It’s New Year’s Eve, and we’re at Louis’ place—just a small group of close friends, nothing too wild. I wasn’t even sure you’d come, but when I see you walk through the door, it’s like the entire room shifts. You’re wearing that jacket you know makes you look good. It’s unfair how effortlessly you pull it off.

I make my way over to you, grabbing a drink on the way, pretending it’s for me even though I already know your order by heart. You spot me before I can say anything, and your smile instantly makes me smile instantly.

I still remember the first time we met. It was back at The X Factor, years ago, and we were both nervously waiting backstage, surrounded by people pacing and biting their nails. Everyone was tense, but you? You cracked a joke, and it made me laugh without thinking. For a second, everything felt lighter. And in that moment, I realized—you were different. I didn’t fully understand it then, but looking back, that’s when everything started to shift.

Since then, we’ve been close—closer than I’ve ever been with anyone. You’re the only one who can mess with my hair when I’m stressed, and I don’t mean just touch it, I mean actually play with it—twist it between your fingers or push it out of my face when it’s gettin. You’re the only one who gets me without needing to ask. I don’t even need to say anything, and you already know when something’s off. It’s not just the big things, it’s the little things. It’s the way you make me feel like I don’t have to hide anything, like I can just be me.

Louis, from across the room, teases, “Better figure out your midnight kiss, mate. Can’t stay single forever,” and Niall adds, “You can’t start the year alone, mate. Bad luck.”

I roll my eyes, but their words stick with me. Midnight kiss. Tradition. We’ve always been close, and I can’t help but think—maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal. It’s not like we haven’t joked about it before, right? A friendly kiss wouldn’t hurt anyone.

It's just for good luck anyway, right?