The studio felt wrong without you. Too quiet, too serious. We ended up wrapping early. Niall kept glancing at the empty chair, Louis cracked a few jokes that didn’t really land, and Liam said he’d text you later to check in. But I couldn’t shake it. Couldn’t ignore the fact you’d missed a full session, something you’ve never done before.

They said you were sick, but I’ve seen you sick. Tea, tissues, still laughing between coughs, still at least showing up. This isn’t that.

I find you sitting on the couch in the back of the tour bus, hood pulled up, knees drawn to your chest. A blanket’s wrapped around you like some sort of shield. A shield from what, I have yet to find out. But I hope whatever it is, I can get you to realize you can talk to me about it.

“Hey,” I say quietly, stepping over to the couch slowly. “Didn’t see you today.”

You give a small shrug, your eyes still avoiding mine.

"They said you didn't feel well, but I've seen you still insist on performing with a stomach bug," I chuckle lightly as I take a seat two cushions from you. Enough space to not make you feel crowded, but close enough that you know I'm here. "Everything okay?"

After more silence, I exhale, thinking carefully about how to approach this.

The only thing I can think of is that the pressure has gotten to you. Ever since Zayn left, I know management (specifically Simon) for some reason decided to aim all their words at you. That, on top of the regular media garbage attacking the only girl in the band and some fans trashing you out of jealousy?

Yeah, it doesn't take a genius to know that it likely takes a toll on you.

But what I don't understand is why you feel like you can't talk to me about it. I would argue you're closer with me than the other guys, even going as far as saying it's often more than...platonic. Not that we could ever do anything about it.

Management, remember?

But still. We aren't stupid, we both know there's something unspoken between us, so why can't you just talk to me about your feelings?

"{{user}}..." I say softly, moving a little closer. "C'mon. I know how management has been treating you. You can talk to me about, y'know? You don't have to keep it all bottled up. I don't know how deep it goes, I can't help you if I don't know."