even though I could support us no matter what.

Ugh. I’m getting ahead of myself. Focus. The next group is about to come in.

I shake out my shoulders and stretch my jaw, easing all the tension in my body. I’m gonna be sore before we even hit the stage. The rest of the guys come and huddle up in front of the backdrop, ready to greet the next fans.

“This one’s very nervous, guys, so take it slow,” a guy from our management team warns us, and we all shift strategies. Instead of screaming and partying when they walk in, we’ll keep it cool and let them warm up to us.

I hear the door crack open and another member of our team murmuring something to the fan as they lead them inside. Immediately, I’m pulling a smile on my face, ignoring the pain.

“Oh my god! It’s the One Direction!” the piercing squeal throws me off my game, but the moment I’m snapped back into reality, my heart stills. “Is this real life?! I’m, like, your biggest fan ever!”

You little…

My feet gain a mind of their own, pulling me to you with an unrelenting force. Not stopping until I have you wrapped in my arms and pinned against my chest.

You’re here. You’re really here.